As always, my experience and opinions may differ from many but here is some resume perspective.

Some of the worst advice that I was given when I transitioned from the military was to write a general resume, one that covers all my skills. From my perspective, when I see a general resume, my first though is "This individual doesn't know what they want to do". I immediately have concern that the individual will not be a long-term employee. Too many times when folks transition from the military their goal is to just find work. While this is totally understandable, it is not appealing to me as a hiring manager. If you have different skills they should be represented by specific resumes.

Some information may be applicable to multiple resumes, however, your resume needs to target a specific need of the company. For example, if you are applying for a technical position, some management experience is good, but the resume should focus on your technical ability, specific equipment, techniques and skills.

Moreover, each job posting tells you exactly what the company is looking for in a new hire. Your resume should be written to fit each job posting. Highlight the skills that the company is looking for and demonstrate how you have utilized those skills.

Education is extremely important. However, if your degree is not in the field required, it has little value. AA degrees for my company don't count for anything. I cannot use an AA as a qualifying factor. If the posting asks for a BS, then your BA may not count.

Experience in lieu of a degree has to be applicable as well. For a technical resume, your management experience may not count. You have to be able to relate your management to the field specifically. As a general rule, equal experience to the level of degree....Bachelors equals 4-6 years, Masters 6-8 and so on. This is also why it is critical to make your resume chronological. HR has to be able to evaluate years of experience.

Security clearances are extremely valuable. If this is a requirement for the position it should be on the top of page one, with the date it was last renewed. I find security clearances are often a final thought, but think of it like this...if the clearance is a requirement then I will look for that first, if it is at the bottom of the last page, then I have just skipped your entire resume!

Would anyone ever put a bad reference on a resume...no! References waste space and have no value to me.

There are many different formats and styles, be consistent in font and size, but make it easy for a manger to find what they need.

Military awards also have little or no value. They are great achievements, but they don't tell me anything. The same goes for volunteering, unless it applies to the specific posting. For example, if you are in the medical filed and volunteer at a local shelter using those skills that is experience that is valuable. If you volunteer at the local animal shelter, it's probably not applicable.

I will give a resume about 20 seconds. Count that out in your head! If I cannot find what I need in that time, then your resume is put aside. You have to catch my eye in a very short period of time. You do this by focusing on the skills listed in the posting. Make it easy to read, and make the most of two pages.....no more.....no less.