Is there a best resume format for experienced professionals, with military service, which has proven successful recently?

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 04:30:29 -0400

Military resumes are generally lacking in civilian life, because military resumes in the military or federal civil service are acronym-heavy and substance-lean. In the military, resumes are chronological, first to last; difficult to relate, i.e. what is the civilian equivalent of an International Political and Military Affairs Officer? In military schooling, what is the equivalent of Military Intelligence Captains Career Course or the Combined Arms Services Staff School in civilian terms? Awards and rewards differ too.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Jul 6 at 2018 4:39 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 04:39:33 -0400

A combined functional and chronological resume has been claimed to work successfully with companies.

Objective; Schooling; Experience; Functional Traits - Leading, Coaching, Mentoring, E - to - E, etc.; Personal Achievements; Personal Info.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 6 at 2018 11:30 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 23:30:19 -0400

The "best" format isn't what you or I think. It's what the hiring person thinks. That said, if you stick to the standard 2-3 formats that are most prevalent, the hiring guy knows what to expect. Given that, your content must make that person drool. So doing your up front intel is essential. Your target companies typically have all sorts of stuff on their web sites in addition to their job announcements that can help you target your response. Remember, the hiring dude/dudette is looking for a winner. Someone that can make the company better, more effective, more profitable. Someone who won't be a threat. What people tend to forget is people think about hitching their wagon to something long term. Companies want the same result unless their business model is Burn and Dump. Call centers are a good example. Your shopping list looks OK so long as it is interesting enough to get you a face to face. Just make sure you strip the MILspeak for understandable words.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2018 6:59 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 18:59:04 -0400

I had similar questions when I separated; however, I learned of a volunteer organization to assist transitioning veterans with both federal and civilian resumes, job coaching, interview techniques, etc. during my transition course. Of course, there’s many out there but I contacted "Hire Heros” who generated a civilian resume for me just 48 hours after sending them copies of my evals and awards. Best of Luck to you CPT!