For those Veterans who are still in the workforce, do you list your military experience on a resume?

2024-05-08T16:22:47-04:00

I get ghosted by employers directly or by their recruiters; and I just don't know if in today's political climate, if it is wise to list one's military service on a resume. Anyone else finding it incredibly hard to obtain a job other than fast food?

I have a B.S. in Agriculture Science, a minor in Horticulture. I try to emphasis my Business courses taken, my experiences in sales and management positions; as well as my military service. I can get interviews and Im either handed off to a recruiter or I'm setup for a 2nd Interview. I just can never obtain the jobs I want; but if it's a low-paying job I'm usually offered the position. I'm just wondering if military service on a resume is looked at negatively these days. Didn't want to go on a tangent, but I'm just needed some insight from others.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2024 4:39 PM

2024-05-08T16:39:39-04:00

I do include my military experience on my resume, but only to ensure no holes of employment time show on my resume. I give basic job descriptions and years served. That's about it.

More often than not, it's not that your military experience on a resume is bad, it's that recruiters, interviewers and potential bosses who've never experienced the military and/or never had an employee who was military usually do not know how to "handle" someone with military experience. It can scare them because you have a particular mindset that they are afraid of.

Response by COL Randall C. made May 8 at 2024 5:15 PM

2024-05-08T17:15:40-04:00

An old truism regarding resumes and interviews - Resumes get you the interview but the interview gets you the job. If you're getting plenty of interviews, then your resume isn't your issue.

I would focus on developing your interview skills. There are MANY different sites that will go into detail about how you should prepare, what you should know, etc. so I won't go into detail aside from two bits of advice.

If you're going after a specific job, you'll develop a targeted resume that highlights the important things you can bring to bear for that job. Same too with an interview - you need to target you preparation for that job. By all means, develop your general skills, but for that position specifically you need to research, research, research. Research the company, research the division within the company the position is with, research the supervisor that the position is under. You don't need to memorize everything, but you should be familiar with the information and potential commonality with your previous work as well as aspects about yourself that you may share with the interviewer (if you know who that is beforehand). You should absolutely know what's in the resume and application you submitted - I can't tell you the number of times I was interviewing someone who, when I asked about something they listed in their resume/application, gave an answer along the lines of "I said that?".

The other bit of advice is that you shouldn't stick with just one site and integrate information from a number of them. Some will give you tips on DOs and DON'Ts during the interview while others will focus on how to prepare. Many will overlap with each other. Look at them and if you get conflicting advice, go with what you're most comfortable with (there is no "perfect" way to prepare and interview).

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 9 at 2024 11:06 AM

2024-05-09T11:06:07-04:00

It could be more harmful to have a serious gap in your employment history!

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made May 9 at 2024 3:31 PM

2024-05-09T15:31:06-04:00

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres I do. I'm proud of my service and if an employer had problems with the fact that I served in the Marines, I wouldn't want to work for them anyways.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 9 at 2024 3:33 PM

2024-05-09T15:33:42-04:00

Since I work in a volatile industry and have moved around a bit, some quick advice.

Your average HR person is going to give your resume' and cover letter all of about 90 seconds of scrutiny before they go to the next one and generally know nothing about the job that isn't on a checklist. Keep the Cover Letter short. Hi, I am Captain Cable, I would like to apply for this job, this is why I'm wonderful and what I have done in the past that makes me the best candidate. Keep the Resume' short, Work History for at least the last ten years, work experiences and educational qualifications and make sure you have any the pertain to the position on top. Explain any holes in employment. No one cares about your hobbies or any other information. Recommendations from someone in the same industry or company can help a lot.

Interviews. Get some sleep and don't show up with bags under your eyes. Even in a place that dress code is lax beyond Business casual, at least show up in pressed Khakis, a shirt with collars and wear a tie. Polish your shoes. Col Cudworth already mentioned practicing being interviewed.

I'm kind of lucky, I have a skill set not very many in the Industry has picked up (I implement and configure CAD based estimating systems for the building material industry.) Sometimes that means that I know the job is short term when I start. It's worked out OK for me. My next position is going to be a recliner on my porch and a glass of bourbon.

Oh, a couple of last remarks. Always make your expected salary more than you are really willing to take. You can always negotiate down. Don't be afraid to walk away from a job. Too many companies have a lot of requirements and some glowing title for the job that turns out to be a glorified janitor.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 9 at 2024 4:03 PM

2024-05-09T16:03:15-04:00

So, to answer your question asked: My military service occupies a full page of my resume. I also have my photo on it as well. It is intentional, so they can quickly determine that they want to round-file my resume if they don't wanna hire someone like me, without wasting my time with interviews. For those getting ready to let me know, yes I am aware that this is "disrecommended." I do lots of things that are disrecommended, but they achieve my purposes so I'm OK with that.

I have historically tracked my response rates, and I tend to get interviews about 25%-35% of the time. Based on that, I don't think that military service is generally a negative on a resume.

Now changing to the more interesting parts... and putting on my hiring manager hat... and getting on my soapbox.

As MSG Private RallyPoint Member some people don't know "what to do with" military service, but the much more prevalent issue is that how military service is listed on resumes, which tends to follow one of two patterns. Pattern one - it's in military cant (a "secret" language used by a group... see how annoying that was? Like that.), that is literally meaningless to the average reader. Pattern two - they've taken the SFL-TAP advice and "aggressively civilianized" their military experience and list themselves as director of this, chief of that, and executive of the other - with vague titles and even more vague duties - Which is literally meaningless to the average reader and annoying as heck to hiring managers. Either of which is frustrating for a resume reviewer and moves your resume closer to the circular file. Side note: I often volunteer to help other hiring managers "translate" military resumes. It's MUCH easier to do that with pattern one resumes than pattern two - especially if the SM did the same to their LinkedIn. I essentially have to spelunk and try to recreate their service from clues, and then translate that back into english. This is time consuming, and the hiring manager has to decide if it is worth their time or not. If there are other candidates in the batch that meet the needs [more later], the motivation to put in that effort drops off the cliff. The sweet spot is to list your military service correctly, with correct job titles (you can put a civilian equivalent in parentheses, that is often helpful) and with a description of your duties and ACCOMPLISHMENTS in plain English, as if you were explaining it to your HS or college buddy who knows nothing about the service.

This isn't your issue, since you are getting interviews, I just wanted to vent. :-)

Larger issue is making sure that you understand the purposes of the resume and the interview.
COL Randall C. cut right to the heart of it with his first sentence. A resume is a marketing document to get you an interview. It's essentially your cold (well, really warm, if they have a posted position) call to get a sales appointment. If you get interviews at a decent rate, you've got a good resume. If not, either you have issues with the resume or with the experience underlying it or the positions that you are applying for. In a perfect world, you would do a separate resume for every job posting, tailored to that job posting. I apply for three basic jobs, so I have three that vary a bit.

The interview is a sales call. Yes, we all hate it that it is, but it is. It is the candidate's role (more on the hiring side's role later), as in all sales calls, to sell the hiring authority on being the SOLUTION to employer's PROBLEM. It can sometimes be challenging to dig out what that problem is, but if they are hiring, that is why they are doing it. They have a pain point and they want it to go away. The end. They're not interested in FEATURES, they are interested in BENEFITS. This is most often where candidates fail the absolute hardest. When they are asked a question about their background or skills, they answer with a list of knowledge, skills, experiences, etc. Which is cool, I suppose, whatever. The candidate who tells me a narrative story of a how they used their KSAs to solve a problem previously in a way that I can see them solving my problems in the future is the hired candidate. Oh, and we already have the lists from the resume, which we read to give the interview, so the listing in the interview is ... boring.

Interviewing is a skill that is vastly underrated, considering 1) how important it is and 2) how easy it is to stand out from the pack. Practical, actionable advice for interviews:
1. Know the organization. When they ask you "why do you want to work here?" what they're really asking is "are you actually interested in working here, or are you just grinding through interviews?" When you can answer with relevant information on how you were intrigued by X or Y (that you got through 10 minutes of googling), you stand out from the pack. Better yet, it helps you with
2. Know the job posting. Not just the KSAs but the duties of the position and the "fluff" around it. This will usually tell you the exact PROBLEMS that they are trying to solve by hiring a person. AndAlso, this is where you find all your "do you have any questions for us?" questions. Asking questions about the position that show you read the position description is a BIG signal that you are actually interested in the position, and not just grinding.
3. Know how to answer questions. Seriously. Go back to the bit about them wanting to solve problems. EVERY answer you give should be aimed at showing that that's what you're going to do for them. ALWAYS. Most questions will be behavioral to some extent (tell me about a time when, what would you do if, how do you, etc.). There are many different ways to approach them, do a bit of a search, find a pattern you like, and use it. If you don't have one you know, fall back on STAR-L, which is Situation, Task, Action, Result, Learning. This turns every answer into a story where you solved a problem (and is a great way to tackle the "tell me about a time when you failed" question). It sounds like it would be super-awkward, but as long as you don't say "situation:..." it won't be.
For instance, "Tell me about a time you had a customer service failure and how you dealt with it."
"My team and I were supposed to provide telecommunications support for roughly 3,200 people in multiple locations over a 50 square mile austere area, primarily by radio. We had done this several times previously, so didn't think too much about it. However, when we got there, we quickly found that our users were having issues communicating, because the area was hilly, and the radio frequencies in use were what are called 'line of sight', which means that significant terrain features can block the signals. We ultimately fixed this by setting up multiple retransmission locations near hilltops that allowed the communications to get where they were needed. The first few days were rough, but we were ultimately able to give the users the support that they needed to perform their mission. This reinforced for me the need to ensure that I understand a task completely, and that I look ahead for issues that may block workflows from going the expected paths." [As a bonus, I described that without using any military-specific language]
4. Have a theme. Based on what you know about the organization and the job, have a theme to your answers. Again, this should be focused on the problem that you can solve. For me, my theme is almost always "It's all about personal relationships and trust. I use one on one conversations to build the relationships, and everything flows from that." Something about one on one conversations and trust will work it into almost every answer I give. This will help cement you in the interviewer's mind as an actual person. People blur together. You wanna that one dude they remember.
5. If you have the option of interview slots relative to others, all other things being equal, go first or last. First, because you will become the default standard that others are measured against (availability heuristic). Last, because you will be freshest in their minds when it comes to making their decisions, if they do it poorly - especially if you stood out (recency heuristic).
6. ALWAYS be positive. You NEVER have a bad thing to say about a former employer, coworker, or situation. Because if you'll talk smack about them, I'm already imagining you talking smack about me.
7. Send a thank you note. Email is fine, but do it. For hiring managers who don't care... they won't care. For those who do, they will care. For many who think they don't care.... they'll actual subconsciously move you up a notch if you do it right. And it's super simple. Thank you for talking with me, I enjoyed talking to you (and the team, if applicable), quick personal call-out of something in the interview ("I really enjoyed the discussion on dealing with supplier delays", whatever, just something that happened in the interview), I look forward to hearing from you." NO recap of your skills, no pitch to get hired, just a thanks for your time.

If you've got the skills & experience for the job, those 7 points will make you stand head and shoulders above your competition.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 10 at 2024 1:15 AM

2024-05-10T01:15:17-04:00

I've included both My Military and civilian experience on my resume. I guess it worked ok when for instance mine was picked number 1 of 850. Even with thousand of applications on other I got an interview and quite a few job offers based on that interview. That plus My College degree plus other formal training as well as references seemed to work well every time I applied for any job including jobs I managed anywhere from 45 up to 400 people. Your own confidence and the way You present Yourself is of course a major factor then the choice falls on You if that job does or does not suit the goals or occupation You are seeking.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2024 2:21 AM

2024-05-10T02:21:56-04:00

Interviewing takes practice. It's not always the job seeker. There are a millions reasons why one doesn't get an offer.

What's always helped me is really focusing on the position and coming and learning as much as I can about the company. Sometimes it becomes obvious if the job is really serious or not.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 10 at 2024 9:05 AM

2024-05-10T09:05:32-04:00

The types of jobs I apply for pretty much require it as I am using skills and experience from a 20+ year military history to show I can do it.

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made May 11 at 2024 9:00 AM

2024-05-11T09:00:36-04:00

Putting military information on a resume is okay as long as it does not overwhelm the rest of your resume. It should also (if possible) contain information on your leadership skills and ability to function on teams.
My resume contains at the very bottom:
UNITED STATES ARMY, Honorable Discharge – 1982
Director, Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Primary Non-Commissioned Officers School: Responsible for command, coordination, and operating a training facility accountable for Leadership Training of soldiers in the 25th Infantry Division.
Special Forces Special Operator (“A” Team Operations & Intelligence Sergeant) – Special Forces “A” Teams in Viet Nam, Cambodia, Laos, Okinawa, and various US Army Bases. Top-Secret Security Clearance.
COL Randall C. brought up the main focus -- work on your interview skills! The best resume in the world cannot overcome a poor interview!

Response by Sgt Mervyn Russell made May 11 at 2024 12:23 PM

2024-05-11T12:23:36-04:00

I've only had one interview in my life. And that was years ago. I am reaching the end of my life, I have stage four COPD but, I've lived a long life. Keep and strong attuite When being interviewed. But, I've never held a high-tech Job. it's always been manual labor. So, this may not apply to your situation. I was a carpenter for forty years. Saw milled for a few years. This has been since I got out of the Marines. In my situation you have too have a willingness to work. Go for it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2024 4:42 PM

2024-05-11T16:42:22-04:00

The other comments on this thread notwithstanding, once in a face-to-face interview, the ability to *communicate* how your background will enable you to *excel* in the position = key. Over the years, instead of just relying on providing *verbal* answers and explanations, I've brought a three-ring binder to interviews. Being able to *show* curated examples of (non-proprietary) work product that met and exceeded goals and is *directly relatable* to the position I was applying for has almost always resulted in an offer. Even if you don't have a portfolio of photo-ops, there may be many examples of things that you have done that you can be used to help *prove* that the experience and skills noted on your resume is a good match for the position. As they say in Missouri, "don't tell me - show me." Good luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2024 7:37 AM

2024-05-12T07:37:44-04:00

I definitely include my service on my resume and in my daily life. It's a big part of who I turned out to be. And I research the targeted company, products, technologies, and specific position then emphasize how my previous experiences and skills make me the candidate of choice for a targeted position. Interviewing skills are the key to securing the job IME. With that being said it's also important to remember we're dealing with other humans.
Perseverance has definitely paid off but the struggle getting here was/is real. Sincerely, good luck to you!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 12 at 2024 9:38 AM

2024-05-12T09:38:21-04:00

I have to list my military experience as I did the same job in the Army and not listing would take away 18years of nursing experience. That said, I receive a good deal of interviews and am beginning to wonder if veteran and disabled are getting me interviews when the employer already has a person in mind and I am just there to check a box.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 15 at 2024 4:53 AM

2024-05-15T04:53:56-04:00

Absolutely.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 15 at 2024 4:56 AM

2024-05-15T04:56:15-04:00

Your military service will show in your behavior on the job if you were a good Soldier. I have found that employers like the discipline and work ethic of veterans even if MOS does not add to the job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2024 2:08 PM

2024-05-16T14:08:02-04:00

You're getting interviews so it's not the resume...and yes you put your military experience if it's within the last 10 years.

If they looked at your military service as a negative, you wouldn't be getting interviews.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made May 19 at 2024 7:03 PM

2024-05-19T19:03:23-04:00

I think you should be proud of your service, but therwe is a time and place to list your awards. I have had this converstaion with a few of my retired military firends who work in high positions in the GOVERNMENT.

I n general you should use your military experiences but you need to word them in a way that these civilian job recruiters can understand.

i.e., PLATOON SERGEANT=MANAGER or SUPERVISOR because no cares that you were a PLT SGT in the ARMY.
If you are listing all of you awards. I can see the reason why you are not being selected. If you have maybe the following. MSM or higher then you could word that so they could understand.

Take from me my current resume which I have no idea why RP will not let me update it, is beyond me.

No one cares about you ASR or GCM or AAM or ACOMs.

If you were inducted or received some type of outstanding LEADERSHIP award I.E Audie Murphy- that will so the hiring folks that you take care of people and maybe they will hire you on the way you state it on your resume.

You are welcome to take a peek at my 2018 resume on here.

I just sat through a really great podcast that my buddy did on HR/resume writing.

Good luck- If I were you I would watch the military lingo you but in your resume.
You are no longer in the military and this was one of the hardest things that I had to deal with.

NETWORKING is the KEY to SUCESS.

Response by SP5 John Hien made May 22 at 2024 6:55 PM

2024-05-22T18:55:03-04:00

Of course I listed my military experience when I applied for a job. My prospective employers were very interested in what I did and what I faced during my 18 months in Vietnam. Besides, I served honorably and did things that many men of my generation would never even consider. I’m proud of my service and would do it again if asked.

Response by SGT Karen Emanuelson made May 22 at 2024 8:17 PM

2024-05-22T20:17:56-04:00

I'm so sorry this has happened to you, but I understand your frustration. Despite my military service & 4 degrees (to include 2 BAs & an MA--all with straight As) I never ever landed a decent job. I worked poverty wage manual labor jobs all my life & at 62, I finally quit. Yes, my rating is 100% & perhaps I could finally get a decent government job because of the 10 point preference, but I worked hard for 53 years (started working when I was 9) and I'm done. I'll stick to writing my books & hopefully sell more of them.

Response by TSgt Joe Patrick made May 23 at 2024 9:57 AM

2024-05-23T09:57:03-04:00

Yes, put your Mil positions, experience & Trng. on that resume!!!! Do it now. My training alone is 2 pages long.

Response by TSgt Joe Patrick made May 23 at 2024 10:07 AM

2024-05-23T10:07:17-04:00

For sure, include your position, experience & Trng!! See more of my info. below.

Response by TSgt Joe Patrick made May 23 at 2024 10:23 AM

2024-05-23T10:23:16-04:00

Here's one for you! They say the resume gets you the interview and the interview gets you the job. So those comments about not interviewing well this is a challenge for you. . . So, make the resume get you the interview and job! Include Titles, Positions, Accomplishments, Certifications, Trng., Reports/books you're listed in, "Reliable-Great-Meaningful" References!