Ron Orick ⋅ Fort Smith, AR University of Arkansas Fort Smith ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Catriana,
I would recommend using a "skills and accomplishments" based resume. I usually encourage students I work with that are seeking a full-time employment to start their resume with a Professional Profile that includes a Key Skills section. In the Key Skills section include bullets of the skills that you have that match the skills for the job in which you are applying. The Key Skills can be changed depending on the job in which you are applying. Most veterans i work with include their military experience in the "Experience" section along with other employment. Employers are looking for candidates that can demonstrate that they have the skills to be successful in that position. I hope that helps.

Teresa Greenwood ⋅ Hartford, CT The Travelers Insurance ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Catriana,
There are free resume templates and resume builders online if you search around. one suggestion to try is: http://www.resumebuilder.org/
I see a number of resumes and ones that stand out contain no spelling errors (use spell check), use action verbs like 'developed' 'trained' 'created' and 'delivered'. Also, the verbs should be in the same tense so don't use 'developed' and 'create' (used created to match the tense of the word developed).
Best of Luck, Teri

William Smith ⋅ Suffern, NY Right Management ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Catriana,

I am a career consultant working with several organizations assisting vets with job search.
If you send me what you have written in a WORD DOC. I will review and come back to you with suggestions. Also let me know what job type you are looking for.

Best Regards,

Bill Smith

Doug Bohrer ⋅ Northbrook, IL Retired IT Cyber Security and Compliance, USAF 1972-76, MSM 1976 ⋅ 45 years experience

Here are a few pointers from advice I've given other veterans on this site. When you write a resume, you have to translate ALL military terms to civilian terms. Don't say your military specialty code was 5144. Instead say you were a computer programmer. Spreading all of the duties out lets civilian managers see how some of your skills might help them. If you were doing missile maintenance, explain that it involved testing the electronics of the missile, finding circuit boards that failed diagnostic tests and replacing them from inventory or ordering them from a central supply organization. To make sure you have translated everything, have a civilian family member or friend review your resume for terms they don't understand.

I am willing to give specific tips on your resume if you would like. I have done this for other veterans on this site with positive results.

When I got out of the Air Force in 1976, civilians were very hostile. It was hard to deal with. I want to do what I can to give veterans today have a much better experience.

If you want me to give you specific tips on your resume, and perhaps help you set up a Linked In site for yourself as well, please use this site to send me an email. Unfortunately, I'm in Chicago and I don't know anyone in Boston. Doug Bohrer

Here's Google's site for veterans transitioning to civilian life. I just tripped over this in internet searches, so I don't know anyone who has used this. However, it does look promising.
https://plus.google.com/+VetNetHQ

Andrea Gnilka ⋅ Springfield, VA Deloitte ⋅ 5 years experience

Hi Catriana,

If you are still looking for any additional help on resume formatting and content, I'm happy to help!

Best,

Andrea Butler

Mike Cottell ⋅ Glen Head, NY Michael T Cottell Consulting ⋅ 42 years experience

Hi Catriana, consider checking out this link for ideas once the job search begins.

https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/how-to-become-the-candidate-recruiters-cant-resist/

Thank you for your service and good luck to you!
Best Regards, Mike

Jessica Valdez ⋅ San Diego, CA U.S. Navy, Seaman ⋅ 3 years served

Thanks for the help everyone. It's greatly appreciated.