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

Shane,

If you message me your email address I can send you a corporate and federal resume template to work off of.

My company also 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://expertresumesolutions.com/freeresumereview/

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

Larry Herring ⋅ Pomona, CA World Wide Technology ⋅ 32 years experience

Hi Shane,

First off, do not get sucked into people/companies who want you to pay a few hundred dollars to write a resume for you. As mentioned before, be laser focused on the industry you wish to get into. Once you do, perform all of your research on that industry so you have a good feel for all the buzz words. As a hiring manager, two pages is just fine. You need an executive summary at the top with the buzz words for that particular industry. I say that because more companies are using software to scan a resume before it even gets to a person. You need to get past the gatekeeper machine or person, and the only way is buzzwords. Many recruiter's do not have a good grasp on the role they are trying to fill. So, they look for buzzwords so they can kick the resume to the hiring manager.

One item that you can do is look at other resumes on the internet to see the formats. Use your best judgment at first. Do a search on the resume's position. There are thousands out there as people post their resume on the internet. I wish you nothing but the best.

Bennet Goff ⋅ Coronado, CA U.S. Navy, Commander ⋅ 28 years served

Shane,

I am going through the same process as you right now. One of the first things I did was reach out to a veteran who had recently transitioned very successfully , and set up a phone call. We discussed many different strategies, and he was even kind enough to share an electronic copy of his resume with me. I then took to the time to COMPLETELY fill out my linkedin profile in the format of other profiles in the career field I am pursuing, using my evaluations and fitness reports as guides to highlight accomplishments. I then ran my linkedin profile through the linkedin resume builder, and began copying and pasting/editing the information into the format provide to me by my colleague. Please keep in mind, this was an intensive process and took me several hours on multiple days. However, I consider it a time investment well spent.

I am now having others review my resume. Kelly Williams at Expert Resume Services was kind enough to critique the resume and had some very positive feedback regarding content and format, so I would consider my process effective. She was also gracious enough not to try to hard sell me on services I did not need! She critiques the resumes for free, and if I was going to hire someone, I would definitely consider her. The contact information is below. Good luck!

Bennet

Kelly Williams
Career Strategist & President
Expert Resume Solutions
Security Cleared Careers
Business: (732) 686-6455
www.ExpertResumeSolutions.com
www.SecurityClearedCareers.com

Michael Olmsted, MBA - former US Army ⋅ Janesville, WI State of Wisconsin ⋅ 20 years experience

Shane, getting great advice. I see you are in Madison. I too live near there and have several connections (former military) that I can introduce you to that would happy to help. In addition there a few resources in Madison and a couple very good ones in Milwaukee that you may benefit from. In addition they dont cost anything but a little time. If you like send me a note to mnolmsted@msn.com and/or link up with me on LI.

Good Luck

Mike

Howard La Kier ⋅ Atlanta, GA IBM ⋅ 18 years experience

Shane, You didn't reference where or when you received your bachelor's degree in business administration, but one of the first avenues available to you might be a career and professional services department at the institution where you completed your degree. These departments often provide assistance for resume writing, career counseling, and have position listings. Alumni connections and networking are other good options.

If you aren't certain what field or industry you'd like to pursue, then you have two options:
1) Scan available job postings for positions that you have an interest in or that fit your skills. If you don't have the skills, but the interest, then develop a plan to get those skills.
2) Think back to your classes or your military service to figure out what you enjoyed doing (whether tasks, classes, etc.) and pursue that.

Your resume should be specific to the positions you want to pursue. You may be interested in a posting I wrote with CV guidance (https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/2542#answer-13783).

Best of luck!

Joel Padua ⋅ Aurora, IL HIFE- Heartland Institute of Financial Education ⋅ 5 years experience

Thank you for your service, anyway if you're interested about financial services you can contact me

Gabriel Kern ⋅ Oklahoma City, OK Wells Fargo ⋅ 11 years experience

If you end up wanting to work in the financial field, I'd be happy to answer questions that may help you out. Follow your passion on what excites you, and the rest will fall in place.

Stefan Beyer ⋅ Kirkland, WA Wipro Ltd ⋅ 12 years experience

For positions I apply to, I write enough about a position so the employer knows what it is, and what relevant skills it can bring to the position I'm applying for. The format I use is:

"Name of Project" Position/Role/Title
One-line description of the project
- Detail 1
- Detail 2

As a specific example from my resume:

“Digital Stability” SDET
Brought new test servers online for new teams to utilize
• Coded automated tests in C#
• Verified SQL databases and project services were setup properly

I have a bit more written in an article here: https://acp-advisornet.org/articles/326/resume-cover-letter-multi-talented-individual

Chris Moore ⋅ Sacramento, CA Precipio LLC ⋅ 18 years experience

Include numbers such as dollars saved or percent performance improvement. Money and specifics lend credibility to broad statements.

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Richardson, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 30 years experience

I am happy to help. Send your resume in Word format to tomlinsonjk@aol.com

Judy Tomlinson

Bob Molluro ⋅ Wilmington, DE Benchmark Consulting Services ltd. ⋅ 30 years experience

Shane since video is what sells consider developing a 45-60 second video clip that you can add to your resume. Keep in mind that the major objective is to get the interview. If you can differentiate yourself from others your odds will go up considerably. More than a one page resume and you are probably overdoing it. If you can personalize the video clip to a targeted company that demonstrates that you have done your homework that additional time is well spent. This could be as simple as having one sentence in the video that is specific to the company. Everything else would be the same. Technology is your friend -use it.

Melvin Sorcher ⋅ Westport, CT Sorcher Associates Inc. ⋅ 40 years experience

In your resume, focus on your initiative and judgement. If a prospective employer gets a good sense of this, your chances are significantly improved. Use language like "Initiated several programs to do....", or "My major responsibility was ensuring good judgement when taking the initiative to do...", or "My focus was on applying solid judgment when considering novel alternatives to current processes. As a result, ...."

Prime the reader of your resume with the actual words "initiative" and "judgment' in at least two places in your description of your strengths (you can also say that your strengths include excellent judgment and the ability to be a self-starter).

Ed Roddy ⋅ Lynden, WA Whatcom Educational Credit Union ⋅ 30 years experience

Shane, besides all the great advice you received for developing your resume I would suggest you find some opportunities to do job shadows or internships. These experiences help you discover what types of careers you might be interested in or those you would rather not pursue. You can add these job shadows and internships to your resume. These on the job experiences will also help you when you interview for a job to be able to ask the right questions and share your experiences. Best of luck!

Bora Chang ⋅ Katy, TX Walmart ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Shane,
HR/recruiters consider one page resume as an entry level position, two page is what I think you ought to strive for. However, I would like to challenge you to take all your evals and awards out in front of you and dissect your skills then translate them in your own words. Then, you can go back to replace your words into attention grabbing words. Of course, when applying for each employment you want to replace your words and cater your bullet points to the required attributes at the least. Every single job posting is special.

Try to reach for a goal. "Since I have a job, I can commit to applying one job I like a day."
Then filter those jobs and match the requirements to you. "Do I fit the minimum requirements?" Also, certificates are a plus. An experienced manager without PAP certificate may be overlooked if Requirements list PAP certificate. "Do I need to invest in my career to get more certificates while I am employed?"
Modify your resume to center toward the job posting, and avoid matching word for word or having to fluff your resume skills. Additional requirements are what they prefer, but your personality in the interview can help them overlook the lack there of. Always tr to save your modified resume in pdf to load.

If I were in your shoes, Shane, I will research one job I like and modify what I can after my dinner. Then, the next day, I will fill out the application entry forms online and review my resume again before posting, notify my friends or prior colleagues for referrals that they may be called so they are prepared not to ignore out of area calls. Creating a system is a great way to set yourself in a routine and also mentally not attach yourself to rejections. After 9 years of service, I got rejected quite a bit on my first rodeo. Your first, second, or third job may not be your career - but moving forward one step at a time towards what You Really Want to do is the best you can do for yourself.

Cully Cavness ⋅ Denver, CO ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi Shane,

A lot of good advice on here already, so I will try not to duplicate. I would add that you should tailor your resume to the specific positions for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for a project manager position, you should change the sub-bullets on each position to emphasize project management experience, leadership, and specific (quantified if possible) examples of your relevant experience and achievements.

Then, if you apply for a different position in, for example, financial analysis, you would want to emphasize quantitative skills and experiences, analytical responsibilities, and any other relevant data points.

The goal is to quickly and concisely show the employer that your experiences are applicable and relevant to the job for which you are applying. One standardized resume cannot accomplish this, so you should spend the extra time and effort to customize your resume for your high-priority job opportunities.

Best wishes, and I hope this is helpful!
Cully

Laura Thomas ⋅ Santa Barbara, CA Casa Dorinda ⋅ 14 years experience

Hello Shane,
Thank you for your service.
All the preceding answers are great advice. First I would say not to take personally the lack of response to your resume or conclude that it is because the resume is necessarily deficient. I hear from candidates frequently that they send out many resumes and just never hear back at al. If you target smaller companies your resume may get closer attention and not be churned through a software program that looks only for key words. Also, if you haven't been in the job that you describe as "underemployed" for too long, you may want to keep that off your resume if it is not related to the field where you want to work. Better to explain in an interview that you took the job as an interim measure. From my experience, managers look for the following things when hiring for the positions you listed: stability (being at the same job awhile - being in the Military is a plus for this), experience handling a budget, supervisory experience, relevant coursework, and some evidence the applicant received recognition for his talent (awards, promotion, increased responsibilities after a period of time).
Best of luck - and if you persevere I'm confident you will find the right position.

Sean Remley ⋅ Fredericksburg, VA Camber Corporation ⋅ 18 years experience

Shane,
First, let folks know on this forum if you are going after defense contractor jobs or purely non-military type work. If you are going after “defense / IC” type contracting work please state your years of experience, education level, and clearance at the top. I review a lot of resumes and hate it when candidates put this in the middle or end. The reason this is important is you are often reviewed and filtered when companies are looking for a specific LCAT (labor category) that they need for a contract. A good recruiter will often filter then pass on to the manager or someone who then reviews your resume for technical merit. Personally, I like to see resumes in chronological order with most recent experience at the top. Then you need to convert your military experience / jargon into quantifiable (numbers / metrics) or qualify the bullet (why it is important). A two page resume that has a upfront paragraph and solid bullets is totally fine. Then have a friend or someone that will give you honest feedback review. Even better, find someone with no military background to review. If they do not understand your military experience the way you translated it – think about revising. Sean

Pamela Sullivan ⋅ Seattle, WA HealthPoint Community Health Centers ⋅ 26 years experience

HI Shane,

You have some great suggestions from advisors. As a Human Resources professional, I often get feedback from hiring managers and recruiters that they cannot decipher the military speak. Continue to experiment with your resume because a one size fits all resume may not get you noticed. You will most likely have several versions of your resume so that it fits the job for which you are applying. Viewing LinkedIn profiles can give you ideas as to how to word a resume. Having an "Employment Brand" or a strong statement in your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter will help get you noticed. Also, do not underestimate the Leadership qualities and experiences that you have gained as a people manager (Officer). Think about how to describe that experience if you are intending to apply for a management position. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you would like to talk or exchange email messages. I am more than happy to talk with you. Pam

Steve Sendele ⋅ Rockford, IL GridSense Inc. ⋅ 25 years experience

Shane, thank you for serving. Getting noticed is going to be an issue as well as getting past the gate keepers. Focus your resume on broad accomplishments but try to target the job or the company that will make you happy. The saying is true "if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life". Work LinkedIn very hard. The recruiters pull candidates from LinkedIn all day long. Use LinkedIn to reach out to companies, recruiters and opportunities and be sure to add connections in the companies you think you think might to work for. Once someone connects tell them your story and ask for help. Most people have been where you are happy to help. Good luck.

E Y ⋅ Cerritos, CA ⋅ 8 years experience

Shane: My suggestion would be to contact the school you received your BA from. The department you want to contact may be called something like alumni services. The school I received my degrees from offer free career services to alumni. Good luck!

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

Shane,

If you are looking at private industry, it's not the degree but your experience. Use the position descriptions to rework your language. If you are considering the government, use the www.mil2fedjobs.com website to translate your MOC to a GS federal position.
Best,

Deborah Meyer ⋅ Columbus, OH Anthem, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

All great answers. A resource book I would recommend, typically available at your local library is - "What color is my parachute". It's by a team of authors and the book is rewritten every few years reflecting technology changes, our interviewing culture etc. It may help you to see other examples, how to word your expertise that will help you become successful.

Look for a position or a company where you truly envision yourself for the next few years. And while interviewing - don't forget to interview the company to ensure they can meet your needs. Best wishes! Deborah Meyer, Anthem, Inc. Talent Acquisition Manager

Drew Schildwächter ⋅ Wilmington, NC Salesforce ⋅ 8 years experience

Shane: I went through a different process than Bennet describes, but I think the important thing is that you have a defined goal and a focused process to get there; the goal is to get a job that you enjoy and people get there different ways. Your résumé needs not only to convey your value, but also your value relative to the employer's needs.

Here is an article I've written breaking down the primary avenues I see for help in that process (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/educated-decisions-job-seeking-military-veterans-drew-schildw%C3%A4chter?trk=mp-reader-card). I would love to talk to you about my own experience with a successful, smooth transition and how I have used some of those resources which I describe in the article.

Please reach out here and we can discuss further if you'd like.

Best of luck.

Jim Jones ⋅ Getzville, NY Fidelis Care ⋅ 35 years experience

Good morning Shane. It sounds like you are learning something very important in terms of your resume, that is to target and be specific in terms of how your skills and accomplishments meet or match the job qualifications. It is important to tailor your resume to each position and then follow up via your network (other veterans, Linkedin, friends, formaer employers) to gain maximum visibility. Have you conducted informational interviews with potential employeers? Is your Linkenin profile current and have you reached out to those connections and alumni for advise? Are you enhancing your skills and raising your visibility by doing volunteer work in your community? Let me know how I may help. Jim