A resume that works in the military system may not work in corporate hiring. Recruiters spend seconds on initial review, so every line must communicate value in terms they understand.
Remove jargon
Replace military acronyms and job-specific terminology with plain business language. If a civilian recruiter would not recognise a term, replace it.
Quantify everything
Numbers help hiring managers understand scope. Include team size, budget responsibility, equipment value, timeline improvements, and performance metrics wherever possible.
Lead with transferable skills
Organise your resume around competencies, not chronology. Group experience under headings like “Leadership,” “Operations Management,” and “Cross-Functional Coordination.”
One page, focused
For most transitioning veterans, a one-page resume is sufficient. Every word should justify its place by helping the recruiter understand what you can do for their organisation.
Your resume is not a biography. It is a marketing document designed to earn an interview.