Beyond Resume Engine:More Tips
Even after you’ve created a draft of your resume, you’ll want to give it a final polish. Here are some tips on highlighting your skills and qualities, and a few other pointers about presenting your professional history.
Your Rule of Thumb Should Be to Include Only What Will Earn You a Seat at the Interview Table
Sniper school may be relevant only if you’re applying for an FBI job. Use judgment to mention only what directly applies to your dream job.
Ask Others to Read It
Military jargon and acronyms will make civilians’ eyes glaze over. Ask civilian friends and family members to give your resume a once-over. If they don’t understand something, change it.
Make Everything Easy for HR
If you work in a field where it’s necessary to show the employer a portfolio of your work, make those materials as accessible as possible: Send the employer a link where a company can see everything. Don’t force the hiring manager to do the extra work of taking three steps to open an attachment. You’ll lose their attention and they will move on to the next candidate.
Include Relevant Accomplishments
Suppose you received a medal for an innovative computer application that helped track down terrorist threats. If you’re applying for an IT security job, not only should you mention the medal, but you also should describe how your outside-the-box thinking could help safeguard the employer.
Play Up Your Soft Skills
Suppose you received a medal for an innovative computer application that helped track down terrorist threats. If you’re applying for an IT security job, not only should you mention the medal, but you also should describe how your outside-the-box thinking could help safeguard the employer.
Explore Veteran Recruiters
It’s not just about degrees anymore; employers want people with strong soft skills like ethics, a personable communications approach, leadership ability and a can-do attitude. Highlight the pluses of your self-discipline.
