military resume writing

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

By Ryan Tronier

Posted on Sep 15, 2022 6:29 AM EDT

4 minute read

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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.

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• Best for IT: TopResume
• Best for Writing CVs: Career Confidence Resume Services
• Best for Executives: Great Resumes Fast
• Best for Federal Jobs: TopStack

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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 . 

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Military Resume: Examples and Writing Tips for 2024

Are you a military veteran looking to transition into the civilian job market? If so, you’re not alone. The transition can be challenging, and crafting a compelling resume is a crucial first step. This article aims to guide veterans in writing an effective military resume that highlights their skills, experience, and achievements.

Importance of a Military Resume

A military resume is essential for veterans seeking employment outside of the military. Unlike a standard resume, a military resume is structured differently and emphasizes skills and accomplishments that translate to civilian job roles. A well-crafted resume can make a significant impact in getting an interview and ultimately landing a job.

Differences Between Military and Civilian Resumes

Military resumes differ from civilian resumes in several ways. Military resumes use terminology and acronyms that may be unfamiliar to civilian hiring managers. They also include information about military-specific training, experience, and accomplishments. A civilian recruiter may not understand the significance of certain military achievements, so it’s crucial to translate the military experience into civilian language.

Overview of the Article Sections

This article will provide examples and writing tips for crafting a successful military resume. The following sections will cover:

• Formatting and structure of a military resume
• Translating military experience and achievements into civilian language
• Highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments
• Including relevant education and certifications
• Tips for tailoring the resume to specific job applications

By the end of this article, readers should have a comprehensive understanding of how to create an effective military resume that will help them transition into a civilian career.

Understanding the Military Resume Format

Military resume sections and heading.

When it comes to writing a military resume, it’s important to understand the different sections and headings that are typically included. The format of a military resume is slightly different from a civilian resume, with more emphasis placed on skills and duties over work experience.

The main sections you should include in your military resume are:

• Contact information
• Summary statement or objective
• Education and training
• Military experience
• Relevant skills and certifications
• Awards and honors
• Professional references

Be sure to use a clear and easy-to-read font and keep your formatting consistent throughout the document.

Identifying Relevant Military Skills and Duties

One of the key challenges when writing a military resume is identifying the most relevant skills and duties to include. This is especially important if you’re transitioning from the military to a civilian career, as you’ll need to show how your military experience translates into relevant skills for the job you’re applying for.

To do this effectively, start by reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications they’re looking for. Then, look for examples from your military experience that demonstrate those same skills and use them as bullet points under your relevant military experience section.

When describing your military duties, focus on the transferable skills you gained that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you were in the infantry, you might highlight your leadership and teamwork skills, your ability to work under pressure, and your attention to detail.

Importance of Using Keywords and Action Verbs

Finally, it’s important to use keywords and action verbs throughout your military resume to help it stand out to potential employers. Keywords are the specific skills and qualifications listed in the job posting, while action verbs are strong, active words that show what you accomplished in your previous roles.

Some examples of effective action verbs for a military resume include:

• Implemented

By using these words and phrases, you can show employers that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for and help your military resume make it past the initial screening process.

When writing a military resume, it’s important to understand the different sections and headings, identify your most relevant skills and duties, and use keywords and action verbs throughout to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Tips to Make Your Military Resume Stand Out

Creating a military resume that stands out can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it is achievable. As a copywriter and subject matter expert with years of experience, I’ve distilled some tips that will help veterans transition successfully into civilian life.

Tailoring a Resume to a Specific Position

The first step in crafting a resume that stands out is tailoring it to the specific position. Job descriptions are the starting point. Use the language and keywords that appear in the job posting to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience. Highlight your military work experience and other accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities and qualifications for the job.

Remember that while your military experience is important, your resume should primarily focus on your transferable skills.

Highlighting Transferable Skills

Many veterans underestimate the value of the skills they’ve developed during their military service. These skills include leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Highlighting these transferable skills is crucial when transitioning into civilian work. Employers place a premium on these skills, regardless of the industry or position.

Make sure your resume reflects your transferable skills by providing examples of how you applied them in your military roles. Quantify results wherever possible. For instance, if you helped reduce downtime in a mission-critical communications system or achieved a 100% success rate during range training, be sure to mention it in your resume.

Including Accomplishments and Achievements

Including your military accomplishments and achievements is essential in making your resume stand out. These accomplishments can demonstrate your strength, leadership, and expertise. Certificates of training, decorations, awards, and other official recognitions should be included in your resume. Highlight any leadership roles you held, as well as any missions or operations you participated in.

Avoiding Military Jargon

When creating a military resume, it is essential to avoid using military jargon. Although military jargon may be familiar to you, it might not be intelligible to civilian hiring managers. Instead, use plain language that is easy to understand. Also, avoid acronyms or abbreviations if possible, or clearly explain what they mean.

Consider these tips when drafting your military resume, and tailor your resume to the specific position. Highlight your transferable skills, showcase your achievements, and avoid using military jargon. Doing so will help you get noticed by hiring managers and increase your chances of landing a civilian job.

Military Resume Examples for Different Branches

When it comes to crafting a military resume, it’s important to highlight the unique experiences and skills that come with serving in a specific branch of the armed forces. Here are examples of military resumes tailored to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, to help guide your own resume writing process.

Army Resume Example

Name:  John Doe  Rank:  Staff Sergeant  Years of Service:  8 years  Occupational Specialty:  Infantry

Summary:  Highly motivated Infantry Staff Sergeant with eight years of experience in combat operations, tactical planning, and leadership. Decorated with the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. Proven ability to lead soldiers in high-stress situations and achieve mission objectives.

Key Skills:

• Tactical Planning
• Combat Operations
• Team Leadership
• Weapons Proficiency
• Risk Management

Experience:

• Led 12-soldier infantry team on multiple combat patrols and security operations in Afghanistan
• Supervised and trained platoon of 40 soldiers in marksmanship and combat skills
• Coordinated and executed training exercises with other military branches and foreign armies
• Conducted risk assessments and implemented safety protocols for training exercises and operations

Navy Resume Example

Name:  Jane Smith  Rank:  Petty Officer First Class  Years of Service:  10 years  Occupational Specialty:  Cryptologic Technician

Summary:  Dedicated Cryptologic Technician Petty Officer First Class with 10 years of experience in signal intelligence analysis and data collection. Proven track record of supporting national security missions and delivering critical intel to senior leadership. Holds an active TS/SCI security clearance.

• Signal Intelligence Analysis
• Communications Security
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Cryptography
• Security Clearance Management
• Analyzed and reported critical intelligence to senior leadership during three deployments in support of national security objectives
• Managed and secured classified information and communication systems
• Trained and mentored junior personnel in signal intelligence and security procedures
• Collaborated with interagency partners to share intel and coordinate operations

Air Force Resume Example

Name:  Robert Johnson  Rank:  Technical Sergeant  Years of Service:  12 years  Occupational Specialty:  Aircraft Maintenance

Summary: Highly skilled Aerospace Maintenance Technician with 12 years of experience in aircraft maintenance and repair. Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting, inspecting, and maintaining various aircraft systems. Committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Proven ability to work efficiently in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.

Aircraft Maintenance Troubleshooting Technical Inspections Team Collaboration Safety Compliance

• Performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on F-16 fighter aircraft, ensuring operational readiness
• Conducted detailed inspections of aircraft components, identifying and resolving mechanical issues
• Collaborated with a team of technicians to troubleshoot complex electrical and avionics systems
• Assisted in aircraft launch and recovery operations, adhering to strict safety protocols
• Maintained accurate maintenance records and documentation in accordance with Air Force regulations

Civilian Transitions: Examples and Tips

Civilian transition resume example.

As a veteran transitioning to civilian life, it’s important to have a strong, relevant resume that will catch the attention of potential employers. Here’s a sample civilian transition resume to help guide you:

Civilian Transition

Highly motivated and disciplined military veteran with a successful track record of leadership and operational excellence. Transitioning from a distinguished career in the military to a civilian role. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to teamwork. Seeking a challenging position that allows for the application of transferable skills in a civilian setting.

Operations Manager

XYZ Military Base  October 2012 – Present

• Led a team of 50 personnel in planning, coordinating, and executing operational missions in high-pressure environments.
• Managed logistics and resources to ensure mission success and adherence to strict timelines.
• Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to optimize efficiency and enhance performance.
• Conducted risk assessments and implemented safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve mission objectives and maintain effective communication channels.

Training and Development Officer

ABC Military Training Center  January 2009 – September 2012

• Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for military personnel, focusing on leadership development, team building, and technical skills.
• Conducted needs assessments and identified training gaps to create tailored training solutions.
• Evaluated training effectiveness and made necessary adjustments to meet performance objectives.
• Provided mentoring and guidance to junior officers and enlisted personnel, fostering professional growth and development.
• Managed training resources, including facilities, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration  University of XYZ  Graduated: May 2008
• Leadership and team management
• Strategic planning and problem-solving
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management and organizational abilities
• Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced environments

Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• Hazardous Materials Handling Certification

Volunteer Experience

Community Outreach Volunteer

Local Veterans Organization  January 2010 – Present

• Engaged in community outreach programs to support and assist fellow veterans in their transition to civilian life.
• Provided mentorship and guidance to veterans seeking employment and educational opportunities.
• Organized and participated in fundraising events to support local veterans’ initiatives.

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Member, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

Available upon request

Military Spouses: Resume Tips and Examples

As a military spouse, it can be tough to build and maintain a career due to the frequent relocations and unpredictability of military life. However, with the right resume and job search strategies, military spouses can successfully navigate the challenges and seize opportunities that come their way.

Challenges and Opportunities of Military Spouses

One of the biggest hurdles military spouses face is a lack of continuity in employment due to frequent moves. This results in gaps in the resume and difficulty in building a consistent career trajectory. Additionally, military spouses may find it challenging to explain their work history and educational qualifications to civilian employers, who may not understand the unique circumstances of military life.

However, military spouses also possess a wealth of transferable skills and experiences that can be leveraged to their advantage, such as adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness. They may have experience in diverse industries, exposure to people from different backgrounds, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-stress environments. These qualities make them valuable assets in today’s globalized world.

Military Spouse Resume Example

A military spouse resume should highlight key skills and experiences that are relevant to the target job or industry. It should also address any gaps in employment and explain the rationale behind them. For example:

Sarah Thompson

Military Spouse

Dedicated and adaptable military spouse with a strong work ethic and excellent organizational skills. Experienced in managing various responsibilities while accommodating the demands of a military lifestyle. Proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments and work effectively within a team. Seeking a position that offers flexibility and allows for continued professional growth.

Administrative Assistant

ABC Company  March 2018 – Present

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the executive team, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Maintain confidential records and databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Act as a liaison between departments, facilitating communication and streamlining workflow.
• Assist in organizing company events and employee engagement initiatives.

Customer Service Representative

XYZ Corporation  June 2015 – February 2018

• Responded to customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly and professionally.
• Managed a high volume of incoming calls and emails, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Handled customer complaints and worked towards effective resolutions.
• Assisted in maintaining customer databases and updating customer records.
• Collaborated with team members to improve customer service processes and enhance the overall customer experience.
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration  University of XYZ  Graduated: May 2014
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Customer service-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Family Readiness Group Volunteer

ABC Military Base  June 2017 – Present

• Assisted in organizing and coordinating events to support military families during deployments and separations.
• Provided information and resources to military families, promoting a sense of community and support.
• Facilitated communication between military families and base personnel, addressing concerns and providing assistance when needed.
• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Customer Service Excellence Certification
• Member, Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)
• Member, National Military Family Association (NMFA)

Writing Tips from Veteran Experts

Here are some insights and recommendations from veteran experts to help transitioning military personnel land their dream jobs.

Benefits and Challenges of Hiring Veterans

Hiring veterans brings numerous benefits to organizations, such as their exceptional leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Vets are quick learners who can adapt to new environments and take on responsibilities with minimal supervision. They have a strong work ethic and can excel in high-stress situations. However, transitioning military personnel may face some challenges when entering the civilian job market. Some of these include translating their military experience into civilian terms, learning new communication styles, and adjusting to the differences in job expectations.

Insights and Recommendations from Veteran Experts

To overcome these challenges, veteran experts recommend seeking mentorship from other veterans, networking with industry professionals, and familiarizing yourself with the latest industry trends. It is also important to highlight your military experience on your resume and translate your skills and achievements into civilian terms. When applying for jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to the job requirements and research the company culture to demonstrate your fit.

Do’s and Don’ts for Military Job Seekers

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for military job seekers:

• Highlight your unique military experience and skills on your resume
• Translate military jargon into civilian language
• Emphasize specific achievements and accomplishments
• Show your flexibility and ability to adapt to new environments
• Customize your resume and cover letter to each job application
• Network with professionals in your desired field

Don’t:

• Use military jargon or acronyms that civilian employers may not understand
• Overemphasize rank or positions held in the military
• Assume that civilian employers understand what the military does or how it operates
• Rush the job application process and fail to research the company culture
• Ignore the importance of networking and building professional relationships

By following these tips and recommendations, military job seekers can create effective resumes that highlight their unique skills and experience, increase their chances of landing their dream job, and successfully transition to the civilian workforce.

Military Resume Checklist and Common Mistakes

When it comes to writing a military resume, there are certain “must-haves” that recruiters and hiring managers are looking for. Here are some essential components of a strong military resume:

• Clear and concise summary statement:  Your summary statement should clearly state your experience and skills, and make it clear that you are a strong candidate for the job.
• Quantifiable achievements:  Use specific numbers and figures to demonstrate your accomplishments and impact in your military career.
• Relevant skills and experience:  If you’re applying for a civilian job, make sure to focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
• Education and training:  Highlight any relevant degrees or certifications you’ve earned, as well as any training or professional development courses you’ve completed.

But it’s not just about including the right information – there are also common mistakes that many job seekers make on their military resumes. Here are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Focusing too much on military jargon:  While it’s important to highlight your military experience, it’s also important to make sure that a civilian employer will be able to understand what you did and how it translates to the job you’re applying for.
• Including irrelevant information:  While it’s great to be well-rounded, including information that isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for can actually hurt your chances of getting hired.
• Not tailoring your resume to the job:  Every job is different, and your resume should reflect that. Make sure to customize your resume for each job you apply for.
• Formatting and spelling errors:  Even the best content can be overshadowed by poor formatting and spelling mistakes. Make sure to proofread your resume carefully, or have someone else look it over for you.

So how can you make sure your military resume is error-free and ready to impress potential employers? Here are a few proofreading and editing tips:

• Read it out loud:  This can help you catch mistakes that you might miss when reading silently.
• Use a spellchecker:  While spellcheckers can’t catch everything, they can help identify some common errors.
• Get a second opinion:  Having someone else look over your resume can help you identify mistakes you may have missed.
• Take a break:  Once you’ve finished writing your resume, give yourself some time (ideally a day or two) before coming back to it with fresh eyes. This can help you catch mistakes you may have overlooked before.

By following these military resume checklist items and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a strong, impressive resume that will help you stand out to potential employers.

Cover Letters for Military Resumes

A compelling cover letter can be the difference between your military resume being considered for a job or falling to the bottom of the pile. Here we will discuss the importance of a cover letter and provide tips for writing one that catches the attention of the hiring manager.

Importance of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, highlight your strengths and experience, and provide specific examples of why you are the best candidate for the job. It’s a chance to explain any gaps in your military service or aspects of your experience that may not be easily understood from your resume alone.

A well-written cover letter can also demonstrate your communication skills and ability to convey important information in a concise and professional manner. It shows that you are taking the time and effort to tailor your application to the specific job and employer.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Cover Letter

• Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible
• Open with a strong and attention-grabbing statement or question
• Tailor the letter to the specific job and employer, highlighting how your skills and experience align with their needs
• Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and experience
• Keep it concise and professional, ideally one page or less
• Close with a strong call to action, requesting an interview or further discussions

Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. It’s an opportunity to add additional context and information to your application.

Cover Letter Example

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a decorated [Rank/Branch] with [X] years of experience in the [Military Branch], I am confident that my [Skill/Experience] make me an ideal candidate for this role.

My experience leading [X] teams on high-pressure missions has honed my ability to quickly and effectively adapt to changing situations. For example, during my deployment to [Location], I led a team of [X] personnel in ensuring the successful completion of numerous [Mission Objective] despite the challenging terrain and hostile environment.

At [Current/Previous Employer], I utilized my [Skill/Experience] to [Accomplishment] which resulted in [Outcome/Impact]. I am confident that these skills will allow me to excel in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

Thank you for your time and consideration of my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experience can contribute to the success of [Company Name].

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Military-To-Civilian Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• How To Write a Military-to-Civilian Resume
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Military-To-Civilian Resume

Transitioning from a military career to a new industry as a civilian can be challenging for many veterans. Reframing your military accomplishments to align with jobs on the open market is often difficult. You’ll want to create an accomplishment-driven resume that leverages your leadership experience and technical skills to propel your job search forward during this career transition.

Rather than overwhelming the reader with complex military terminology, you’ll want to present your achievements in a way that hiring managers can easily understand. Throughout our military resume builder guide, we’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your military experience into a strong, professional resume.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

1. Create a profile by summarizing your military-to-civilian qualifications

Your professional profile should open with your title, years of experience, and three to four specializations to align with the position you’re applying for. This is especially important for military-to-civilian resumes, as you must show hiring managers you have key qualifications the organization is looking for in place of industry experience.

Example 1 - Military Resume Professional Profile

A Network Security Analyst with over eight years of experience identifying threats and identifying innovative solutions. A proven track record of mitigating cybersecurity threats and providing technical support to military personnel and civilians.

Example 2 - Military Resume Professional Profile

A Supply Chain Coordinator with 10+ years of military experience, specializing in logistics, fleet management, and procurement. A strong history of overseeing multi-million-dollar supply chains to support military operations.

2. Add a compelling section featuring your military-to-civilian experience

To grab the hiring manager’s attention, you want to create compelling bullet points that showcase your strongest and most relevant accomplishments. It’s important to remember that most readers will be unfamiliar with military terminology, so you’ll need to translate your experience into language that the hiring manager can understand.

You should also quantify your career achievements using hard numbers and metrics. For instance, if you provide logistical support for a military supply chain, you should include a monetary figure to establish a sense of scope. It’s also important to keep your audience in mind when deciding what information to include. For example, mentioning that you were supporting a $38M supply chain may grab the interest of a medium-sized or large organization but could be intimidating if you’re applying to a smaller company.

Example 1 - Military Resume Professional Experience Section

Professional experience.

Cyber Security Officer, Fort Gordon, Augusta, GA October 2017 – Present

• Triage phones, password resets, and VPN and internet connectivity, identify cyber security threats, and oversee access management to ensure data integrity
• Configure, install, and maintain edge routers, firewalls, laptops, and LAN switches
• Manage a team of 25 civilian and military employees and coordinate the delivery of tactical and technical support to subordinates and superior officers

Example 2 - Military Resume Professional Experience Section

Senior Logistics Officer, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC September 2016 – October 2017

• Coordinated logistics for multi-million-dollar supply chains supporting domestic and international operations for the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard
• Oversaw the procurement, transport, and distribution of supplies to troops for military operations, including food, medical supplies, ammunition, and fuel
• Led a team of 10+ army personnel to manage inventory and logistics, assigned responsibilities, evaluated performance, and ensured adherence to army standards

3. Add military-to-civilian education and certifications

Acquiring industry certifications can be a powerful asset during your career change. Many of your skill sets and accomplishments from your time in the military are readily translatable to civilian jobs, but obtaining additional certifications goes a step further in bridging the gap. For instance, even if you have extensive experience in security from your military career, you may want to consider pursuing a cybersecurity or network security certification. This strategy can help bolster your odds of landing the interview.

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Coursera, 2017
• CCNA Security, Cisco, 2016
• CompTIA Security+, CompTIA, 2015
• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
• WIDENER UNIVERSITY, Chester, PA September 2019 – May 2023

4. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to military-to-civilian experience

It’s important to feature a variety of skills and keywords that match the job description as you craft your military resume. One of the most prominent challenges veterans face during the job search is showing hiring managers that their army experience is translatable to their target industry. Incorporating a strong mix of keywords throughout your resume will ensure compliance with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and show prospective employers that you’re a qualified candidate.

5. Additional military resume builder tips

Before writing your military resume, you’ll want to take some time to identify your target industry. This part is one of the more challenging aspects of the career change process. As you review your military experience and accomplishments, think about how these might translate to a civilian career. Are your skill sets more of a technical nature? Are you better suited for an operations management role? Analyzing job postings before crafting your resume will help you to identify the relevant aspects of your experience and translate them into effective bullet points for the hiring manager. Read our Veteran’s Resume and Job Hunting Guide for more military resume-builder tips.

How to Pick the Best Military-to-Civilian Resume Template

When selecting your military-to-civilian resume template, choose a straightforward and well-organized format. A limited amount of color is acceptable, but it’s better to avoid flashy graphics that may distract the reader. The top-down approach is also recommended in most instances since arranging your sections in a manner that splits the page may make reading difficult. Remember, hiring managers are focused on learning more about your qualifications and professional achievements, so you’ll want your template to support that objective rather than draw attention elsewhere.

Military-to-Civilian Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Hideo Araki (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Abrahms Blvd, West Hartford, CT 12345

A Security Guard with five years of military experience in the United States National Guard, specializing in conflict resolution and crisis management. A proven track record of managing security for high-risk personnel.

Security Guard, United States National Guard, West Hartford, CT October 2019 – Present

• Manage security operations for VIPs and special military events, prepare accident and incident reports, and identify potential security threats to high-risk personnel
• Lead a tactical unit of five military police officers for surveillance operations, provide training, assign responsibilities, and ensure compliance with military security protocols
• Provide support for civil and criminal investigations

Security Guard, Connecticut Army National Guard, Groton, CT September 2017 – October 2019

• Monitored designated parameters to identify any security threats, created weekly security reports, and verified security clearances for access control
• Operated and managed complex security systems with multiple CCTV cameras and monitoring equipment, which included performing routine maintenance
• Security Operations
• Crisis Response
• Threat Mitigation
• Access Management
• Team Leadership

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Criminology University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT September 2010 – June 2014

Raymond Ortiz (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Abbington Lane, Athens, GA 12345

Cyber Security Officer, United States Army, Fort Gordon, GA October 2017 – Present

Information Technology Specialist, United States Army, Fort Gordon, GA September 2015 – October 2017

• Installed, operated, and maintained computer systems and local area networks
• Troubleshot computer systems and hardware to support military operations, which included debugging and testing new software
• Provided technical support to military personnel for a wide range of IT-related issues
• System Administration
• Information Technology
• LAN and WAN
• Network Administration
• Cyber Security

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science University of Georgia , Athens, GA September 2011 – June 2015

Jasmine Brown (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio 123 Aberdeen Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 12345

Senior Logistics Officer, United States Army, Fort Bragg, NC September 2016 – Present

• Coordinate logistics for multi-million-dollar supply chains supporting domestic and international operations for the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard
• Oversee the procurement, transport, and distribution of supplies to troops for military operations, including food, medical supplies, ammunition, and fuel
• Lead a team of 10+ army personnel to manage inventory and logistics, assign responsibilities, evaluate performance, and ensure adherence to army standards

Logistics Officer, United States Army, Fort Bragg, NC September 2013 – September 2016

• Created inventory reports, analyzed supply chain operations, and provided support to commanding officers to deliver supplies for domestic military operations
• Identified opportunities to improve delivery times and reduce fuel consumption by optimizing route planning and resource management processes
• Supply Chain Management
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Procurement
• Inventory Management
• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), 2017
• APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), 2015

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Supply Chain Management University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC September 2011 – June 2015

Frequently Asked Questions: Military-to-Civilian Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for military resumes -.

It’s easy to find yourself running short on action verbs as you build your military resume. In many instances, you can use only a limited number of verbs to convey your professional achievements accurately. Differentiating your usage of action verbs can enhance the reading experience of your document. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of verbs you can use to keep your content fresh and compelling:

How do you align your military resume with a job description? -

Although many challenges are associated with transitioning from a military career to civilian employment, your experience as a veteran also has several unique advantages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average employment rate of all veterans was 2.8 in 2022, which was lower than the 3.6 rate for non-veterans.

To effectively market your military experience for civilian jobs, you’ll need to align your resume with the job description carefully. As you craft your bullet points, you want to focus on reframing your military achievements to show why you’re uniquely qualified. This means limiting your usage of complex military terminology and instead highlighting aspects of your army experience that are explicitly relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

What is the best military resume format? -

You’ll often want to use a reverse chronological format for military resumes. This format will feature your most relevant experience at the top of your resume. However, if you feel that your military achievements are readily translatable to the industry you’re pursuing, you may consider placing your education, skills, and certifications towards the top. For instance, if you completed a computer science degree but weren’t employed as an IT officer, it may be beneficial to place relevant technical skills and certifications higher up on the document.

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Providing a cover letter can bolster the strength of your application during the military-to-civilian transition. The cover letter offers another opportunity to showcase how your military experience is relevant to your target industry. When building your cover letter, you should mention something about the organization’s reputation or work culture in the middle paragraphs of the document. This strategy will show hiring managers that you’ve researched before applying, which reflects positively on you as a candidate. For more insights, read our military-to-civilian cover letter guide .

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Military resume examples & templates

Joining the military is a life-changing experience. Your motivation may be patriotism, career opportunity or education, but regardless of your reasons, you are choosing to serve your country. Members of the military may have civilian training in a profession or be enlisting directly out of high school. In either case, your resume must demonstrate a devotion to your country, as well as exceptional personal traits. This military resume example and guide will help you do just that.

While a military career may be in almost any field imaginable, Resume.io’s resources, including  resume guides and resume examples for 350+ professions,and an easy-to-use resume builder, can provide you with the information and tools you need to succeed. We will help you confidently express yourself and land a position in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. 

This resume guide, along with the corresponding military resume example will cover the following topics:

• What are the opportunities for military personnel?

How to write a military resume

• The best format for a military resume sample
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

What do military personnel do?

The question “What do military personnel do,” can’t be answered in a few sentences because military personnel do almost any job you can imagine.

Across all branches of the military, more than 152,000 members are combat specialists, but that is not the largest category of professions. The top spot goes to engineering, science and technical personnel with more than 177,000 workers and vehicle and machinery mechanics at almost 134,000 positions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Special Corps   

Here are just some specialized roles you may choose in different military branches.

• Cyber technology
• Chaplain Corp
• Law (Judge Advocate General--JAG--Corp)
• Health care
• Special forces
• Aviation rescue swimmer
• Information systems technician
• Nuclear operations
• Cryptography
• Arts and humanities
• Natural science
• Mental health
• Future technologies
• Personnel and administration
• Intelligence

Coast Guard

• Aviation maintenance technician
• Marine science technician
• Public affairs specialist
• Aviation survival technician

In need for more inspiration? View our other resume examples from the same protective and security industry here below:

• Volunteer Firefighter resume sample
• Security and protective services resume sample
• Security Officer resume sample
• Police Officer resume sample
• Security Guard resume sample
• Firefighter resume sample

Military job market and outlook

The labor bureau does not make projections on military force numbers because these numbers depend on the world stage as well as governmental and political factors.

The Army also employs more than 330,000 people in its Civilian Corp . These workers provide non-combat support to soldiers and lists budget and finance, contracting and cyberspace as areas of high need. It also categorizes civil and mechanical engineering, auditing, human resources, mathematics, nursing, natural resource management, biological sciences, physical science, chemistry and information technology management as “urgent hiring” needs.

Writing your military resume should follow the same basic format as all other resumes. It should consist of the following sections:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Since the military is a strictly ordered and regimented career choice, your resume should reflect that with a professional and neutral tone. This is not the place to get flowery with your language. Instead, choose your words carefully and be concise.To help you create the correct tone, take a look at recruitment literature and websites and try to echo the writing style.

Although you will not be applying to many different organizations, you should still make sure you tailor your resume for the specific military job you seek.

Choosing the best resume format for military personnel

The best resume format for military personnel depends a bit on where you are in your career. Most job hunters will be best served by the reverse chronological order resume format and we recommend using that unless you have a compelling reason not to.  

If you are applying for a detailed, technical or scientific role, you may consider using the functional resume format. This format allows you to emphasize important niche or complex skills and competencies rather than your work history. This type of resume will have a larger than usual skills section with detailed explanations and a very diminished employment history. The combination resume format takes the best from both worlds and can be implemented in various ways (niche IT specialists sometimes use this type of document).

Candidates who are new to the workforce can check out the resume formats we suggest as chronological alternatives or hybrids. Those who already have careers and are looking to join a specialized military corp or the civilian corp may also get value from these ideas.

Resume summary example: enlist your writing ability

Your military resume summary is the spot to answer the very important question: Why do you want to join the military and what do you hope to get out of it? Equally as important is your answer to the question: What will you bring to the military?

While maintaining your professional tone, you need to show your desire to serve your country to recruiters and answer those questions. You should also include your proudest achievement to illustrate that you know how to work hard to reach a goal.  All of this information must be imparted in 3-5 lines of text.

Read the military resume example text below to get your start.

Dedicated Military member with a decorated career safely planning and executing hundreds of military operations. Successfully piloted many combat missions, bringing supplies to troops and those in need. Experienced in training other military personnel and future officers. Driven and enthusiastic, with the ability to manage projects and people. Dedicated to serving others for the well-being of the greater good.

Employment history resume sample: your march of progress

Reverse chronological order is a great way to demonstrate your career progress within the  employment history section of your military resume and it is the most commonly used resume sample format. Your employment history gives recruiters a detailed look at what you have accomplished and how.

A simple list of responsibilities is not as powerful as a recounting of how you have solved problems or created benefit for your employers. Try to illustrate a progression of knowledge and responsibilities from your first job on. If you are changing careers (from a police officer position, for example), include the skills and accomplishments that best demonstrate your value to the military. 

If you are choosing to enlist right out of high school, this section will be short, but remember that part-time or volunteering you worked at during school tells recruiters that you can handle responsibility and care about your community.

Use the CAR method to create your bullet points by spelling out a challenge , explaining the action you took to solve it, and using data or details to tell the results you achieved.

Use our customizable military resume example text to get you started.

Military Police Officer, First Lieutenant at United States Army October 2016 - Present

• Serve in coherence with military practices and exhibited honor, and dedication.
• Perform night patrols in assigned areas.
• Handle combat missions with expertise and precision.
• Serve as a committed and reliable member of a team.
• Resolve crisis situations and aim to uphold safety, law, and order.

Military Police Officer, Second Lieutenant at United States Army September 2015 - September 2016

• Effectively trained infantry soldiers for future combat and ensured they remained in a high state of readiness.
• Routinely enforced an understanding of the mission-essential task list.
• Properly delegated roles and lead infantry platoons.

CV skills example: boost your rank

The skills section of your military CV may seem redundant, but it is actually very important, so you must curate it carefully. It is here that you choose the top skills that recruiters seek and the ones that you believe will best represent what you bring to the table. 

Military recruiters see hundreds of resume examples so yours needs to stand out with high-level and targeted skills, especially if you have a career goal you are hoping to achieve.

Military personnel must exhibit more than technical job skills. Dependability, understanding and following orders, precision and calm under pressure are all necessary to be successful in the armed forces. Don’t neglect these attributes, known as soft skills, in favor of the hard skills you have learned along the way in related positions such as security guard. Instead, find a good mix.

Brainstorm every skill or attribute that you have. Then choose your top 5-7 based on what your branch of the military and the position you are targeting ask for.

Use the military resume sample text below to guide you.

• Excellent Communication
• Commitment to Justice
• Physical Endurance

Military resume education example

The education section is the most rigid in your military resume. Simply list all your degrees and certifications here. If you have earned any honors or distinctions, note them here as well. 

It is not necessary to list your high school diploma if you have a master’s degree or higher.

Value-add sections

If you are a scientist or other professional who has published papers in your field, you should include a Publications section.

Other sections to consider are Affiliations and Memberships or Accolades.

Remember to keep your military resume to no more than two pages.

Here is resume example formatting for your education section.

United States Army Military Police School June 2014 - May 2015

Bachelor of Psychology, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY September 2010 - May 2014

High School Diploma, Hunter High School, New York September 2006 - May 2010

Resume layout and design: crisp as a military march

Do my layout and design really matter when I have a great career story? Yes, they do. Why? You’re reading this guide because you want the best resume possible. That means considering how the document looks as well as the information you impart. Think about military parades. Nothing is out of place and personnel march in lockstep. Your resume design needs to give the same feeling.

Here are some pointers for making that happen:

• Use one-inch margins all around
• Keep the font simple and legible
• Spice it up just a bit with a standout contact section; you definitely want recruiters to be able to get ahold of you easily
• Submit without using an online resume builder that includes spellcheck or have a friend proofread
• Forget that our road-tested resume templates have great designs to eliminate any formatting worries.

Key takeaways for a military resume

• The military offers a great range of career options for everyone from recent high school graduates to those who have established careers (as security officers for example.)
• Make sure you let recruiters know why you want to enlist and what you will bring to the force.
• Keep in mind the attributes all military personnel need when crafting your skills section.
• Take advantage of resume.io’s online tools and layouts to make your job search easier!

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• Military Resume Samples, Template & Writing Guide for 2024
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The US military provides life and work experience training far superior to most casual jobs. However, returning to civilian life after a successful military career can be daunting and overwhelming for many Veterans. Whether you've served in the Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Army, or Coast Guard, retaining a high-paying civilian job will require a well-written and engaging Military resume.

Let's begin by breaking down a common myth – writing a resume with military experience is NO different than any other resume. You're not required to comply with any DOD writing standards, do not have to disclose your specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), or only need to include your previous military work history.

In fact, the main concern for former US service members typically breaks down to learning how to list military service on a resume. This is where reviewing some previous military resume examples or using military resume templates will significantly help US service members enter the civilian workforce. This is what we intend on accomplishing in the information below.

This article will provide the ultimate guide to drafting a military skills resume. We'll provide you with a few military resume examples (one from an enlisted Navy veteran) and one from an Army officer. We will explain how to include military service on resume example documents, how to write a military resume in general and some creative ways of adding military service resume keywords.

Let's get started on creating your civilian resume post military job career.

Military Resume Example

As you begin transferring to civilian life, it's a great idea to start focusing on industries that will permit you to showcase the skills and abilities you learned during your enlistment. This should be the first item on your post-military career path.

After you've compiled a list of three or four possible employment segments, you can start to flesh out your first resume. Then you can use that base resume as a template to create industry-specific resumes if you choose. We'll explain this strategy in the content below.

The two military resume samples posted below are diverse examples of how to format your resume for specific jobs. The first example is a US Navy Petty Officer 2nd class – a fire controlman (FC) specializing in the CWIS fire control system. The second is one of our US Army resume examples from an officer who worked with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Let's review both and highlight how our team of professional resume writers tackled their resume writing project.

Navy Fire Controlman Resume Sample

The first resume is for PO2 Jackson Stewart, who recently completed his enlistment contract in the United States Navy. As an FC, he was trained to maintain, repair, and operate advanced weapons systems, such as the Mark-15 Close-In Weapons System or CIWS (commonly known as the R2-D2). Like all other resumes, his begins with an easy-to-review personal contact information section that includes his legal name, phone number, email, and mailing address.

As you continue with the resume, you'll notice his resume summary, which is directly under his contact information. This section is a general overview of his qualifications and desire to join a specific job – or explore opportunities in an industry. In this case, the primary skill he learned during his Naval career was as an electrician.

In fact, you'll notice in the first sentence that he has earned his certified electrician apprentice in The State of California and is hoping to join the team at Sparky's Electrical Service in the same capacity. He has selected the electrical trade, as his MOS taught him the basics and advanced electrical diagnostics and repairs. This gives him the core skills and training to become a certified tradesman electrician.

Further in Jackson's resume, you'll notice that he has created a Summary of Qualifications section. Here he has listed some essential qualifications that will make him a great member of Sparky's team. Some of these include his security clearance (mainly added to showcase his trust and reliability), his ability to respond to emergency situations such as being first aid and CPR certified, electrical training, and his current certification in the State of California.

You will notice his work history section as you continue with the resume. Here he has notated some of the specific job duties and critical areas of responsibility (without disclosing OPSEC details). He continues to list his education, including graduating from C-School (which provided him the practical training to earn his apprenticeship.

Finally, he has provided a few references, including his commanding officer during his last deployment on the USS Roosevelt. The resume concludes with several skills related to the electrical industry.

US Army Officer Resume Sample

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Our second resume sample is for Major Peter Jacobs, who recently retired from the US Army after 15 years of service to his country. His specialty is mechanical engineering, having graduated with a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering before enlisting in the US Army. His resume follows a similar pattern and format as our Naval candidate above. However, there are a few subtle differences to notice.

Major Jacobs has expertise in mechanical engineering and served as an officer for 15 years, so he has chosen to seek an operational management position for a company that manufactures automotive aftermarket components in San Diego.

Like PO2 Stewart, he has written a customized resume summary for the company he hoped to join. However, he showcases some of his key accomplishments as a leader vs. general skills and experience. This continues into his Summary of Qualifications and Work Experience sections.

One takeaway from these two sample military resumes is that you should always create a resume for specific employment opportunities. While we strongly recommend writing a resume summary for each job application, it's more important to write resumes targeted to specific industries.

Let's briefly provide a bit of a curveball with Major Jacob's resume. With his leadership experience, he could have written his resume for different management positions in multiple industries where his engineering education and training would be applicable.

The same statement applies to PO2 Stewart's resume. He also was trained in mechanical repairs, so he could have focused his resume on jobs requiring specific skills and traits – such as repairing mechanical equipment.

The critical point we're trying to articulate here is that you'll find better success in gaining an interview when you write resumes for specific industries vs. a general overview of your experience. Plus, you can write a detailed resume that fits nicely on one page.

How to Write a Military Resume in 2024: Full Guide to Successful Military Service Resumes

When transitioning from military service to civilian employment, you must showcase the skills, abilities, and qualities you possess in every resume you draft. One significant advantage of military personnel over standard civilians is the work/life skills you learn during enlistment.

This begins in basic training, where you learn discipline, how to follow procedures, organization, the importance of teamwork, and paying attention to details. You'll also develop a solid work ethic, learn how to problem solve, and maintain a clean and safe work environment.

These are considered hard and soft skills – or the abilities you possess that make you a great worker. They are also keywords or action verbs searched by automated applicant tracking systems often used with hiring agencies or online job search engines.

However, inserting the right buzz terms alone will not dazzle a hiring manager or job recruiter. Setting the right tone from the outset, building a case of your qualifications, and supporting your application with evidence throughout the resume is a great way to stand ahead of the competition.

Every military resume should be concise, well-organized, and easy to follow. Although specific industries and employment segments might request different information to be included on your resume, most should include the following sections.

• Personal Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Summary of Qualifications
• Work History
• Certifications (if applicable)

One way to organize this project is to create a master resume – or a working document that permits you to write down every detail in all sections, fine-tune the content, and make appropriate edits. Plus, you can optimize the content for grammatical errors by using an online editing program called Grammarly.

So – if you're ready to learn how to create each section of your military or National Guard resume, let's get started with the specifics.

Section #1 – List Your Contact Information

It's critical to demonstrate outstanding attention to detail for any former military member. This will start when you document your up-to-date contact information at the beginning of your resume. You should include your complete legal name, email address, mailing address, and mobile phone for every post-military resume. There is no need to publish your social media pages like Facebook or LinkedIn on your contact information.

Ensure your phone is linked to your email so you can respond promptly when a recruiter or potential employer directly contacts you. Having your mobile number is crucial because many recruiters send SMS text messages to candidates to keep them up to date on the status of their applications.

*Specific Military Resume Tip: Here is something specifically applicable for future job candidates preparing to end their military service as they draft resumes. Hopefully, you've established where to move after your service contract ends. Also, make sure to update your cover letter as well.

If this information is up in the air (mainly with your physical address) - select a family member or close friend who will permit you to use their address - until you are settled. Once you have a permanent address, make sure to change your resume to update that information.

How to Format this Section

When you employ a resume template, the resume format is handled for you. Suppose you want to create a military resume by hand. In that case, we recommend including all contact information at the top of your document. This will help HR professionals contact you if your resume attracts their attention.

Section #2 – Professional Summary 

The professional summary or resume overview is the section that allows you to pitch your expertise and qualifications to a future employer. This four- to five-sentence paragraph introduces you to the hiring managers or recruiting agency.

You'll want to include the relevant skills and attributes that candidates in the employment industry or career you seek possess. This is where specific examples of different industries will provide us with practical samples of how to format this section.

Electrician Resume Summary 

Let's carefully examine PO2 Stewart's professional summary. He introduces his Naval experience, current electrician apprentice certification, and desire to join a specific company. This type of personal attention to detail is a great way to separate yourself from other potential candidates.

As you continue with his summary, you'll notice that he mentions his core comprehension of circuitry, electrical panels, and electrical testing and diagnostics equipment. He further introduces his interpersonal skills - or those that make him a trustworthy employee, team member and dedicated to safety. A lot of these requirements will be posted on a job description. So, if you’re going to write a customized resume, read the job posting carefully.

Operations Manager Resume Summary

Maj. Jacobs resume summary follows a similar structure. Open with a personalized desire to join the team and support the candidacy by explaining your qualifications. However, the main difference between this sample resume summary and PO2 Stewart's is Maj. Jacobs showcases key leadership accomplishments.

When looking for a leadership or management position fresh out of the military, you need to articulate that you have the experience and interpersonal leadership skills that will permit you to hit the ground running. This has been accomplished by both candidates.

Always keep your professional summary short, sweet, and to the point. It should be simple to read paragraph, about 150 to 200 words, with a professional – yet conversational tone. Consider the professional summary as your elevator pitch. Read it aloud before you paste it into a resume template.

Section #3 – Summary of Qualifications

Your ability to articulate why you're qualified for this position on the resume can help your resume stand out ahead of others. The summary of qualifications section is a bullet-point pile of evidence that helps start building your case as the best candidate for any job you seek.

You can see in Maj. Jacob's sample resume showed that he has 15 years of leadership experience, specifically with the US Army Corps of Engineers in mechanical engineering. His summary of qualifications showcases some of his specific qualifications as a leader in this industry.

This is the key to fleshing out this section of your resume. Pick the top 5 to 6 specific qualifications you possess that will put you ahead of other candidates.

You'll see that the best military resume samples include a bullet-point-driven section near the top that emphasizes their skills - or a summary of qualifications. This is a well-structured area with the essentials required. Simply list your experience in bullet points here. It makes it simple to read and allows you to take advantage of some of the above mentioned terms.

One bonus tip is to review the job posting to find out what qualifications they are seeking in a candidate. This will guide you on which qualifications you should consider listing on your resume.

Section #4 – Employment History

It's entirely possible that you don't have much relevant job experience in the field you want to pursue after your military career. However, this isn't always the case. That said, the employment history portion of your resume must demonstrate your abilities and talents that will be displayed at a company that chooses to hire you.

If you have previous experience, make sure to list your job responsibilities that are relevant to the application. For example, they must document those achievements if they are searching for a manager with experience in the automotive sector, working with engineers, and creating solutions that improve efficiency.

Using previous job experience where you've displayed leadership qualities is highly recommended. This is what Maj. Jacobs has done this in the sample section above. He focuses on introducing some of the key leadership tasks that a US Army officer is tasked to complete with every post of command. However, since he is applying to an automotive manufacturing company, he also showcases some of his expertise in mechanical engineering.

The most crucial aspect of your employment history is what you have recently or presently done. Each related entry should be listed in reverse chronological sequence. Always include your employer's name, the dates you worked for them, and significant areas of responsibility or accomplishments to help support your case for being a fantastic employee.

Section #5 – Education

Most job candidates with military experience apply for civilian positions after completing their contracts. It's also common for recently retired military to attend college to gain an education and take advantage of GI bill benefits. The education section permits candidates to list their highest completed education. However, if the position you're seeking is looking for candidates currently enrolled in college, it would be encouraged to list that education.

You'll notice that Maj. Jacobs has listed his mechanical engineering degree and his graduation from Officer Candidate School. This is to add to his leadership experience, as that is one of the biggest reasons for OCS in the first place.

The education section should be written in a chronological format - with your current or most-recent education listed first. You are not required to add any specialty courses, GPA, or other details – unless the job posting asks for this data.

Section #6 – References

References are individuals who can speak to your work ethic, expertise, and leadership abilities. For military members, they are typically former commanding officers, NCOs, or other peers that served with you.

With civilian job resumes, it's always best to select two professional references – or one professional reference and a personal reference. This is what PO2 Stewart has listed on his resume. You'll notice that his first reference is his former CO. The second reference is a personal reference, a business owner who is also a family friend and is involved in the commercial construction industry.

How to Format This Section

Best practices for references on Navy or Army military resumes are to include the individual name and their place of employment. You don't want to document their contact information on a resume for privacy reasons. Simply write "available on request" so the HR firm or hiring agency can contact them directly.

Section #7 - Skills

When it comes to a position that requires extensive education, including your talents on your CV is more of a formality than a must-have inclusion. However, since it's good practice to include it with your engineering resume, why not take advantage of automated applicant tracking system software?

When you review the sample resume posted above, you'll notice that Maj. Jacobs has listed six relevant skills in his job search. These include process management, AutoCad expertise, Problem Solving, Organization, OSHA Compliance, and Attention to Detail. He mainly focuses on his leadership skills or engineering-specific talents.

We recommend that you list your talents in a bullet point format. Using a resume builder or template is an excellent method to arrange and customize your skills section. The skills can be displayed in one of two locations: at the bottom of your CV, in one of the side columns, or towards the end of your resume.

Related Resume Templates

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. When you're in the process of writing your military experience resume, it's always a good idea to gather some practical tips by reviewing other resume samples. We've created multiple professionally written resumes that we invite you to review before starting your own resume.

Final Points on Crafting Effective Army Military Resumes

Any resume intends to provide a blueprint or road map that guides a hiring manager through your story. As a military member, your primary task is to build an argument with your resume – from start to finish – as to why you're the best candidate for this competitive job.

Always remember – a final resume should always be written and customized for the specific job you're applying to. For this reason, we recommend using a master resume to edit and personalize your content.

Here are some specific tips.

• Make sure the resume has a smooth flow – from start to finish. Each section should lead to the next.
• Always write your resume on a plain white background with black font.
• Edit the document SEVERAL TIMES – through Grammarly or another good online editing tool and through visual inspection.
• Ensure it's well-spaced, organized, and professional.
• Finally, read it aloud a few times before you're ready to paste the content into a military resume template.

By following these tips above, you can write a military resume that is clean, organized, and attention-grabbing. Make sure to take your time, sprinkle those action verbs throughout your resume (for software optimization), and feel free to have a few peers (specifically a commanding officer or NCO) review the content before you finish.

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