Resume Tips for Veterans

As you near the end of your academic program and begin your job hunt in earnest, you'll need to write a resume or several resumes. Many programs also require a resume for internships, apprenticeships or scholarships. Writing a resume can be overwhelming, but there are a few tips to help.

For most companies, the first scan of your resume will be done by a computer program, looking for specific words and phrases. Large corporate employers frequently use a scanner, and particular industries like healthcare and education also use them.

Even if a computer isn't looking at your resume first, the person who first sees it is looking for the same things. The first round of reviews is to see if you meet the qualifications based on experience, skills and education. After that, they review the details. 

Personal Statement

The summary -- or personal statement -- section of your resume is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to help yourself stand out. In this section, make sure you take the time to research the key points of the position but don't just repeat or list them. Use action verbs and specific examples to show how you've solved problems, saved money, and increased production.

Experience

When listing your experience, make sure you are again sharing information on how you did things and not just what you did. Think about the extra projects or assignments you completed, the internship you were selected for or anything else that makes you stand out in your desired career field.

When explaining your experience, don't use military-heavy terms; describe things in ways that everyone will understand. Tailor the skills you share to the job description and, again, focus on the accomplishments and how you can do the same for your next employer.

Adding Extras

You can also include volunteer work, hobbies and extracurricular activities on a resume. They help add some depth to your personality and fill in any gaps in time -- if they are relevant. Think about your career field, and if your extras link to a skill your future career requires, then it may be appropriate to include them. Volunteer work, especially in your field, is essential to include.

"Employers don't care if you've got paid for your experience, they care that you have the experience," Jill New, Outreach and Career Programs Manager at GGU, said. "Counting that experience makes you eligible for positions beyond entry-level. So, then you can look at positions that indicate three to five years' experience [as a requirement] for some companies."

Extra Tips

Jill New, Outreach and Career Programs Manager at GGU, recommends listing the time you've had an experience in months.

"If you're adding six months here, six months there, six months here, six months there, you're adding one, two years of experience," she said.

Be sure to include any languages you speak or program as well. If you studied abroad or worked in a multinational company, this can be a huge advantage.

Make sure your resume is chock full of relevant and vital information that helps a potential employer see how you can fit with their company and not just a retelling of your career thus far.

Trust GGU and our robust support for veterans because our goal is to help you succeed.