As a US Marine Corps veteran, your service has given you a wealth of invaluable skills and experiences that can easily translate to the civilian workforce. Creating a targeted and effective USMC professional resume can help you highlight these abilities and capture the attention of potential employers. In this article, we’ll go over some tips and tricks to make sure you’re crafting the best resume possible.
What Makes a USMC Professional Resume Stand Out
One of the main advantages of your military experience is the transferable skills you’ve acquired. These can include attention to detail, the ability to work in high-stress environments, leadership skills, and more. USMC professionals often have direct experience with logistics, communications, and problem-solving, making them an effective addition to any employer’s team. Clearly highlighting these skills and experiences on your resume makes a convincing argument for why you’d be an asset in any given role.
Tips for Creating a USMC Professional Resume
Crafting a USMC professional resume takes some work, but the following tips can help make the process much more manageable.
Tailor your resume to the job
One of the most important things you can do is to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. This means carefully reading the job description and highlighting the experiences from your military service that directly align with the position. Use language from the job listing in your resume to help match your experience to the specific requirements of the role.
Focus on specific examples and metrics
Using specific examples from your service, such as accomplishments or awards, can help bring your experience to life for potential employers. Include these examples along with relevant metrics—that is, specific measures you can use to quantify the impact of your work—on your resume to help set yourself apart from other candidates.
Use civilian-friendly language
Avoid using military jargon or acronyms when writing your resume. Instead, translate your experiences into terminology that civilian employers can understand. Keep in mind that employers might not be familiar with military-specific terms, so it’s important to use clear and concise language that highlights your achievements.
Highlight transferable skills
As a veteran, you possess many transferable skills that are valuable in most workplaces. Do your best to highlight these on your USMC professional resume especially those that align with the job requirements, such as management, logistics, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Consider additional certifications and training
Veterans often have many additional certifications or training beyond their military service. Make sure you include this on your resume to show that you’ve continued to develop your skills beyond your military experience. Certifications such as those for project management, security, and first aid will show your readiness to jump into the civilian workforce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While creating a USMC professional resume, there are some common mistakes you should avoid:
- Using military jargon that hiring managers might not understand.
- Failing to highlight transferable skills.
- Making the resume too long or difficult to read.
- Not emphasizing achievements and metrics enough.
Key Takeaways
- USMC professional resumes should be tailored to the job you’re applying for.
- Highlight transferable skills, such as management and logistics.
- Use civilian-friendly language and translate military experience into skills valuable in the civilian workforce.
- Showcase accomplishments and include specific metrics on your resume to help set you apart from the competition.
- Consider including additional certifications and training beyond your military service to highlight professional development.
FAQ
Q. Can I use bullet points on my USMC professional resume?
A. Yes, using bullet points can help make your resume easier to read and organize it more effectively.
Q. Do I need to include my entire military service history on my USMC professional resume?
A. It’s usually best to focus on the experiences and skills you’ve acquired during your service that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. However, it’s important to follow any specific instructions or guidelines provided by the potential employer.
Q. Should I include references on my resume?
A. No, it’s not necessary to provide references on your resume. Instead, wait until the employer requests them and make sure you have them lined up and available.