Let me start by first saying thank you to the employees behind this event, and those that scheduled it (at Deloitte and ACP). I am appreciative for the support not only for myself, but other Veterans. I have had this day scheduled on my calendar for quite sometime, and shared it with other Veterans in hopes of getting lots of interactions.
On to the questions;
1) When going through resumes, which portion would you consider to be the most important? Education, Goals, Passions, Training Courses, or Real World Job Duties.
2) How often do recruiters make it to the back page of a resume?
3) If an individual provides a resume, with lots of training, but very little experience in that field, are other considerations ever taken into account, such as military service, or is that person immediately passed over?
4) How do I show my ability to learn and excel at any task provided, specifically when experience is being requested for a job announcement, when it is near impossible to get into a position to START gaining that experience?
Answers
Hi Ralph,
Let me start by saying thank you for your service to our country! Many of us volunteering today are very passionate about supporting our veteran community and are more than happy to help in any way possible.
1) I actually think the totality of the resume matters more than any individual section. Individual experiences vary from person to person so it really depends. I would say that tailoring the content to specific positions that you are applying to (i.e. trying to use language that would resonate for a specific position) is helpful, however.
2) That depends on how long your resume is. I would recommend keeping it to two to three pages greatly increases the chances that a recruiter will review the entire resume.
3) The short answer is yes, there are other considerations. To the extent that you can highlight how the skills gained from your military experience would translate well to the position in question would greatly increase your chances of getting an interview.
4) The situation you describe is certainly a challenge. One way to highlight your ability to learn quickly and rise to challenges would be to add a branding statement at the top of your resume. More importantly, I recommend showcasing how you have advanced in your military career. By highlighting how you have advanced, especially if it is within a short period of time, it will demonstrate your ability to learn quickly and assume additional responsibilities.
I'll answer the first question . . .
The first thing I look for in the resume is the summary. Many people do terrible in writing a summary because it's either too wordy, too all-over-the-place, and doesn't pinpoint what they've done that aligns with the position they're applying for. They attempt to pad it with things that are irrelevant.
There more quickly and more succinctly you can address the following above, the better off you'll be.
The second thing I look for will depend on how much I have to check the box. For example, I work on the Federal side and many Federal positions require a bachelor's degree (and a degree in a certain field) as well as certain certifications. Often, the Federal client is inflexible in these requirements, so if you aren't compliant, you won't get a second look. That doesn't come from me, the reviewer, but from the client.
So, in short, education/certifications and training courses will matter there.
The third thing I look for is work experience, and preferably experience that's in line with the job I'm posting, as well as showing a coherent and consistent narrative. That is, have you shown that you can not only do the job, but have made an impact by doing the job that has improved a process, saved money, etc. Also, have you made an effort to progress in the field to take on more responsibility, or have you just gone from job to job with no rhyme or reason? (I understand that you sometimes have to take a job just to earn money and that's fine. But, also show, as much as possible, that is was part of your master plan.)
In lieu of a conversation I will give you some insights on what I have learned working with veterans in ACP over the last 6 years...one of the biggest challenges in crafting your resume is translating the skills you have acquired during your military service into "corporate speak". The other challenge is sometimes recognizing the various leadership and management skills you have and giving yourself credit for all that you have done in your military career. Lengthy resumes can be challenging and I do have a hard time getting beyond two pages unless I'm truly captured by something on page 1. Military service IS work experience and yes it counts and counts a lot from Deloitte's perspective. You are learning skills daily in the military that are directly applicable to the corporate world - management and leadership skills, detail oriented task completion, professional presence and presentation skills, and frequently crisis management depending on your role. Your unique perspective from your military experience should be adding value to your resume - never detracting. Training is a value add as well but I would say experience outranks training. If you don't have experience required then I would ask if you are looking at the right level for entry into the position or are you overlooking experiences that would translate from your prior work history. Hopefully this is helpful until we can connect directly.
I am not quite in a position to be able to talk over the phone at the moment, but as soon as I get a chance I will let you know ma'am, thank you for answering so promptly!
Hi! We are happy to be here to help. As you have lots of questions a phone conversation might be the quickest way. I'd love to chat with you. I've been mentoring veterans with ACP since 2011 and am a Managing Director at Deloitte. Send me a message directly and I will give you a call. Julia Kirby
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