I am transitioning with just barely 'mid-level' career experience and applying for a variety of career positions that don't fit perfectly with my experience. It's difficult for me to gauge how specific my resume should for each particular job while providing a solid background and maintaining a one to two page parameter. Any recommendations on presenting the best resume product for each individual job? Thank you!
Answers
Brooklyn,
I agree with Scott's advice, and would add that there are easy tricks to adapting your experience and skills to the position you are applying for. With that said, I think you may be underestimating your skill pool, and may actually be a great fit for the positions being offered.
In resume writing, you have to mine your experiences, so that you can put your best performance on display for the hiring manager to consider. This isn't the time to be humble - you have to put on your "Extrovert" hat, and show them what you can do.
Start by looking at the job requirements. What are they?
Now look for places your skills potentially overlap those job requirements. Now you have your nugget - again as Scott said, find the broad category, and put that information in.
A lot of people think they have to be a one-for-one, exact fit. Not so! What I'm looking for as a hiring manager is skills and potential. Have you done something similar that applies, and with your skill set, where could you go if you wanted to move up?
For example, if I was looking for someone for a Design engineering position, I'd look and see if they have experience in Design, or show an aptitude for it.
Remember, the position requirements are a listing of what the hiring manager wants. The closer you can tailor your resume to meet and exceed those requirements, the better the chance a hiring manager is going to look at your resume. So definitely do make your resume fit as closely as you can to your job requirements.
I also strongly agree with Scott that the one page format isn't the right format. It's good for college grads, not for people with a broader base of experience. With that said, you have to have a happy medium - for example, if you're 5 years out of high school or college, I wouldn't be listing those achievements unless they were something incredible. Keeping your information fresh is the best approach - people want to know what you have done recently - the more recent, the better.
Your resume also tells the hiring manager about what your potential is. If you have been able to take on responsibility across a wide range of positions over a period of time and be successful, that tells me you are adaptable, and that interests me.
I'd be happy to take a look at your resume, and offer some tips for the jobs you are applying for, so you can better target your resume to those position requirements. If that would help you, please send me a note and the documents, and we'll see what we can do to leverage your skills.
Good luck in your job hunt!
George Wilhelmsen
Hi Brooklyn,
First, don't limit yourself to a one-page parameter. That's an arbitrary measurement which is unnecessary.
Second, consider a functional résumé highlighting skills and experience that DO fit well with the position(s) for which you're applying. For example, instead of:
Current Job
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
Last Job
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
Consider using high level skill "buckets" and describing how you've done those. For instance:
Team Leadership, Training and Development:
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement:
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
Project Management and Budget Oversight:
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
- Bullet about it
Then include a brief "Work History" section following this experience section. The Work History will include just titles, places, and dates where you worked.
You can and should tailor each résumé you submit based on the job posting. But using the functional format, you may not have to do much customizing. It may be as simple as updating the name of the "bucket" to match the terms used in the posting, and making some slight adjustments to each bullet so it's clear how the bullet relates to what the job seeker is looking for.
I hope this helps!
-Scott!
Brooklyn, did you know that as veteran the company that employees you is entitled to a tax credit up to $9,600. Most employers don't this either. I can show you what to add to your resume that will point this out plus how the employer can take advantage of the credit. Just send me an email to ramco1@verizon.net if you want to learn how. Anyone else reading this feel free to contact me for some guidance.
Warmly,
Bob
Hi Brooklyn and thank you for your service. My resume advice is fairly simple, where I place my key skills along with any applicable tools/methodologies towards the upper part of my resume. Rather than a traditional objective to start with, I normally create a few sentences which call out in summary some of what your work philosophy and traits may be, while touching on the potential value you would add to an organization. In my own experience I have created multiple resumes, where I may focus on my technical background and project management, where in another I might want to focus it more on people management experience. In summary, what I've followed with resume construction is within the first few sections of the resume, be able to "grab your readers" so to speak, so that without going into the specifics of your background, they read a few lines about you, your skills and say to themselves "I want to talk to this person". Good luck.
Brooklyn
The Best method is to highlight your strengths. Whatever you are best at Management, Operations, Analysis, or Personnel, Human Resources. Highlight the skills that align with the job offer; if there are multiple things that align, then categorize them by importance or level of skill and knowledge. Just remember everything you bring to the table own it, because these are the things that will allow you to negotiate the salary and benefits package that you are worth and deserve.
NOTE: Also remember to you use key words and phrases from the job offer. This is how most large organizations screen for talent. Your resume should be your focal point. Research the organizations structure, culture, history, and key stakeholders. Know the organizations value. These are also things you can really standout and be impressive when that point in the interview ( When you are asked by the interviewer "Do you have any questions for me?") Yes I do EXAMPLES" I notice last quarter earnings fell below expectations why? Was there a realignment in stakeholders? some cultural or maybe structural changes? There is no magic phrase or attitude that get you noticed you get you noticed through your resume. Good luck....
Talk about your skill set, education and your career progression- the thing going for you is you are early in your career and have had great training & experience. Corporations are looking for next generation talent due to Boomer's retiring and they usually understand that they'll need to train newbies to the terminology of their business. I'm available to review your resume for clarity if you'd like. Good Luck!
Bernie Hennessy- Sr. Director- Print
Neenah ,Inc.
bernie.hennessy@neenah.com
Hi Brooklyn
I hope you have the advise you need. I looked at education and experience when I was hiring and I did it pretty quickly. The person doing the hiring may only take a few minutes to go through the resumes to identify candidates that stand out. Experience and education are the starters and length of employment at each job
I have a great idea if you're looking for the best job possible to match your skills. Visit/schedule a meeting with your nearest Veteran Employment Service Office (VESO). They will assign an employee to instruct you on how to write a government resume and apply for federal/gov't jobs on the usajobs.gov website. They will also give you insight on current openings that match your skills. This procedure should also give you guidance on how your skills transition to civilian careers if you want to apply with private employers.
No need to restrict to one page for experienced. 2 best, 3 tops.
Each job deserves a tailored resume. Always include an objective and specify you are wanting the exact job title in the job ad.
Good luck!
As both a vet (transitioned out as a JMO myself) AND an advisor, I'm going to keep this short and sweet.
Every vet I've took under my wing has made a successful transition to a good civilian job that fits them and pays them well.
I've written resumes professionally but more importantly I have a depth and breadth of experience that many don't have that allows me to look at folks differently.
Would enjoy helping you, so it's your call.
Check out my profile here, at LinkedIn, wherever.
And if you decide you really want to hit it hard, put in the work, and get in a direction that will be satisfying to you long term, feel free to send me a note and your current resume to steven@stevenadolt.com
Regardless of your decision, please know that you are a very valuable commodity in today's workforce.
Sincerely,
Steve
Hi Brooklyn.
I have a different thought. Did you ever consider Marine insurance? You have a marine background and there is opportunity in the Marine insurance in the claims area, agency area, reinsurance area and Marine insurance companies. You have the background and the terminology.
There are also consulting companies that have practices in the Marine business, to help companies reduce their liability and losses, thereby reducing their insurance premium.
You are mid level based on your Coast Guard experience. I would give you an opportunity at that level, not lower.
Put your experience and accomplishments on your resume in non military terms, numbers of staff, responsibility level. Use words like completed, lead, planned and completed, designed and implemented within time and budget.
Be proud of your accomplishments and make the reviewer want to speck to you to get more information.
Have fun and do not get discouraged.
Hi Brooklyn. Another thought!!
You have Marine experience, something the insurance business needs. You could work in Marine insurance claims or insurance agency or a Marine insurance company. This may be something you never considered, but give it some consideration. Send a few resumes. The opportunity will open more doors for you. The industry also has consulting firms that specialize in Marine operations and reducing insurance costs. Companies hire these firms to help reduce losses and liability, so their insurance premiums are reduced.
I agree will all the comments you received, put your strengths and accomplishments on your resume in non Coast Guard terms and let the hiring manager decide if there is a fit.
You are mid-level based on your responsibility in the Coast Guard, the question you must answer is what did you accomplish, showing up every day is not what will get anyone's attention.
Your resume must make them want to speck to you and find out more.
DONOT GET DISCOURAGED!!
Have fun and thanks for your service.
Hi Brooklyn,
As a former enlisted Coastie who had trouble transitioning after 10yrs (4.5 of those years at Sector NY Intel), I have a few thoughts.
First: I wouldn't focus so much on quantity regarding your resume. Focus on quality. If you've only been in two units, elaborate as much you can while keeping effectiveness in mind.
Second: I can assure you being a military officer, regardless of time in service, is a huge feather in your cap. Please don't think you're "just barely mid-level". Barely mid-level in service does not equal the same in the civilian world. Think of what you have been entrusted with and chances are the same responsibilities would fall into mid/upper management for a civilian.
Third: I would tailor your resume towards your accomplishments. Did you lead a team through a tough time? If so, how? Did you improve some operation? What/who were you put in charge of? Did you earn any awards and why?
As an LTJG, you have leadership/management skills, communication skills, problem solving skills, collaborative skills......among many more.
Perhaps you should look into companies that offer military executive development programs. Depends on what you want to do, but I know BMW, Goldman Sachs, Macy's all have those types of programs and there are plenty others out there.
http://gohireavet.com/macys-military-executive-development-program/
You're in a good situation being a part of ACP. When I got out, there wasn't much help available. There are tons of resources at your disposal. Good luck and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Regards,
Alex
Brooklyn,
One critical change I think you can make immediately to assist in your search and your overall success is beef up your Linkedin profile. I took a quick look and noticed your network is small and your profile isn't complete. Employers often see your resume then go straight to your Linkedin to see who you are. A valuable tool, recommend you use it.
Roddney
Hi Brooklyn - What a cool name!
Regarding how specific your resume should be for a particular job, I think it is a judgment call made on a case-by-case basis for each job you apply for. It's a good idea to have someone else review each iteration if your resume before you submit to an employer.
Regarding what skills to add, keep them relevant to the particular job, specific and determinable. E.g., you might list a license you have or a measurable accomplishment. I have seen a lot of resumes that say things like “hard working “ - I would omit that kind of thing.
Don’t go over two pages. Some people I know will not read a resume over 1.5 pages.
And, figure the skills you want on your resume and then go get them. Find a way - e.g., an internship, or find a temp independent contractor gig online (if necessary, offer to work at a discount in exchange for a reference - of course the reference must be true).
Best wishes, and thank you for service to the country.
Ethan
I have a different take on resumes - I like those that speak MORE to your talents and how THEY fit with the pursued job. That is, as a recruiter for many years I would rather see that the applicant/candidate has the TALENT for the positions' tasks rather than the experience. I can always teach to the tasks; but if the applicant does not have the talent, then that is, as they say, "trying to teach the pig to sing." Can't be done. Tout how your talents fit with the applied-for position.
If you do not know what your talents are or where to begin examining same, here is a link to a free website that will point you in the right direction. If you need help interpreting the results, please feel free to contact me off-channel at hlstevens42@gmail.com.
http://www.humanmetrics.com/hr/jtypesresult.aspx
Good luck, fellow veteran!
Why don't you send me your resume so I can look at it ? What area interests you ? I was in Finance.
Best
Bill Richards
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