The Three Biggest Problems with Veteran Resumes

2015-09-26T09:05:50-04:00

When preparing your resume for a civilian position, set yourself up for greater success by avoiding these common pitfalls. Your resume is an employer’s first impression of you, make sure it isn’t your last.

When preparing your resume for a civilian position, set yourself up for greater success by avoiding these common pitfalls. 

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 26 at 2015 9:11 AM

2015-09-26T09:11:12-04:00

More great advice, thanks for sharing.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 9:21 AM

2015-09-26T09:21:06-04:00

Good insight, Thanks Lt

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Sep 26 at 2015 10:11 AM

2015-09-26T10:11:03-04:00

I find that veterans tend to think page 1 from their appraisals is their resume...its page 2. As an employer I want to know how you did the job and why you were a rock star at doing it. I want to see that I will be making a huge mistake if I pass you up. sounding like everyone else in your MOS won't do it.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Sep 26 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-09-26T10:29:48-04:00

That's awesome

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Sep 26 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-09-26T10:35:04-04:00

1st Sergeant for 10 years.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 26 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-09-26T11:08:35-04:00

Excellent advice. The only thing I would add is to keep in mind the goal of the resume. It's not to get the job, it's to get the interview. Don't try to tell the prospective employer everything about yourself. Pique their interest. Inspire them to want to learn more. Closing the "sale" is the function of the job interview...

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made Sep 28 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-09-28T10:24:44-04:00

HUGE advice! you have to tailor your resume to the job. I applied for my last job with, what I thought, was a solid resume. It sat ignored by the company for nearly a year. On a whim I had a friend who was a manager in my field edit my resume. All she did was rearrange the words already on the page. I uploaded it and *BOOM* had a phone call within a week! Kept that job for almost 9 years.

For those who don't know, LinkedIn is a great way to handle your resume. Take the time to configure your experience properly and then go to http://resume.linkedinlabs.com/, it will format your resume and offer you hundreds of options. It also puts your completed CV out there for the hiring managers that use LinkedIn to recruit. It worked for me.

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