Military Resume Example & Writing Guide

Introduction

Writing a military resume can be a daunting task, especially if you are transitioning to civilian life. Your experience, skills, and accomplishments must be translated into a language that civilian employers understand. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips on how to write a military resume that best showcases your qualifications.

1. Translate Military Experience into Civilian Language

• When describing your military experience, use terminology that is common in the civilian sector. Avoid using military acronyms and jargon that may be unfamiliar to hiring managers.
• Focus on the skills you picked up during your service, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail. These are all highly sought-after qualities in the civilian workforce.
• Be sure to list your military rank, as this will give employers a frame of reference for your level of responsibility and authority.

2. Highlight Relevant Skills and Accomplishments

• When listing your skills and accomplishments, focus on those that are relevant to the job you are applying for. The more specific you can be, the better.
• List any awards, commendations, or medals you received during your service. These demonstrate your dedication, leadership, and other valuable qualities.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. For example, instead of simply saying you managed a team, provide details on the size of your team, the goals you accomplished, and any challenges you overcame.

3. Use a Clear and Professional Layout

• The layout of your military resume should be clear and easy to read. Use bullet points to break up long paragraphs and make your experience and accomplishments easier to scan.
• Choose a professional font and stick to a simple color scheme.
• Be sure to proofread your resume for spelling and grammar errors. Have someone else read over it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.

Conclusion

Writing a military resume requires extra time and effort, but it is well worth it if it helps you land your dream job. By translating your military experience into civilian language, highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments, and using a clear and professional layout, you can create a resume that stands out to potential employers.