A veteran’s resume is always going to differ vastly from a civilian resume. Your experiences have been different, and you’re coming from a world that doesn’t have much in common with the everyday ins and outs of home soil. Because of this, you’ll w
ant to compose your resume in a way that showcases your accomplishments in their full importance. If you aren’t having much luck with your current resume, it’s time to try a new approach.
Create a resume summary
If the size of your resume is intimidating, it may be set aside. If that happens, chances are that your employer will find a qualified employee with a resume that was easier to read. At the top of your resume, summarize your skills, qualifications, and experience with bullet points. This will allow the person reviewing it to verify that you have what they’re looking for without having to read every detail or flip through a complicated portfolio. Always open with your strengths to give them a reason to investigate you further.
Include your personal achievements
Titles and duties generally don’t mean much on a resume. Instead of focusing on mundane and generic information, put your emphasis on what it is you did in your previous positions. If you did anything major, such as innovating a process or improving budget efficiency in your previous work, these are the things you want to lead with. Discuss what made you unique in your previous employment, rather than the in-and-outs and basic responsibilities of your work.
Double check for honesty
Your military experience may have overshadowed your work experience. In that situation, you may have felt inclined to embellish some details to give the impression that you’re more of a well-rounded candidate. With the magic of the internet, potential employees can bust you in these fibs a lot faster than you may think. Make sure everything you’ve included is honest. If you’re worried it seems too plain, rewrite it in memorable but truthful language.
Get rid of your clichés
Think about how many resumes are reviewed on a regular basis. The same resume writing tips have been floating around for decades, and because of that, many of them seem as though they’ve been written by the same person. Cliché language and terms, such as “motivated self-starter” and “eager to learn” aren’t actually setting you apart from anyone else. When you’re reading job descriptions, you’ll be able to see the list of qualities that they desire in an employee. Replace your cliché phrases with things that directly align with what the employer is looking for.
Consider creating multiple resumes
If you have a plethora of experience across many areas, including it all on one resume may result in something that’s chaotic and overwhelming for HR professionals to decipher. If you’re applying for jobs in a variety of industries and niches, consider creating a tailored resume for each one. You’ll improve your chances of success by providing potential employers a clearer route to the information they need to make an interview determination.
Last but not least, you should always remember that potential employers have a way to contact you back. Make sure your resume as well as your cover letter contains a phone number and an email address where you can be reached. If you have a portfolio or a blog that you’d like the individual reviewing your resume to see, always provide them with a clear way to access that material.
Hannah Dickins is part of the team behind DirectorStats.co.uk. With a huge interest in technology and startup industry, she works as a Community Manager. She’s keen on new helpful online tools and propductivity hacks.
