James Watson ⋅ San Diego, CA General Atomics ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Nathan-

I am retired after a 40 year career in industry where I hired over 100 people. Now I am helping veterans like yourself by helping with their resumes. If you would e-mail me your resume (drjamesfwatson@gmail.com) I would be happy to comment on it.

Jim Watson

Paul Ulyett ⋅ Newport Beach, CA WorkForce Software ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Nathan,

I was a hiring manager for many years, here are some of the things I've learned that will hopefully be helpful.

In large and many medium sized companies resumes are initially read by machines, not people. The computers are looking for matches (key words) between your resume/cover letter and the requirements of the position. You need to make sure your resume will still read well, but you also need to make sure that the key words from the job posting are incorporated and repeated as often as is practical. There are many resume advisers and consultants out there who could help you with this if you feel you need detailed assistance. I believe LinkedIn have such a service.

What you've done (your experience and qualifications) are very important. What you will do for your prospective employer is even more important. Companies hire people who will add value to their business. You need to establish and sell your value in a way that will differentiate you enough to get an initial interview.

Keep the resume to no more than 2 pages plus a one page cover letter. Make sure the cover letter is not generic. A prospective employer will tend to respond more positively to an applicant who has put thought and effort into articulating why they're a good fit for an open position.

Like it or not landing an interview is a sale job so you need to approach job hunting with that in mind. There are very few natural born sales people, self p[promotion does not come easily to the majority of people. It's therefore important that you have confidence in your resume and your ability to sell yourself on the back of it.

Good luck.

Paul

Kelly Williams ⋅ Newark, DE Stars to Stripes Military Transition Assistance ⋅ 10 years experience

Nathan,

With your military background, you may want to consider federal employment.

1. You receive a preference during the hiring process (for most applications);
2. You can buy back your time towards retirement.

My company provides free resume critiques to all military service members. You can submit your resume to us via email or by using our secure online submission form:

Email: Info@ExpertResumeSolutions.com
Form: http://tinyurl.com/nwz27gc

Please allow 3-5 business days for completion.

We use two different formats for corporate and federal applications. I can send you examples of each to get you started.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kellywilliamsmaresca/

Thank you for your service.

Warmest Regards,
Kelly Williams
Career Strategist & President
Security Cleared Careers
Expert Resume Solutions
Business: (732) 686-6455
Email: info@expertresumesolutions.com
www.ExpertResumeSolutions.com
Job Board: wwww.SecurityClearedCareers.com

Laura Pignataro ⋅ West Warwick, RI Saint-Gobain ⋅ 5 years experience

HI Nathan,

I currently am an HR professional and give advice on careers, resume writing, etc to not only my employees, but local community. Please feel free to send me your resume at Laura_07582@yahoo.com and i would be more than happy to provide my feedback and suggestions.
Best of luck!!

Regards,
Laura

David Akre ⋅ New York, NY A NYSE listed financial company ⋅ 25 years experience

I've reviewed tons of resumes and look for skills that match up, and a minimum amount of BS. List your skills/reponsibilities but don't pad it with flowery immaterial items. Hiring managers want to know you can get things done and won't take a lot of handholding. Good luck.