When I separated from military service, I was lucky enough to get several jobs before I decided that running my own business was what I really wanted to do. I believe that this was due to my ability to articulate my skill level and make relevant my experience. I was also lucky enough to have a professional network that kept their “ear to the ground” on my behalf. In fact, I know I got at least one job based entirely on a recommendation of a military officer that I served with. I was even able to get a job with an employer that wasn’t considered “veteran-friendly” based upon my ability to inspire curiosity in my resume.
One of the things that I remember the presenters drilling into my head during TAPs was that resumes should only be one to two pages long. I hope that this fact is still being reiterated during the program. The idea of a resume is to give the prospective employer a “taste” of what you have done in the past and to encourage enough curiosity to want to give you a call to come in for an interview. It should not be longer than two pages.
Now, we do a lot of things within the scope of our military duties, so emphasize those things that you did that have a bearing on the job you are applying for and de-emphasize (read: don’t even write them down) those things that are not part of the new job description. Try to use the same language as the position description. If the company uses automation to screen resumes, the more “keywords” you use, the more likely that your resume will be read by a real person and the less likely it is to be “round-filed.”
All of these tips are great for applying for a civilian position. However, if you are applying for a government position, the EXACT OPPOSITE applies. Your government KSAs (knowledge, skills and abilities) should be as detailed and as descriptive as you can make them. Please continue to use the key words provided by the job description but ensure that you list every class you attended, every school you attended and every bit of specialized training you’ve received. Ensure that you describe diligently, using action words, the different collateral duties you may have had as well as the job description of the job you performed. I suggest, also, that you use a chronological format that details every place you were stationed and exactly what you did at each station.
Follow up each interview, government or civilian with a hand-written “thank you” note. And, if it is feasible, stop by the work-place and say “hello” to the Human Resources Manager. Even if a company states that you may apply online only, there is still no substitute for “pressing flesh” and giving people the opportunity to “connect name to face.”
Let me know if this information is helpful to you by leaving a comment here on my blog. And, don’t hesitate to give me a call if you need some help. I look forward to hearing how your job search went!
Deanna Wharwood’s passion is to help veterans, service-disabled veterans and their dependents create the systems they need to start and grow businesses from their first dollar to six-figures. Unlike other coaches, consultants, mentors and trainers, she is a veteran who successfully transitioned from military life to entrepreneurship. Learn more about Deanna – The Veterans’ Coach and how she can help you!
