 How
to Write a Military Resume
So you're leaving the service and are faced with the daunting task of
developing your resume. No doubt your military career is studded with
accomplishments, but even the most decorated veteran needs to figure out
how to make the transition to a civilian position. Instructions are
listed below.
What is Your Civilian Job Objective?
You can't effectively market yourself for a civilian job if you don't
have a clearly defined goal. Before writing your resume, research
occupations and pinpoint a specific career path. If you find that
you cannot set only one goal, you can have multiple resumes.
Create a Resume Employers' Want to Read
Now that your objective is defined, you are ready to go and write that
eye-popping resume. Consider a resume's purpose: To answer the
employer's question, "What can this person do for me?" Know what the
employer wants and write your resume to their needs and job postings.
Research what types of skills and experiences employers are seeking.
What aspects of your military and civilian background are most relevant?
Any information that does not relate to your goal should be eliminated
or de-emphasized, and this includes any unrelated military awards,
training and distinctions. For example, that medal you won for rifle
marksmanship doesn't belong on a civilian resume. This is often the
hardest step for ex-military personnel, which is why it's so common to
see military resumes span five pages or longer. As you make the decision
about which information to include, ask yourself, "Will a potential
employer care about this experience?" Only include information that will
help you land an interview.
When Writing Your Resume Assume the Employer Does Not Know You
Demilitarize your job titles, duties, accomplishments, training and
awards to appeal to civilian hiring managers. Employers with no military
background don't understand military terminology, so translate these
into words they can understand. Show your resume to several non-military
friends and ask them to point out terms they don't understand.
Highlight Your Past Accomplishments
Your military career has offered you excellent opportunities for
training, practical experience and advancement. Tell them about your
accomplishments so the average civilian understands the importance of
your achievements.
* Here's an example of a demilitarized accomplishment statement:
"Increased employee retention rate by 16 percent by focusing on
training, team building and recognition programs. Earned reputation as
one of the most progressive and innovative IT organizations in the
Army's communications and IT community."
* Here's an example of incorporating a military award so employers
understand its value:
"Received Army Achievement Medal for completing 400+ medical evaluations
and developing patient database using MS Access. The database improved
reporting functions and tracked patient demographics, records,
medication, appointments and status."
Make Your Military Background Stand Out
You might have heard you need to downplay your military experience, but
the opposite is true. Your military background is an asset and should be
marketed as such. Many employers realize the value of bringing veterans
on board. Attributes honed in the military include dedication,
leadership, teamwork, positive work ethic and cross-functional skills.
If you fear a potential employer won't realize the significance of your
military experience, make sure your resume clearly communicates the
value that you bring to the table.
If You Were in Active Combat, Do Not Specify the Details
Defending your country and its interests is among the most admirable
pursuits, but the sad truth is actual references to the horrors of
combat leave many employers squeamish. While you might have worked in a
short-range air defense engagement zone, this experience might not
relate to your future goal. Tone down or remove references to the
battlefield.
Sample Resumes:
Professional Military Resume
|
RICHARD
ANDERSON
1234, West 67 Street
Carlisle, MA 01741
ra44686@comcast.com
(123)-456 7890
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
A highly organized, take charge
professional with more than twenty years
of law enforcement and security
experience. Strong problem solving and
decision making skills with the ability
to develop and implement effective
action plans. Demonstrated experience in
the coordination of criminal
investigations. Commitment to detail in
doing the job right the first time in
completing all projects. Excellent
communication and presentation skills. A
team leader, providing motivation and
training by example. Computer literate.
AREAS OF STRENGTH
-INVESTIGATIONS - LAW ENFORCEMENT -
PROJECT MANAGEMENT - TRAINING
●
Proven project management experience in
the collection, analysis, and
presentation of criminal evidence in
compliance with law enforcement
protocols.
●
Solid reporting skills in conducting
thorough investigations and maintaining
accurate records.
●
Hands-on experience in all aspects of
motor vehicle accident, narcotics, and
criminal investigations.
●
Strong instruction and training skills
with individuals at all levels.
●
Certifications received: Narcotics &
Dangerous Drug Law Enforcement
Certification; National Crime
Information FBI Certificate; School of
Handguns Certificate.
●
Specialized training includes: Drug
Enforcement, Narcotic Law Enforcement,
and Computer Information Systems -
International Intelligence Information
Rating.
●
Professional affiliations include:
Massachusetts Highway Association,
Worcester and Essex County Highway
Associations, Retired Massachusetts
State Police Association, and Central
Massachusetts Chiefs of Police
Association.
LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE
WURTSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
- Tetter, NH:
1991 - 1994
Deputy Sheriff
●
Coordinated all aspects of prisoner
security and transportation from
security facilities to courthouses,
ensuring the safety of the community and
the suspects. Additional
responsibilities included serving civil
process, evictions, and warrants within
the jurisdiction.
●
Recognized for excellence in job
performance.
MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE - Boston,
MA:
1970 - 1990
State Trooper
●
Conducted interrogations and
pre-deposition interviews as part of
ongoing criminal investigations. Served
as an expert on narcotics, motor vehicle
law enforcement, and accident
investigations. Responsible for
performing public records research, as
well as coordinating interviews and
reconnaissance for drug trafficking
criminal investigations with other law
enforcement departments. Trained and
supervised new officers.
● As
court officer, consistently sought out
for clarification on points of law and
procedures by district attorneys,
defense attorneys, and judges.
●
Career achievements in law enforcement
include commendations from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division
of State Police, as well as numerous
citations and awards for service.
EDUCATION
- POLICE STANDARDS & TRAINING
COUNCIL - Concord, NH
Law Enforcement Program
-NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY - Framingham,
MA
Criminal Justice Coursework
-MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE ACADEMY -
Framingham, MA
Law Enforcement Program
MILITARY
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVES
Airman, Honorable Discharge
|
Intelligence Analyst
|
Jimmy
Harrison
56 Yardley Avenue,
Worthington, US A 63977
888-888-8888
jimmy_harrison@yahoo.com
Objective:
Seeking a challenging position of
intelligence analysts where I can make
the best use of my abilities and
intelligence analysis skills.
Summary of Qualifications:
●
More
than 8 years of intelligence analyst
experience.
●
Superior writing and communication
skills.
●
Knowledge of public policy and current
events issues.
●
Familiar with the All Source Analyst
System (ASAS LITE), Joint Intelligence
Operations Capability (JIOC-I).
●
Excellent interpersonal and human
relations skills.
Computer Skills:
●
Microsoft PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Word,
MS Access.
●
Microsoft trained in installing and
configuring windows 2000 servers and
printers.
●
Programming language knowledge such as
Pascal, C, C++, J++, HTML, Visual Basic
6.0, etc.
●
Experienced in the development of
web-based applications.
Professional Experience:
Intelligence Analyst
(1991-1996)
United States Army, Iraq
Duties:
●
Reported and discussed the course of
action on the chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threat
to the senior level executive CBRN.
●
Worked with CIA, and DIA personnel to
gain knowledge on various chemicals used
by insurgents in manufacturing home-made
chemical weapons.
●
Operated the Global Broadcast Service (GBS)
providing support of the Unmanned Ariel
vehicle (UAV) feeds and tactical
imagery.
●
Participated with FBI investigating
corrupt individuals within in the Iraqi
government and police organizations by
producing target packages, map products,
timelines, and data-mining.
●
Generated final reports for
investigative purposes.
●
Maintained systematic, cross-reference
intelligence records and files.
Intelligence Analyst
(1987-1991)
Northrop Grumman, Inc., Fair Lakes, VA
Duties:
●
Prepared all-source intelligence
products to support the combat
commander.
●
Provided support to the ISR
(Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance) synchronization process.
●
Provided computer modeling and analysis
support for NBC Defense studies.
●
Designed and implemented new pre and
post processor tools for U.S. army
combat model.
●
Provided all source analysis and
reporting, supporting Operation
Deliberate Forge, Libyan Freedom of
Navigation.
●
Received and processed incoming reports
and messages.
Educational Qualification:
- MS of Intelligence Analysis,
Michigan State University
(1986)
- BA in International Relations,
Michigan State University
(1984) |
Usar Unit Administrator
Amy Harrison
56 Yardley Avenue,
Worthington, USA 65989
amy234689@netware.com
Ph. 888-888-8888
Objective:
Seeking a challenging position of USAR
Unit Administrator in the military field
where I can apply the experience and
knowledge.
Summary of Qualifications:
◊
Knowledge of USAR programs and policies.
◊
Strong organizational and communication
skills.
◊
Ability to work well with others to
accomplish a common goal.
◊
Ability to juggle multiple tasks
simultaneously.
◊
Ability to obtain and maintain a secret
security clearance.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
-USAR Unit Administrator,
(1990-1995)
-Department of the Army: Army
Reserve Command, Los Alamitos, CA
Responsibilities:
◊
Performed administrative, clerical and
supply functions in support of the unit.
◊
Implemented administrative plans,
policies and procedures established by
the commander.
◊
Prepared and processed personnel, pay,
supply action, maintenance of records
and files.
◊
Interviewed individuals interested in
assignment, advised on army reserve
program and unit vacancies, answered
general inquiries.
◊
Served as the principal administrator
responsible for performance of a variety
of technical, analytical, advisory, and
coordinating duties for the USAR Unit
Commander in accomplishing the overall
functions of the unit.
◊
Assigned, distributed and reviewed work
of subordinate unit sections and
personnel.
◊
Served as the key point of contact
regarding recruitment and retention for
the unit.
-Supervisor Unit Administrator,
(1995-1999)
-Army Reserve Command, Ayer, MA
Responsibilities:
◊
Managed personnel, finance, and
automated systems activities.
◊
Represented commander by establishing
goals and objectives, and setting
priorities for accomplishing overall
organizational functions.
◊
Assisted the commander in establishing
unit and individual training goals and
objectives.
◊
Managed unit and individual training.
◊
Interpreted training directives and
guidance.
◊
Managed and provided technical review of
completed personnel actions.
◊
Managed the unit supply program.
◊
Planed and established priorities.
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administrator in
Finance, University of Texas
(1989)
Bachelor of Science, University
of Texas
(1986) |
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