What is the best advice for writing resumes?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 10:49:22 -0400

I'm working on my resume, is there any helpful advice from those of you who already have one? Im trying to equate my experiences in a way that civilian employers would understand and would love to hear any tips or insider secrets that may help me get an edge on the competition.

Thanks in advance.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Apr 28 at 2014 10:57 AM

SFC Rich Carey — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 10:57:16 -0400

There are a great many resources available. I have found each business have their own preferences.

The content is what matters and you really can't use one resumes as a one size fits all.

Also the jargon is the biggest barrier. Converting your military job to cilivan terms.

Try resources like O'Net and Home Depot has the skills translator. http://www.homedepotmilitary.com/skillstranslator.html

www.homedepotmilitary.com

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2014 2:06 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 14:06:37 -0400

One suggestion would be to find a mentor that is either a civilian in the line of work that you are looking to get into, or a reservist in the same that will be able to help you communicate your experience better. Eliminating the mil jargon is key. I've seen a lot of military take it for granted that a civilian knows what they are talking about when communicating their experience - and oftentimes the civilian just pretends they understand for fear of embarrassing themselves.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Nov 10 at 2014 9:23 AM

MAJ Dallas D. — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 09:23:43 -0500

Here is a great article/video:

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-recruiters-read-resumes-for-jobs-2014-10

Here's Exactly What A Hiring Manager Scans For When Reviewing Resumes

VIDEO: Get a job.

Response by SFC Josh Jackson made Jan 2 at 2015 6:18 PM

SFC Josh Jackson — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:18:00 -0500

Bump. This thread has great potential. There a lot of veterans out there that have battled with the job market, and won. I'd like to get some sort of cross-critique set up for our resumes. Anyone else interested?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 11:25 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:25:13 -0400

Here is a RP Blog I put up on my experience in going through hundreds of resumes to select for positions advertised on USAjobs and a lot of the responses added great information:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/lessons-learned-from-building-and-reviewing-resumes

ALSO

Choosing the right format for the job you are applying to seems to be a key element in success. I found a few webpages with tips that may be useful as a starting point with some good tips.. other pages linked to these had articles on resume writing and translating military skills..
Types of Resumes:
http://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources-tools/resumes/types-of-resumes.html
http://www.americasjobexchange.com/career-advice/types-of-resume-formats
http://www.simplyhired.com/blog/jobsearch/resumes/3-main-types-resumes/
http://www.vault.com/resumes/article/writing-the-resume/types-of-resumes
Translating Military Service on Resumes:
Kinda Cool interactive one --- http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/
Language conversion at bottom of article --- http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/resume-writing/translating-military-skills-into-resume.html
Blog with linked resources --- http://www.realwarriors.net/veterans/treatment/civilianresume.php