{"id":42650,"date":"2020-01-29T10:00:12","date_gmt":"2020-01-29T10:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/01\/29\/writing-your-first-resume-as-a-civilian-heres-our-comprehensive-guide-to-achieving-success\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:31:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:31:11","slug":"writing-your-first-resume-as-a-civilian-heres-our-comprehensive-guide-to-achieving-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/education-transition\/2020\/01\/29\/writing-your-first-resume-as-a-civilian-heres-our-comprehensive-guide-to-achieving-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Writing your first resume as a civilian? Here\u2019s our comprehensive guide to achieving success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve finally decided to get out of the military? Congrats! But there\u2019s a lot of work to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Step one of applying for civilian jobs will be writing a r\u00e9sum\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And it\u2019s going to be harder than you might think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no shortage of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zippia.com\/advice\/veteran-resource-guide\/\">resources<\/a> for military veterans <a href=\"https:\/\/rebootcamp.militarytimes.com\/transition-tips\/transition\/2018\/06\/21\/heres-how-you-can-get-the-most-out-of-tap\/\">transitioning<\/a> to civilian life. There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careeronestop.org\/JobSearch\/Resumes\/ResumeGuide\/introduction.aspx\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 guides<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/vetsinworkplace\/veteranresources.asp\">employment toolkits<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/veteranresources.taonline.com\/transitioning-military-bookstore\/\">published books<\/a> \u2014 even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/vets\/veterans\/veterans-employment-services\">entire government agencies<\/a> \u2014 dedicated to this phase of your life. Honestly, it\u2019s a bit overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But sticking to a few basic rules for writing your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 writing will make it far easier, and vastly boost your likelihood of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way applicants are writing resumes today has changed a lot during the past several years. Young people today are including all types of eye-catching features \u2014 QR codes, bright colors and even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/resumes-are-starting-to-look-like-instagramand-sometimes-even-tinder-11565707364\">emojis<\/a> \u2014 to land interviews. So we\u2019ve compiled for you some essential tips to skip the dramatics, avoid the pitfalls and get your job application to the top of the pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Find a \u201ctransition mentor\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transitioning from the military to civilian life is a long process, and there\u2019s sure to be bumps in the road ahead. As we noted in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/veterans-transition-survival-guide-feature\/#job\">comprehensive transition guide<\/a>, you won\u2019t go wrong finding a solid \u201ctransition mentor\u201d who\u2019s gone through this process before. It\u2019s useful to have someone to bounce ideas off, and it\u2019s even better if they can connect you with current opportunities and openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Compile your records<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s easy to lose track of all the training, experience, certifications and awards you have accrued throughout your military service \u2014 especially if you\u2019ve been in uniform for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barbara Adams, a military career specialist and president of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careerproplus.com\/resume-services\/\" target=\"_blank\">CareerPro Global<\/a>, says compiling your own records is a vital step in preparing your r\u00e9sum\u00e9. She recommends obtaining your performance evaluations going back ten years, and you can start by <a href=\"https:\/\/milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil\/milconnect\/public\/faq\/Training-VMET\">requesting a copy<\/a> of your Verification of Military Experience and Training, or VMET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Later, when drafting your r\u00e9sum\u00e9, you will have to decide what you want to include and how you want to include it. Having all the necessary materials beforehand saves a headache later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Build off your military experience<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is essential to apply to the right positions. Sure, you\u2019ve likely gained a lot of experience in the military, but you still have to be realistic about your job prospects. The first step is reviewing the basic job requirements and finding openings that are the right match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Searching for civilian positions that naturally complement your military experience is a great way to start. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careeronestop.org\/Veterans\/default.aspx\">U.S. Department of Labor<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/jobs.boeing.com\/Military-Skills-Translator\">Boeing<\/a> have online tools that match your military job title or occupational code to civilian job openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that companies want to hire veterans, and leveraging your military experience is a great way to get your foot in the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Drafting your r\u00e9sum\u00e9<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first hurdle you are going to face in perfecting your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 isn\u2019t a recruiter \u2014 it\u2019s a computer. Like nearly every industry, tech has revolutionized the job application process. Companies today send thousands of r\u00e9sum\u00e9s through advanced computer screenings to determine the right candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To beat the machine, start with the basics. Your name, address, contact info, educational background and security clearance (if necessary) should all be present and accessible. Without this basic information, your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 is deemed incomplete, and the computer will likely toss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Less jargon, more keywords<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s likely second nature by now, but it\u2019s time to ditch the military jargon. Find creative ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/rebootcamp.militarytimes.com\/ask-the-experts\/2018\/08\/21\/ask-the-experts-how-much-is-too-much-when-it-comes-to-civilianizing-your-resume\/\">rephrase your experiences<\/a> and skillsets to appeal to civilian ears. If you were a company commander, you\u2019re now experienced in managing 80+ people. If you worked in psychological operations, you\u2019re versed in messaging and communications. Almost every military job involves important responsibilities for people and equipment \u2014 make sure you don\u2019t bury those professional assets in acronyms that civilians cannot understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be prepared to revise and customize your resume for specific jobs. Incorporate keywords from the company\u2019s original job description into your r\u00e9sum\u00e9. That same computer screening process will scour your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 for these buzzwords, and if they aren\u2019t present, you might not make it to the next round. Experts across the board agree that including keywords is essential. Plus, it\u2019ll show your dedication to tailoring your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 to each position, not just handing in a cookie cutter copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Formatting is key<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might have to sell yourself in 7.4 seconds. That\u2019s all the time recruiters take to initially scan a r\u00e9sum\u00e9, <a href=\"https:\/\/finance.yahoo.com\/news\/recruiters-spend-average-7-4-170500625.html\">according to researchers<\/a>. Nailing the proper formatting is a must. Strategize \u2014 do you want to organize chronologically or skills-based or a combination? There are advantages to each. Prioritize \u2014 the most relevant skills and experiences should be in the top third of your r\u00e9sum\u00e9. And stylize \u2014 use <b>bold <\/b>and <i>italics <\/i>to draw the eye to areas of emphasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Andrea Franzen, a military recruiter with U.S. Bank, recommended two phrasing options for your skills and experiences: EAR (event-action-result) or STAR (situation-task-action-result).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These patterns utilize <a href=\"https:\/\/hls.harvard.edu\/dept\/opia\/job-search-toolkit\/action-verbs\/\" target=\"_blank\">action verbs<\/a> for concise and effective descriptions. If you\u2019re stuck, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebalancecareers.com\/top-resume-writing-tips-2063314\">templates<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careeronestop.org\/JobSearch\/Resumes\/ResumeGuide\/SampleResumeWalkThrough\/sample-resume-walk-through.aspx\">samples<\/a> available to kickstart the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Avoid Pitfalls<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s easy to get a bit overzealous when creating your first r\u00e9sum\u00e9, but there are some clear <a href=\"https:\/\/rebootcamp.militarytimes.com\/transition-tips\/employment\/2018\/02\/17\/video-how-not-to-screw-up-your-resume\/\">pitfalls to avoid<\/a>. It may be best to skip that high school lawn mowing or babysitting job. Unlike a more formal Curriculum Vitae that can be many pages long, your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 should be a single page, two at the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use a font like Times New Roman that will appear on any computer operating system and avoid including personally identifiable information, such as a headshot or religious affiliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oh, and <b>proofread! <\/b>Nothing will get your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 thrown out faster than simple spelling mistakes. Before you send out your resume, ask a friend or mentor to read it over and offer some insights or edits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Demonstrate value<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The military has taught you to be a team player but applying for jobs is about you. Emphasize the degree of your experience by including pertinent facts and figures. Don\u2019t embellish, but definitely don\u2019t sell yourself short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also important to demonstrate transferrable skills beyond technical abilities. Characteristics like leadership, discipline, strong work ethic and integrity are essential to success in the military and are highly coveted in the civilian workplace. These <a href=\"https:\/\/rebootcamp.militarytimes.com\/transition-tips\/employment\/2018\/09\/18\/7-transferrable-job-skills-i-learned-as-a-marine\/\">intangibles<\/a> will give you a leg up against the college kid who just spent four years drinking beer and watching football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Preparing for the next step<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations \u2014 you\u2019ve written your first civilian r\u00e9sum\u00e9. You\u2019ve finished the most fundamental step in entering the civilian workplace. Ask your transition mentor or a professional contact to solicit edits, and proofread once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As your prepare for the next steps, there is an abundance of resources available to help with <a href=\"https:\/\/veteransemployment.net\/veterans-services\/career-resources\/interview-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\">interviews<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/recruitmilitary.com\/employers\/resource\/339-advice-for-employers-attending-a-veterans-job-fair\" target=\"_blank\">job fairs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.careeronestop.org\/Veterans\/JobSearch\/NetworkEffectively\/network-effectively.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">networking<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Step One is complete. Good luck!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The way applicants are writing resumes today has changed a lot during the past several years. We\u2019ve compiled for you some essential tips to skip the dramatics, avoid the pitfalls and get your job application to the top of the pile.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":86238,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":7,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[101,7,23,93,25],"tags":[],"coauthors":[3238],"class_list":["post-42650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-news-roundup","category-education-transition","category-home","category-middle-column","category-newsletters"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"4PSCSKSESRCMHIA7BBJB3NMPVM","arc_canonical_url":"\/education-transition\/education\/2020\/01\/29\/writing-your-first-resume-as-a-civilian-heres-our-comprehensive-guide-to-achieving-success\/","remove_feature_photo":false,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented By:"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Writing your first resume as a civilian? Here\u2019s our comprehensive guide to achieving success - Marine Corps Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The way applicants are writing resumes today has changed a lot during the past several years. We\u2019ve compiled for you some essential tips to skip the dramatics, avoid the pitfalls and get your job application to the top of the pile.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/education-transition\/2020\/01\/29\/writing-your-first-resume-as-a-civilian-heres-our-comprehensive-guide-to-achieving-success\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Writing your first resume as a civilian? 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