Top 5 tips for veterans building out their resume

One of the toughest things I have found when working with Transitioning Veterans is getting them to brag about themselves. I like to say that humility is my favorite trait in a human being… except when they are dealing with their resume.

Humility and putting others before self is a fantastic trait that is deeply embedded in those that have served. With this, I have found it challenging to get Veterans to brag about themselves. Your resume is a snapshot of what you are most proud of in your professional life.
Disclaimer: This is my opinion and not absolute gospel. Consider getting other opinions as you are preparing your civilian resume, but here is my 2 cents:

1. Get it out of your head that your resume needs to be just one page. It is unrealistic for most that have 5+ years of any kind of experience, to fit everything they have done on one page. Now, if it all fits on one page that is fine. However, if you find yourself trying to squeeze everything on one page… I promise that the second page will not keep you from landing the job.

2. Think of everything you have done in terms of years, dollars and overall numbers. How many people have you supervised? How many million dollar items have you managed or budgeted? How long have you done what you have done? Consider bringing these up to the top of your resume in a sort of “Career Highlights” section. Numbers jump off a resume to a recruiter.

3. If you have a degree, list that high on the resume. If one of the first knockout qualifications is having a degree, make sure that is early in the resume and visible.

4. Remember, you have about 5-10 seconds to get into the “call pile.” In addition, many companies will have Artificial Intelligence reading resumes, so be thinking key words and an even bigger focus on years, dollars and numbers. Make sure that AI is catching your resume! After you complete your resume, give it a ten second glance and try to objectively ask yourself if you think your experience would catch their attention.

5. Think of putting your resume together with these four questions:

a. What are you most proud of in your career
b. Tell the recruiter what you want them to know about you!
c. What makes you, you?
d. What separates you?

Lastly, do not worry so much about a professional statement at the top or a summary. Just get right into your career highlights, education or professional experience. We have small attention spans… just go right into the meat of your resume.