Military Experience into Civilian Jobs

Melodie Cameron, MAAdapted and Presented by

Dr. Elena Klaw

Work of the Career Center(Cameron, 2014)

Strengths Based Approach helps veterans

to identify and understand their strengths

Can help a veteran when choosing a major, looking for a job, or starting a career

Identify strengths utilized in the military and how to use similar strengths in civilian culture

Effects What happens when veterans draw

on their talents?

Help transition back into civilian culture

Can improve school performance, work performance, and even relationships

Military Resume Uses military language/jargon to

explain duties Contains all military work history Describes team work Can be multiple pages long

Civilian Resume Purpose of resume is to get an

interview Develop accomplishment statements

related to your military experience that are listed in layperson's terms

List relevant information for the specific position

Targeted resume should be 1 -2 pgs. long

Parts of Civilian Resume Contact Information Objective Education Academic Coursework Classroom projects Work Experience Skills Trainings/Awards/Recognitions

Contact Info Have a professional email address Have a professional voice mail

Class Projects Title of Position, Dates Did you work individually or in a

group and what was the purpose of the project

More detail about the project or your individual role

What was the result of the project?

Work Experience & Awards Work Experience: Name of the Company, City, State Title of

Position, Dates • 3-5 statements that highlight what you

accomplished in this position. Focus on what YOU did and not on the duties and tasks performed

Training/Awards/ Recognitions: Highlight your awards and recognitions Translate what military specific awards

mean/significance in civilian terms

What do Employers Want? Ability to:

Work in a team structure – 4.6 Verbally communicate with persons inside and

outside the organization – 4.59 Make decisions and solve problems – 4.49 obtain

and process information – 4.46 plan, organize, and prioritize work- 4.45

*Source: Job Outlook 2012, National Association of Colleges and Employers*5-point scale, where 1=Not important; 2=Not very important; 3=Somewhat important; 4=Very important; and 5=Extremely important

Skills wanted Ability to analyze quantitative data- 4.23 Technical knowledge related to the job-

4.23 Proficiency with computer software

programs- 4.04 Ability create and/or edit written reports –

3.65 Ability to sell or influence others – 3.51

Source: Job Outlook 2012, National Association of Colleges and Employers

Key Points Focus on what you individually

accomplished Quantify the information you are

presenting

What Strengths Do Veterans Bring to the Workforce?

Veterans Bring Unique Skills

Leadership Work with teams Work with diverse individuals and

cultures Solve problems rapidly Follow through Responsible Mission driven Work within complex organizations

Military Summary of Accomplishments

Member of the Engineering Training Team which specialized in creative training for personnel on how to control engineering casualties to prevent equipment damage or injury to personnel.

After Simulated system casualty scenarios

to teams of junior staff to observe how staff followed procedural policies under high pressure situations preventing equipment damage or injury to personnel.

Strengths showed: Solve Problems Process Information Communication