Military service provides valuable skills, experience, and knowledge that are highly relevant in the civilian workforce. However, translating your military experience into credentials that civilian employers understand can be challenging. Credentialing your military experience on your resume is a crucial step for veterans and service members preparing to transition into civilian careers. Here’s a guide to help you showcase your unique skills, make the most of relevant certifications, and stand out to potential employers.
Why Credentialing Matters
Civilian employers may not fully understand military titles or jargon, and often look for specific credentials that validate your skills. Obtaining recognized civilian certifications based on your military training and experience can:
- Make your skills clear and credible.
- Improve your chances in competitive job markets.
- Increase your salary potential by meeting industry standards.
Key Steps for Credentialing Your Military Experience
1. Identify Relevant Military Skills and Experiences
Start by analyzing your military experience to determine which skills apply to your desired civilian job. Common transferable skills include:
- Leadership and management
- Project coordination and logistics
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Technical skills (IT, engineering, healthcare, etc.)
For example, if you were responsible for logistics in the military, your skills may directly translate to supply chain management or operations roles in the civilian world.
2. Research Required Credentials in Your Target Industry
Certain industries, such as healthcare, IT, project management, and logistics, require specific certifications. For instance:
- Project Management: Look into certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) through PMI (Project Management Institute).
- IT and Cybersecurity: CompTIA certifications (e.g., Security+, A+), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), and Cisco certifications are often valuable.
- Healthcare: Consider certifications that translate your medical training, such as EMT or medical assistant credentials, depending on your role in the military.
Research your target industry to see if employers require or prefer certain credentials that might align with your military training.
3. Translate Military Terms into Civilian Language
Your resume should avoid military jargon, replacing terms with civilian equivalents. Instead of using specific military ranks, for example, focus on describing your leadership experience and accomplishments in relatable terms. You could describe your role as “oversaw team operations” instead of “squad leader” and highlight outcomes that are meaningful in civilian settings, such as “trained and supervised a team of 12 personnel, leading to a 30% improvement in operational efficiency.”
4. Explore Credentialing Programs for Veterans
Several programs help veterans and transitioning service members obtain civilian certifications based on their military experience, often at little or no cost:
- The Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) Program: Available through the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, COOL helps service members identify certifications and licenses that align with their Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). This program often covers the cost of certification exams and preparation.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill Benefits: Your GI Bill can help pay for certifications, licensing exams, and even some test preparation courses. Use it to pursue the certifications most relevant to your career goals.
- Onward to Opportunity (O2O): This program, run by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, offers free training and certification in high-demand areas, including IT, project management, and cybersecurity.
These programs provide an excellent opportunity to turn military experience into nationally recognized certifications.
5. Highlight Relevant Training and Achievements
Your resume should showcase the training, achievements, and awards that demonstrate your expertise and dedication. For example:
- Training courses completed (e.g., advanced leadership training, technical courses)
- Awards or commendations that highlight your commitment and performance
- Specific accomplishments, like “improved efficiency by 25% in logistics operations” or “trained 50+ personnel in safety procedures.”
These details provide concrete examples of your abilities and accomplishments, making you a more compelling candidate.
6. Network Within the Veteran Community and Target Industry
Connect with other veterans who have transitioned to your target industry. Networking through LinkedIn, veteran service organizations, and industry events can help you learn about industry-specific certifications, job opportunities, and what employers value most in candidates from a military background.
Veteran-specific job fairs and virtual hiring events can also connect you with employers familiar with military experience. Many companies value the discipline, integrity, and work ethic veterans bring, so building connections with recruiters and other veterans in the industry can enhance your job search.
Crafting Your Credentialed Resume
As you begin to build your resume, keep in mind these tips:
- Structure: Start with a summary that describes your military background and transferable skills. Follow with a section dedicated to certifications and training, then list relevant military positions with civilian-friendly language.
- Highlight Certifications: Create a dedicated section for certifications to make them easy to spot. These credentials will catch an employer’s eye and demonstrate that your skills meet industry standards.
- Customize for Each Job: Tailor your resume for each position you apply for by emphasizing the certifications, skills, and experiences most relevant to the role.
Final Thoughts
Credentialing your military experience for a civilian resume can help bridge the gap between military and civilian careers, making it easier for employers to see the value you bring to the table. By obtaining certifications, translating your experience into civilian terms, and highlighting your achievements, you’ll set yourself up for a successful transition and a rewarding career path. Remember, programs and resources are available to support you on this journey, so take advantage of these tools to showcase your unique skills and experience.
Written By: HelpVet.net
Photo Credit: Canva
