What are some of the best resume formats used by transitioning Veterans that have a high success rate of getting interviews?

SGT Jamell Culbreath — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:27:32 -0400

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 13 at 2015 12:28 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:28:24 -0400

I geared mine towards (software and hardware) technical leadership. It allows me to be in a technical position and a leadership position. I got a job as an analyst through that.

Response by 1stLt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:46 PM

1stLt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:46:31 -0400

Not having one. And using your LinkedIn profile instead.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made May 13 at 2015 12:45 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:45:11 -0400

- Based upon my experience on the hiring side from the US Army Corps of Engineers, I have the following observations:
- The resume format is not as important of an issue as the information that is contained within the format.
- Most Veterans will smoke an interview. That is not the issue. The issue is getting through the computer and human screenings that occur before an interview invitation is made.
- The computer screen is basically a word search. The veteran needs to ensure the words being used to screen the resumes are in/on his/her resume. The issue here is using civilian words and not military words.
- The human screening is just a more sophisticated application of a computer search. A computer can search hundreds of resumes while a human will search 10s / 20s of resumes.
- The final thing to have is certifications or credentials. A credential such as PE or PMP is quickly becoming a requirement rather than just a recommendation. In other words a credential is a screening criteria.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 13 at 2015 1:32 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:32:11 -0400

Formats change like the wind. The content is what really counts:
Good opening description of your experience
Quantitative (where possible) bullet comments with strong action verbs
good translation of military to civilian experience via the bullet comments

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 13 at 2015 1:42 PM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:42:11 -0400

Keep it to 2 pages (less if you have less than 10 years work history), go back only 10 years of work history. Anything older than that is irrelevant/outdated.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 13 at 2015 4:57 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 13 May 2015 16:57:23 -0400

For transitioning to the civilian world, these strategies have worked for me:
1.) Have, at least, 10 veterans and civilians read your resume. Change ALL military terms & acronyms into civilian equivalent. e.g. FitRep = Performance Review, S-3 = Operations & Training
2.) Tailor your resume to the job to which you are applying. Find out the terminology of that potential employer. Use it. I have about 5 resumes on file.
3.) Depending on they type of work for which your searching, might be worth the time & money to link up with an employment-search firm. These can be a little pricey. But, they do work.
4.) Network... and spend $20 to get some personal "calling cards" printed. Keep it simple: name, phone number, and (maybe) your service crest. My card has just this... with the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor. It is a great way to identify yourself to other veterans --who are all gateways to the hiring authority. And pass these cards out to everyone with whom you speak. Let them know you're looking for a job.
5.) Plagiarize. Take a look at other veterans' resumes. They're posted all over the web. OK... Don't really plagiarize. But, no need to re-invent the wheel. Others have done what you have and found great ways to put it into writing.
6.) Most resumes are initially scanned for keywords. Oddly, employers will put many of these keywords into their job posting. Find creative and applicable ways to pepper your resume with the employers' jargon. If you get past the scanner, a real person is more apt to discover you.

At the end of the day, employers are looking for leadership. Although you should have a balance of experience & training, do highlight your ability to manage people, time, & assets.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 9:10 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 21:10:21 -0400

Since I was looking to work Govt, I used the one CPOL and the Air Force website provided. They look for those military buzz words and if you can get your hands on a position description (now online) for the job you are applying for you can't go wrong. Now the important part, don't lie, because they will catch you in a lie if you are chosen for an interview. I went from a GS04-12 in a matter of several years after coming out the military. I knew my stuff because i did my job.
for Civilian jobs find someone who can help convert that Govt resume to a civilian one. You must keep it under 2 pages and they like bullet statements. Had success with that too.