Enhancing Your Resume- Expert Tips on Incorporating Military Experience

How to Add Military Experience on a Resume

Adding military experience to a resume can be a game-changer for many job seekers. The skills and qualities acquired during military service are highly valued in the civilian workforce. However, it’s important to present this experience effectively to potential employers. In this article, we will guide you on how to add military experience on a resume, ensuring that your military background stands out and contributes to your job application.

1. Understand the Transferable Skills

The first step in adding military experience to your resume is to identify the transferable skills you’ve acquired during your service. These skills can be anything from leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, to technical expertise. By highlighting these skills, you can demonstrate how your military experience is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

2. Use Clear and Concise Language

Military jargon can be confusing for civilian employers. To make your resume more accessible, use clear and concise language to describe your experiences. Avoid using acronyms and abbreviations unless they are widely recognized in the civilian sector.

3. Organize Your Experience

There are several ways to organize your military experience on a resume. One common approach is to create a separate section dedicated to military experience. Here are a few suggestions:

– Military Experience Section: List your military experience at the top of your resume, followed by a brief description of your rank, branch of service, and years of service. Then, detail your key achievements and responsibilities in bullet points.
– Skills and Accomplishments Section: Create a separate section to highlight your military experience alongside other skills and accomplishments. This approach allows you to focus on the transferable skills and achievements that are most relevant to the job.
– Chronological Order: List your military experience in chronological order, starting with the most recent position. This method is useful if you have a long and distinguished military career that you want to showcase.

4. Quantify Your Achievements

Employers are more likely to be impressed by concrete achievements rather than vague descriptions. Whenever possible, use numbers and percentages to quantify your accomplishments. For example, “Increased unit efficiency by 15% through the implementation of a new training program” or “Led a team of 50 soldiers in successful completion of a 12-month deployment.”

5. Highlight Leadership and Teamwork

Leadership and teamwork are highly sought-after qualities in the civilian workforce. Highlight any leadership roles you’ve held during your military service, such as commanding a squad, leading a project, or mentoring subordinates. Also, emphasize your ability to work effectively in a team environment.

6. Include Certifications and Training

Military service often involves extensive training and certifications. Make sure to include these in your resume, as they can be a valuable asset to potential employers. List any relevant certifications, such as computer skills, technical training, or first aid qualifications.

7. Proofread and Tailor Your Resume

Finally, always proofread your resume to ensure there are no errors. Additionally, tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for by emphasizing the most relevant military experience and skills. This will help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job.

By following these tips, you can effectively add military experience to your resume and showcase the valuable skills and qualities you’ve acquired during your service. Good luck with your job search!