veteran resume help

• svg]:fill-accent-900 [&>svg]:stroke-accent-900">

The best resume writing services for military-to-civilian employment

By Ryan Tronier

Updated on Sep 15, 2022 10:22 AM EDT

5 minute read

Best Online Service

Find My Profession

Best for it.

Best for Federal Jobs

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

The top resume writing services for military to civilian transitioning can help members of the armed forces translate their uniformed background into private sector work experience. Many veterans can find it tricky to express their vast operational and leadership know-how to meet the needs of today’s employer. For example, resumes that state your “MOS was 11B” may mean very little to a hiring manager. But when you convert military abbreviations and jargon to show your “role in the infantry was to manage the safety of equipment appraised at over $1.5 million,” then managers have a much clearer understanding of the value you bring. 

Employers are keen to find professionals with your teamwork and critical thinking skills. And, you don’t have to transition from your military careers into the private sector alone. There are resume consultants who are eager to assist you. So if you’re ready to make the leap from chopper to cubicle, the first step is gathering hiring materials like cover letters, thank you emails, resumes, and in today’s job market — a compelling LinkedIn profile. Keep reading to discover resume writing services for military members and veterans seeking employment with civilian companies.

• Best Online Service: Find My Profession
• Best for IT: TopResume
• Best for Writing CVs: Career Confidence Resume Services
• Best for Executives: Great Resumes Fast
• Best for Federal Jobs: TopStack

TopStack Resume

Best for writing cvs, career confidence resume services, best for executives, great resumes fast, things to consider before choosing a resume writing service for military, resume writing for military service members and veterans.

Resume services can take the stress out of writing a military-to-civilian resume, but service members and veterans do have other options, many of which are free. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides an online employment toolkit with career counseling, job search guidance, and resume writing advice.

Veterans can also receive resume support through the Veterans Employment Center, as well as free online-based services through VetNet . In addition, many U.S. military bases and installations offer civilian transition instruction. You may also find resources with charitable organizations, such as HireOurHeroes , that specialize in mentoring service members as they begin their journey in the civilian workforce.

How resume writing services work

Resume-writing services create tailor-made hiring documents that are specific to the job seeker. You’ll generally work one-on-one with an expert who will use your employment history as the basis for a resume that will appeal to both human resources managers and job applicant tracking systems. Communication between you and your resume writer often takes place by phone or via email, but occasionally you’ll upload your details through the company’s website.

The cost of a resume writer varies depending on the level of service you require. However, you can typically expect to pay at least $150 for some of the more basic offerings, and upwards of $3,000 for an executive resume or a helping hand with your job search.

Evaluating resume writing services for military personnel

When choosing a resume maker for your military-to-civilian transition, look for companies that highlight the qualifications and backgrounds of their writers. Vendors that do not employ certified writers may be cheaper, but you’re potentially purchasing an inferior product. Similarly, you’ll benefit from direct correspondence with your writer, which can take place through phone calls, video meetings, or even email. It’s this type of one-on-one collaboration that will truly yield an effective resume. Also, prioritize companies that offer some form of guarantee. If a service doesn’t stand behind its product, then that’s generally a red flag that you’re working with an inexperienced team.

FAQs about resume writing services for military

Q: is it worth paying for a resume service.

A: Yes, it’s generally worth it to pay for a resume service, especially for military members who are inexperienced with the private sector. An expert can translate your military background into civilian work experience and provide a polished, ATS-optimized resume. 

Q: What are employers looking for in a resume?

A: Employers want to see resumes that show alignment between an applicant’s experience and a hiring manager’s expectations for a role with their company. Resumes should be scannable, honest, and formatted to display your qualifications in a coherent employment history.

Q: What are most resumes missing?

A: Many military-to-civilian resumes are missing relatable work experience that is expressed using modern vocabulary. It’s important to translate military abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon into qualifications and skill sets that recruiters can easily understand. 

Q: What words should not be used in a resume?

A: Military service members and veterans who are transitioning into the civilian workforce should avoid using words on their resumes such as medal, platoon, mission, and subordinates, to name a few. Instead, substitute those jargon words with terms like award, team, task, and employees.

Final thoughts

Resume-writing services for military members and veterans can relieve much of the stress from a job hunt in the civilian workforce. Many services will provide you with all of the hiring materials you need to successfully find a steady, well-paying job. Yet, those who do not want to pay for a commercial service may find support through the VA employment center or with non-profit organizations. Review your options beforehand to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Methodology

To choose the best resume writing services for this list, the team at Task & Purpose looked at a large number of companies. We focused on cost, plan features and options, ease of use, customer service reviews, and past customer ratings as the most important factors in our ratings. Learn more about our methodology in the Task & Purpose review guide . 

The opinions expressed are solely those of Find My Profession. Click to see our Advertising Disclosure.

10 Best Resume Writing Services for Veterans (2024)

Find the best resume writing services for military veterans. Compare cost and customer reviews of the top veteran resume writing services.

2024 Winners: Add your badge to your marketing materials.

As a veteran who has served our country in a unique way, you know that transitioning to a civilian job can be a challenge.

Your military experience is an asset and your resume should reflect what skills you have acquired through it.

But even the most decorated veterans need to have a resume that resonates with civilian hiring managers and recruiters.

Because military jargon is very different from civilian jargon, you can’t rely on an average resume writer.

A professional resume writer knows exactly how to market your military skills and experience, translating them into language the readers will understand.

We scoured the Internet to bring you this curated list of the best veteran resume writing services in America.

Best Veteran Resume Writers

Best resume services for veterans.

How We Choose Winners

Each of the resume services for military veterans below was reviewed by a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) taking into consideration the following:

The cost of the service compared to other veteran resume writers.

The speed at which the resume is completed.

Overall experience, awards, and certifications.

The design, style, and overall look of the resume.

Guarantees, number of edits, and reviews.

This list was hand-curated to serve all veterans.

Average Veteran Resume Cost

Veteran resume writer reviews.

Find My Profession

Find My Profession is much more than a resume writing service. They are a global career services company whose work has been featured on sites like Forbes, Inc., Zety, Fast Company, and more.

With their team of elite resume writers who have experience in over 85 industries and professions, they can match you with a writer who understands your unique background and experience. Additionally, every resume comes with a one-on-one phone consultation with your writer.

Find My Profession has an impressive track record of successfully landing clients jobs at top companies such as Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Facebook, DoJ, Morgan Stanley, and Tesla.

Their 900+ 5-star reviews speak to their commitment to delivering high-quality service. They also offer a 60-day interview guarantee and ensure that every resume created is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your specific needs.

You will work one-on-one with an elite and certified resume writer based in the U.S. Find My Profession is committed to ensuring that every client is 100% satisfied with their resume, which is why they do not limit the number of edits or time spent working with your writer.

Find My Profession is a virtual company allowing them to provide services worldwide. While they do not have a physical office for in-person visits, they ensure direct communication with your writer through email and phone calls.

4.9/5 based on 521 Trustpilot reviews 4.9/5 based on 319 Sitejabber reviews 4.9/5 based on 151 Google reviews 5/5 based on 52 Facebook reviews

3 – 5 business days (can expedite to 2 business days)

$395 – $995

(831) 888-0967 or [email protected]

Check out some of our 5-star reviews:

Resume & linkedin profile, terrific experience, exceptional resume, findmyprofession helped me, excellent job, 10/10 service & experience, highly recommend, incredible work.

ResumeZest is trusted by professionals from companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Oracle, GE, Adobe, Uber, and Facebook. Their resume writing team has written resumes for more than 75 industries. A 60-day interview guarantee backs up every resume they write. Each resume is also ATS compliant and keyword-optimized.

ResumeZest is a very well-rounded company. They offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times. You will work with a high-quality, certified writer and receive excellent customer service. They are also members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC).

ResumeZest is one of the newer companies on this list. While they do a great job and their writers have many years of experience, the company was only founded in 2020.

4.8/5 based on 175 Trustpilot reviews 4.8/5 based on 93 Google reviews 4.9/5 based on 91 Sitejabber reviews 5/5 based on 12 Facebook reviews 5/5 based on 4 Yelp reviews

$279 – $479

(888) 530-4911 or [email protected]

Need Help With Your Job Search?

Did you know there are companies you can hire to help with your job search? Whether you need resume help or want someone to apply to jobs for you, we’ve reviewed the 20 best agencies to help you find a job.

Employment BOOST

Employment BOOST is a full-service resume writing services company based in Troy, Michigan. They help veterans and individuals in the military transition into professional roles in the civilian sector by creating high-impact resumes. They are partnered with top organizations to provide opportunities to veterans.

Each member of the resume writing services team at Employment BOOST is located in the United States. They remain on top of what’s happening in the job market. All the writers have bachelor’s degrees from top colleges and are Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW).

We could not find any information on the website about the professional resume writers or the leadership team at Employment BOOST. Also, there are no resume samples to review on the site. It would be great to be able to see the quality of work they provide.

4.9/5 based on 539 Google reviews 4.9/5 based on 21 Yelp reviews

3 – 5 business days (can expedite to 24 – 48 hours)

(888) 468-6495 or [email protected]

Empire Resume

Empire Resume was founded in 2011 by a former USAF captain, Dr. Phillip Steven Gold. He combines his passion for resume writing with his extensive military experience to help veterans/military personnel transition into the civilian workforce. Dr. Phillip holds a PhD in Business Administration.

Empire Resume offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee with their services. If you do not land an interview within 30 days, they will edit your resume for free. If you do not receive an interview within 60 days, they will revise your resume again.

The prices are quite affordable, but the packages are based on their services instead of career level. This could be an issue for entry-level individuals. All communications are conducted via phone. You do not have the option of interacting with your writer face-to-face.

5/5 based on 207 Google reviews 5/5 based on 86 Bark reviews 5/5 based on 11 Facebook reviews 4.7/5 based on 3 Yelp reviews

3 business days

(801) 690-4085 or [email protected]

Career Confidence Resume Services

Career Confidence Resume Services is led by Cassie Hatcher, a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Certified Veteran Career Strategist (CVSC), and contest-winning resume writer. Her company specializes in executive and senior leaders military resumes. They have worked with all military branches and across various Military Occupational Specialties (MOS’s).

Career Confidence Resume Services is a growing resume-writing boutique that only accepts a set number of clients at a time to ensure high-quality services. If they are over capacity, you might have to wait to start your resume.

4.8/5 based on 39 Trustpilot reviews

$600 – $2,400

[email protected]

CareerPro Plus

CareerPro Plus is part of CareerPro Global, which was founded in 1986. It is America’s leading military transition and veterans resume writing services provider. Based in Georgia, CareerPro Plus assists ex or retiring military in their transition to civilian life and aids them in landing lucrative careers. Barbara Adams, founder & CEO, is a Master Military Resume Writer (MMRW).

Most of the team members and military resume writers are senior enlisted and military officers. Their resume services are vetted by thousands of enlisted and military officers each year. The military resume writing team has over three decades of experience working with veterans, with a 99.6% success rate.

There are no resume service packages mentioned on the site. You’ll need to fill out a contact form to get an exact quote or learn more about the resume packages.

4.8/5 based on 47 Facebook reviews 4.7/5 based on 19 Yelp reviews

(800) 471-9201

Is Your Resume Working Properly?

If you are having trouble landing interviews, it might be time to hire a professional resume writer. Check out our list of the 750+ best resume writers and start landing more interviews!

Veteran Mentors

Veteran Mentors is the brainchild of Jason Burks, a self-employed career mentor specializing in providing expertly crafted, ATS-friendly resumes to veterans. Since 2014, he has helped numerous veterans transition into civilian jobs. After serving 15 years in the US Army, Jason’s current mission is to support veterans on their career journeys.

Jason is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. He has witnessed firsthand the many challenges that come with service members exiting the military. Jason has helped hundreds of talented people land their dream job or change careers through compelling resumes.

The prices of the resume writing services are not mentioned anywhere on the site. There is no mention of the expected turnaround time for the first resume draft. Jason does not offer any satisfaction guarantees either.

5/5 based on 7 Google reviews

(719) 992-3450 or [email protected]

Resume Target

Resume Target is one of the highest-rated professional resume writing services in North America. They empower job search and career transition for all career levels and types of military professionals. Amos Tayts, founder and president, holds decades of experience in executive recruiting for Fortune 500 companies.

All the resume writing services are backed by their trademarked Triple Promise Guarantee, which includes 90-day interview and 100% satisfaction guarantee. You get to work with an expert team of professional resume writers who have extensive experience and background in all industry and career levels.

Although they hire experienced professionals, we could not find any useful information about any of the professional resume writers on the site. This can be worrisome since you have no clue who is actually working on your resume.

4.7/5 based on 14 Google reviews 1/5 based on 4 Yelp reviews

$199.95 – $749.95

(877) 777-6805 or [email protected]

TopResumePros

TopResumePros is a nationally recognized expert resume writing agency based in Portland, Oregon. Top Resume Pros serves a diverse clientele, with a special focus on active duty, inactive duty, and veterans military service personnel all over the United States.

TopResumePros has a team of Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW) with extensive experience and expertise in creating customized resumes for veterans, defense contractors, and other industry professionals. This ensures clients a smooth transition to the corporate world.

TopResumePros serves a wide range of clients, from veterans to high school graduates and senior-level executives. But it appears that their services are not backed by any guarantees. Also, there is no information on any of the specific resume writers on the company’s website.

4.6/5 based on 141 Google reviews 4/5 based on 41 Yelp reviews 4.7/5 based on 33 Facebook reviews

3 – 7 business days (can expedite to 24 – 48 hours)

$159 – $259

(800) 604-1929 or [email protected]

Hire Heroes USA

Hire Heroes USA is the nation’s leading veteran employment nonprofit organization that helps veterans and military spouses find new careers. John Bardis, founder and chairman, empowers U.S. military members, veterans, and their spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce through personalized support, including resume writing.

Hire Heroes USA is funded exclusively through public donations and private grants, so their services are absolutely free of cost. They have built a national reputation of excellence, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the GuideStar Platinum Seal.

If you are not a U.S. military member, veteran, or spouse, you’ll need to check out the other services on this list.

3.1/5 based on 7 Google reviews

~1 – 2 days

(844) 634-1520 or [email protected]

Recommended Career Advice For You

Tell Me About a Time You Went Above and Beyond Expectations at Work

9 Best Chief Financial Officer Resume Writing Services (2024)

The Writing Guru Review [Cost + Customer Reviews]

Javascript is not enabled. Please enable Javascript to fully view Hire Heroes USA.

Your new mission lies ahead

Whether you are looking for work that’s full-time, part-time, or remote, we will help you meet your goals. Our services are personalized to you, and are available to U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses for free.

Your Path to Job Search Success

Our process is simple: provide personalized career coaching, expert mentoring and job sourcing, then watch veterans and military spouses find great jobs.

Our Services

When you register with Hire Heroes USA, you get access to our services for free. These services include; career coaching, resume writing, mock interviews, and mentoring.

Our Programs

Our programs at Hire Heroes USA are personalized to empower your career journey. From crafting federal resumes that tell your unique story, honing your interview skills through mock interview sessions with one of our dedicated volunteers, or providing dedicated one-on-one career coaching from one military spouse to another, we’re committed to supporting you exactly where you stand. Our tailored programs include Junior Enlisted, Alumni, Serving Spouses, Federal, Volunteer, and Women Veterans.

We’re Ready to Help

The staff and volunteers at Hire Heroes USA are experienced, knowledgeable, and motivated to help you jumpstart your career. And when you register with us, you will have access to guidance from people like:

Success after service is closer than you think.

Training Partners

Career Events

Digital Tools

Hiring Our Heroes offers an innovative suite of digital tools for veterans, service members, military spouses, and employers.

Tools include Career Spark, MilSpouse Roadmap, Resume Engine, Employer Roadmap, and Vet Roadmap.

• Entrepreneurship and self-employment
• Remote work
• Reskilling and upskilling

• Input your military experience
• Get a civilian translation of the skills you gained in the military
• Download your resume & make it searchable to thousands of employers

Military to Civilian Resume Example for Veterans [Updated 2024]

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to that of a civilian is far from easy.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

Coincidentally, one of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.

To help solve that problem, though, we wrote this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

In case you’re looking to brush up on the resume basics, watch the video below.

If you’re ready to get started, though, let’s start by reviewing a well-written military to civilian resume example.

Military to Civilian Resume Example (for Veterans)

Compelling, right? Here’s what the above military to civilian resume example does right: 

• Follows a functional resume format. The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and strengths rather than work experience. It helps convey how your military experience is going to help you perform well in the civilian role you’re applying for.
• Lists the contact information the right way. It includes the applicant’s full name, email, location, phone number, and even a LinkedIn URL while skipping out on a photo.
• Captures the hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary. The summary on top of the military to civilian resume example offers a brief snapshot of the candidate’s career, instantly showing the recruiter their value.
• Focuses on transferable skills instead of work experience. Instead of mentioning military buzzwords that civilians wouldn’t understand in the first place, the resume example instead focuses on how the candidate's experiences helped them develop valuable skills.
• Mentions achievements when possible. Achievements help convince the recruiter that they’re not just any candidate - you’re an overachiever who plays to win.
• Uses bullet points to make the resume easier to skim. The recruiter doesn’t have all day - they have hundreds of other resumes to review just for a single role. Making the resume easy to skim makes it more likely to be read.
• Includes educational history (in brief). The military to civilian resume example describes the candidate’s educational background, which includes taking a leadership course and basic training.
• Makes use of the optional sections. The achievements and interests sections help shed light on the candidate’s personality outside of work, as well.

Now, let’s talk about how YOU can make your resume as impressive as the example above.

How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Easy Steps)

In this section, we’re going to walk you through the 8 steps to creating a powerful military veteran resume, starting with:

#1. Pick a Functional Resume Format

These are the 3 most popular resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological . This format focuses on your work history over education or skills.
• Functional . It focuses less on your work background and more on your skills and how they make you a qualified candidate.
• Combination . This format is a mix of the other two formats. It puts equal emphasis on skills and experiences. 

As a military veteran, you’re better off with a functional format .

As you can see above, the resume example focuses more on key strengths instead of just listing out work experiences.

This improves your odds of landing a civilian job for one important reason: 

Most recruiters aren’t really familiar with military lingo.

Your experiences in the military might be super compelling, but chances are, most recruiters won’t understand how these experiences make you a good candidate for the role.

By framing your experiences around your skills, on the other hand, your resume becomes more understandable for a civilian.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you also need to sort out your resume style, layout, font, and more. Here’s what this includes:

• Don’t go over one page . Your resume should be concise and to the point. More often than not, if you’re going over one page, you’re probably including information that isn’t relevant for the role.
• Pick the right font and font size . In terms of size, go for 11-12 pt for body text. For the font, pick something like Ubuntu, Times New Roman, etc. That way your resume will look professional AND stand out at the same time. 
• Use the military-to-civilian resume template . Want to skip the hassle of formatting a resume? Hit the link and pick from one of our free templates! Our templates are easy to use AND look much more compelling than the conventional black-and-white ones.

#2. Include Contact Information

Now that we’ve got the formatting hassle out of the way, let’s talk about resume content.

The first thing in your veteran resume is the contact information section.

Here, you need to include:

• Descriptive title. This should include your title in the military, as well as the title you’re applying for. Something like “Security Officer Seeking a Role as Customer Support Specialist.”
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. Think, [name][lastname]@gmail.com
• Location. City and state are good enough, you don’t need to include an address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can include a URL in the contact information section.

And finally, make sure NOT to include a photo in your military to civilian resume. In the US, employers prefer that you don’t include a picture to avoid unconscious bias during the hiring process.

Here’s what your resume contact information section should look like at the end:

Security & Customer Service Professional

[email protected]

416-821-9879

Seattle, US

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

#3. Capture the Hiring Manager’s Attention with a Military Veteran Resume Summary

When reading your resume for the first time, the recruiter will spend roughly 7 seconds skimming it to make sure that you’re qualified for the role.

If the resume catches their attention, they’ll give it a more in-depth look.

If it doesn’t, they’ll simply move on to the next one.

This is where a compelling resume summary can come in handy.

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence “summary” of your past work experience. It helps the recruiter understand your skill-set and whether you’re relevant for the role in a single glance.

Here’s what a convincing military to civilian resume summary looks like:

Dedicated professional with over 9 years of outstanding performance and results in the U.S. Military. Earned three promotions and excelled as a leader. Seeking to apply the skills I gained in the military as a Customer Support Specialist at Company X.

When writing your resume summary, make sure to include the following information:

• Your title in the military and the role you’re applying for.
• Years of experience.
• Top achievements and experiences.

#4. Summarize Your Experiences with a Key Strengths Section

This one’s arguably the most important part of your military to civilian resume.

At the end of the day, the main deciding factor in whether you get invited for an interview or not is if your resume manages to convince the recruiter that you’re capable of doing the job…

And that’s where the key strengths section comes in handy.

To create yours, start by listing out your top strengths as section headers. Then, underneath each header, list your achievements and responsibilities that prove you actually have the relevant skill.

Here’s what this looks like on a resume:

Customer Service

• Promoted within a short period by demonstrating an over-achieving dedication that maximized results for the entire team. 
• Proved internal customer service by relating to all personnel in a professional manner that facilitated the development of a diversified group. 
• Enhanced soldiers’ individual and professional growth, developing them into independent decision-makers.
• Accounted for the safety of equipment valued at over $1.3 million. 
• Secure the personal safety, training, and performance of fifteen U.S. Army soldiers.

Operations and Administration

• Organized schedules for over 45 soldiers. 
• Implemented new routes, resulting in savings in gas time and reduced work time. 
• Prevented over 10 cancellations and negotiated over 20 contract renewals with the local government.

Applying for a Military or Private Security Role? Do This

Now, in case you’re applying for a role that’s somewhat related to your experience in the military (e.g. in private security), then you can simply create a conventional Work Experience section instead of Key Strengths .

If that’s your case, here’s how you should format the section:

• Create a section header called “ Work Experience .”
• Start by listing your most recent role and go backward in time from there.
• For each entry, include your title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 top achievements.
• For older positions, you can include fewer achievements and responsibilities.

Now, if you want your work experiences to stand out from the rest of the candidates, we recommend you to include achievements over responsibilities.

• Achieved a 99.5% average delivery rate on all assignments, resulting in no losses of materials or assets.
• Conducted deliveries of materials and assets.

The first example shows just how the candidate stands out from other applicants. The 2nd, on the other hand, does not.

#5. Mention Your Education (the Right Way)

On to the next section!

The next step to creating a convincing military to civilian resume is mentioning your educational background .

This is where you mention your higher educational degrees, as well as training (e.g. boot camps) and any personal development courses you’ve taken.

First things first, here’s how you’d go about the formatting part:

• Create a header called “Education”
• Add your latest degree right on top. Then, include older degrees underneath.
• If you have a B.A. or an M.A., you can skip your high school degree altogether.
• You can skip mentioning a GPA. These days, no one cares about your grades.

Here’s how the end result would look like:

B.A. in Communications Boston University 08/2016 - 05/2020

Now, if you don’t have the relevant experience needed for the role you’re applying for, you can use your education section to show off your knowledge or skills.

You can do this by including:

• Any honors you might have earned.
• Exact courses you’ve attended.
• Any other way you’ve excelled during your education.

#6. Include In-Demand Skills (For the Industry You’re Applying for)

Another must-have of a military to civilian resume is the skills section.

This is where you list out all of your hard and soft skills and (optionally) grade them by knowledge level.

The key here, though, is not to simply list out random skills like:

• Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Word

Rather, you want to include the skills relevant to the role . 

E.g. applying for a role in accounting? You should probably mention payroll tax accounting, cost reduction strategies, budgeting and forecasting , and so on.

You wouldn’t want to mention your Adobe Illustrator skills, for example (even if you’re an expert at it).

So, how can you know which skills are essential to your resume, and which ones aren’t?

The best way to understand this is to read the job ad you’re applying for. More often than not, they include an exact list of skills required for the role, and all you have to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you possess the said skills, of course).

#7. Take Advantage of the Optional Resume Sections

If you still have some space on your military veteran resume, you can take advantage of some optional resume sections.

While these sections won’t land you the job on their own, they can definitely help you stand out from other applicants seeking the same role.

Some optional sections you can include are:

• Projects. Any type of personal project you’ve worked on. This can be a local business you started, a side-gig, freelance work, and so on.
• Certifications. Any type of certification you might possess. If you don’t have the experience for the role you’re applying for, certifications can help show the recruiter that what you do have is the right skill-set.
• Volunteering Experience. If you’ve volunteered in the past, you should definitely include it in your resume. Employers love candidates who love to help others (even if there’s no monetary incentive for it).
• Hobbies & Interests. Including hobbies or interests in your resume helps the recruiter see more of your personal side. While your hobbies won’t land you the job, they might help you build rapport with the interviewer.

#8. Make Sure Your Military to Civilian Cover Letter is as Impressive as Your Resume.

At this point, your military veteran resume should be quite compelling…

But you’re not done just yet!

To have both a complete and compelling job application, you need to pair your resume with a cover letter that’s just as good.

Here are our top tips on how to write a quality cover letter :

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. Sure, you could go with the default “Dear Sir or Madam,” but mentioning the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve done your research and really care about working at the company.
• In your introduction, mention the most important parts of your background. E.g. years of experience, key achievements, top skills, and why you’re applying for the job in question.
• In the body section of your cover letter, expand on whatever you mentioned in the introduction. This is where you can also explain how the experiences mentioned in your resume make you a good candidate for the role.
• Conclude the cover letter with a call to action . E.g. “Looking forward to hearing more from you!” or “I’d love to discuss how I can help Company X as a Support Specialist over a call or an interview.”

Want to learn more? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Essential Job-Search Resources for Veterans

There are a lot of free job-search resources for veterans on the internet - everything from dedicated job boards to free tools, programs, and more.

Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the very best resources:

Veteran Job-Search Resources

• Job board that helps you find federal organizations that prioritize hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Lots of quality resources to help you transition into civilian life.
• If you’re not sure what kind of career you want to focus on, you can use this website to discover different occupations and learn what they’re about.
• Website for finding veteran job fairs in your area.
• Free career consulting and job search help for veterans.
• American Corporate Partners matches you with a free, year-long mentor to help you build your career.
• For group discussions for veterans on resumes and gaining employment after service. (Veterans only/ screened and weeded out by questions and profile)
• For discussing Skill Bridge opportunities and military transitions. Skill bridge is a military program for giving veterans an opportunity to learn and work at civilian companies for 6 months before leaving the military.
• LinkedIn offers its Premium program to veterans for free for a year. You can use the platform to learn new skills, kick-start your career, as well as find and apply for jobs.
• A website dedicated to helping veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle. You can use it to find jobs, discover career events, attend job fairs, and more.
• Job board for US federal jobs. While it’s not specifically made for veterans, the US government prioritizes hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Job board for veteran-friendly roles and companies.
• Job board for roles in the private security industry.
• Another veteran-only job board.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all you need to know to create a strong military veteran resume!

Before you go, though, let’s do a quick recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• For a military to civilian resume, use a functional resume format to show off your skills instead of work history.
• Use a “Key Strengths” section to explain how your military experience distills into valuable skills for a civilian role.
• Don’t include every skill under the sun on your resume. Instead, pick the ones relevant for the role you’re applying for.
• Take advantage of the optional resume sections to show the recruiter that you’re an individual and not just a resume.
• Finally, make sure that your cover letter is just as impressive as your resume by following the tips we mentioned above.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Help for Veterans
• Debt Relief for Service Members & Veterans
• Guides for Military Pay
• Military Discounts
• Insurance Options for the Military
• Education Benefits
• Retirement Planning
• Credit Reports & Scores
• Military Family Life
• Career Paths
• Housing Options

• Veteran Resume Writing Services & Tips

Written by: Robert Shaw

Home » Veterans » Veteran Jobs After Military Service » Veteran Resume Writing Services & Tips

Your chance to make a good first impression in a crowd – without handing out $100 bills – is even more difficult when your first contact is a job resume fighting for consideration in a pile on an employer’s desk.

A military career can be a leg up in that regard, not only because it distinguishes you from the great majority of job seekers, but because military careers nurture and sharpen skills coveted by the civilian world.

That’s not a recent development. Military experiences paying dividends in the civilian afterlife has been the trend for a good long while and for plenty of good reasons.

The unemployment rate for veterans is dropping again after fluctuating during the pandemic – a time when getting your footing in the job market was the equivalent of steadying yourself on stormy seas.

That unemployment rate for veterans is lower (4.2%) compared to non-veterans (4.6%) and is clearly headed in the direction of the 3.1% veteran unemployment of 2019.

That’s good news for anyone making the transition from military life (assuming you need the job and you’re not sitting on a $60 million trust fund. If you are, call me.)

No matter the ample opportunities to apply skills such as leadership, team building and perseverance in the civilian world, the best jobs won’t just fall in your lap.

It’s important for veterans to know the many resources available and how to craft a resume that can help the transition into a competitive workforce.

Building a Competitive Military Veteran Resume

Your skills might well be translatable in a variety of fields. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a field where military experience wouldn’t be a good fit. But if the language used on a resume to introduce those skills is in dire need of a military-to-English dictionary, you’ve likely wasted a terrific opportunity.

Beware military jargon. Speaking in acronyms might be how you’ve communicated for the past number of years. And as Shakespeare said, brevity is the soul of wit, but if you’re not applying for a job with a military contractor or the Department of Defense, you need to leave the acronyms behind.

Most terminology in the military simply does not translate. Know your audience. Use more approachable language on a resume. The time might come for you to use that terminology you became so comfortable with, but that time is not when you’re writing a resume.

Keep in mind that you have one chance, and a brief one at that, to make a winning first impression. Research suggests job recruiters will usually decide on a candidate’s qualifications quickly, sometimes within 10 seconds.

So while you’ll find many effective veteran resume building services somewhere online, be careful not to simply slap and paste your experience into a resume template. Make the most of your chance to stand out – again, paying close attention to the language you use.

You can find military-to-civilian thesaurus help online. An example: instead of referring to oneself as a “hand receipt holder,” it’s significantly more relatable to call yourself a “logistics manager” or “supply manager.”

Platoon commander is no doubt a complex and challenging position. That complexity and challenge might well be understood better if you “provided the required training and support to lead a 60-person team in projects from start to finish.” Otherwise known as “missions.”

Converting Military Experience to Civilian Resumes

Getting the acronyms out of your resume when applying for veteran jobs is a good first step, but you also need to understand the common strategies used to translate military experience into an attractive civilian resume.

There are differences in style as well as resume format and vocabulary. If there is one bit of broad advice that covers the successful translation of your military experience to a civilian job application it’s that you need to know your audience.

Style: Hiring managers aren’t so much assessing you on the basis of individual tasks undertaken and accomplished. They’re viewing you as a complete candidate and are especially interested in seeing how your skills have evolved given the challenges you faced along the way.

Format: Military resumes often list the most relevant jobs and skills first. That can be impressive. But a civilian hiring manager will want to trace your career evolution – most recent job first, down to your (often humbling) entry level position.

Resume writing experts recommend you list your work experience in the 10-15 years prior. Resume writing coaches caution that condensing your military record accordingly – especially if you’ve had almost that many military roles – can be a challenge but is nevertheless important.

A chronology can help hiring managers see how your skills (and no doubt high recommendations along the way) led to your rise up the ladder.

Vocabulary : Your goal is to make your military experience understandable and relatable to someone who probably has all the respect in the world for your career but doesn’t have the background to decipher jargon.

Acronyms may be unavoidable in some cases since they often are part of the job title listed. In those cases, it’s better to spell out the acronyms and explain any definition or topics that aren’t common knowledge to the civilian sector. Try using a military skills translator to help you figure out what employers are asking for and match their phrasing.

Again, your goal is for the person doing the hiring to see you as a candidate capable of smoothly transitioning into a new workplace. That challenge is many faceted, whether the candidate is a veteran or has no military experience whatsoever. In either case, it starts with how you communicate.

Types of Veteran Resumes

The concept of “knowing your audience” covers everything from the kind of jokes you might tell at a church fundraiser to how you’d tailor a resume based on the job you’re seeking.

How you translate your military experience in a resume seeking a corporate job will be different in ways both minor and significant to how you’d translate that same experience in a resume seeking a federal job.

The same applies to the kind of job within those respective fields; for instance, a management versus non-management position.

Military to corporate job resume : Those skills you developed in a disciplined, accountable military career might be just what the corporate world wants and needs.

Your job is to show how “leadership,” “perseverance” and “team building” – skills that might well seem matter-of-fact in a military career – translate in a corporate setting. Those are real strengths you’ve solidified over the years. Don’t let that get overlooked by failing to make their importance understandable to a hiring manager.

Military to federal job resume: Federal jobs are a natural landing spot for military veterans seeking civilian jobs. There are more than 350 job types filled by civilians at the federal level.

Some government employment opportunities may even offer preferred status to veterans over non-veterans. But since it is a natural landing spot, it’s also ultra-competitive. Crafting a resume that stresses the skills, talents and strengths that set you apart is crucial.

Military to government contractor resume: This is also a popular next chapter for veterans. You might even have worked at the same – or quite similar – job that a government contractor is trying to fill.

Government contract work can offer a much less stressful transition. Assuming you demonstrate your particular set of skills in a way human resources departments find relatable and understandable, you might be able to use some of that military jargon we warned against. But use it carefully.

Management role resumes: “Leadership” can be such a static term. Don’t let it be that.

These types of resumes need to emphasize a veteran’s experience in leadership positions. Use examples of team building. Tell how you motivated your team (not your platoon) despite different personalities and backgrounds to reach successful results (not missions).

Executive role resumes: These resumes build on the management role resumes already discussed. They need to highlight experience in

leadership, business knowledge, organization, and teamwork.

Make sure to highlight applicable experience in these areas. If you do this successfully and use the proper language, those skills could be seen as more of a fit than a projection.

Along with knowing your audience, know yourself. Take a hard look at what kind of job you want and what kind of job best fits your skills. Then pick the most appropriate resume type and be sure to highlight your relevant skills in a way that both military and non-military members will understand.

Job Programs and Veteran Resume Help

Transitioning to the civilian workforce after a military career is exciting but  certainly not without its stresses. Fortunately, there are programs available to help support veterans in making the transition.

Resume writing is only one tool at the disposal of veterans needing support and direction. That support and direction also come in the form of financial assistance, and job placement and other aspects of transitioning from a military career.

Resume Engine : Helps translate your military record into a strong resume that civilian employers can understand. Your completed resume is viewable by thousands of employers using the site to look for qualified job candidates.

My Career Spark : Resume builder for military spouses. It’s an effective job search and prep tool that helps candidates set goals and track their progress.

LinkedIn Benefits: Offers a free premium account for one year and access to LinkedIn Learning’s library of classes for professional development. Benefits job seekers as well as employers who are looking for the most qualified veteran candidates.

CASY : Free job placement assistance through job boards and job prep services to veterans, military, and military spouses. Offers a direct introduction to certain employers on behalf of qualified candidates.

Hire Heroes USA :  The website says it all: “When heroes get hired, companies prosper and America grows stronger.” Offers free job search assistance with career coaching, resume writing, mock interviewing, mentoring, job sourcing and career events for active-duty service members, military spouses and veterans.

Indeed:   Offers several avenues of support, including a job search boot camp and resume review that includes a curated 10-minute video with personalized recommendations.

VA for Vets : Provides employment readiness assistance and outreach for

VA Federal Employment opportunities. Provides guidance in the hiring, support and management of veteran and military service member employees.

The transition to the civilian workforce can be overwhelming but available resources like resume writing services, interview preparation and job placement can help simplify the process and put you in position to let your skills and talents speak for themselves.

» Learn More: Veteran Friendly Employers

9 MINUTE READ

Check Today's VA Home Loan Rates

Veterans menu.

• Veteran Jobs After Military Service
• Veteran Friendly Employers in 2024
• Military Skills Translator
• Security Clearance Jobs for Veterans: What You Should Know
• 10 Tips to Help Service Members Get a Civilian Job After Service
• VA Disability 5-Year Rule
• What Is the VA Caregiver Support Program?
• Legal Assistance for Veterans
• Tax Breaks for Disabled Veterans
• Honorable Discharge Benefits
• Burial Allowance for Veterans
• Mental Health Resources for Veterans
• Small Business Administration Loans for Veterans

Veteran Resume Tips: How to List Your Veteran Status

The military is a great way to get life and job experience; however, things don’t always translate in the civilian world. A Veteran resume may miss out on some opportunities simply for wording things incorrectly. Thankfully, with a few easy tips, you can stand out like the top applicant you are when entering the civilian workforce.

Suggested read: How to Motivate Yourself to Workout When Depressed – Tips for Vets

Use a Veteran Resume Builder

One of the first things you’ll want to consider is to simply use an online tool to create your Veteran resume.

While there are many options available, Resume Engine through the Hiring Our Heroes program from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a trusted tool.

Online, you’ll find the tools you need along with up-to-date tips and tricks geared towards helping Vets get the upper hand in the civilian job market.

Additionally, you’ll find Veteran resume examples and leads for jobs with more than 5,000 employers who partner with the program.

What Are Recruiters Looking for in a Veteran Resume?

Here are some top things employers or recruiters will look for in your resumes:

• Are you using the correct keywords in your resume?
• Do you have a college degree or comparable work experience?
• Do you have the necessary certifications or skills?
• Does your resume show career progression?
• Outstanding job references?
• Do you have a searchable online presence? A.k.a. a complete LinkedIn profile?

As long as you said yes to most of these, your chances at landing that dream job are a damn good bet.

Highlight Your Veteran Resume But Use Civilian Terms

Military experience resumes require translation into civilian language to ensure civilian readers and computers understand what you’re saying.

For example, you’ll want to replace military jargon with civilian terms. So, while you were the Officer in Charge, it’s better to talk about how you “managed” a group of people, as it translates better outside of the military.

Proudly include military titles and ranks, when it makes sense, such as working in private security or law enforcement, but you’ll still want to be sure you are providing civilian translations.

Organize your work experience section with separate subheadings for military positions, detailing responsibilities and duties using bullet points and civilian terminology.

Focus on highlighting experiences that demonstrate relevant skills for the desired role you are applying for will help you better communicate your value to an organization.

Be Specific About Your Accomplishments

Veterans should proudly showcase their military accomplishments on their resumes but need to be specific about what they did while serving.

Incorporating these achievements into your work experience section using clear and understandable language can help paint a picture of how you served and what you can do for the company you’re applying to.

A Veteran resume needs to quantify accomplishments with numbers whenever possible, such as “reduced training time by 25%” or “managed a team of 15 people.”

Specific details provide clarity and context. Additionally, include details about relevant higher education, specialized training, and certifications you’ve earned.

Translate specialized military training into civilian terms and research civilian equivalents if necessary.

By adding relevant certifications to your resume and online profiles, you can highlight your qualifications and prove competency in your industry.

If you notice that you are missing certifications, consider taking online courses to bolster your Veteran resume by closing skill gaps and upgrading current skills to better stand out.

Related read: 5% of Army Jobs to Be Cut, However, Soldiers Still Needed

Veteran-Proof Tips Will Make Your Resume Irresistible to Recruiters

If you had/have a resume, but it has not been updated in years, you’re going to need to reevaluate it. The longer you’re out of service the less important your service becomes in the eyes of the civilian sector. Which means you need a new avenue of approach. These tips and tricks could ease your way into it. Give them a look whether you use them or not. As all Veterans know, it doesn’t hurt to have artillery support available when you already have an airstrike in your back pocket.

Bite the bullet, shoot the whiskey, embrace the suck, and drive-on.

1. Include Relevant Training or Education

One of the “perks” of being in the military was getting a basically free ride to college. Hope you took advantage of that while you were stuck at your first dead end job out of the military.

Any additional training/education or recent work history takes priority. This one makes more sense when you think about it.

You’re applying for a new or higher position and your discharge was over three years ago. Employers care far more about the recent you than the older you. Veterans know that a ton can change in three months, let alone three years. Therefore, while your service is on your resume, make sure it takes a back seat if at all possible.

A diploma or certification post-service has more weight than anything on a DD-214. Especially with how quickly technology and anything sciences related changes now.

2. Showing Career Progression or Length of Time Worked

Employers will sooner get an interview scheduled with someone who’s worked retail or was a desk jockey then a entry-level manager for years recently, over someone with their military service years prior and nothing else. Consecutive actions, such as working for the same place/position for longer and less gaps without work or education/training in a resume will do wonders.

So while it sucked to work at the first job you landed right out of the service, it still showed you were contributing. That you were a dedicated tax paying member of society. That you acquired new “skills” between being in the service and now.

Employers will dump a lot of money into getting you trained up and contributing to their pockets. Unlike the military who PCSed you every 1-3 years, they won’t feel comfortable hiring someone who has ping-ponged around job after job every 6 months.

3. You Still Should Mention Your Service

That hasn’t changed. You should/need to still mention it, but it’s now the icing and not the cake itself. The time to talk about your service is during the interview. Try having it as a backup to give you an edge over your competition.

Sometimes, you mentioning your service can make you look like a complete bada**. Other interviews, employers will be afraid you’re going to have a breakdown and kill everyone. Be on your toes. Mention it in your resume, but don’t try to highlight “you the veteran or ex-military” over “you the professional.” It’s a sick game, but we all have to play.

Remember the Fundamentals

If you look at military Veteran resume examples, you’ll note that there are many similarities when it comes to style and professionalism. This is no accident.

You’ll need to tailor your experiences to the civilian workforce; however, it’s also important to use best practices when writing your resume regardless of your experience or industry.

Proofread your resume meticulously to catch typos, spelling errors, and grammar mistakes before submitting job applications. This demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Be sure to seek feedback from non-military contacts to ensure clarity for civilian readers. This is a recurring theme for a reason and you can never proofread too much.

Keep your resume clear, concise, and focused on relevant details to make it easy to read. Depending on your industry, you may also want to include relevant work samples.

Highlight achievements and use keywords from job descriptions to demonstrate alignment with employer needs and improve your chances of passing software used to vet applicants.

A Veteran resume is often misunderstood but it doesn’t have to be. Following these simple tips can help you in your job search to make a successful transition into the civilian workforce.

Read next: 5 Proven Strategies for Rebuilding Military Family Bonds After Service

Updated 3/22/2024

About Buddy Blouin

Buddy Blouin is a content writer that loves creating through the written word. Outside of searching through keyword data and creating blogs, he enjoys creating cocktails, cooking, and enjoying the Beautiful Game.

SUGGESTED ARTICLES

Here’s How Veterans Can Access Hearing Aids Through the VA

August 12, 2024

Navajo Code Talkers Day: The Native American Heroes

Did John Cena Serve in the Military?

Reflecting on the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

August 9, 2024

A Closer Look at Each Vice President That Served in the Military

The Veterans Crisis Hotline Provides Instant Mental Health Help

VETERAN RESUMES Free Online Resume Builder For Veterans!

Creating a Professional Resume and Cover Letter Has Never Been So Easy. Build a Resume Today.

VETERAN RESUME BUILDER

Benefits of using our veteran resume builder.

Cover Letter Builder

Easily export pdf, multiple resume templates, resume templates.

Each template is expertly designed and follows the exact “resume rules” hiring managers look for.

Resume Two Column

Resume Two Column 2

Resume Professional

Resume Professional 2

FREE RESUME BUILDER FOR VETERANS

Unlimited Resumes and Cover Letters. Unlimited PDF Downloads.

• SIGN UP NOW

Hire Our Heroes

FINDING A JOB is the greatest challenge in transition.

Let HOH be your stepping stone into your next career.

Transition Vets: Get started

FIELD TESTED

Ethical. Loyal.

Business Proven

Problem Solver. Great Leader.

Companies: Hire a Vet

Help us support our veterans by bringing your expertise to the front line.

Show support &: Volunteer

They Served Our country It is our turn to contribute to the livelihood of our returning heroes.

Please: Donate

20% Veteran Unemployment Rate in some Markets!

64% Veterans Experience Difficulty in Transitioning!

69% Veterans Say Finding a Job is their Biggest Challenge!

Support the Cause

and help the individuals that have served our country

Donate Today

Resume Assistance

Looking Past the Camouflage When veterans leave the military to find civilian employment, Hire Our Heroes is right there to assist them, including assistance in writing resumes and finding employment. We can help veterans tailor their resumes to appeal to civilian employers. Please explore some of the resume builder links and templates below to help get you started.

Get More Help

Become A Mentor

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a mentor? Consider this an investment in yourself. The intrinsic value of this practical education can’t be found in books. The need for veteran mentors has never been greater than it is today. It’s easy for one our country’s finest to feel isolated and lost upon leaving active military service.

IT’S THEIR FUTURE, IT’S YOUR LEGACY.

Would you like to become a Hire Our Heroes mentor?

​ Resumes4Vets.org is currently operated by all unpaid volunteers. Please be patient as we work to get your resume reviewed and back as quickly as possible. We make every attempt to get resumes reviewed and returned as promptly as possible. Holiday time can slow things down just a bit. We sometimes get overwhelmed with submissions but will work to get them back quickly in the order they were received. Thanks! 

If you're an American Military Veteran, we'll provide free resume improvement feedback via email. For Free . No signup required.

We know that translating your military experience onto paper can be difficult. That's why we're willing to review your resume, provide recommendations, and return it as soon as possible - No membership or payment required. That's right, Free.

Getting started

For best viewing results on this site, please use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Brave Browser.

We can help even if you haven't started on your resume yet. On our "Submit Your Resume" page found above, we provide our example resume template that will walk you through the basics of getting started. 

We can provide feedback on your online professional profile and how to make yourself more marketable to prospective employers. A LinkedIn profile is one of the many digital assets to leverage when transitioning into the civilian life or switching careers. 

professional profile

• Submit Your Resume
• Get Involved
• Partner Network

Free Resume Review

© copyright 2022 resumes for veterans, inc. all rights reserved .

Last uPDATED: 17 April 2022

• Privacy Policy

Crafting a Standout Resume for Veterans and Transitioning Military Personnel: Expert Tips for Success

by Workshops for Warriors | Oct 12, 2023 | Blog , Careers , Education , News & Media

Leaving the military and transitioning to civilian life is a monumental step that comes with its unique set of challenges. One of the most crucial aspects of this transition is crafting a resume that effectively communicates your skills, experiences, and accomplishments to potential employers. A well-structured resume can make all the difference in securing that post-military career you’ve been working towards. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential tips for writing a resume for veterans and transitioning military making the leap into the civilian job market.

1. Start with a Powerful Summary Statement

The first thing recruiters see when they review your resume is the summary statement. This brief section should encapsulate your skills, experience, and career goals in a compelling way. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for, focusing on how your military experience makes you an ideal candidate.

2. Highlight Your Military Experience

Your military service is an asset, and you should leverage it to the fullest. When detailing your military experience, be sure to:

– Use military terminology that translates to the civilian world. Explain your roles and responsibilities in a way that is understandable to those not familiar with the military.

– Emphasize leadership and teamwork skills. These are highly valued by civilian employers.

– Mention any special achievements, awards, or recognitions you received during your service.

– Quantify your accomplishments where possible. For example, “Managed a team of 20 soldiers” or “Supervised logistics operations with a budget of $1 million.”

3. Translate Military Skills into Civilian Language

When writing a resume for veterans and transitioning military, it’s essential to bridge the gap between military jargon and civilian terminology. Use online resources and career counselors to help you translate your skills into language that resonates with civilian employers. For instance, if you were a combat engineer, highlight your problem-solving abilities and project management skills. Workshops for Warriors hosts a resume-writing session each semester with Hire Heroes to assist students with translating military terminology to language civilians understand.

4. Showcase Relevant Training and Certifications

Your military training and certifications are highly valuable. Make a dedicated section in your resume to list relevant qualifications, such as technical skills, leadership training, or security clearances. These can give you a significant edge in certain industries like law enforcement, IT, or project management.

5. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

Recruiters are more interested in what you achieved in your previous roles than simply your job duties. Use bullet points to highlight accomplishments, showcasing the tangible results of your work. For instance:

– Instead of saying, “Managed a team of soldiers,” say, “Led a team to achieve a 95% pass rate on critical training exercises.”

– Instead of mentioning routine tasks, emphasize projects or initiatives you led, and the positive outcomes you delivered.

6. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application

One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Customize your resume for each job you apply for by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. By doing this, you demonstrate genuine interest in the role and your commitment to the employer’s needs.

7. Emphasize Soft Skills

In addition to your technical and job-specific skills, don’t forget to highlight your soft skills. Veterans often possess exceptional qualities like discipline, adaptability, and resilience, which are highly sought after in the civilian job market. Mention these skills in your resume and provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated them.

8. Include Relevant Civilian Work Experience

If you have any work experience in civilian roles, even while in the military, be sure to include it on your resume. This demonstrates that you are not only prepared for civilian work but have already gained experience in that context. Be concise and focus on transferable skills.

9. Use a Clean and Professional Format

A resume should be easy to read and navigate. Choose a clean and professional format that includes:

– Clear headings and subheadings to organize information.

– Bullet points to make your achievements and skills stand out.

– A legible font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

– Ample white space to avoid a cluttered appearance.

– A professional email address.

10. Keep It Concise

Your resume should ideally be limited to one or two pages. Recruiters often spend just a few seconds reviewing each resume, so it’s crucial to provide essential information concisely. If you have an extensive military career, focus on the most relevant and recent experiences.

11. Use Action Words

Make your resume more dynamic by starting each bullet point with an action verb. Action words create a sense of accomplishment and energy. For example, “Managed,” “Directed,” “Developed,” “Implemented,” etc.

12. Highlight Relevant Education

Include your educational background, particularly if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. List your degree(s), the name of the institution, and the graduation date. If you have advanced degrees or certifications like the ones students earn at Workshops for Warriors , don’t forget to mention those as well.

13. Show Adaptability

Demonstrate your adaptability by mentioning any overseas deployments, cross-training experiences, or language proficiency you’ve acquired during your military service. These qualities can make you an attractive candidate for international or diverse workplaces.

14. Mention Your Security Clearance

If you hold a security clearance, this is an essential selling point. Include the level of your clearance and any relevant information, as this can be a significant advantage when applying for positions in government, defense, or security-related industries.

15. Address Employment Gaps

If you have employment gaps due to deployments, training, or other military commitments, don’t leave them unexplained. Briefly mention the reason for the gap in your cover letter or in a one-liner on your resume.

16. Seek Professional Help

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce is a significant change, and it can be beneficial to seek the assistance of professionals who specialize in helping veterans with their resumes. There are many career counselors, resume writers, and job placement services that understand the unique challenges you face. As mentioned earlier, in addition to advanced manufacturing training , Workshops for Warriors provides soft skill seminars to students every semester, including a session focused on tips for writing a resume for veterans and transitioning military.

17. Tailor Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to elaborate on your military experience and explain how it makes you an ideal candidate for the job. Use it to address specific points in the job description, and make a personal connection between your skills and the company’s needs.

18. Use Online Tools and Resources

Take advantage of online resources, including veteran-specific job boards, resume builders, and military transition websites. These can provide templates, examples, and guidance to create an effective resume.

19. Proofread and Edit

Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread and edit it. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Mistakes can make a poor impression on potential employers.

Creating a resume as a veteran or transitioning military personnel may seem like a challenging task, but with the right approach and attention to detail, you can present your skills and experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers.

Remember to focus on the value you bring to the table, translating your military accomplishments into language that civilian recruiters can understand. With these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to securing a successful career in the civilian workforce.

Request Info

• First Name * First
• Last Name * Last
• Military Status * Choose one. Active Veteran Civilian
• How did you hear about WFW? * Choose one. Google TikTok Facebook Recruiter Military base ABC Honor For A Veteran Miramar Internet search Word of mouth Other
• If other, please specify. *
• By checking this box, you agree to receive text messages from Workshops for Warriors related to the school. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. View Terms of Service and Privacy Policy here .
• 8 + 7 = ___ *
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent News & Media

• Workshops for Warriors Rising Up Gala
• San Diego Business Journal | 2024 CEO of the Year
• SD Regional Chamber of Commerce ⎮ 2023 Exceptional Veteran-Owned Business Award
• Mastering the Transition: A Comprehensive Guide to Job Interviews for Veterans and Military Personnel
• ABC 10 | Graduation for Vets Transitioning to Workforce

Request more information.

• First Name * First Name
• How did you hear about WFW? * Choose one. Google TikTok Facebook Recruiter Military base ABC Honor For A Veteran Miramar Word of mouth Other
• 9 + 3 = ___ *

You are giving your express written consent for Workshops for Warriors to contact you regarding our training programs using email, telephone or text to any wireless number you provide. You may always call WFW directly at (619) 550-1620.

Request Information

Get started.

• Request More Info

Our Training Programs

• CNC Machining
• Enrollment Process
• Financial Aid & Housing
• Mission & Values
• News & Media
• Corporate Partners
• Become a Partner
• Give a Scholarship
• Monthly Giving
• Start a Fundraiser
• Department Contacts

Workshops for Warriors 2970 Main Street San Diego, CA 92113

Follow us on Twitter: @workforwarriors

Workshops for Warriors, Inc. is applying to become a candidate for accreditation with the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Persons wishing to make comments should either write to the Executive Director of the Commission, Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Bldg. 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, or submit comments on the Council’s website (www.council.org). Persons making comments must provide their names and mailing addresses.

Advertisement

19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris’s Pick for Vice President

Mr. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach, served in the Army National Guard and chooses Diet Mountain Dew over alcohol.

• Share full article

By Simon J. Levien and Maggie Astor

• Published Aug. 6, 2024 Updated Aug. 9, 2024

Until recently, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota was a virtual unknown outside of the Midwest, even among Democrats. But his stock rose fast in the days after President Biden withdrew from the race, clearing a path for Ms. Harris to replace him and pick Mr. Walz as her No. 2.

Here’s a closer look at the Democrats’ new choice for vice president.

1. He is a (very recent) social media darling . Mr. Walz has enjoyed a groundswell of support online from users commenting on his Midwestern “dad vibes” and appealing ordinariness.

2. He started the whole “weird” thing. It was Mr. Walz who labeled former President Donald J. Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, “weird” on cable television just a couple of weeks ago. The description soon became a Democratic talking point.

3. He named a highway after Prince and signed the bill in purple ink. “I think we can lay to rest that this is the coolest bill signing we’ll ever do,” he said as he put his name on legislation declaring a stretch of Highway 5 the “Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway” after the musician who had lived in Minnesota.

4. He reminds you of your high school history teacher for a reason. Mr. Walz taught high school social studies and geography — first in Alliance, Neb., and then in Mankato, Minn. — before entering politics.

5. He taught in China in 1989 and speaks some Mandarin. He went to China for a year after graduating from college and taught English there through a program affiliated with Harvard University.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .