24 U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE WWW.USVETERANSMAGAZINE.COM
CAREER & EMPLOYMENT
Y
our civilian resume summarizes your background and experience and it's likely to be the first information about you that an employer will see. With your military service, you already have impressive skills and knowledge. These tips will help you make a resume that will stand out.
Collect Your Assets
Get a copy of yourVerificationof MilitaryExperienceand Training(VMET)through theDepartmentofDefense. Your VMET will give an overview of the skills youve gained in the military. Makealistofyour technicalskills. Computer technicians, mechanics and engineers
How to Write a Winning Civilian Resume
have skills that can be easily converted to civilian jobs. Convert your military job training into civilian terms. For example, budgeting is a critical skill in civilian companies. Makealistofyour intangibleskills. This list should include leadership, discipline and a strong work ethic.
Select Your Resume Style
Your resume should highlight your unique qualifications. There are different ways to organize your resume. Pick a style that highlights your strengths. Chronologicalresume Your employment history is highlighted in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. Include your responsibilities and accomplishments under each particular job. Functionalresume Your skills are highlighted. Your work history and gaps are de-emphasized. Skills and accomplishments should be divided into specific areas of expertise. Combinationresume Your skills earned in various jobs are highlighted using a job history format. Your specific skills will form the main body of the resume, followed by a concise employment history.
Include These Essential Components:
Contactinformation : In the heading, include your name, address, phone number and email address. Objectiveorjobtarget : In one or two lines, say what kind of job youre looking or applying for and what makes you uniquely qualified. Summaryof qualifications: This is a bulleted section just below the objective in the visual center of the resume. Include five or six lines highlighting the skills that qualify you for the job. This will include your experience, certifications and related training. Title this section Highlights of Qualifications, Summary of Skills or Summary of Experience. Employmenthistory: This will vary depending on the type of resume. Educationandtraining : List colleges, schools or military training schools you attended. You can list the schools name and location, but not necessarily the dates. Specialskills: Include foreign languages, computer skills or any other relevant skills that will set you apart.
Make Your Resume Unique to You
Youve got the basics down. Now use your resume to showcase your unique abilities and accomplishments. Targetyourresume. Change and tailor your resume for the job youre targeting. Learn what this employer looks for and highlight those qualities. Translateeverythinginto
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