Resume Questions

[charlietwo]

I separated from active duty back in June '07 under the hopes that my experience and training would give me a strong resume and a good chance at getting a quality, professional job. Yet, for some reason, I couldn't get a response to save my life and I eventually ended up going to a veterans job fair to get a job as a general warehouse worker at a local shipping supplies company. This wouldn't be such an issue at the moment, however I developed a herniated disc in my L5-S1 at some point during my active duty stint. This has slowly digressed into a severe herniation which causes serious pain on a daily basis, particularly at work where I'm on my feet the entire day. Throw in the fact that the VA denied me any disability compensation, and my new 8-a-day vicodin habit, and I have myself in a fucked up situation. (I know, I know... :boohoo)

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone out there has had some similar experiences or at least a few tips for my resume that can convey to these employers what SF soldiers are capable of. Anything will help at this point, as I'm at my wits end at this point and strongly considering going under the surgeons knife to fix my back.

Looking forward to any responses! Thanks fellas.

-Blake

[Jack Moroney (RIP)]

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone out there has had some similar experiences or at least a few tips for my resume that can convey to these employers what SF soldiers are capable of.

Resume writing is both an art and a science and trying to capture qualities you feel that you have by virtue of your service means nothing to most who read it unless they have some basic grounding in the military. This is nothing more than understanding the target audience and laying out what you accomplished in terms they understand. Most guys write something as if they were going before a promotion board, others use terms like "leadership and management skills" and those in the civilian community reading such terms use their own frame of reference in defining what you wrote to fit there own parameters. I have found that the best way to approach this is to fully understand the position you want, the values of the organization you are attempting to join, their weaknesses and strengths. Build your resume to show that you are not only a team player but bring to their organization values they hold important and that your strengths will contribute to their goals. I have also found that one resume does not fit all situations. It is just like walking in and talking with the indig, you have to understand what they understand, what they want, and how you are going to help them get there. It all starts with a mission analysis based on good intel:D

I have probably overstated the obvious, however I just drew conclusions from what you wrote. Things like "quality job" can mean many things to many people. Hell shoveling horse shit from stable in Illinois can be a "quality job" if they give you a bucket loader but not so if you have to use a spoon. As your Senator from Illinois states-words matter.

[Ret10Echo]

C2 PM inbound

[bravo22b]

As part of my job, I read a lot of resumes, and I hire people who have little or no experience in my field, but who I think have the potential to learn the highly skilled trade we utilize. I prefer someone who has the intelligence and drive to be a good employee rather than someone with years of experience who simply wants to mark time.
That said, if you want to PM me a copy of your resume, I would be happy to take a look at it. Maybe I can offer some helpful suggestions.

[Gypsy]

I have found that the best way to approach this is to fully understand the position you want, the values of the organization you are attempting to join, their weaknesses and strengths. Build your resume to show that you are not only a team player but bring to their organization values they hold important and that your strengths will contribute to their goals. I have also found that one resume does not fit all situations. It is just like walking in and talking with the indig, you have to understand what they understand, what they want, and how you are going to help them get there. It all starts with a mission analysis based on good intel:D



As usual the Colonel is spot on.

charlietwo, I was a headhunter for 8+ years and revamped many a Military resume during that time. If I can be of help shoot me a PM, be happy to assist.

[charlietwo]

Jack--
All points very well taken. On my way out the door, the ACAP workshops surprisingly gave me some very good ideas and put me down the right path in regards to the job search and submitting a quality resume. Now that I re-read your post a few times, I'm beginning to realize that the problem may lie in the fact that most jobs I applied to are internet-based and completely structured in what information they are looking for. Employers typically only want to know what degree I hold (or don't hold for that matter) and what my duties were in prior positions. I haven't came across many employers that make exceptions to minority situations like military veterans, or more specifically combat veterans with our level of training and knowledge. Without trying to sound like I'm tooting my own horn, I consider my ability to write and wordsmith one of my greater assets, so I figured that my resume would be of little difficulty. *shrugs*

In regards to my 'quality jobs' comment, I'm currently putting shipping stickers on freight skids before they are loaded into a truck for 8 hours a day at $15.50 an hour. Feeling overqualified would be a gross understatement :D I just want a job where I feel like I'm actually using my talents and skills to contribute to society, rather than being treated like I hardly graduated high school :rolleyes:. Anyways, I'll put the violin back again :boohoo

It might be more simple in the parameters of this message board to just post the aspects of my resume which could require tweaking. Also, I'll PM my resumes to bravo and gypsy just for redundancies sake. If anyone else has some suggestions, I'm all ears.

Again, thanks for all the help everyone!
-------------
(bulleted within the document itself)
Summary of Qualifications
• Graduate of the US Army Special Forces Qualification Course.
• Possesses strong oral and written communications skills.
• Real world experience of radio communications in stressful and dangerous situations.
• Thoroughly cross-trained in radio etiquette and operations.
• Proven leadership capabilities in stressful environments with diverse groups of people.
• Well versed and proficient in Microsoft systems and programs.
• Able to type at over 75 words per minute.
• Specialized and experienced in the formal and informal training of large groups of people in various subjects.
• Earned a Meritorious Bronze Star for operational success while deployed to Iraq (Jan-Aug 2006).
• Bilingual: conversational in Tagalog (Filipino) with 6 months of formal training.
• Possess a Secret security clearance through the Department of Defense.

(skipping past the work experience that is simple to convey in civilian terms)

Detachment Intelligence Sergeant
March 2006 – November 2006
Operational Detachment 191, 1st Special Forces Group, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA

Assumed role of higher-ranking position after two months in Iraq. Analyzed, planned, and presented over 70 computer-generated target products that resulted in the capture and detainment of numerous insurgents. Led and advised Iraqi Reconnaissance soldiers in over 20 counter-insurgency operations with no injuries or casualties.

Junior Detachment Engineer Sergeant October 2004 - March 2006
1st Special Forces Group, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA

Directly responsible for the logistic preparations, planning and execution of three separate training operations, and one deployment to Iraq.
---------
Those are likely the most vital parts of the resume. I did the best I could with what I had. Thanks again!

[Mustang66]

I have been updating and maintaining my resume for the past 5-6 years. The biggest thing I can input is to demilitarize it as much as possible.

For example instead of Assumed role of higher-ranking position after two months in Iraq something along the lines of. I was selected over x number of peers or senior ranking members to assume the position of (blank).

Another example Analyzed, planned, and presented over 70 computer-generated target products that resulted in the capture and detainment of numerous insurgents. Break this down further. Talk about each portion individual. 1. Analyzed. 2. Planned. 3. Presented over 70 computer generated target products. 4. Results of this. What did you use to present these? Did you produce these products, if so how? Powerpoint? Try to give them as much detail as possible in their terms.

Directly responsible for the logistic preparations, planning and execution of three separate training operations, and one deployment to Iraq. Again here talk each point. Additionally dollar amounts of equipment you were responsible for.

I am no expert but some of things I have learned along the way while working on my resume. Additionally if you have any friends or relatives in the corporate world get it into their hands. I have been doing this for years and it has helped me with mine.

[3SoldierDad]

I have a pretty sound way to get a job. It's not resume dependent - Although, you'll still want a quality resume.

Think about SF, you had to work really hard BEFORE you ever got in.

Here's my point, and what I'm about to tell you works. I've never served in the military, but am thinking about your question for my own sons when they enter the world of being ex-military. What I am about to tell you takes some balls, and you could get some egg on your face. But, if you have some guts you can do this and get the job you want. Briefly, let me say something about my belief of SF men....They are better men. And, guess what? All employers in this world want better men.

So, here we go. Decide what job you're looking for and KNOW that you can perform well at. Identify a decision maker in the business - someone who can pull the trigger on a hire like you. Either on the phone, or better face-to-face give the person your "elevator pitch" - your verbal resume, that explains why you are the man.

Here's the clincher.

"Mr. Smith I've been fortunate enough to serve our country in its Special Forces as an XXXX Sergeant. I've been a leader of highly qualified, highly motivated men like myself. Before Uncle Sam gave me this privilege to serve our country among these terrific soldiers, he tried me before he bought me. Let me explain - I worked very hard before being Selected for training as a Special Forces soldier - And, then I worked even harder before I became Qualified and received my Special Forces tab - And, when I finally joined my A-Team the commitment and work went up yet another notch. I know how to work to get what I want - I know how to lead and how to persevere. Mr. Smith, here's the deal - hire me at no cost - try me for a month at now pay, if at the end of the month you don't think I'm one of your best assets, one of your best workers - let me go. No harm no foul. However, if at the end of the month you like what you got I become one of your right hand men."


Often even if they don't have a position they will make one for a man like that.

There is risk, but it does work - I've used a variation of the above in my own world - Of course, my variation didn't include the Army. This world is hungry for guys with guts.

I also know that SF men are not comfortable blowing their own horn...Well, when it comes to feeding your family - bragging ain't bragging when you're telling the truth.


Three Soldier Dad...Chuck

[Jack Moroney (RIP)]

The biggest thing I can input is to demilitarize it as much as possible.I agree, unless of course you are dealing with military related positions. I can read all sorts of things into your bullets. You need to cut down on some and tell what you did and makes you best qualified for folks looking for those particular achievements/skills. Your comment about real world experience in radio communication in stressful and dangerous stituations does not paint enough of picture for someone who does not understand what you are talking about. You want something like: Was able to establish and transmit vital information in a class 4 monsoon, while modifying my half wave lenght antenna to compensate for a thining F1 layer, water running down the crack of my butt, firing my wpn with one hand, tapping out 22 wpm with the other, while directing my indigenous counterpart to pick the leeches off my eye lids so I could direct him to provide covering fire. That establishes the parameters of stressful and dangerous. Someone in LA reading your original comment might think you are talking on a cell phone while weaving in and out of traffic something more akin to Jason Stratham in one of his movies. Some yuppie in NYC might think you are caught in rush hour traffic, talking on your bluetooth, while balancing a cup of coffee late for a sushi bar appointment with your bosses daughter. Things like proven leadership capabilites-what did your proven leadership capabilities accomplish, ie, how did you enable your subordinates to succeed and at what. Just from my standpoint there is a lot of good information but no substance to show why you are the :lifter MAN for the position. Things like "posses strong oral and "written" skills-in compared to what? If you go back to your training and think about the bullets as tasks that are vital for you to perform for this job, just add the rest of the information that shows you exceeded the standard and can work above the conditions lesser mortals might not find tenable. I don't just want to know that you can just do "things" I want to know that you can meet or exceed the expectations of perfomance under the conditions I am going to need you to operate within my organization. Just my observations for what they are worth.

[Geo]

http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1594_49113---,00.html

[JGarcia]

My boss has given me tons of latitude, more so than anyone else in my position because he can trust me to get it done.

Recently he had me going over the applications and resumes of people that applied to work for us. It was great to do this, but also a little saddening too.

You see I work for the gov't. The job I do is PERFECT for any combat arms guy with a head for land nav, a knowledge of GPS, and a love of adventure. But when I looked over the applicants there was not ONE veteran.

I wonder why they do not apply, and I guess it might be that they cant seem to imagine how they qualify for the job. Especially when under the "Qualifications" tab, the description typically start out with "a college degree", but they go on to say at the end of the qualifications description "or equivalent experience."

Suffice it to say that we are hiring NO ONE this year, though we could use two guys in my office right now. As three soldier dad indicated, guys like you are hard to come by and in high demand. You're just not looking in the right place.

Want to hike all day in the mountains, drive ATV's, operate boats, get hot dirty and exhausted every day? With little to no supervision, and if you can take the required classes on your own time, you can work your way up to be a GS11 or 12. When your back, feet, knees, give out and you're just not cutting it in the field anymore there is plenty of work writing legal descriptions, gathering documents, and so on.

Or you could load trucks.

Seriously, if anyone of you is looking for a career after SF or combat arms, but still want a little adventure, get into Cadastral Surveying with the US BLM. The job is a mix of investigator, logger, off road driver, boat operator, scout, engineer, inspector, and all around adventure guy. You'll start off small, but if you do the homework you can make a better than average salary.

[lksteve]

Want to hike all day in the mountains, drive ATV's, operate boats, get hot dirty and exhausted every day...When your back, feet, knees, give out and you're just not cutting it in the field anymore there is plenty of work writing legal descriptions, gathering documents, and so on. .I started surveying when my back, feet, knees and shoulders couldn't handle active duty...and I damned sure didn't retire to write legal descriptions, review title reports or go down to the court house to flirt with the ladies at the clerk's office...strike that last one...:D

Or you could load trucks..Funny you should mention that...I retired as a major at the end of March in '94...I began my survey career while on terminal leave, making $6 an hour Loading Trucks, sharpening machetes, humping equipment over hill and dale (down cliff, up cliff in the Four Corners area)...it is not a living for someone with an overly-high opinion of their personal worth or someone who is afraid of spiders, snakes, and the occassional hostile adjoiner.

Seriously, if anyone of you is looking for a career after SF or combat arms, but still want a little adventure, get into Cadastral Surveying with the US BLM. The job is a mix of investigator, logger, off road driver, boat operator, scout, engineer, inspector, and all around adventure guy. You'll start off small, but if you do the homework you can make a better than average salary.You make me want to sign up...but you forgot to mention the fact that arriving at the GS 11/12 level requires passing two national exams and at least one state exam...or that BLM pays about 70-90% of what a licensed surveyor makes in private practice...:p

I swear, you have the soul of a recruiter...:D

[JGarcia]

Exams?! there are exams!?

Actually, if a man is capable of being SF he is capable of doing a little bit of study and earning his license. Also, with BLM you are not required to have a surveyors license to do the surveying, since BLM is the licensing authority... thats how we get away with it. :D

Steve o,

We're about to get this CFEDS off the ground here in CA, probably in the fall. I am all for it, it means that we get to do a whole lot of inspecting and contract out all the brush line clearing... Which for me is the reall ass kicker of this job.

You private guys may earn more money, but we don't have the lay offs like you do. I guess I really love this job, so it's hard for me not to look at it with anything other than rose colored lenses.

Cadastral Survey... because it would kill a normal man. :D

You have purdy ladies at the court house? :eek: Last records search we did, I met a hairlipped old fart at CalTrans, and a beehived headed old lady at the irrigation district. We're working on an indian res boundary right now.

[lksteve]

You private guys may earn more money, but we don't have the lay offs like you do. I guess I really love this job, so it's hard for me not to look at it with anything other than rose colored lenses.Here's the real deal-maker for BLM versus the private sector...Cadastral surveying beats construction staking hands down...and given the fact that for every five (5) licensed surveyors that retire, die or get fed up and quit, four (4) get licensed...the average age of an LS was 59 five years ago...and it's 59 1/2 today....I have no fears of being laid off...fired, maybe, but not laid off...but as far as licensure goes, I don't believe there are too many BLM Surveyors at the GS 11/12 level who are not...and those that aren't will be retiring soon...at least according to some of the CFedS folks I've talked with.

[charlietwo]

lol Jack... thanks for making my day, brother :) Advice well taken. I'm beginning to recognize that the ACAP workshops had me entrenched in the concept of resume brevity... "your resume needs to catch their attention in the first 10 seconds" I think was almost a direct quote.

I think the most frustrating thing for me has been finding the balance between explaining my capabilities and holding employers interest in my resume... I think I've become jaded about what employers think of military veterans, specifically combat veterans :confused:

*shrug* I'm gonna shut up now and fix my resume. Thanks brothers!

blake

[gtcrispy]

Hi Blake. I thought those positions looked familiar. :D

K

[Squintz]

Just say you had to work for "Million Dollar Mike". That should get you a job any where!
Miss ya Blake. Good luck in your Civilian endeavors!

Brad

[Richard]

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone out there has had some similar experiences or at least a few tips for my resume that can convey to these employers what SF soldiers are capable of. Anything will help at this point...-Blake

Here's how I dealt with the issues you're talking about. The civilian world has a difficult time 'translating" resumes of military ffolkes. Try not to be too gung- ho or you'll sound too scary. Remember, those who have never served have their own ideas of what a soldier or SF soldier really is--and the movies don't help give them an honest look at who we really are. Notice the language I chose to describe my SF experience. Good luck. :)

x. Richard xxxxx
12345 xxxxx xxxxx Drive
Dallas, Texas 75248-2919
(xxx) 111-1111 xxxxxxx@swbell.net


TRAINING, OPERATIONS, AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

SUMMARY

• Head of Upper School, Dallas Texas.
• School Teacher, Dallas Public Schools.
• Analyst and International Agreements Plans Officer, Europe.
• Training Branch Chief and Commander, Department of Defense.
• Foreign Policy Implementation Specialist, Department of Defense.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Head of Upper School (Dallas, Texas). 1995-Present.

• Private high school principal.
• Managed Upper School; directed staff/faculty of 25 and oversaw Texas Education Agency certified college preparatory academic and athletic programs for 135 LD (ADD, Dyslexic, Dysgraphic, Dyscalculaic) students in grades 9 – 12.

School Teacher (Dallas, Texas). 1994-1995

• Alternative Certification Intern with Dallas Public Schools and TEA Region 10.
• World History/World Geography teacher, R.C. Burleson Intermediate School.
• EXCETS passed for General Elementary, Professional Development, and Early Childhood.
• Chairman, Staff and Faculty Advisory Council and nominee for Teacher of the Year.

International Agreements Plans Officer and Analyst (Europe). 1991-1993

• Analyzed, developed, staffed, and edited international support agreements.
• Directed staffs of three liaison elements in Germany (2) and Luxembourg (1).
• Planned, coordinated, trained, and directed multi-national liaison elements controlling European-wide logistics operations and exercises (Europe, Africa, West Asia).
• Provided European political, social, economic, and military analyses for NATO plans and operations.
• Managed dedicated multinational Wartime Host Nation Support organization. Prompted review that resulted in 60% force reduction and annual savings of over $5m.
• Local, state, and national government affairs advisor and liaison.
• Developed budget requirements, selected and trained international staffs, international political-military lecturer.

International Affairs Analyst (American Embassy, Bonn, Germany). 1990-1991

• Foreign Area Officer attached to Office of the Defense Attaché; German linguist.
• Produced international political-military analyses for embassy and DOD staffs.
• Planned, programmed, managed international affairs study program for six analysts.
• Co-planner, coordinator, executor of European-wide analyst’s conference.

x. Richard xxxxx Page 2

Master of Arts Candidate (Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana). 1988-1990

• Competitive board selected (2% selection) for fully-funded program in International Relations and U.S. Army Foreign Area Officer (Political-Military Analyst) program.

Training Officer and Commander (Fort Benning, Georgia). 1985-1988

• Selected, trained, directed organization of 250 instructors responsible for safely training up to 25,000 students annually. Achieved 0.02% injury rate in extremely hazardous environment.
• Prepared, reviewed, edited, revised instructional files and technical manuals for worldwide use.
• Project officer involved with the review, evaluation, and restructuring of the entire organization for safer and more efficient operations. Results: higher esprit de corps and 40% budget savings.
• Maintained 100% accountability of over $6m worth of property and equipment.
• Maintained lowest level of punitive actions among five similar organizations through effective leadership, empowerment coaching, counseling, and organizational management.
• Managed two dining facilities feeding an average of 3,000 people daily.
• Regimental historian; established regimental archives and museum, and unit historical program.
• Unit coordinator for community and historical association programs, and multi-unit activities.

Student (Columbus College, Columbus, Georgia). 1984-1985

• Board selected for fully-funded degree completion program.
• Outstanding History student for 1985 (Faculty selection).

Foreign Policy Implementation Specialist (Department of Defense). 1970-1983

• U.S. Army Special Forces Medical Noncommissioned Officer and Officer. Retired as a Major, 1993.
• Recruited, selected, trained, and directed multi-national forces in National Command Authority directed special operations worldwide.
• International political-military staff advisor and plans officer.
• Department of the Army board selected for Officer Candidate School (Honor Graduate).
• Original group of officers selected for Special Forces branch acquisition.

EDUCATION

Additional Studies (Early Childhood Education), Texas Woman’s University, 1994-1995.
Additional Studies (Political Economics), Friedrich Wilhelms Universität, Bonn, 1990.
M.A. (West European-Hebraic Studies), Indiana University, 1990.
B.S. Magna Cum Laude (General Studies/History), Columbus College, 1985.
Department of Defense Executive Level Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 1988.

AWARDS

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (History)
Honor Society of Phi Alpha Theta (History).
U.S. and Foreign Military Awards.
Honorable Discharge.


References available upon request.

Richard :munchin

[lksteve]

References available upon request.You're hired...you'll get $7.50 and you can start tomorrow...:D

[Richard]

You're hired...you'll get $7.50 and you can start tomorrow...:D

I'll take it...if I get a vehicle and moving and gas allowance! ;)

Richard

[mark46th]

Before you start, can you say, "Would you like Fries with that?"

[lksteve]

Before you start, can you say, "Would you like Fries with that?"No,no, no...It's more like "You want me to take what up which hill?":D
I might give him a bump to $8...my wife is a Phi Kappa Phi, too...

[mark46th]

He gets to hump the generator? Uphill? A commo man's dream...

[lksteve]

He gets to hump the generator? Uphill? A commo man's dream...It's easier to hump than it is to jump...speaking from experience...

[Richard]

It's easier to hump than it is to jump...speaking from experience...

Guys,

As a SADM guy, I'll hump n' jump your G43 if you'll hump n' jump the H-912 for me. Rope jumping was bad enough, try 'flying' the 'trashcan' and staying stable. And who got that job? The tall guys. I was so happy when the M-2667 and large ALICE came into being. :lifter

Richard :munchin

[x SF med]

I helped Bos with his resume a few months ago - tailored specifically for a job he wanted... he's already doing the job he wanted - let me know if you still need help.

[lksteve]

As a SADM guy, I'll hump n' jump your G43 if you'll hump n' jump the H-912 for me. Rope jumping was bad enough, try 'flying' the 'trashcan' and staying stable. And who got that job? Yipeee...!!!! I am tall, according to Richard...:D:lifter

[Richard]

Yipeee...!!!! I am tall...:D:lifter

Wheaties, beer, and padded insoles! Is there nothing they and Shepherd's Black Sheep can't do. :D

Richard :munchin

[lksteve]

Wheaties, beer, and padded insoles! Is there nothing they and Shepherd's Black Sheep can't do. I don't know...John wound up in 7th Group, though...

[Sponge]

Hello gents,

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but it's the only valid resume thread I was able to find through a quick forum search (and also a very informative one).

My question is slightly different than the current thread, which seems more tailored towards the civilian workplace.

Does anyone have any experience tailoring a resume for an 18D to medical professional schools?

I'll be applying to Dental school in June, and the resume workshops and advisors in the Biology department have been helpful in their own way; however, I'm wondering whether anyone had personal experience (and hopefully success) modifying their resume to the language of an admission board.

Here are a couple things I'm having trouble translating

- What does the Commandants List mean for the Delta Course? - Is this a set percentage of students, i.e. top 10 percent? My google fu/memory has failed me on what this actually meant.

-Some of my old DA 1059's have academic averages - would it be accurate to translate these into G.P.As? For instance - 95% academic average in PLDC/BNCOC - should I bullet this as a 4.0? I've never heard of military courses using a GPA, but I would think it's a pretty straightforward conversion. Different colleges calculate GPA's differently, I just don't want anyone calling bullshit on a 4.0 GPA in the Q course for accuracy or terminology's sake.

-I have a partial list of military training at the bottom, CDQC, DMT, SERE, blah, blah, blah. I'm thinking of eliminating everything but the medical related training. I'm betting the rest is just mumbo jumbo to an admissions committee. Advice?

Thanks in advance for the help, I'd be happy to either PM my current resume draft if you've got time to look it over.

Best regards,
Greg

[exsquid]

Not a D, but I would definitely leave DMT on your resume & mention your experience w/ hyperbaric medicine. I see a lot of civilian med jobs looking for chamber operators/tenders.

x/S

[Buffalobob]

Just a couple of points to consider

You never know when there will be a liberal treehugger like me looking at it and notice something that cranks their motor. You only have to mention a few key words for a combat vet to know who and what you are. Don't overdo it. You may be proud of your service but it may not cut much weight with anyone except a few of us.

Stay with your qualification such as "trained in anatomy", experience with XXX procedures, etc, etc,. Leave the military stuff alone.

Vagueness when cornered such as graduated in upper quadrant of class.


Know who your competition is. If you can't compete head to head with the people like my wife whose academic qualification would choke a goat, then go with what got you where you are.

http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/2010/nov/02/little-gender-diversity-at-school-medicine/

Finally, if you know someone then work around the backdoor.

[Sponge]

Thanks for the responses fellas,

Have a good one.

[JoeEOD]

I worked as a teacher for several years after I got out. Then I went into health care. In both settings I was a minority as a male and often the only veteran in the building. I found that any detail about my military service or skills worked against me as I was stereotyped as either a "babykiller" (and I have been called that in an interview) or a potential risk for running amok. Even trying to spin my military experience in generic terms such as "supervised 50 subordinates and managed 10 million dollars in equipment" was not successful. I finally just went with accounting for that time period in my work history:
3/71 - 7/77 US Army active duty
If they really want to know they'll ask for more information.
I now work in a VA hospital where , for a change, my military experience is valued.

[Ret10Echo]

One thing to keep in mind as well to those who are looking to move from the land of Green-suits to the civilian side. Generating that first resume is the hardest part, but be sure not to stop at that "one" version. If you have targeted a specific position look at what you have and see if there are fine adjustments you can make to target specific items in the position announcement. Speak the language of the organization looking for a new employee. Tossing the 'ole boilerplate resume at random can be frustrating and ineffective.

On a side note:

I have been dealing with a recent trend where H.R. demands the announcements to be increasingly vague in order to draw as many applicants as possible. Key selection criteria is difficult to get through the machine. This of course leads to some very "interesting" interviews as you drill down into the actual experience and qualifications of the candidate.

[paturner51]

I am retired but spent over 25 years in business. But I was also in the Reserves and did 24 months in AFG and IRQ.

My initial suggestion is that you refrain from all the military jargon. Equate what you did in the service using civilian terms.

Nobody really cares how many villages you blew up or people you killed in hte interview. You must TRANSITION from a military speak resume and interview to one that of a civilian.

Ask yourself this question: what did I do that saved money, increased the efficiency (and costs) of my training and how your personal style helped management>? If you can elaborate on that on your resume and in a face to face interview, you will be a lot more successful than you are repersenting now.

Best wishes!

[1stindoor]

I am retired but spent over 25 years in business. But I was also in the Reserves and did 24 months in AFG and IRQ.
I must have missed your intro. Or was that it? Let's see...nope that's your first post.

Nobody really cares how many villages you blew up or people you killed in hte interview. You must TRANSITION from a military speak resume and interview to one that of a civilian.
Maybe it's just me...but I think anyone who automatically thinks this...probably did neither or else they would know that this isn't something we would care to put on a resume or discuss in an interview.

Ask yourself this question: what did I do that saved money, increased the efficiency (and costs) of my training and how your personal style helped management>? If you can elaborate on that on your resume and in a face to face interview, you will be a lot more successful than you are repersenting now.

Best wishes!

You can also ask yourself, "Did I proofread what I just wrote?" "Did I use spellcheck and grammarcheck?" "Did I remember to follow simple instructions?"

[Wiseman]

Make sure to use key words that are applicable to the position but don't copy every single thing in the job description. Try to use the key words when you are describing your time in the service. The reason I say this is because with the advent of online applications, recruiters for any field are going to be using a software called PeopleSoft and those essentially screen your resume for these key words before anyone actually prints out and reads it.

[helicom6]

I have been having the same issues of explaining my Military service on my resume. I have heard often if it doesn't apply to the job, don't put it on there. The fact that I can take a rotor head apart on a helicopter or relay fire support coords. doesn't apply to my current situation. But management skills, team work, and leadership qualities does, as well communication skills.

Thanks for the help and extra information.

Out

[Sponge]

Quick update:

Was accepted to several Dental schools and have settled on Houston. From the feedback I received from the admission's deans, the military angle was a huge plus. It factored in very well for the movitations portion, personal statement, leadership experience, and service.

I would definitely state that I veered closer to the "people-person" aspects of my job than the "Barrel chested steely eyed freedom fighter" portions. But again - there are positives everywhere if you recognize your audience and shade your experiences correctly.

Please feel free to contact me if I can help assist any fellow brother's transition into professional schools. I'd be happy to share tips that worked for me.

-Greg

[Flashbang12]

Resume writing is both an art and a science and trying to capture qualities you feel that you have by virtue of your service means nothing to most who read it unless they have some basic grounding in the military. This is nothing more than understanding the target audience and laying out what you accomplished in terms they understand. Most guys write something as if they were going before a promotion board, others use terms like "leadership and management skills" and those in the civilian community reading such terms use their own frame of reference in defining what you wrote to fit there own parameters. I have found that the best way to approach this is to fully understand the position you want, the values of the organization you are attempting to join, their weaknesses and strengths. Build your resume to show that you are not only a team player but bring to their organization values they hold important and that your strengths will contribute to their goals. I have also found that one resume does not fit all situations. It is just like walking in and talking with the indig, you have to understand what they understand, what they want, and how you are going to help them get there. It all starts with a mission analysis based on good intel:D

I have probably overstated the obvious, however I just drew conclusions from what you wrote. Things like "quality job" can mean many things to many people. Hell shoveling horse shit from stable in Illinois can be a "quality job" if they give you a bucket loader but not so if you have to use a spoon. As your Senator from Illinois states-words matter.

I felt compelled to chime in after reading Jack Moroney's post on his advice of an effective resume.

I just happened to stumble on to this thread while using the "search" feature, since I have transitioned out from active duty recently.

It so humbling that his words of wisdom helps so many people without ever meeting him in person.

Rest in paradise, sir.

[Soulless]

I understand this is a fairly old thread, but it remains a relavent challenge for individuals transitioning from military to civilian. Coincidentally, I have spend a fairly successful career (so far) in Federal Human Resources. So, while some of my input on this issue may have specific applications to that area, I do know some more general tips for how you should be packaging yourself as a professional going out there. The good news is that the job market is improving slightly.

All that being said I prefer to work one on one with folks, so PM me, otherwise if you have a specific question, I'll do my best to provide a specific answer.

[Bettendorf]

I understand this is a fairly old thread, but it remains a relavent challenge for individuals transitioning from military to civilian. Coincidentally, I have spend a fairly successful career (so far) in Federal Human Resources. So, while some of my input on this issue may have specific applications to that area, I do know some more general tips for how you should be packaging yourself as a professional going out there. The good news is that the job market is improving slightly.

All that being said I prefer to work one on one with folks, so PM me, otherwise if you have a specific question, I'll do my best to provide a specific answer.

email being prepared