Emily Dahlgaard ⋅ Boston, MA Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce ⋅ 1 years experience

19 years of experience in anything is something that will catch the eye of a potential employer! Start with your experience and titles, and include the work that you were responsible for within those roles. Don't forget to list any awards or honors you have received during your 19 years in the Navy, those matter too. Conclude the resume with a few interests that could make you stand out to an interviewer, something that they might be able to relate to or talk to you about, that tells them more about you personally. An example of that could be an interest in skiing, Irish Step Dancing, or scrapbooking, these are hobbies of some sort that you can back up with stories during an interview (just so long as they are interesting and showing your best side!) You would only want to list three or four interests, but it is still something to think about including on a resume that is in need of some space fillers. Here are some more tips about creating a basic resume that you might find helpful: (Things to do on your resume:) http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Resume (Things to avoid on your resume:) http://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-things-leave-off-resume-131401267.html

Hope you find some of that helpful! Let me know if I can answer any questions.

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Dallas, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 25 years experience

Send me your resume and I will call you. The problem that most people face with resume writing is if they are good at something it seems easy to them and they think it is not work talking about but an employer needs to know all of your skills for, what comes easy to you is not always something that is easy for everyone. I will help you anyway I can. tomlinsonjk@aol.com.
Judy Tomlinson

Christine B. ⋅ Colorado Springs, CO U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 7 years served

You've probably done more than you think, check out this occupational site it gives job descriptions from which I'm sure you'll get a lot more ideas of tasks that you took for granted in your position. http://www.onetonline.org/find/quick?s=aircraft+maintenance

I was shown this site from a career counselor at having thought the same thing, things like being a shift leader, being adaptable/recognizing need to change are often not thought of. http://vaforvets.va.gov/servicemembers/coachingcenter/Pages/default.aspx

Venky Addanki ⋅ Vienna, VA Accenture ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Christopher, I think your experience will help in getting jobs related to managing logistics, scheduling type of activities in an organization. I worked for more than ten years in aircraft manufacturing industry before transitioning into software so I know how some of those skills can be useful. My suggestion is to look at some short term (3-6 months) computer courses in a convenient college. I live in Northern Virginia and know that NVCC has some very good computer courses. There may be similar opportunities in your area. I can think of three possible courses that will help you - a) database administration b) Business process design c) Project Management Professional (PMP). You did not mention if you have computer knowledge. I can think of many roles that you will fit in with some exposure to computers - ability to use third party applications, develop user guides, train others and so on. Do send me a note if you want my help in getting started.

Rich DeManche ⋅ Kennesaw, GA General Electric ⋅ 12 years experience

As previously mentioned, you do have many years of experience in operations and management and that is what I would recommend highlighting on your resume. It also obviously depends on what areas you are attempting to get into, but again almost every job/career out there requires experience, which you have multiple years of proven performance. Don't sell yourself short and think about the intangibles that you bring to the table as a veteran ... things like integrity, loyalty, very strong care factor, willingness to do what it takes, showing up for work on time, etc. Those are all things that companies and hiring managers value. So again, I would recommend highlighting as much of your operations and leadership experience in your resume as possible which will help you land the interview and then highlight the intangibles I've listed above during the interview. I know as veterans we're taught not to "toot our own horn", but in the civilian sector you will need to develop that skill.
As a hiring manager myself, some key points ... keep the resume to one page, any longer than that and we lose interest. Get your most important points out early in the resume. Tailor the resume to positions your striving for by picking out key words and phrases that you can apply to your resume (so yes, you will need multiple versions of your resume).
Please feel free to drop me a copy of your resume and I would be happy to review and provide any feedback or suggestions that I can.

David Namazi ⋅ Riverside, CA Mass Mutual Financial Guroup ⋅ 3 years experience

Send me an email and I can send you mine as an example!

David Namazi
CA License #0G63145
Special Care Planner
Mass Mutual-Financial Group
Cell (951) 318-8477
E-Fax (951) 824-7644
Email dnamazi@financialguide.com
4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1000
Newport Beach CA 92660
http://www.financialguide.com/David-Namazi

Srinivas Attili ⋅ Herndon, VA IBM ⋅ 12 years experience

Your Skills, Capabailities and Experience will be very relevant. Once you have a draft of the resume, please feel free to send it to me and I will be glad ot provide feedback/comments.

Harry Rakfeldt ⋅ Belfair, WA AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants and related products ⋅ 38 years experience

You are certainly skilled. My first, flash thoughts - will location where you would like to work be an important consideration? As a private pilot, I'm aware that there are many FBO's (fixed base operators) and some have maintenance facilities. Gather a list of FBO's (for the region you are targeting) and send off your resume, focusing on your experience and promotions, EACH reflecting increased responsibilities. One way is to look at what was expected from you - job description - for each level you achieved.
Boeing could be a target. Government agencies that use aircraft (FBI, CIA, border patrols, etc) certainly are job targets. Research maintenance facilities - abroad, also, if you want to be out CONUS. AND contact:
Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO
Air Transport Division
1791 Hurstview Drive
Hurst, Texas 76054
and ask them for comments/thoughts/referrals.

Suzi Hogan ⋅ Mansfield, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 25 years experience

Yes you do have skills that employers look for! Do not sell yourself short! While you may not be applying for the specific job you were doing in the Navy, you are bringing from your 19 years very valuable management skills - leadership, the ability to train others, etc. You did not achieve Petty Officer, First Class based on years of service. You were recognized and promoted because of your abilities to lead others, your integrity, dedication and more. While you might not want to build a subjective resume, (although mine worked for me when I transitioned from a volunteer/"home manager" aka wife and mom to a career in accounting) you can still demonstrate these with specific facts, job experience, and accomplishments.