Military resume example & writing guide
- Why use this military resume example?
- How to write a great military resume
- Which key skills are relevant for a military resume?
- Military Resume example
Having a military background makes writing a civilian resume a bit more challenging. You must present your professional experience in a way that is easy for a hiring manager to understand. So, you will need to essentially demilitarize your resume. You can start by removing military jargon and acronyms or translate them into civilian language. For example, replace “commanded” with “supervised” or “directed.” A battalion, unit, or platoon can be referred to as a division, unit, or department. Instead of “military personnel office” use “human resources.” Don’t write subordinates, use “employees” or “colleagues.” If you need more ideas on how to write your military resume, then check out our great example resume and keep reading.
Why use this military resume example?
The example of a military resume does an outstanding job of highlighting military experience. This is critical, especially if you have spent most of your career in the military. While we recommend translating military language into civilian-friendly wording, this does not mean you need to hide your military service. It can be an asset to include your military title and rank, but also provide a civilian translation for them.
In your professional experience section, list each of your military positions. Include your rank, position, company or organization, and dates of service. Next, add a brief description of your responsibilities and duties. Don’t forget to use civilian terminology. When writing about your skills, the most effective approach is to tailor your descriptions to include the skills required for the target role.
Next, tie accomplishments to each job by listing your achievements in the work experience section underneath each role. If you have multiple achievements per role, then include them as a bulleted list below the job description.
Using civilian-friendly language is especially important for your accomplishments. Explain how you improved or made a positive contribution in each role. This helps hiring managers see how you can benefit their organization. Use details and numbers to describe your accomplishments as much as possible. For example, “reduced process time by 25%” or “led a team of 15 people.” Providing more details will paint a clearer picture of your accomplishments.
How to write a great military resume
Your military resume needs to have an engaging resume summary. A resume summary is a short paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your experience, skills, and qualifications. The main goal is to immediately grab the reader’s attention with a quick, compelling preview of your resume.
Your summary shouldn’t be more than a few sentences long. Make every word count by including strong keywords for your skills, expertise, and experience. Include an example or two of key accomplishments from your most recent jobs. Make sure they are relevant for the role that you are seeking. Targeting the job you want to get is the best way to create a resume that will have the most impact.
Education is another important aspect of your resume. Include all your education, training, and certifications. List your degree, course of study, and institution.
Be sure to include any specialized training you have received that’s relevant to your job function, but make sure to put it into civilian terms. If you’re not sure how to translate it, then do some internet searches for a civilian equivalent.
Finally, if you received any professional certifications, include them in a separate section. The more areas of knowledge you can add to your resume, the better.
Which key skills are relevant for a military resume?
Being in the military has given you a tremendous set of skills. Remember to include skills that are applicable to your target job, versus military-specific skills.
The list below has some hard and soft skills to include:
Leadership
Communication skills
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Database management
Flexibility
Strategic planning
Employee training
Research and analysis
Military Resume example
Summary example
Highly analytical and detail-oriented professional with expertise in administrative assistance, human resources, and customer service gained through military service.
Maintain consummate levels of accuracy and efficiency while performing critical administrative functions, from data entry and correspondence to travel planning and calendar management.
Articulate and engaging with excellent written/oral communication acumen, coupled with proven rapport building skills; readily forge productive relationships with colleagues, clients, and managers.
Possess complementary strengths in research & analysis, project planning, team training, mentoring and coaching, and process improvement.
Tech savvy with proficiency in key business applications, including Windows, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Oracle, and Business Objects.
Employment history example
Management Analyst at United States Army, San Antonio, Texas
2018 - Present
Partner with staff and management to assess current procedures and develop strategies for improvement. Conduct research, analysis, and troubleshooting to resolve issues impacting technical systems and databases, including the Medical Expense & Performance Reporting System, Defense Medical Human Resource System-internet (DMHRSi) and the Expense Assignment System-internet. Provide customer service via telephone and email, answering questions and addressing concerns of manager and staff. Coordinate across functions, disciplines, and organizational levels to facilitate prompt resolution of issues. Serve as trusted resource on technical and administrative tasks. Train and mentor junior colleagues.
Streamlined office procedures by developing standardized request for submission forms.
Authored a step-by-step training procedures for MTFs, standardizing the process for entering projects in the DMHRSi system to promote reporting accuracy.
Expertly supported 60K+ DMHRSi account users, resolving more than 1300 log-in issues over the course of a year to achieve a 100% resolution rate.
Administrative Support Assistant at United States Army, San Antonio, Texas
2016 - 2018
Provided executive support to the Chief of the MEPRS Division, assisting with administrative duties and human resource functions, including scheduling appointments, arranging travel, preparing Requests for Personnel Action (RPAs), creating time and attendance sheets, and entering into the Automated Time and Attendance Production System or the Defense Civilian Pay System (DCPS); created a standard operating procedure (SOP) for administration operations. Served as the subject matter expert for other administrative personnel in the division. Advised Chief on pending deadlines to ensure timely responses; composed correspondence and reports. Served as Government Purchase Card Holder accountable for monitoring and replenishing office supply inventory and authorized payment for training.
Selected as Civilian Employee of the Quarter (Category 1), Fourth Quarter, Calendar Year 2012; awarded Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.
Administrative Assistant at United States Army, San Antonio, Texas
2009 - 2011
Maintained calendars, drafted correspondence, and created briefings, reports, and spreadsheets for the Chief of American Medical Department. Processed time and attendance with the DCPS; inspected and accepted contractor invoices (and ensured proper payment disbursement) with the Wide Area Work Flow application. Alerted staff to updates for training requirements; entered certificates and completed documentation into the Digital Training Management System.
Human Resources Trainer at United States Army, Fort Bliss, Texas
2007 - 2009
Provided high level administrative assistance to staff and management; prepared presentations, calendars, spreadsheets, and correspondence. Performed human resources functions, processing, verifying, and maintaining personnel files, training records, performance evaluations, and leaves of absence. Advised senior leadership of emergent personnel issues and potential impact on deadlines. Mentored and trained staff.
Designed and implemented a tracking system to facilitate on-time processing of personnel actions.
Delivered training for more than 30 classes, educating 8K+ soldiers to prepare for deployment.
Civil Affairs Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) / Project Pay Officer at United States Army, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
2005 - 2007
Managed review, processing, tracking, and updates on 250+ proposed, ongoing, and completed projects for four remote teams. Equipped Budget Officer, Funds Manager, and Project Cell with data required for decision making. Developed and submitted scope of work for bids on projects; reviewed bids and selected contractors; supervised projects to verify compliance with established scope; validated amount to disburse to contractor.
Provided training and coaching to five Pay Agents and four Project Pay Officers to accomplish 100% accountability of $2.5M+ in funds and projects.
Escrow Officer / Title Processor at Mortgage Information Services, Miramar, Florida
2003 - 2005
Prepared and submitted closed loan package and disbursement documentation; ordered surveys, lien searches, lien payoffs, and property taxes based on title requirements. Reviewed trust agreements, divorce decrees, will, bankruptcies, court orders, and separation agreements to determine borrower rights.
Recognized for expertise and quick clearing of titles, validating no intervening liens, allowing for prompt processing of loan documents.
Education example
Coursework in Network Systems Technology at Tallahassee Community College
Skills example
Administrative Specialist Course
MS Word Level 1 and 2
MS Word Excel Level 1-3
Customer Service / Time Management
Defense Travel System
