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Functional vs. Chronological Resumes for Veterans

Veteran

Robb Sucher Falls Church, VA

I have over 20 years of military experience. I've had command, staff, and education assignments from Platoon to Battalion; they typical repeat themselves every 5-6 years but at a higher level. When I use a chronological resume its looks like I'm jumping all over the place because of the number of assignments I've had. I've started writing a a functional resume with three main abilities. Below my abilities section I do show my assignments (experiences) and dates though. From what I've read on functional vs chronological resumes I believe I'm doing the right thing. However, I'm concerned that a non-military company may dismiss my resume because they think I'm hiding an incomplete past. Are there HR individuals out there that can provide thoughts on military functional resumes entering a non-military workforce?

4 March 2017 10 replies Resumes & Cover Letters

Answers

Advisor

Deb Yeagle Tampa, FL

Hi Robb-
Thanks for your service!
From my experience as a PM in private industry, the other advisors have already provided you with great advice. Since the recruiters are doing a quick scan of your resume for screening purposes, then be sure to include total number years of relevant experience, education and certifications, and relevant skills in a summary section at the beginning followed by a chronological listing that allows the recruiters to substantiate your years of experience. This is important for making sure you qualify for a particular labor category for contract work, for example.
I also offer my experience as a DoD civilian supervisor and executive, so if you ever pursue a Government position, then please private message me and I'll be glad to review your resume as there is a completely different method for structuring your resume to ensure the screeners process it through the system.
Good luck!
Deb

6 March 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Drew Schildwächter Wilmington, NC

Robb: many companies have veteran hiring teams who will be able to understand the value of a Marine LtCol. (I wouldn't discount the average person's impression of that either.)

Like Mike, I'll add the caveat that I am not an HR guy, but my best advice would be to get the advice of those in your chosen next industry on your working draft once you've made it. HR advice and general advice is great, but you want to really understand your specific audience.

On the advice of a mentor, I spent probably six months on my resume prior to leaving the Marine Corps; much of that time involved getting feedback from industry professionals ("Does this make sense to you?" "Am I hitting the right points from my career?") and I believe that it was time well spent. You can do this with any amount of time.

6 March 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Taube Weiner Dedham, MA

Hi Robb,
I'm a career coach and my answer to your question: resumes are like religion and politics, every one has an opinion. I agree with Mike and one like to go one step further. Go on to my website TransitionsbyTaube.com. send me your resume and I will happily go over it with you at no cost to you. It's my way of saying thank you for your service.

Best Taube (pronounced Toby)

5 March 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Mike Cottell Glen Head, NY

Hi Robb, I'm a former senior executive at a large public corporation, who has a point of view, but I am not an HR executive. Having been a leader for large teams, I am very familiar with how the hiring process works, as well as how organizations look at talent acquisition. There is no " perfect answer" and you must do what's right for you after you get all the different advisors points of view. I'm suggesting a " combination format" of both types.
1) It's very important to showcase your skills right up front in a " summary of qualifications opening section" to grab the attention of both the electronic scanners that first look at resumes and then the recruiter. You want to focus on the right skills and adjectives that address both your abilities and the type of individual they are looking for in the job you are targeting.
2) Perhaps it looks along these lines: Open with " Strong, goal focused , bottom line driven leader with a proven track record of building strong, empowered teams to consistently meet or exceed the stated objectives of the organization of the organization"
> Proven leadership ability
> Results driven
> Adept at managing budgets
> Proficient at developing talent
> Strategic Thinker
you would fill in a little , high level example next to each > , which would be supported by facts in the details of the work history.
3) Consider " batching" your time frames / history into larger blocks , that are still accurate, but don't create the visual of moving around too much--which you are not, just addressing your concern.
For example:
1) Period 1 of time x-y " Non Commissioned officer with a range of responsibilities to include"
a)
b)
c)
2) Period 2 Lieutenant -Captain with a range of assignments and responsibilities to include
a)
b)
c)
3) Period 3 Major
4) Period 4 Lt. Colonel
You get the idea and you could also batch it by where you were stationed , functional responsibilities etc. Again, many suggestions and ideas for you to pick from, do what feels right, but you must grab the reader right away with a compelling reason to keep on reading. The recruiters are overwhelmed and speed read everything in the beginning.
Again, my point of view is from a senior leader in the business, not HR.
Thank you for your service ROBB and GOOD LUCK to you!
Best Regards, Mike

4 March 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Merry Vickers Richardson, TX

Good morning,

Thank you for your service and I would like to try to answer this for you. There are several suggestions that most services and internet sites recommend, and they are right.

Give your resume a format change and lead with a summary that outlines your skills and qualifications. Share generalities from past positions to translate how it will be beneficial in new roles, like skills, duties, projects or management. Use clear civilian language to describe your career objectives, but highlight key wording from job descriptions and any accomplishments you have achieved. Keep the verbiage in present tense and have others read through it for feedback. If you can pursue any certifications or even CEU (Continuing Education Units) will show how interested you are and make recruiters take notice.

I hope this helps you on this new journey and I wish you all the best.

Kindest regards,
Merry Vickers

Advisor

Steven Mathews Spring, TX

I have helped over 100 people in the past 3 years obtain new positions by helping them create a Top 1% Resume. The "secret" is to show your value to the company, and specifically to the hiring manager. I am willing to help you for free, no strings.
I am a retired USAFR officer. I know how to take your operational military experience and translate those accomplishments into commercial value statements.
Email me at slmathews99@gmail.com should you wish to proceed.

Veteran

Robb Sucher Falls Church, VA

Thanks Drew. Your advice is sound and I am in the process of putting together my resume for when i leave the service next summer. My greatest challenge, and one I suspect many in my position have, is that after 22 years of active duty service I am not sure what is the best "next" industry for me. I'm afraid if I narrow my scope too soon that I will miss the most rewarding opportunity for me. Robb

Veteran

Robb Sucher Falls Church, VA

Thanks Deb. My SES supervisor recommended putting together a Federal Resume since, as you say, they are different than most others. Once I put mine together I will reach out. While I don't intend to go directly back into government, I think my experiences - especially currently working in an OSD position - could lend itself to a federal employment opportunity.

Veteran

Robb Sucher Falls Church, VA

Thanks Taube. I will take you up on your offer. I am still in the process of writing it though. Once complete I will reach out. Robb

Veteran

Robb Sucher Falls Church, VA

Thanks Mike. I've received similar recommendations before, so I know I'm on the right track. Highlighting the key experiences and abilities for a job I want is much more important than indicating the jobs I've had. Of interest is your recommendation to "batch" my experiences into ranks rather than like duties. I've tried to batch them based on major moves, but I have tried with respect to rank. I like that approach. I will try to do this on my resume and see how it turns out. As I'm sure you know, most military ranks have similar levels of responsibility. As such, those experiences might batch well. Thanks again - Robb

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