Resume Help?

[fly boy]

After 11 years of Active Duty Service, I am considering a civilian life. I am having difficulty transitioning all my military activities into something that can relate into a civilian world. One basic question I have is, am I supposed to have multiple resume's depending on the jobs I am applying for?

I am looking for help creating a resume, or resume's, for civilian jobs. I have found things in Word that act as a guide, but I would like some first hand civilian help. Whether you are in the HR department, or assist in the hiring/firing process, or just a good writer. Shoot me a PM or post a reply.

Thanks!

[newracer]

I tweak my resume to emphasize skills that match the position I am applying for. Mostly is it just rearranging the order of skills and projects I have worked on.

[thvigil11]

I've found that its a good idea to draft a master resume. Make it extra long, extra info. Basically include everything. Then custom tailor the resume to each position that you apply for. Chop out stuff that may not apply to the position and add emphasis to any parts that would make you more attractive to that particular employer.

[fly boy]

I tweak my resume to emphasize skills that match the position I am applying for. Mostly is it just rearranging the order of skills and projects I have worked on.

I've found that its a good idea to draft a master resume. Make it extra long, extra info. Basically include everything. Then custom tailor the resume to each position that you apply for. Chop out stuff that may not apply to the position and add emphasis to any parts that would make you more attractive to that particular employer.

Thought so. thanks for the good advice. One giant pool of information, and then copy paste info pertaining to position - got it!

[MarkCO]

Resume's now are more of a sales pitch than they used to be, so yes, tailoring for each specific job does help. A cover letter tailored to a specific job with a general resume is also a good way to go. There are on-line websites that will help you format a cover letter and resume for specific industries, as they are different. If I want you to run a machine, I want specific experience and performance to be highlighted on a resume. OTOH, if it is sales, I want to see a people person with good communication skills. The resume gets you an interview, but the interviews are not really formalities anymore.

If you were a door kicker, your civilian resume may say something like: Skilled in solving dynamic problems both as an individual and in a team environment. Unless you are applying to be something with a direct military correlation, consider that an HR person is going to be overly PC. Best of luck.

[fly boy]

Resume's now are more of a sales pitch than they used to be, so yes, tailoring for each specific job does help. A cover letter tailored to a specific job with a general resume is also a good way to go. There are on-line websites that will help you format a cover letter and resume for specific industries, as they are different. If I want you to run a machine, I want specific experience and performance to be highlighted on a resume. OTOH, if it is sales, I want to see a people person with good communication skills. The resume gets you an interview, but the interviews are not really formalities anymore.

If you were a door kicker, your civilian resume may say something like: Skilled in solving dynamic problems both as an individual and in a team environment. Unless you are applying to be something with a direct military correlation, consider that an HR person is going to be overly PC. Best of luck.

That is the trouble I am runing into. I could talk about my military things that I have done, but having trouble relating them into civilian life.

[MarkCO]

That is the trouble I am runing into. I could talk about my military things that I have done, but having trouble relating them into civilian life.

Write them out (provided you are allowed) and I am sure the collective can get you some good translations.

[Irving]

You've gotten great advice so far. Everything I would say has already been said. Which industry are you looking to transition into?

[fly boy]

You've gotten great advice so far. Everything I would say has already been said. Which industry are you looking to transition into?

I am good at hands on work, but would be willing to transition to more of a desk job if needed. My biggest concern is making sure I make enough to support the family. The Military has decent pay, and great health benefits - so I would need to be able to find something that compares.

[jerrymrc]

I am good at hands on work, but would be willing to transition to more of a desk job if needed. My biggest concern is making sure I make enough to support the family. The Military has decent pay, and great health benefits - so I would need to be able to find something that compares.

Not easy. Did 12 years AD. Been working for the DOD since. All my Civilians are ex military and if it was not for the fact that they are disabled/retired they would be looking at a 50% pay cut overall. After health ins, life ins and retirement I take home $1450 every two weeks as a GS-10 with over 21 years in CS. Our health ins is over $600 per month and the co-pays are up there.