Leaving the military and transitioning into civilian life can be both exciting and challenging. One of the most significant hurdles veterans face is effectively translating their military skills and experiences into terms that resonate with civilian employers. Military training instills a unique set of skills, discipline, and leadership qualities that are incredibly valuable, but they may not always be easily understood in the context of the civilian job market. Today, we'll be exploring practical steps to help veterans translate their military skills into civilian job experience, making the transition smoother and more successful.
1. Identify Your Transferable Skills
The first step in translating your military experience is identifying the transferable skills you've gained. These are the abilities that you can carry over into the civilian workforce, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management. Consider the roles you've held, the responsibilities you've managed, and the missions you've executed. Ask yourself:
What leadership roles did I assume?
How did I manage teams or projects?
What technical skills did I learn?
How did I handle challenging or high-pressure situations?
For example, if you were responsible for leading a platoon or workcenter, this experience translates to strong leadership, team management, and decision-making skills. If you managed logistics, you have experience in supply chain management, organization, and planning.
When using the Free Resume Builder on Skillmil.com, try entering your MOS identifier to automatically populate basic transferable skills from your job!
2. Learn the Language of the Civilian Workforce
Military jargon can be confusing to civilians. When writing your resume or preparing for interviews, replace military-specific terms with civilian-friendly language. Instead of using acronyms or military codes, describe your experience in plain terms. For instance:
Instead of "Commanded a squad of 15 infantrymen," say "Led a team of 15 personnel, overseeing daily operations and training."
Replace "Conducted intelligence briefings" with "Prepared and presented strategic reports to senior leadership."
Adapting your language makes your experience more relatable and understandable to potential employers who may not have a military background.
3. Focus on Achievements and Outcomes
Employers want to know what you can do for them. When describing your military experience, focus on your achievements and the outcomes of your actions. Use quantifiable results whenever possible. For example:
"Reduced equipment downtime by 20% through the implementation of a preventive maintenance program."
"Led a team that successfully completed over 100 supply missions with a 100% on-time delivery rate."
By highlighting your achievements, you demonstrate the impact of your skills and show that you are results-oriented.
4. Align Your Skills with Job Descriptions
When applying for jobs, carefully review the job descriptions to understand the skills and qualifications that employers are looking for. Tailor your resume and cover letter to match these requirements. Show how your military experience aligns with the job’s needs:
If a job requires project management experience, emphasize your experience in planning and executing missions.
For roles that require leadership, highlight times when you led teams or training programs.
By aligning your skills with job descriptions, you show that you have the relevant experience and qualifications.
5. Leverage Veteran Resources
Many organizations and programs are dedicated to helping veterans transition to civilian careers. Utilize these resources for career counseling, resume building, and job placement services. Some organizations provide mentorship programs that pair veterans with professionals in their desired field. Networking with fellow veterans and industry professionals can also open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights.
SkillMil offers assistance with a complimentary resume review to help ensure your success when entering the job market. Also make sure to check out SkillMil.com/blogs to view other blog posts discussing transition tactics.
6. Consider Further Education or Certification
In some cases, obtaining additional education or certification can bridge the gap between military and civilian careers. This might involve completing a degree, taking specialized courses, or obtaining certifications that are recognized in your industry of interest. Many educational institutions offer programs specifically tailored for veterans, and there are also scholarships and financial aid options available.
7. Practice for Interviews
Interviews can be daunting, especially when transitioning from a military to a civilian environment. Practice common interview questions and prepare responses that effectively communicate your military experience in a way that highlights your strengths and achievements. Focus on using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating how your background and skills make you a strong fit for the role.
8. Showcase Soft Skills
Military training cultivates a range of soft skills that are highly valued in the civilian workplace. Traits like discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and leadership are crucial in any professional setting. Make sure to highlight these qualities during interviews and in your application materials. For example, emphasize how your adaptability helped you manage changes in mission objectives or how your discipline and time management ensured successful project completion.
When using the SkillMil resume builder, make sure to browse possible transferable skills you might have obtained during your time in the military!
Transitioning from a military to a civilian career involves more than just rewriting a resume—it's about effectively communicating the value of your experiences and skills in a new context. By identifying your transferable skills, learning the language of the civilian workforce, focusing on achievements, and leveraging available resources, you can successfully translate your military experience into civilian job opportunities. Remember, the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills honed in the military are assets that can set you apart in the civilian job market. With preparation and the right approach, you can embark on a successful career post-military service.
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