While Veterans bring unparalleled skills like leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, translating military experience into terms hiring managers understand is often the biggest hurdle when job searching. To help veterans successfully make this transition, here are four essential tips to make your military resume stand out and catch the attention of hiring managers.
Translate Military Jargon into Civilian Terms
Military acronyms and job titles that make perfect sense within the armed forces may confuse or alienate civilian hiring managers. Your goal is to ensure your resume clearly communicates your skills in a way that any employer can understand.
Break down your military job titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments into simple, civilian-friendly language. For instance, if you held a leadership role like “Platoon Sergeant,” translate that to Team Lead or Operations Manager. These will resonate more with civilian employers. Similarly, describe your tasks in relatable terms like “led cross-functional teams” or “managed logistics operations.”
Focus on Transferable Skills
Veterans bring a wealth of transferable skills to the civilian workforce—skills that are highly valued across industries, from leadership and strategic thinking to problem-solving and adaptability. Because these are attributes of top talent, make your resume stand out by clearly identifying and emphasizing these skills in a way that aligns with the roles you’re applying for.
Highlight skills like leadership under pressure, strategic planning, and teamwork, and make direct connections to the civilian job you’re applying for. For example, if you managed logistics in the military, emphasize skills like supply chain management, project coordination, or crisis management. Don’t leave hiring managers guessing—spell out exactly how your military skills transfer into the civilian workforce, and more importantly, how they match the role you’re applying for.
Quantify Your Achievements
Civilian employers want to see concrete results, and the best way to demonstrate the impact of your military service is by using data to quantify your achievements. Numbers offer hiring managers a clear picture of the scope of your responsibilities and the tangible results you delivered.
Whenever possible, include metrics to demonstrate the success of your initiatives. Instead of simply stating you “led a team,” explain how many team members you managed, how you improved efficiency, or how your leadership contributed to successful mission outcomes. For instance, did you manage a $1 million budget or reduce operational downtime by 30%?
Tailor Your Resume to Each Job
It’s tempting to send the same resume to multiple job openings, but that’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Employers want to see that you’ve taken the time to understand their specific needs and that your skills and experiences align with the role they’re hiring for. A one-size-fits-all resume is unlikely to stand out in a crowded job market, especially with hiring trends indicating a need for specialized and targeted skills.
Instead, customize your resume for each job by emphasizing the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that particular role. Review the job description and mirror the language, focusing on the specific skills and qualifications they’re seeking, without exaggerating your experience of course.
Are you a veteran looking to transition to the civilian workforce? Contact our team to get personalized guidance on crafting a resume that highlights your strengths and opens doors to new career opportunities.
