As a resume writer who has worked extensively with retiring and separating Veterans, I find they have strong leadership and technical skills which are directly transferable to civilian positions. But if you are a Veteran writing a resume for the private sector, you should be aware that:
- The civilian world operates on the profit motive, which puts you at a disadvantage when it comes to boasting about increasing company revenues or decreasing overhead. However, your experience with project management and goal setting will appeal to any civilian company or recruiter. You have the skills to bring a project in on time and under budget. You have handled pressures that the civilian world cannot come close to.
- Leadership in the military—where soldiers must follow orders—is different than leadership in the private sector. But your motivating and mentoring skills are valuable everywhere. You know how to work in a team and you know the value of teams.
- Military jargon isn’t familiar to civilians. Spell out the essential acronyms and try to “translate” the rest into more familiar words.
- Your security clearance is in demand in many fields; make sure you mention it.
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with extraordinary folks from every branch of the military. With the right resume, one that makes clear the value they bring, Veterans are extremely strong competitors for civilian jobs.