How to convert military experience to a civilian resume?

In preparation for potential future plans, I've been thinking about how I might transition from a military role after service to a civilian job. I know the skills developed in the military are transferable, but does anyone have tips on the simplest way to put this on a resume effectively? Any advice would be appreciated!

Translating your military experience into a civilian-setting career context can indeed be challenging but is extremely valuable. One approach is to focus on highlighting the skills and experiences that are both relevant to the job you're applying for and align with civilian work. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Demilitarize Terms: Use civilian equivalents for military terms. For example, rather than stating you were an "Infantry Platoon Sergeant," consider a title like "Team Manager" or "Personnel Supervisor."

2. Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills developed during the military that are valuable in a civilian role. Leadership, discipline, resilience, adaptability, collaboration, and strategic mindset are some of the qualities honed in the military which are highly desirable to civilian employers.

3. Translate Achievements: Be sure to convert any numeric values to civilian terms. Avoid jargon and military terms which may not be understood by a civilian.

4. Leverage Bullet Points: When detailing your experience, each bullet point should start with an action-oriented verb. This allows you to demonstrate your achievements without resorting to military jargon. For example, instead of stating "commanded a squad of 15 during two tours," you could say "Managed and directed a team of 15 personnel in high-stress situations."

5. Certifications and Training: Include any military certifications and training that might be applicable in a civilian context, especially if they align with the job requirement.

6. Tailor your Resume: Tailoring your resume to the job description of each individual role you apply for can make a huge impact. Link your military experience to the skills and requirements mentioned in the job posting.

7. Seek Assistance: If you're finding it challenging, seek help from online resources, military transition organizations, or career counselors who specialize in helping military personnel shift to civilian jobs.

Remember, being a military veteran brings a wealth of experience and skills to the table. Your job is to communicate these in a relatable way to your potential employer. Good luck!