Turning Military Experience into Civilian Experience on Your Resume

Keys to Transitioning:

     Research: Find your Military Occupations Specialty's job description. Use the summary of duties and responsibilities to aid you in describing work experiences. Training and qualification summaries are helpful in describing education as well.

     Translate: Military-specific words and acronyms need to be translated into civilian language. For example, "NCO" becomes "non-commissioned officer" and "remote tactical terminal" becomes "mobile computer." (See O*Net's Crosswalk Search).

     Summarize: Avoid being overly specific with details of deployments, training exercises, etc. Focus on the skills acquired, responsibilities held, and awards earned during your service.

     Proofread: Have at least two non-military individuals proofread your resume to make sure it makes sense to the civilian reader.

     Job Search: Numerous corporations love to hire veterans with relevant experience. Resume assistance for veterans and job placement agencies are readily available. Only accept assistance from agencies you know are either government-sponsored (like Army Credentialing) or non-for-profit (like Helmets for Hardhats). Never pay for job placement or resume assistance.



Translating Military Experience into Civilian Terms:
     O*Net Occupational Information Network
     About.com's US Military Job Description Page
     America Career Infonet's Military Occupation Translator

Preparation and Job Search Resources:
     GI Jobs
     USAJobs-Veteran's Employment Resource Center
     Department of Defense Military Transportal
     VetSuccess
     Army Credentialing Opportunities Online
     Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online
     Helmets to Hardhats
     Hire Vets First
     Key to Career Success