As a veteran, your military experience has equipped you with valuable skills that are highly valued in the civilian job market. However, translating your military experience into civilian terms can be challenging, especially when it comes to writing a resume. In this blog, we'll provide tips and examples on how to write a strong resume as a veteran.

Translate Your Military Experience
Translating your military experience into civilian terms is critical in your resume. Use civilian terms and avoid using military jargon to ensure that the hiring manager understands your skills and experience. Highlight your leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills, which are highly valued in the civilian job market.

Example:

Instead of writing "Managed a squad of 10 soldiers," write "Led a team of 10 employees and supervised daily operations, ensuring successful mission completion."

Highlight Your Skills
Your military experience has equipped you with various skills that are transferable to civilian careers, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Highlight your skills by providing specific examples of how you have used these skills in the military.

Example:

Instead of writing "Performed reconnaissance missions," write "Conducted surveillance operations and provided detailed intelligence reports, utilizing advanced technology and communication skills."

Quantify Your Accomplishments
Quantifying your accomplishments provides hiring managers with a clear understanding of your impact and contributions. Use numbers, percentages, and statistics to quantify your accomplishments.

Example:

Instead of writing "Managed a budget," write "Managed a $500,000 budget and reduced costs by 20% through strategic planning and cost-saving measures."

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description
Tailoring your resume to the job description is essential in highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Read the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume.

Example:

If the job description requires "Project Management," write "Project Management" as a header and provide specific examples of how you have managed projects in the military.

Include Your Education and Certifications
Include your education and any relevant certifications on your resume. This information can help demonstrate your qualifications and show your dedication to your career.

Example:

Instead of writing "Attended Basic Training," write "Completed Basic Training and received a Certificate of Achievement for exceptional performance."

In conclusion, writing a strong resume as a veteran requires translation of military experience into civilian terms, highlighting relevant skills, quantifying accomplishments, tailoring to job descriptions, and including education and certifications. Remember, your military experience has equipped you with valuable skills that are highly valued in the civilian job market. With the right approach, you can craft a compelling resume that showcases your strengths and helps you land your dream job.