Transitioning to a Civilian Career

Thank you for your service and all the time you spent hurrying up just to wait. Let me give you a quick and easy formula to include your military experience on your civilian resume.

Every MOS, rate, and seemingly menial task in the military has given you a unique set of skills that translates into any civilian career you are aiming for. Prior service veterans develop the ability to perform well under pressure and work as a team to accomplish impressive projects.

The first thing you should do is use the military’s own descriptions to begin the process of explaining to employers what it is that you were trained to do. Army jobs can be found here for both enlisted and officers. A comprehensive list of Navy ratings is beautifully written here. Coast Guard: here. Last but not least, the Air Force. Summarize this role in one bullet on your resume.

From there, you can expand upon specific technology, software, equipment, or certifications the military awards you for your occupation. As a medic, you earn your NREMT-B and BLS certifications. List any technical skills in a bullet, and add your certifications in a separate section on your resume.

Use at least one bullet to emphasize your leadership or team building experience. Depending on your rank, chances are you have experience leading teams ranging from tens to hundreds to maybe even thousands of people. Quantify everything you can!

The most important thing to translate is accomplishments. Did you receive any awards or recognition for performance? This can be formal or informal. Find a way to phrase this on your resume, and if you need help, you know who to ask!