Write a better résumé p1 - Military Transition - Military Times EDGE

There’s no shortage of advice on how to write a résumé. But military people about to enter the civilian work force face unique challenges as they put pen to paper. Key among them: how to effectively translate military training, education and experience into words employers will appreciate.

“Your military résumé is your corporate calling card,” said Carl. S. Savino, co-author of “Military to Civilian Résumés and Letters.” “Often times, it’s the first thing a potential employer will see. You must represent your best possible self.”

For example, instead of saying you were an “infantry team leader,” Savino’s book show’s one soldier’s more effective military-to-civilian translation:

“Directly supervised, trained and mentored two to six soldiers. Initiated weekly classes/drills with team to ensure constant readiness for any situation.”

Regarding use of acronyms and other military jargon, Savino says to pick your battles.

“Some defense contractors may sing your song and share your experiences, and it’s not a concern,” he said. “If you feel such terms would not be readily apparent to the average recruiter, there’s nothing wrong with describing things in layman’s terms.”

These three terrific books all include actual military résumé samples. Look for them online at Amazon.com.

‘Military to Civilian Résumés and Letters: How to Best Communicate Your Strengths to Employers’

By Carl S. Savino USAR, (Ret.) and Ronald L. Krannich. Impact Publications, 360 pages.

‘Expert Résumés for Military-To-Civilian Transitions’

By Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark. JIST Publishing, Inc., 240 pages.

‘Résumés for Former Military Personnel’

McGraw-Hill publications, 136 pages.