Excellent Resumes for Veterans

Landing an interview for your dream job can be quite challenging given that there are dozens of job seekers out there. To beat your competitors, you will need an effective resume for your specific situation. 

As a veteran, transitioning from a military to a private sector can feel like moving to a different country where people speak different languages and have different cultural beliefs. However, with a good resume that highlights your career background and skills, it becomes much easier to pursue your goals.

That’s said, here are a few tips that can help veterans come up with impeccable resumes for veterans to aid their job search. 

• Clearly define your objective

First things first, know what you’re looking for in a career. Don’t sell yourself short by being too general with your objectives. Your recruiter will want to know more about your skills and experiences on the said job. 

It is also the only way you will appear to be more suited for the job. Plus, when you have a clear picture of what you want to do, then it will be easier to come up with a uniquely customized C.V.

• Don’t forget we’re civilians

Don’t dwell too much on acronyms and military expressions unless you’re looking for another military job. You will be wise to translate your military vocabularies into civilian-speak if you’re looking for a job in the private sector. 

As such, it will be easier for hiring managers to understand your professional experience better. Most veterans fail to achieve their goals due to too much use of military terminologies in their C.V. 

• Talk about your military background

While it’s crucial not to use excessive military terminologies in your CV, don’t shy away from bragging about your military expertise. 

For instance, talk about your achievement throughout your service including dedication, leadership, completion of duties, flexibility, positive work ethic, teamwork among others. 

Such traits are admirable in most industries so be sure to display your military experience and explain how it can be advantageous to an employer. See this link to read more https://usveteransmagazine.com/2017/12/resume-tips-veterans/

• Look for jobs that match your skillset

When you’re looking for a job, consider those positions that match your skillset. Most employees will include the skills required under every open post as well as the required duties and responsibilities. As a veteran, you’re most likely to be well equipped with vast knowledge and skills in most fields. Take your time to understand what the employer wants and be selective in what you list in your resume.

• Talk about your educational background

Every employer would want to know about your educational history. This includes everything you have learned inside and outside the military service. 

Did you attend any vocational training, go to a university or a technical school? Be sure to include dates and years studied, the names of the facilities, the major, and any other non-military credentials you may have received. 

You stand a chance of getting shortlisted if you have more than one academic credential.

• Remember the basics

Don’t forget to include your contact and physical address in your CV. In case you are shortlisted, the employer will use that contact to reach out. 

If you’re using a relative’s contact make sure they are aware of your job application so they can immediately notify you of any calls from a potential recruiter. Imagine missing your dream job just because you missed providing a working contact. 

Also, go through your resume and remove any unnecessary details to avoid embarrassing yourself during the interview.

• Keep it short

The trick to a good resume is keeping it short and detailed. Limit your CV to 600 words or less. Keep the paragraphs short as well. You don’t want to bore your potential employer with too much unnecessary information. Stick to skills and experience.

• Double-check your resume’s mechanics

Check your CV once more and confirm nothing is missing before sending it. In case you had sought help from a professional resume writer, read it through together and ask questions where you don’t understand. Also, check for any spelling and grammatical errors. This way, you will have more confidence to face the interviewer in case you’re shortlisted. Click here to read more insights.

Conclusion 

When writing any kind of resume, the first thing you consider is the format. The goal here is to sound as professional as possible. Let your recruiter know your previous position and avoid ambiguity. Also, focus more on your skills, not just the assigned duties. Keep it short and interesting. No one wants to read a 20-page resume. Chances of getting shortlisted are higher if your CV is shorter and detailed. Also, don’t forget to plan ahead. For instance, you can choose to work as a volunteer for an organization that is related to your next career goal. This way, it will be much easier to get the job.