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Military vs. civilian career for National Guard soldier

Veteran

Craig Guffey Steilacoom, WA

Good morning, Raytheon advisors - Thank you for taking time to do this.

I have what I think is a unique challenge. I recently retired from the National Guard as on O-3, but my civilian career as a DoD contractor has advanced far beyond that. My military experience has been mostly in operations, but my civilian positions have been more geared toward HR type fields, like workforce development, talent acquisition, training and learning development programs, and even some community engagement.

How can I make sure a potential company focuses on my current civilian experience, rather than my previous rank in the National Guard?

What are some good strategies for approaching companies that could use someone with my skills, but maybe they don't even know about some of these workforce development opportunities and the value they bring to a company?

Thanks.
~Craig

15 November 2018 2 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Jason Bunyea Brownsboro, AL

Hi Craig!

Your resume is going to highlight the skills you put forth. If you want to focus on your civilian skills, bring those up to the top of your resume and expand them a bit. Only include the strongest points from your military background: training, maybe you single strongest achievement from a given position, etc.

Try and think of tailoring your resume this way: how would I write it without any of my military experience? Then try to add some of your military strengths to augment what you have and separate you from your strictly civilian peers.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you would like to discuss it further.

Jason

15 November 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Curtis Hatamoto Anaheim, CA

In your resume and interviews, emphasize your civilian skills and other relevant skills, especially how those skills can bring value to the employer. And put at the bottom those other skills. When I interview, I focus on the required skills and ask my questions around those topics, not necessarily National Guard vs civilian.

15 November 2018 Helpful answer

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