resume help veterans

Javascript is not enabled. Please enable Javascript to fully view Hire Heroes USA.

It’s all in the numbers

Hire Heroes USA is the most effective veteran employment non-profit in the country, and our impact is demonstrated by our results.

Help military families build bright futures.

Hire Heroes USA helps the U.S. servicemen and women, and their spouses, to achieve success here at home via a rewarding career path. And by supporting our mission, you support their success. After all that they’ve given our nation, we want to help make sure they find the support they need to make their next steps successful ones.

How We Help

Hire Heroes USA provides free job search assistance to U.S. military members, veterans and their spouses, and we help companies connect with opportunities to hire them.

Your Path to Job Search Success

Whether you are looking for work that’s full-time, part-time, or remote, we will help you meet your goals. Our services are personalized to you, and are available to U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses for free.

The Resources You Need To Hire Heroes

Whether you want to hire veterans or support their transition, there are a number of ways your company can get connected with our mission and make a difference.

Success after service is closer than you think.

Our Partners

Home » Secure the perfect civilian job with veteran resume help and 6 resume-writing tips

Secure the perfect civilian job with veteran resume help and 6 resume-writing tips

Honor. Integrity. Dedication. Veterans bring these core ideas with them when they leave the service. Indeed, veterans’ skills and values can bring many benefits to civilian companies. But they’re hard to write on a resume when you’re looking for a new job.

Unfortunately, resume writing isn’t included during military training. Too many service members miss out on top job opportunities as a result. Everyone loses in these instances. After all, veterans are often the best choices for jobs in industries like tech, engineering, and education.

If you’re a veteran and want to improve your chances of securing the perfect civilian job, you need an excellent resume. More than that, you need a resume that identifies you as a veteran with all your skills.

Good news — you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how you can identify yourself as a veteran on your resume and optimize your job applications.

6 ways to translate your military skills to a resume

A good resume for any job will be one to two pages long and include key information like:

• Your contact info, including your name, address, email address, and phone number.
• A list of your qualifications/training. Veterans often have skills that will serve them well in the civilian workforce. These range from mechanical knowledge to logistics aptitude to math proficiency.
• A summary of your work or service history. This should include your job responsibilities, and whether you commanded or oversaw others, etc.
• Any special skills or proficiencies that set you apart from other applicants. These can be certifications for equipment handling or using certain software, for example.

The above inclusions are necessary for everyone, of course. But it can be tough to translate your unique skills, leadership experience, and personal standards to a compressed resume. Here are some ways you can identify yourself as a veteran on your resume effectively and concisely.

1. Convert any military job training terms into civilian equivalents.

First, scan your resume for any military-specific terms. You need to change them into their civilian equivalents. For instance, replace “CO” or “commanding officer” with “manager”. You should also avoid using acronyms or military jargon as much as possible. Simplify your descriptions and keep things concise and easy to understand. For instance, the phrase, “Executed logistics operations conducted in the FOB” can change to, “Fulfilled logistics and supply chain operations in key areas for management.”

2. Include “intangible” skills that bring value to the position.

Veterans bring their leadership skills and dedication to excellence when they leave the service. You can — and should! — include these attributes as noteworthy skills on your resume. Soft skills like leadership are particularly vital for growing companies in many industries.

3. Include all relevant accomplishments.

Your resume is no place to be overly humble; you have to sell yourself to employers. Be sure to include any relevant accomplishments or awards you may have received during your service. That includes promotions and/or medals. These accomplishments show recruiters that you are management material and will be an important asset.

4. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

The best resumes are error-free and written to perfection. Typos or grammar issues can reflect badly on your good record. Recruiters believe a perfect resume indicates good attention to detail and communication skills. Give your resume a twice-over and ask someone you respect to review it before submitting it to any job. You can also use spellchecker software, tools on Microsoft Word, or plug-ins like Grammarly for help.

5. Tailor your resume to each job application.

You should have a basic, generalized resume ready to go for any new opportunity. Still, tweak your resume here and there before applying to any new job opening. For example, if you’re applying to an engineering position, adjust your resume to emphasize your mechanical skills and certifications.

Maybe you’ll decide later to apply to a teaching position. Add an extra sentence about your leadership experience or mentoring capabilities. That could go a long way toward making your resume look even better for that job. The same principle is true for all applications.

6. Add a cover letter.

Cover letters are extra pages included with an application that explain why you’re interested in a position. A cover letter is your opportunity to personally describe why your skills and experience make you the best fit for the job. An exceptional cover letter shows your dedication to a job and may set you apart from other applicants.

7. Leverage resume-building tools and services

Your job hunt is important, so it doesn’t hurt to check out veteran-focused resume-building tools and services. These sites and professional services can optimize your resume to draw the interest of recruiters.

Some of the best resources for resume help include:

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment for Veterans
• Wounded Warrior Project – Warriors to Work Program
• Paralyzed Veterans of America – Operation PAVE
• Veteran One

Applying to a federal job? Don’t forget to claim Veterans’ Preference

Writing the best resume possible can help you get an excellent job after your service. But veterans may also qualify for preferential consideration when applying to specific jobs. According to Title 5, United States Code Section 2108, eligible veterans may be entitled to Veterans’ Preference. This status grants veterans an advantage when applying to federal job openings. You can use it if you apply to permanent or temporary positions in the excepted and competitive services of the executive branch.

Note that Veterans’ Preference doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a federal job. But when used with a great resume, you may increase your chances of getting a good job in the government.

Veterans’ Preference operates on a points scale. This ranges from a 0-point Preference to a 10-point Preference. Disabled veterans or veterans with a Purple Heart are eligible for higher points ranges. You can learn more about Veterans Preference on the Office of Personnel Management website.

To qualify for Veterans’ Preference, you’ll need to include documentation with your job application. This will prove your veteran status and discharge conditions. These materials are:

• A copy of your DD-214 form, or “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.” You should have received a copy of this form upon your discharge. It includes your dates of service and the details of your discharge.
• A Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference if you are applying for that preference level.
• If you are not yet discharged from active duty , a signed document from your branch of the armed forces certifying that you are leaving active duty under honorable or general discharge conditions no later than 120 days after signature.
• Once you have an informative and well-crafted resume ready to go, you can start applying to jobs that match your skills and temperament. Don’t know where to look for civilian employment or which jobs might be a good fit? If so, we encourage you to contact our team at Veteran One .

We’re a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans find great careers in corporate America. It all starts with our free, in-depth skills assessment. The assessment helps you determine the ideal career based on your unique strengths and personality.

Next, we’ll take the data from your assessment and use it to find career opportunities perfectly tailored to you. We’ll use your profile information to craft a quality resume employers will love .

That’s right – no need to sweat over writing your resume. We’ll do it for you! If you want to tweak the wording afterward, our experts can help with that and more. We’re Veteran One, and we’re here for you. Start your assessment at Veteran One today.

Military to Civilian Resume Example for Veterans [Updated 2024]

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to that of a civilian is far from easy.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

Coincidentally, one of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.

To help solve that problem, though, we wrote this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

In case you’re looking to brush up on the resume basics, watch the video below.

If you’re ready to get started, though, let’s start by reviewing a well-written military to civilian resume example.

Military to Civilian Resume Example (for Veterans)

Compelling, right? Here’s what the above military to civilian resume example does right: 

• Follows a functional resume format. The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and strengths rather than work experience. It helps convey how your military experience is going to help you perform well in the civilian role you’re applying for.
• Lists the contact information the right way. It includes the applicant’s full name, email, location, phone number, and even a LinkedIn URL while skipping out on a photo.
• Captures the hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary. The summary on top of the military to civilian resume example offers a brief snapshot of the candidate’s career, instantly showing the recruiter their value.
• Focuses on transferable skills instead of work experience. Instead of mentioning military buzzwords that civilians wouldn’t understand in the first place, the resume example instead focuses on how the candidate's experiences helped them develop valuable skills.
• Mentions achievements when possible. Achievements help convince the recruiter that they’re not just any candidate - you’re an overachiever who plays to win.
• Uses bullet points to make the resume easier to skim. The recruiter doesn’t have all day - they have hundreds of other resumes to review just for a single role. Making the resume easy to skim makes it more likely to be read.
• Includes educational history (in brief). The military to civilian resume example describes the candidate’s educational background, which includes taking a leadership course and basic training.
• Makes use of the optional sections. The achievements and interests sections help shed light on the candidate’s personality outside of work, as well.

Now, let’s talk about how YOU can make your resume as impressive as the example above.

How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Easy Steps)

In this section, we’re going to walk you through the 8 steps to creating a powerful military veteran resume, starting with:

#1. Pick a Functional Resume Format

These are the 3 most popular resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological . This format focuses on your work history over education or skills.
• Functional . It focuses less on your work background and more on your skills and how they make you a qualified candidate.
• Combination . This format is a mix of the other two formats. It puts equal emphasis on skills and experiences. 

As a military veteran, you’re better off with a functional format .

As you can see above, the resume example focuses more on key strengths instead of just listing out work experiences.

This improves your odds of landing a civilian job for one important reason: 

Most recruiters aren’t really familiar with military lingo.

Your experiences in the military might be super compelling, but chances are, most recruiters won’t understand how these experiences make you a good candidate for the role.

By framing your experiences around your skills, on the other hand, your resume becomes more understandable for a civilian.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you also need to sort out your resume style, layout, font, and more. Here’s what this includes:

• Don’t go over one page . Your resume should be concise and to the point. More often than not, if you’re going over one page, you’re probably including information that isn’t relevant for the role.
• Pick the right font and font size . In terms of size, go for 11-12 pt for body text. For the font, pick something like Ubuntu, Times New Roman, etc. That way your resume will look professional AND stand out at the same time. 
• Use the military-to-civilian resume template . Want to skip the hassle of formatting a resume? Hit the link and pick from one of our free templates! Our templates are easy to use AND look much more compelling than the conventional black-and-white ones.

#2. Include Contact Information

Now that we’ve got the formatting hassle out of the way, let’s talk about resume content.

The first thing in your veteran resume is the contact information section.

Here, you need to include:

• Descriptive title. This should include your title in the military, as well as the title you’re applying for. Something like “Security Officer Seeking a Role as Customer Support Specialist.”
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. Think, [name][lastname]@gmail.com
• Location. City and state are good enough, you don’t need to include an address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can include a URL in the contact information section.

And finally, make sure NOT to include a photo in your military to civilian resume. In the US, employers prefer that you don’t include a picture to avoid unconscious bias during the hiring process.

Here’s what your resume contact information section should look like at the end:

Security & Customer Service Professional

[email protected]

416-821-9879

Seattle, US

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

#3. Capture the Hiring Manager’s Attention with a Military Veteran Resume Summary

When reading your resume for the first time, the recruiter will spend roughly 7 seconds skimming it to make sure that you’re qualified for the role.

If the resume catches their attention, they’ll give it a more in-depth look.

If it doesn’t, they’ll simply move on to the next one.

This is where a compelling resume summary can come in handy.

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence “summary” of your past work experience. It helps the recruiter understand your skill-set and whether you’re relevant for the role in a single glance.

Here’s what a convincing military to civilian resume summary looks like:

Dedicated professional with over 9 years of outstanding performance and results in the U.S. Military. Earned three promotions and excelled as a leader. Seeking to apply the skills I gained in the military as a Customer Support Specialist at Company X.

When writing your resume summary, make sure to include the following information:

• Your title in the military and the role you’re applying for.
• Years of experience.
• Top achievements and experiences.

#4. Summarize Your Experiences with a Key Strengths Section

This one’s arguably the most important part of your military to civilian resume.

At the end of the day, the main deciding factor in whether you get invited for an interview or not is if your resume manages to convince the recruiter that you’re capable of doing the job…

And that’s where the key strengths section comes in handy.

To create yours, start by listing out your top strengths as section headers. Then, underneath each header, list your achievements and responsibilities that prove you actually have the relevant skill.

Here’s what this looks like on a resume:

Customer Service

• Promoted within a short period by demonstrating an over-achieving dedication that maximized results for the entire team. 
• Proved internal customer service by relating to all personnel in a professional manner that facilitated the development of a diversified group. 
• Enhanced soldiers’ individual and professional growth, developing them into independent decision-makers.
• Accounted for the safety of equipment valued at over $1.3 million. 
• Secure the personal safety, training, and performance of fifteen U.S. Army soldiers.

Operations and Administration

• Organized schedules for over 45 soldiers. 
• Implemented new routes, resulting in savings in gas time and reduced work time. 
• Prevented over 10 cancellations and negotiated over 20 contract renewals with the local government.

Applying for a Military or Private Security Role? Do This

Now, in case you’re applying for a role that’s somewhat related to your experience in the military (e.g. in private security), then you can simply create a conventional Work Experience section instead of Key Strengths .

If that’s your case, here’s how you should format the section:

• Create a section header called “ Work Experience .”
• Start by listing your most recent role and go backward in time from there.
• For each entry, include your title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 top achievements.
• For older positions, you can include fewer achievements and responsibilities.

Now, if you want your work experiences to stand out from the rest of the candidates, we recommend you to include achievements over responsibilities.

• Achieved a 99.5% average delivery rate on all assignments, resulting in no losses of materials or assets.
• Conducted deliveries of materials and assets.

The first example shows just how the candidate stands out from other applicants. The 2nd, on the other hand, does not.

#5. Mention Your Education (the Right Way)

On to the next section!

The next step to creating a convincing military to civilian resume is mentioning your educational background .

This is where you mention your higher educational degrees, as well as training (e.g. boot camps) and any personal development courses you’ve taken.

First things first, here’s how you’d go about the formatting part:

• Create a header called “Education”
• Add your latest degree right on top. Then, include older degrees underneath.
• If you have a B.A. or an M.A., you can skip your high school degree altogether.
• You can skip mentioning a GPA. These days, no one cares about your grades.

Here’s how the end result would look like:

B.A. in Communications Boston University 08/2016 - 05/2020

Now, if you don’t have the relevant experience needed for the role you’re applying for, you can use your education section to show off your knowledge or skills.

You can do this by including:

• Any honors you might have earned.
• Exact courses you’ve attended.
• Any other way you’ve excelled during your education.

#6. Include In-Demand Skills (For the Industry You’re Applying for)

Another must-have of a military to civilian resume is the skills section.

This is where you list out all of your hard and soft skills and (optionally) grade them by knowledge level.

The key here, though, is not to simply list out random skills like:

• Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Word

Rather, you want to include the skills relevant to the role . 

E.g. applying for a role in accounting? You should probably mention payroll tax accounting, cost reduction strategies, budgeting and forecasting , and so on.

You wouldn’t want to mention your Adobe Illustrator skills, for example (even if you’re an expert at it).

So, how can you know which skills are essential to your resume, and which ones aren’t?

The best way to understand this is to read the job ad you’re applying for. More often than not, they include an exact list of skills required for the role, and all you have to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you possess the said skills, of course).

#7. Take Advantage of the Optional Resume Sections

If you still have some space on your military veteran resume, you can take advantage of some optional resume sections.

While these sections won’t land you the job on their own, they can definitely help you stand out from other applicants seeking the same role.

Some optional sections you can include are:

• Projects. Any type of personal project you’ve worked on. This can be a local business you started, a side-gig, freelance work, and so on.
• Certifications. Any type of certification you might possess. If you don’t have the experience for the role you’re applying for, certifications can help show the recruiter that what you do have is the right skill-set.
• Volunteering Experience. If you’ve volunteered in the past, you should definitely include it in your resume. Employers love candidates who love to help others (even if there’s no monetary incentive for it).
• Hobbies & Interests. Including hobbies or interests in your resume helps the recruiter see more of your personal side. While your hobbies won’t land you the job, they might help you build rapport with the interviewer.

#8. Make Sure Your Military to Civilian Cover Letter is as Impressive as Your Resume.

At this point, your military veteran resume should be quite compelling…

But you’re not done just yet!

To have both a complete and compelling job application, you need to pair your resume with a cover letter that’s just as good.

Here are our top tips on how to write a quality cover letter :

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. Sure, you could go with the default “Dear Sir or Madam,” but mentioning the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve done your research and really care about working at the company.
• In your introduction, mention the most important parts of your background. E.g. years of experience, key achievements, top skills, and why you’re applying for the job in question.
• In the body section of your cover letter, expand on whatever you mentioned in the introduction. This is where you can also explain how the experiences mentioned in your resume make you a good candidate for the role.
• Conclude the cover letter with a call to action . E.g. “Looking forward to hearing more from you!” or “I’d love to discuss how I can help Company X as a Support Specialist over a call or an interview.”

Want to learn more? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Essential Job-Search Resources for Veterans

There are a lot of free job-search resources for veterans on the internet - everything from dedicated job boards to free tools, programs, and more.

Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the very best resources:

Veteran Job-Search Resources

• Job board that helps you find federal organizations that prioritize hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Lots of quality resources to help you transition into civilian life.
• If you’re not sure what kind of career you want to focus on, you can use this website to discover different occupations and learn what they’re about.
• Website for finding veteran job fairs in your area.
• Free career consulting and job search help for veterans.
• American Corporate Partners matches you with a free, year-long mentor to help you build your career.
• For group discussions for veterans on resumes and gaining employment after service. (Veterans only/ screened and weeded out by questions and profile)
• For discussing Skill Bridge opportunities and military transitions. Skill bridge is a military program for giving veterans an opportunity to learn and work at civilian companies for 6 months before leaving the military.
• LinkedIn offers its Premium program to veterans for free for a year. You can use the platform to learn new skills, kick-start your career, as well as find and apply for jobs.
• A website dedicated to helping veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle. You can use it to find jobs, discover career events, attend job fairs, and more.
• Job board for US federal jobs. While it’s not specifically made for veterans, the US government prioritizes hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Job board for veteran-friendly roles and companies.
• Job board for roles in the private security industry.
• Another veteran-only job board.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all you need to know to create a strong military veteran resume!

Before you go, though, let’s do a quick recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• For a military to civilian resume, use a functional resume format to show off your skills instead of work history.
• Use a “Key Strengths” section to explain how your military experience distills into valuable skills for a civilian role.
• Don’t include every skill under the sun on your resume. Instead, pick the ones relevant for the role you’re applying for.
• Take advantage of the optional resume sections to show the recruiter that you’re an individual and not just a resume.
• Finally, make sure that your cover letter is just as impressive as your resume by following the tips we mentioned above.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Help for Veterans
• Debt Relief for Service Members & Veterans
• Guides for Military Pay
• Military Discounts
• Insurance Options for the Military
• Education Benefits
• Retirement Planning
• Credit Reports & Scores
• Military Family Life
• Career Paths
• Housing Options

• Veteran Resume Writing Services & Tips

Written by: Robert Shaw

Home » Veterans » Veteran Jobs After Military Service » Veteran Resume Writing Services & Tips

Your chance to make a good first impression in a crowd – without handing out $100 bills – is even more difficult when your first contact is a job resume fighting for consideration in a pile on an employer’s desk.

A military career can be a leg up in that regard, not only because it distinguishes you from the great majority of job seekers, but because military careers nurture and sharpen skills coveted by the civilian world.

That’s not a recent development. Military experiences paying dividends in the civilian afterlife has been the trend for a good long while and for plenty of good reasons.

The unemployment rate for veterans is dropping again after fluctuating during the pandemic – a time when getting your footing in the job market was the equivalent of steadying yourself on stormy seas.

That unemployment rate for veterans is lower (4.2%) compared to non-veterans (4.6%) and is clearly headed in the direction of the 3.1% veteran unemployment of 2019.

That’s good news for anyone making the transition from military life (assuming you need the job and you’re not sitting on a $60 million trust fund. If you are, call me.)

No matter the ample opportunities to apply skills such as leadership, team building and perseverance in the civilian world, the best jobs won’t just fall in your lap.

It’s important for veterans to know the many resources available and how to craft a resume that can help the transition into a competitive workforce.

Building a Competitive Military Veteran Resume

Your skills might well be translatable in a variety of fields. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a field where military experience wouldn’t be a good fit. But if the language used on a resume to introduce those skills is in dire need of a military-to-English dictionary, you’ve likely wasted a terrific opportunity.

Beware military jargon. Speaking in acronyms might be how you’ve communicated for the past number of years. And as Shakespeare said, brevity is the soul of wit, but if you’re not applying for a job with a military contractor or the Department of Defense, you need to leave the acronyms behind.

Most terminology in the military simply does not translate. Know your audience. Use more approachable language on a resume. The time might come for you to use that terminology you became so comfortable with, but that time is not when you’re writing a resume.

Keep in mind that you have one chance, and a brief one at that, to make a winning first impression. Research suggests job recruiters will usually decide on a candidate’s qualifications quickly, sometimes within 10 seconds.

So while you’ll find many effective veteran resume building services somewhere online, be careful not to simply slap and paste your experience into a resume template. Make the most of your chance to stand out – again, paying close attention to the language you use.

You can find military-to-civilian thesaurus help online. An example: instead of referring to oneself as a “hand receipt holder,” it’s significantly more relatable to call yourself a “logistics manager” or “supply manager.”

Platoon commander is no doubt a complex and challenging position. That complexity and challenge might well be understood better if you “provided the required training and support to lead a 60-person team in projects from start to finish.” Otherwise known as “missions.”

Converting Military Experience to Civilian Resumes

Getting the acronyms out of your resume when applying for veteran jobs is a good first step, but you also need to understand the common strategies used to translate military experience into an attractive civilian resume.

There are differences in style as well as resume format and vocabulary. If there is one bit of broad advice that covers the successful translation of your military experience to a civilian job application it’s that you need to know your audience.

Style: Hiring managers aren’t so much assessing you on the basis of individual tasks undertaken and accomplished. They’re viewing you as a complete candidate and are especially interested in seeing how your skills have evolved given the challenges you faced along the way.

Format: Military resumes often list the most relevant jobs and skills first. That can be impressive. But a civilian hiring manager will want to trace your career evolution – most recent job first, down to your (often humbling) entry level position.

Resume writing experts recommend you list your work experience in the 10-15 years prior. Resume writing coaches caution that condensing your military record accordingly – especially if you’ve had almost that many military roles – can be a challenge but is nevertheless important.

A chronology can help hiring managers see how your skills (and no doubt high recommendations along the way) led to your rise up the ladder.

Vocabulary : Your goal is to make your military experience understandable and relatable to someone who probably has all the respect in the world for your career but doesn’t have the background to decipher jargon.

Acronyms may be unavoidable in some cases since they often are part of the job title listed. In those cases, it’s better to spell out the acronyms and explain any definition or topics that aren’t common knowledge to the civilian sector. Try using a military skills translator to help you figure out what employers are asking for and match their phrasing.

Again, your goal is for the person doing the hiring to see you as a candidate capable of smoothly transitioning into a new workplace. That challenge is many faceted, whether the candidate is a veteran or has no military experience whatsoever. In either case, it starts with how you communicate.

Types of Veteran Resumes

The concept of “knowing your audience” covers everything from the kind of jokes you might tell at a church fundraiser to how you’d tailor a resume based on the job you’re seeking.

How you translate your military experience in a resume seeking a corporate job will be different in ways both minor and significant to how you’d translate that same experience in a resume seeking a federal job.

The same applies to the kind of job within those respective fields; for instance, a management versus non-management position.

Military to corporate job resume : Those skills you developed in a disciplined, accountable military career might be just what the corporate world wants and needs.

Your job is to show how “leadership,” “perseverance” and “team building” – skills that might well seem matter-of-fact in a military career – translate in a corporate setting. Those are real strengths you’ve solidified over the years. Don’t let that get overlooked by failing to make their importance understandable to a hiring manager.

Military to federal job resume: Federal jobs are a natural landing spot for military veterans seeking civilian jobs. There are more than 350 job types filled by civilians at the federal level.

Some government employment opportunities may even offer preferred status to veterans over non-veterans. But since it is a natural landing spot, it’s also ultra-competitive. Crafting a resume that stresses the skills, talents and strengths that set you apart is crucial.

Military to government contractor resume: This is also a popular next chapter for veterans. You might even have worked at the same – or quite similar – job that a government contractor is trying to fill.

Government contract work can offer a much less stressful transition. Assuming you demonstrate your particular set of skills in a way human resources departments find relatable and understandable, you might be able to use some of that military jargon we warned against. But use it carefully.

Management role resumes: “Leadership” can be such a static term. Don’t let it be that.

These types of resumes need to emphasize a veteran’s experience in leadership positions. Use examples of team building. Tell how you motivated your team (not your platoon) despite different personalities and backgrounds to reach successful results (not missions).

Executive role resumes: These resumes build on the management role resumes already discussed. They need to highlight experience in

leadership, business knowledge, organization, and teamwork.

Make sure to highlight applicable experience in these areas. If you do this successfully and use the proper language, those skills could be seen as more of a fit than a projection.

Along with knowing your audience, know yourself. Take a hard look at what kind of job you want and what kind of job best fits your skills. Then pick the most appropriate resume type and be sure to highlight your relevant skills in a way that both military and non-military members will understand.

Job Programs and Veteran Resume Help

Transitioning to the civilian workforce after a military career is exciting but  certainly not without its stresses. Fortunately, there are programs available to help support veterans in making the transition.

Resume writing is only one tool at the disposal of veterans needing support and direction. That support and direction also come in the form of financial assistance, and job placement and other aspects of transitioning from a military career.

Resume Engine : Helps translate your military record into a strong resume that civilian employers can understand. Your completed resume is viewable by thousands of employers using the site to look for qualified job candidates.

My Career Spark : Resume builder for military spouses. It’s an effective job search and prep tool that helps candidates set goals and track their progress.

LinkedIn Benefits: Offers a free premium account for one year and access to LinkedIn Learning’s library of classes for professional development. Benefits job seekers as well as employers who are looking for the most qualified veteran candidates.

CASY : Free job placement assistance through job boards and job prep services to veterans, military, and military spouses. Offers a direct introduction to certain employers on behalf of qualified candidates.

Hire Heroes USA :  The website says it all: “When heroes get hired, companies prosper and America grows stronger.” Offers free job search assistance with career coaching, resume writing, mock interviewing, mentoring, job sourcing and career events for active-duty service members, military spouses and veterans.

Indeed:   Offers several avenues of support, including a job search boot camp and resume review that includes a curated 10-minute video with personalized recommendations.

VA for Vets : Provides employment readiness assistance and outreach for

VA Federal Employment opportunities. Provides guidance in the hiring, support and management of veteran and military service member employees.

The transition to the civilian workforce can be overwhelming but available resources like resume writing services, interview preparation and job placement can help simplify the process and put you in position to let your skills and talents speak for themselves.

» Learn More: Veteran Friendly Employers

9 MINUTE READ

Check Today's VA Home Loan Rates

Veterans menu.

• Veteran Jobs After Military Service
• Veteran Friendly Employers in 2024
• Military Skills Translator
• Security Clearance Jobs for Veterans: What You Should Know
• 10 Tips to Help Service Members Get a Civilian Job After Service
• VA Disability 5-Year Rule
• What Is the VA Caregiver Support Program?
• Legal Assistance for Veterans
• Tax Breaks for Disabled Veterans
• Honorable Discharge Benefits
• Burial Allowance for Veterans
• Mental Health Resources for Veterans
• Small Business Administration Loans for Veterans

Photo by DVIDSHUB

The New Frontline: Are you a Veteran who is looking to transition into the civil workforce?

Joining the civilian workforce is much different than serving in the military. As a veteran-owned company, Hire Our Heroes understands the challenges veterans face when separating from active duty. HOH began ‘Veterans Strong’, a military to civilian transition assistance program, designed to aid veterans in their move from the battlefield to the corporate frontlines. HOH delivers workshops and seminars targeted at veterans, focused on reinforcing interviewing skills, resume building, social media skills, coaching, mentoring, and job placement. Hire Our Heroes will demonstrate how to translate military service into highly sought after civilian skills. We work to provide the best in career guidance and support services, and match your skills and experience to the needs of organizations looking to hire. Our specialist can help you:

• Set attainable goals with our one-on-one assistance
• Prepare for an interview
• Build an effective resume and cover letter
• Network with local employers
• Find training courses to refresh or build skills in a particular field of interest
• Teach you about educational programs and how to take advantage of the benefits offered from your military service
• Utilize those benefits to boost your career and enhance your education
• Obtain real-world advice from successfully transitioned veterans

ABOUT HIRE OUR HEROES

• Not-for-profit, veteran established organization
• HOH workshop speakers are comprised of experts with a wide array of certifications:
• All-veteran board of trustees from all branches of the military
• Nationally recognized by:

Veterans Strong Transition Workshops and Seminars

Launch your career with the assistance of Hire Our Heroes. We invest in comprehensive training and development programs to help you take your military service and apply it to corporate America. HOH holds one-day workshops for veterans interested in taking their service to the next level. Participants receive free, one-on-one mentoring which includes resume writing assistance, interview preparation, social media skills, and more. All coaching is provided by HOH’s staff of dedicated veterans who have been through military to civilian workforce transitional stages, just like you. Our personal attention to each participant will help to ensure your individual goals and needs are met, separating us from other transition assistance programs. Veterans sit down with real experts, get individualized, hands on assistance, providing the most impact in this unique, one day workshop. Each session will teach transitioning and recently separated service men and women how to effectively search for civilian careers and boost their ability to interview, thereby increasing their chances of a successful transition.

• Discover how your military experience translates into civilian opportunities, take self-assessments to learn where your strengths lie, and build professional resumes to apply to jobs matched to your skills.
• We offer current and potential employees a one-stop shop for career planning and exploration. Our Veterans Strong program helps vets define career goals and provides guidance on training, education, and professional experiences necessary to chart a successful, long term career path with HOH backing you all the way.
• Our dedicated Veteran mentors ensure you will have the tools you need for professional development.
• Veterans Strong is a full-service training platform to enhance on-the-job performance. New feature include individualized plans, a 360 degree evaluation of your skills, and career competency and performance plans. Veterans will also have access to HOH’s blog, networking opportunities, social networks and videos for on-the-go training.

Lend Your Skills to the Veterans Strong Program

We’re looking for partners to assist us with resume revision, social media, and interview coaching.

Jumpstart Your Career with the Best AI- Veteran Resume  Builder

At SkillMil, we understand that the transition from military service to the civilian workforce can be challenging. Your military experience is a valuable asset, but translating it into terms that resonate with civilian employers can be a daunting task.

That’s where SkillMil’s AI-veteran resume builder and military skills translator  comes in to help you shine.

Why Choose SkillMil's Veteran Resume Builder? Simply, because it is the BEST!

• Precision and Clarity Our AI-driven technology specializes in articulating your skills, achievements, and work experiences into language that resonates with hiring managers. We ensure your resume highlights the qualifications that employers are specifically seeking.
• Keyword Optimization In the digital age, keywords are key to getting your resume noticed. Our technology identifies the most relevant keywords for your target job, boosting your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• ATS-Friendly Resumes Many companies use ATS to screen resumes. SkillMil ensures your resume is ATS-friendly, giving you a better chance of making it to the interview stage.
• Expert Guidance Our team of resume reviewers and editors are here to guide you through the entire resume writing process. They have a deep understanding of the job markets and the unique needs of each job seeker that will help you craft a compelling resume that stands out.
• Unique Career Story Your military experience makes you unique. SkillMil's resume editing services help you showcase your military skills and individuality, making you a standout candidate.

How it Works

Create an account on SkillMil and choose our resume writing service.

Expert Review

Our team of resume experts reviews the AI-generated resume to ensure it captures your unique story.

Upload Your Information

Share your military background, achievements, and job preferences.

Receive Your Resume

You'll receive a polished, ATS-friendly resume ready to impress employers.

AI-Powered Analysis

Our advanced AI technology analyzes your information, identifies key skills, and tailors your resume accordingly.

Launch Your Civilian Career

Don't let your military experience go unnoticed in the civilian job market. Join SkillMil's community of job seekers who have used our AI-powered resume writing services to achieve their career goals. Your next adventure awaits, and SkillMil is here to help you seize it.

Ready to take the next step? Click the button below to get started on your journey to a fulfilling civilian career!

Need help getting started?

No worries, we got you covered!  We've put together Demo Mode with a step-by-step tutorial that will guide you through the process.

Our Trusted Partners

SkillMil partners with companies, governments, nonprofits, and other organizations to address the challenges our transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses face in the civilian job marketplace.

We share their ideas, mission, in-kind support, and more to continue to strengthen our veterans and military community. If you would like to help support our veterans' efforts during their transition out of service, consider partnering with us.

Please email us at [email protected] .

The Veteran Professional

Helping you crush it after the military.

Resume Help for Veterans

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

This post was written by a friend of the site. 

Transition assistance programs provide help with resumes.  You can also go to programs like Army Community Services to try to get help with writing a resume.  While these might be decent places to start, it might be better to seek out help elsewhere.  If you have nothing to work with, you can use a template that they or somebody else has so that you can begin putting your experience in writing.  I will provide a draft of a resume I have previously put together as something that anyone can start with.

Getting Started- Points to Keep in Mind

Find a template .  I’ve provided an example for reference.  The template that you choose needs to look eye-appealing, sharp, easy to read.  Eye appealing does not mean plenty of color patterns and borders with a nice picture of yourself included.  Colorful themes aren’t appropriate for professional resumes unless you are looking for a role in the arts such as acting or graphic design.  The eye-appeal I’m talking about is evenly spaced, organized, with a solid balance between effective use of white space and looking cluttered. 

A great place to find military-specific resume templates is at Echelon Front Legon’s website .  Learn more about what this company can do for you during your military transition here . 

Format everything the same .  Your font needs to stay the same throughout the duration of the resume.  This may sound simplistic and redundant.  I’ve taken in resumes from people (that have been submitted to employers) which accidentally had words that different in font size, and even different fonts altogether. 

 However, section headings, position titles, timeframes that positions were held, employment locations, all need to be the same as each other, respectfully.  Refer to my resume example provided to see the consistent formatting that I’m talking about.  Notice how each section heading is the same font size, and all of them are bold?  Notice how each location listed after position titles is in italics, not bold?  Finally, notice how all of the timeframes for each position are aligned to the right of the page, along the same one-inch margin?  These are things that may seem small, but they show your ability to pay attention to detail.  

Use a strong font .  Using a font like Georgia is personally what I choose to do.  It’s a serif font, which means the letters have the small “tails” on the ends to give more of an elegant look.  It catches the eye of the reader and is easier to read.  Fonts like Calibri and Arial are called sans-serif fonts because they are very plain without the “tails” that you see with fonts like Georgia.  They can be bland and make it harder for the reader to maintain focus.  

Bullets need to be quantifiable and direct .  Don’t make them too wordy.  Who wants to read more than they have to, especially when they have an entire stack of resumes to look through after yours?  Structure your experience into descriptive bullet points. Try to keep your most important accomplishments towards the top under each position.  Your most important bullets immediately follow your position title and employer, which is what typically what the reader will see first.  You should end with your least important bullet at the end of the employment description.

Keep the resume to one page .  Unless you are trying to put together a federal resume, you absolutely do not need more than one page.  You can consolidate your experience, positions, and education down to the most important and relevant information as it pertains to the position you are applying for.

Proofreading is imperative .  As I mentioned above, we all make mistakes in our writing.  It’s absolutely imperative that you have someone look over your resume before sending it off to be reviewed by potential employers.  Minimize the number of reasons that someone would throw out your resume as much as possible.  Any and everything that you can catch and correct is most definitely going to be seen by someone, somewhere down the line.  Have someone reliable look over your resume. Email it to someone you trust, print one out and have someone red-ink it.  Talk through it as much as possible!

We’ve all had some sort of evaluation or award throughout our military careers.  Even if you don’t have a resume or don’t know what to use for your supporting bullets, you have something in writing to help get yourself started.  Look for things you did that stick out- what helped ensure team success?  Were there any opportunities for you to gain more responsibility?  Did you go out of your way to do more than succeed?  Keep these kinds of things in mind even after you put them on your resume.

Resume Header

Check out the image above.  Your header needs to grab attention of people reading it.  Make sure your name is sized larger than any other set of words on the resume.  I’ve read that some people are moving away from listing their addresses on their resume.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you do, I highly suggest having a LinkedIn profile and including the link to your profile in its place.  Your cell number and your email are imperative.  Please don’t use your “.edu” email.

Career Profile

A great way to set the tone at the beginning of your resume is to start with a section that summarizes your professional background.  It needs to grab the reader’s attention without delving too far into your experience.  In other words, bait the reader in so that they want to know more about you!

Below is an example of a strong career profile introduction, which was written for a real person transitioning into a role after retirement.  The veteran that used this in his resume was interviewed and accepted the role that he was offered.  Notice how his overall experience in the Army was quickly outlined.  We then used that to make a statement about how his experience would easily translate into the position.  I recommend listing your strengths and skills as “core competencies” rather than bullet-format.  This way, you can be as precise as possible with your skills and they don’t have to be whittled-down to make the list look better appearance-wise.  You can make this list suitable to whatever fits your profile most effectively.  For example, if you’re pursuing a role in an IT position, it would be better to list out all of your related certifications and/or software that you’re proficient in, followed by your most important skills thereafter.

United States Army Veteran with over 20 years of proven leadership & maintenance management experience as well as an active Secret Security Clearance. Proven ability to lead teams of up to 60 personnel and manage fleets of up to 300 vehicles. Possesses extensive knowledge within environmental safety, risk management, preventive maintenance, and repair parts allocation & tracking.

Core Competencies include Critical Thinking, Perseverance, Empathy, Multi-Tasking, Event Planning & Execution, Decision Making, Responsibility, Teamwork, Adaptability, Supervising, and Written & Oral Communication.

Experience Sections

Cover your positions in chronological order, by relevance to the position for which you’re applying.  As you write-out all of your supporting bullets, be sure to keep in mind how you will discuss them while in the interview.  With outstanding accomplishments, there’s a good chance the interviewer is going to ask what challenges you faced, how you executed, etc.  

Paragraph format isn’t ideal compared to bullet format.  It’s harder to scan if someone wants to know quick achievements from your previous positions.  The structure of the bulleted list guides the reader’s eyes where you want them.  Both methods will give you an opportunity to tell a story. 

Education Section

List your highest level of academic achievement, in descending order.  High school is not necessary if you’ve completed any kind of undergraduate degree, or have taken field-related schools while in the military. It probably isn’t important to the average recruiter whether you went to Air Assault school.  What may carry some weight?  Listing that you completed an in-depth HAZMAT course along with on-the-job experience that relied directly on knowledge from that school.   

If you have not completed your degree and are not still enrolled to complete that degree, label the section header as “Continuing Education”.  Include the dates that you attended the school and completed courses.  Be prepared to discuss a general idea of your plans to complete your studies and/or what other avenues of education you may be pursuing.  

To Wrap it up

Always take into consideration what will take more time and more effort to learn more about you versus other applicants. What can you do to alleviate that as much as possible while still making a strong impression?  It’s a game of balancing to get closer and closer to that result.  The goal of the resume is to grab the reader’s attention, give them a strong impression of what you bring to the table, and make them want to meet you through an interview.

• Cover Letters
• Jobs I've Applied To
• Saved Searches
• Subscriptions
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Military Podcasts
• Benefits Home
• Military Pay and Money
• Veteran Health Care
• VA eBenefits
• Veteran Job Search
• Military Skills Translator
• Upload Your Resume
• Veteran Employment Project
• Vet Friendly Employers
• Career Advice
• Military Life Home
• Military Trivia Game
• Veterans Day
• Spouse & Family
• Military History
• Discounts Home
• Featured Discounts
• Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts
• Electronics
• Join the Military Home
• Contact a Recruiter
• Military Fitness

28 Free Resources for Veterans Reentering the Workforce

The Defense Department estimates that as many as 245,000 enlisted service members and officers will leave each year through 2019, according to "US Military Veterans' Difficult Transitions Back to Civilian Life and the VA's Response," a report published by Brown University.

And many service members are not remotely prepared for their transition, even after attending a transition assistance program. And the choices about how and where to get help are confusing, not useful or out of date.

Here is a list of various resources, websites and organizations that can help former military service members find -- and thrive -- in their next occupation.

Federal Government Veterans' Employment Resources

Veterans Employment Center : The VEC is the federal government's single online tool for connecting transitioning service members, veterans and their families to meaningful career opportunities in the public and private sectors. The VEC was created in collaboration with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Defense and Education, the Small Business Administration and the Office of Personnel Management.

U.S. Department of Defense - Veterans : The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest federal employer of veterans. This DoD recruitment website provides veterans who want to serve as a DoD civil servant the information and opportunity to do so.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission : Provides a veterans guide and FAQ for understanding employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in areas such as recruiting, interviewing, special hiring preferences and accommodating veterans with disabilities.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) FEDSHIREVETS : This OPM government-wide veterans employment website provides federal employment information, including details about veterans' preference, how federal jobs are filled and unique veteran appointing authorities designed to help veterans find a job within the federal government.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) : The DOL has multiple websites providing employment resources and assistance to veterans, including but not limited to:

• America's Heroes at Work: provides an employer toolkit for developing or enhancing a veteran's recruitment and hiring initiative.
• Recovery and Employment Assistance Lifelines (REALifelines) provides online resources and contact information for one-on-one employment assistance to help wounded and injured service members and veterans transition into the civilian workforce.
• Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) provides information from the DOL Veterans' Employment and Training Service, including rules and regulations related to employing veterans, fact sheets and access to the USERRA's interactive tool that answers questions about employer rights and responsibilities.
• Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides employment resources and expertise for meaningful careers for veterans, employers and service providers.
• Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act, as amended (VEVRAA) , provides information and technical assistance resources related to the DOL Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program's (OFCCP) new regulations to improve job opportunities for protected veterans among federal contractors, such as hiring benchmarks, invitation to self-identify and data collection.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) : The VA has multiple websites providing employment resources and assistance to veterans, including but not limited to:

• Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) provides information on CWT also known as Veterans Industries, and access to the VA vocational rehabilitation program that matches and supports work-ready Veterans in competitive jobs, and consults with business and industry regarding their specific employment needs.
• The Veterans Affairs Career (VA Careers) site provides career development resources and detailed information about career opportunities offered at the VA.
• The Veterans Employment Toolkit provides a variety of resources for employers, managers or supervisors, and human resource professionals.
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment for Veterans provides access to vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development and job-seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services.

Private Sector Veterans' Employment Resources

Following is a list of select private sector veterans employment resources providing free career, training and employment services and support.

AbilityOne program: The Defense Department is the largest customer of the federally managed AbilityOne program, which works with private and public groups to provide goods and services to the government and jobs for the blind and other people who have severe disabilities. The program's diverse national workforce includes more than 1,500 military veterans with disabilities.

CareerOneStop: An American Jobs Center website providing veterans access to valuable online resources to find or keep a job.

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) : EBV, a collaboration of eight college, university and training institutions, offers cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business development and management to post-9/11 veterans with disabilities resulting from their service to our country. All services are free of charge to eligible veterans.

Helmets to Hardhats : Helmets to Hardhats is a national, nonprofit program that connects trades and other employers in the construction industry with qualified veterans and provides free federally approved apprenticeship programs. Helmets to Hardhats supplements its existing program with the Disabled American Veterans' "Wounded Warrior" program.

Hero 2 Hired (H2H): H2H employment coordinators provide free quality career readiness assistance to Reserve component service members preparing for the next civilian career, as well as assistance to employers interested in hiring veterans. H2H has employment coordinators in each state, territory and the District of Columbia.

Hire Heroes USA : Hire Heroes USA (Hire Heroes) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating job opportunities for U.S. military transition ing service members through personalized employment training and corporate engagement. Services, such as effective job search, job application, job interviewing techniques and resume review, are provided at no cost. A partner website, VetNet , is a career resource collaboration between the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and Hire Heroes.

Hire Our Heroes : Hire Our Heroes assists transitioning veterans in gaining full-time employment. No-cost services include one-on-one monthly coaching and mentoring sessions by veterans and volunteers out of Corporate America, networking events and group training across North America. Assistance with resume writing, social media training and connecting with employers looking to hire veterans is also provided.

JOFDAV -- Job Opportunities for Disabled American Veterans : Offering a nonprofit job board for Disabled American Veterans (DAV), this organization works in concert with many Wounded Warrior transition command centers, disabled veterans outreach programs (DVOPs), local veterans employment representatives (LVERs) and multiple military organizations to support veterans in their job search for employment. Veterans can register free of charge and post resumes to gain access to more than 40,000 active jobs.

Paralyzed Veterans of America -- Operation PAVE: Operation PAVE (Paving Access for Veterans Employment) has offices in every VA spinal cord injury center and provides one-on-one career counseling to all veterans seeking to transition to civilian employment. All services, from résumé assistance, interview preparation, vocational counseling or employer networking, are provided at no charge.

RecruitMilitary : RecruitMilitary is a veteran-owned and -operated firm specializing in assisting employers with military-to-civilian recruiting by using veteran career fairs, professional recruiting services and a diverse range of targeted online and traditional recruiting mechanisms. Recruit military also provides job board registration free of charge to veterans and their spouses .

Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) : The IVMF provides resources and support services to veterans and their families to identify and pursue employment opportunities, leveraging skills and experiences gained in military service and new skills and knowledge gained post-service. The IVMF assists employers with strategies to recruit, assimilate, retain and advance veterans and military families in employment.

Veterati: Veterati is a first-of-its-kind digital mentorship platform built by veterans and a  military spouse specifically for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. This platform allows our target audience to network and connect with multiple business professionals who volunteer their time to provide feedback, guidance and advice through live conversations. This past year, Veterati helped thousands of service members and military spouses receive career guidance, job preparedness, job leads and land real jobs.

Wounded Warrior Project - Warriors to Work Program (WWP) : Through its economic empowerment services, the WWP offers higher education programs, information technology training and employment assistance services to encourage economic empowerment to provide long-term financial stability supports to wounded warrior s who incur service-connected wounds, injuries and illnesses (physical or psychological) on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Employers interested in this program can post jobs and review the resumes of qualified veterans with disabilities.

Want to Know More About the Military?

Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service.  Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Sean Mclain Brown

You May Also Like

A handful of veteran service organizations hope to enter the ring to take on the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).

A job interview is stressful enough. What do you say? How do you sit? What questions do you ask? How do you do it all without...

A new finding that young veterans are more likely to work in occupational fields requiring physical labor suggests more study...

When a deadly virus breaks out or a mysterious illness starts to spread, governments and the World Health Organization call...

• Job Hunting
• Military Transition

Get the Veteran Jobs Newsletter

Get special job alerts, offers and insider tips on making the most of your military experience in the civilian workforce.

View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page.

Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to:

Select Service

• National Guard

Featured Veteran Employer

Veteran jobs.

• Veteran Jobs Home
• Transition Center
• Security Clearance Jobs
• Upcoming Job Fairs
• For Employers

The Veteran Employment Manual

Find Veteran-Friendly Jobs

Search the largest free Veteran Job board to find jobs with veteran-friendly companies.

Hot Career Advice

• How to Dress for Success Before a Virtual Job Interview
• Is Physical Work Not Respectable Enough for Veterans?
• The CDC Has Its Own Intelligence Service That Hunts Down Strange Diseases

Resume Advice

Veteran job search tools.

• Get a FREE Resume Assessment
• Military Transition Center
• Employers Hiring Veterans

Top Industries for Veterans

• Security Clearance
• Law Enforcement
• Maintenance
• Healthcare & Nursing
• Teaching & Education
• Transportation

• 5 Best Military Resume Writing Services (2024)
• Federal Resume Guide
• Military Resume Help

Last Updated on 04/10/2024

When you starting a transition from a military career to a civilian one, it may seem that you have limited options, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Global companies are looking for candidates who are loyal, hardworking, resilient, adaptable, they are looking for you.

As a veteran, you might struggle to describe your work experience in a way that private-sector recruiters understand. Military.com reported that skills translation was the number one thing holding veterans back from new employment. The military acronyms and terminology that you’ve become familiar with often fail to connect with civilians.

Fortunately, a military to civilian resume service could allow you to overcome this difficulty. Browse this list of military transition resume writing services to begin comparing top service providers.

Make your first life-changing steps with the help of professionals.

Table of Contents

• 1 Military to Civilian Resume Writing Services
• 2.1 Which Payment Methods are Supported by Military Resume Writing Services?
• 3.1 Establish Direct Contact
• 3.2 Search for Feedback
• 3.3 Certification
• 3.4 Prepare to Work With a Military Resume Writer
• 3.5 Resume Writing for Veterans
• 4.1 Can I Find Military Resume Writers Near Me?

Military to Civilian Resume Writing Services

The companies presented in a chart were selected due to several positive feedbacks from satisfied customers and good professional reputation, including guarantees, several free military resume revisions, a low rejection rate, on-time orders delivery, and excellent value for many.

Check out our military resume writing service reviews for the next companies:

• Find My Profession
• Professional Resume Services
• Great Resumes Fast

Below, we will evaluate each of the resume writing services focusing on some of their key features.

• Turnaround: 3-5 business days 
• ATS compliance: Yes 
• Revisions: Unlimited, 1 week 
• Cost: $695-$1095
• Turnaround: 7-14 days
• ATS compliance: Yes
• Revisions: 2 rounds
• Cost: $795-$1595
• Executive Resume Package may vary from $2695 to $4295
• Turnaround: 4-7 business days
• Revisions: 2 rounds, 1 week
• Cost: $995-$2999
• Cost: $279-$479

Cost of Resume Military Service

Prices for professional resume writing services for military veterans start at about $130. For officers seeking executive-level jobs, resume prices climb as high as $3000. A professionally written resume represents an investment. The cost, however, is a good value when it leads to years of ongoing employment.

You can expect to pay a premium when you need a resume fast. This could be appropriate if an open position is about to close applications. Otherwise, it’s usually best not to rush things unnecessarily. A resume requires attention to detail, and you want one that sells your skills effectively.

The Military Skills Translator at Military.com lets you enter your branch of service and job title. It takes your MOS/AFC Rating and delivers pertinent job results.

Which Payment Methods are Supported by Military Resume Writing Services?

The major part of military resume writing services accepts MasterCard, Maestro card, Visa, American Express, Amex, Discover, and Wire Transfer.

How to Evaluate Military Resume Writers

Establish direct contact.

Choose a writer specializing in military transitions. Give preference to a former military officer with the Master Military Resume Writer credential who knows how to translate military jargon into language that is attractive for the private sector. Make sure your resume professional is sophisticated in writing ATS-friendly resumes as well.

Search for Feedback

Military resume writers reviews will reveal clues about the writer’s suitability for your goals. Look for feedback like “The writer understood my skills” or “The resume I got landed me a job.”

During initial communications with potential writers, ask specific questions. You want to determine if a person has a good grasp of military terminology and job descriptions.

Good questions for vetting a military resume writer are:

• Which branches of military service are you most familiar with?
• Did you serve in the military?
• How many resumes have you written for veterans?
• What are your writing credentials?
• Can you provide any references from satisfied customers?

Certification

Another credential that could help you identify the best professionals is a certification from the National Resume Writers Association. Credentials like these indicate that a writer is serious about resume writing and it’s not just a side hustle.

The best choice for you might not necessarily be the best choice for everyone. A writer who excels at military skill translation for Marines might struggle with someone transitioning from the Navy.

The civilian industry where you’re seeking work should influence your choice. Not all military resumes writers specialize in the same things. Look for someone who understands what recruiters in your desired field want to see in a job candidate.

Certified resume writers often develop specialties, such as engineering or finance. They’ve learned what job recruiters in certain industries are looking for. Most importantly, the best military to civilian resume writers know what words to use to capture the attention of hiring managers.

Before accepting a resume from a writing service, ask someone you trust to look at the draft. An outside opinion could help you know if you should ask for a revision.

Prepare to Work With a Military Resume Writer

Even when you outsource resume writing, you still need to fill questionnaires or provide your work history. An exception is Great Resumes Fast , which doesn’t ask its clients to complete any worksheets but offers 60-90 minutes conversation to discuss the work experience. But as for the rest military resume writing services , be ready to provide the next data:

• Last 10 years of NCOER/OERs/EPRs
• Fully updated ERB or ORB
• ATRRS, VMET Document
• Training certificates and licenses
• Academic level and degree (i.e., BA, BS, MBA, etc.), including GPA
• Security clearance status
• Your contact information ( address, phone number, and email address).

Request a Verification of Military Experience and Training from the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program. This record provides a summary of your skills.

Resume Writing for Veterans

If you are transitioning from a military position to the civilian workforce, writing a resume and cover letter can be challenging. Fortunately, help is available from professionals who specialize in resume services for veterans and providing assistance that goes beyond veteran resume help.

The Veteran’s Administration is an excellent resource for veterans and their spouses. It provides training and resources to help you find employment after your military career is complete. The Veterans Employment Center connects veterans to local career fairs, places to find internships, and access to personalized career counseling.

Ready to Build Your Own Business?

If you are a veteran who is thinking about starting your own business, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Veteran’s Business Development (OVBD) helps veterans and their family members begin the journey to business ownership. Veteran-owned businesses can receive assistance by connecting you with supply chains, special funding, and access to capital. You can access these resources through special centers across the nation. This is an excellent way to get what you need to get your business up and running at a low cost. The SBA also provides federal resume writing for veterans and contractors who need to learn to navigate the system and present their company as the most qualified for the position.

How to Choose Military Resume Writing Service?​

We hope, now you have a clear idea of how to determine professional military resume writer. Let’s see what to take into consideration while choosing the best military to civilian resume writing service.

• Website design and content: guarantees, turnaround time, working process and contact information.
• Testimonials: make sure the person is real, just browse name and surname, occupation in Google or on LinkedIn.
• Direct contact with a writer is a must. Even if you’ve got a first-class writer, make a double check if you’re both looking at the same direction of your career transition.
• Resume review is an essential part of the process. Make sure, you’ll have the possibility to revise the document for further improvement.
• The lack of direct contact with a writer, unskillful communication during a chat with your writer. Writer’s reluctance to get into details of your military transition.
• No guarantees: on-time delivery guarantee, revisions guarantee, quality guarantee. Usually, military resume writing services provide 100% satisfaction guarantee or 60-day interview guarantee.
• Fictional information or overstatement of your skills, years of experience and achievements, which can be easily revealed during a job interview.

Can I Find Military Resume Writers Near Me?

If you’re in an area with a large military presence, like Fort Bragg or Fort Hood, local employment agencies could offer resume writing assistance. Do an internet search for resume writers for military transition along with the town where you live. The search could return results for resume writing services for veterans .

You might not even have to look off base. The majority of U.S. military installations have a transition assistance office. A convenient source of resume help might be closer than you think.

Finding someone locally might feel more comfortable. You’ll have the chance to meet the writer in person. If you’re not pleased with the services available locally, don’t dismiss using an online company. Thousands of people employ these services with good results.

The nonprofit organization Hire Our Heroes could also connect you with transition resources. Veterans founded this nonprofit for the sole purpose of helping veterans transition to civilian employment. The group sponsors group training and networking events throughout the country. Volunteers at Hire Our Heroes can mentor you and aid in your job search.

• Best Federal Resume Writing Service Reviews

As a person with military experience of more than 20 years, I will say only one thing. In the world there is a clear regulation for everything, including a resume. Especially for a military man this is his face. Writing a resume is like sending to a hot spot. The slightest mistake can cost you everything. I do not believe in magical resume builders, free resume services for veterans as well as a tooth fairy. There is a quest, its qualified execution and proper reward – this is how it works in the real world.

Hi Tom, Totally agree with you! Thank you so much for your feedback! We’ll improve our list of the best military writing services soon. Let’s keep in touch)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• A–Z Index
• Operating Status

Questions and answers

Where can i get help with writing my resume.

The FedsHireVets.gov website has a Resume Writing guide posted at

Resume Writing Participant Handout PDF .

USAJOBS.gov Help Center: Resume Creation Guide

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

How to complete any task on USAJOBS, step by step.

Manage Account

• Create a login.gov account
• Use login.gov if you have limited access to a phone or cell service
• Change the phone number you use to sign in
• Enter an international phone number when creating a login.gov account
• Update your primary email address
• Change or reset your password
• Sign into your account if you can't access your primary email
• Create a profile
• Delete a profile
• Fill out your education
• Answer questions about federal service
• Choose hiring paths in your profile
• Add languages in your profile
• Answer questions about military service
• Fill out your work experience
• Make your resume and profile searchable

Job announcement

• Understand a job announcement
• Understand announcement closing types
• Save a job announcement
• Remove a saved job announcement
• Contact an agency

Application

• Create an application
• Save an application
• Update an application
• Continue an application
• Check on the status of an application
• Archive an application
• Cancel an application
• View job applications
• Create a resume
• Build a resume
• Edit a resume
• Upload a resume
• Make a resume searchable
• Print a resume
• Upload documents
• Manage documents
• Fax documents
• Search by your preferences
• Save a search
• Sort search results
• Understand search results
• Unsubscribe from a saved search

Filter results by...

• Appointment type
• Hiring path
• Mission critical career field
• Security clearance
• Travel percentage
• Work schedule
• Zero job openings

Keyword and location

Get started.

USAJOBS posts all federal job opportunities with a position description and instructions how to apply. With USAJOBS.gov tools and resources, you can find the right federal job faster.

About USAJOBS

As the federal government's official employment site, USAJOBS has attracted over 16 million job seekers to create accounts to date.

An official website of the United States government.

Here’s how you know

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• HIRE Vets Medallion Program
• Veterans Employment Services
• Apprenticeships
• Off-Base Transition Training
• Veterans' Preference
• Military Spouses
• Hire a Veteran
• Facilitate Hiring with an Regional Veteran Employment Coordinator
• Federal Contractor Reporting/VETS-4212
• Policy and Compliance
• Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program
• HIRE Vets Medallion Program (HVMP)
• Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP)
• Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG)
• National Veterans’ Training Institute (NVTI)
• Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
• Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
• Grants & Opportunities
• Priority of Service
• National Veterans' Training Institute
• Black Veterans Research
• Women Veterans Research
• Veteran Unemployment Rates
• Fact Sheets and Reports
• Policy Guidance
• News & Media
• Advisory Committee
• National Office Contacts
• Regional Office Contacts
• Events Calendar

Mastering Resume Essentials for Military Spouses and Caregivers

Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses and Caregivers (TEAMS) is a series of Department of Labor (DOL) employment workshops that extend the Department’s Transition Assistance Program to assist military spouses and caregivers as they plan and prepare for their job search in pursuit of their employment goals. All TEAMS workshops are instructor-led virtual training, provided at a variety of times, to meet the needs of individuals stationed throughout the world.

Mastering Resume Essentials - A four-and-a-half-hour workshop designed to create your most effective resume for the career you want. Trained facilitators will provide guidance and teach you to evaluate your resume and understand job application techniques.

Sign up for this class BEFORE April 19, 2024 Note: time is in Eastern Time (ET)

Space is limited. Visit :  Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses and Caregivers (TEAMS) page  for additional workshops and times.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Homeland Security Investigations

How to Apply

HSI offers many exciting career opportunities to serve your country and help identify, investigate and stops criminals, while supporting those victimized by their crimes.

Find your fit and join our team. You must be a United States citizen to be considered for Federal employment.

Step 1: Research Job Openings

All HSI job announcements are posted on USAJOBS.gov . Search for "Homeland Security Investigations" and select the position you are interested in.

You can also learn about other opportunities within the Department of Homeland Security .

Step 2: Apply

You need a USAJobs.gov account to apply for openings.

Read the vacancy announcement carefully and submit all required documents and assessments by the listed deadline. Apply early. If you have questions about the position, a point of contact is listed under "Agency Contact Information".

Individuals who have served in the military may be entitled to additional consideration. If you are a veteran, please attach a copy of your most recent DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or letter from the Veterans Administration documenting your military service.

• To claim 5-point veterans' preference, attach a copy of your DD-214.
• To claim 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

For more information about your veteran's preference and eligibility, visit FedsHireVets.gov .

5 Page Resume Limit

Resumes are limited to no more than 5 pages. If your resume exceeds 5 pages only the first 5 pages will be reviewed and considered for qualifications and eligibility.

Use the "Saved Searches" feature on USAJobs to receive notifications of new job opportunities via email.

Step 3: Referral & Consideration

After submission of your application, HSI will assess all applications, identify the best qualified applicants and refer those applications to the appropriate hiring managers for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you via email the outcome after each of these steps.

Step 4: Tentative Selection & Security Clearance

If you are selected, you will receive a tentative selection letter with a deadline to respond.

If you accept the tentative offer, you must then complete pre-employment requirements which may vary depending on the position.

All positions require security vetting and drug testing. Your potential position may also require a medical exam, fitness exam or additional testing.

Security vetting takes an average of 3 months to complete, but the process can vary from 2 weeks to 1 year. A tentative selection letter remains tentative until all pre-employment requirements are met for the position.

Step 5: Final Offer & Entry on Duty

Once you have cleared these requirements, a firm job offer will be made. From there, we will schedule your start date and provide you with instructions for your first day.

Helpful Resources

Applying for a government job can be a confusing process. Below are some helpful resources.

• What should I include in my federal resume? - USAJOBS Help Center
• How is finding a job in the government different than the private sector? - USAJOBS Help Center
• I must move to Washington, D.C. if I want to work for the Federal Government - USAJOBS Help Center
• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)