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

Hello Sergeant Matthews,
Matching your particular skills with each position in which you are applying is very important. There are certain skills all program managers will need (communication/leadership/organizational/etc.). However, look at some current job postings in your specific areas of most interest or where your strengths are, noticing the requirements and qualities in which they are seeking. Fashion your resume with a Professional Profile at the top showcasing your "key" skills that match that particular job. Whatever you show as a matching key skill for a particular job be ready to provide examples to demonstrate those skills in an interview.

Chervon Matthews ⋅ Cypress, TX U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class ⋅ 20 years served

Eric, I am just realizing that there are many industries out there. I am also realizing that the program manager means something different to each industry.

In the military program, managers were in charge of a specific program and had reports and conformance checklists. I am trying to figure out a way to brand myself to potential employers through my resume to show that I am a good fit.

For instance what past roles should I have had to be considered for a program manager role? I am having a hard time translating my past position to civilian terms that someone who has never served in the military would understand.

Tom Hayashi ⋅ Arlington, VA Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund ⋅ 20 years experience

Hello Sergeant Matthews:

Be happy to help as I have experience in HR within both private and public sector including government and nonprofit employers. I suggest always, always tailoring your resume to the specific job announcement. So have you seen any job descriptions that seem to fit with your professional background? Be happy to discuss briefly over Zoom if you like.

Tom Hayashi, MS Ed, PhD
Professor of Leadership & Management
thayashi1@saybrook.edu

Eric Rosenzweig ⋅ San Diego, CA Qdoba Restaurant Corporation ⋅ 30 years experience

If you can provide a bit more detail as to what you're meaning by program manager I might be able to provide some additional information for you.