Answers
From one Scott to another... I'm happy to help.
First, I recommend you check out an article I recently published on LinkedIn about being concise, using simple terms, and focusing on good news on your résumé: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/smart-5th-grader-test-military-r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9s-civilians-too-scott-vedder/
A quick glance at your LinkedIn profile highlighted a few potential issues:
-Focus on the experience and skills you bring to the civilian world, rather than beginning by stating you're a veteran in transition. While your career is indeed transitioning, your best accomplishments, skills, and contributions will stay with you.
-Don't list your military job title. Instead "fairly characterize" it as something I might understand. So perhaps "Senior Public Affairs Manager" vs. "Division Public Affairs Officer, Major"
-Focus on the most relevant details first. The following statement on your profile begins with background details and context that can distract a recruiter instead of with the most relevant achievements. Write it in a different sequence and see if you think it might make more sense to a civilian recruiter like me:
CURRENT: "Deployed for 8-months on 28 days notice to lead a team of 5 public affairs professionals during an 8-month overseas deployment through 9 countries publishing over 130 stories to audiences in 47 countries."
REVISED: "Published 130+ news stories reaching audiences in 47 countries as part of an 8-month assignment leading a team of 5 in [insert name of country or region.]"
Do you see how that's more concise, more focused on the important details, but still can convey the critical information you listed?
I hope this helps! I've got more tips on my web site at www.ScottVedder.com. Check it out.
-Scott!
Hi Scott,
I agree with Scott. The military jargon needs to be transitioned to civilian jargon. Reach out to anyone of us, with your résumé and skills. One of us can get you on the right track.
Good luck!
Liz Campanelli
Have now looked over your Linked-In resume. Very impressive. Not sure what you are "doing wrong," if anything. Two thoughts for you:
1) I am a BIG fan of focusing on the talents (versus the experience) that a candidate brings to the table. I can always teach the experience; but if ya ain't got the talent, I am wasting your, my, and my companies time by hiring to the experience.
2 ) I am also a big fan of networking. The adage is often true, it is WHO you know and not as much WHAT you know or WHAT you have done. Point being, define where you want to work, what you want to do there, and get in front of those people. All management positions have "professional associations" and they will likely have monthly meetings somewhere. Go to 'em.
Lastly, if you have an issue with understanding YOUR talents go here (free):
http://www.humanmetrics.com/hr/jtypesresult.aspx
If you have difficulty understanding the results, send me an off-channel note to hlstevens42@gmail.com and I will give you my take on the results. I will need the letter and associated percent. You'll understand . . . . also free, by the way! Dr. Hank
Hi Scott,
Have you ever considered business ownership? As a Career Transition Coach I help people who are interested in researching alternative options to the traditional job market. As a military spouse I understand the frustrations of traditional careers, which is one of the main reasons I do what I do. If you'd like to talk, please book a time with me at nquartey.youcanbook.me.
I hope to talk to you soon!
Nancy
Hi Scott,
I am a career consultant working with vets on job search. If you send me your resume I will review and we can then discuss your job search
Tell me what type of work are you going for.
Regards
Bill Smith
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