At the Soldier for Life -- Transition Assistance Program, counselors encourage transitioning Soldiers with specific concerns. After all, transitioning from active duty is unique for every Soldier. It's important to own the experience and take full advantage of the resources and services provided by the Army and SFL-TAP.

One of those areas for transitioning Soldiers to take ownership of is developing a resume. Resumes are about the individual applicant, but need to be tailored to fit a specific civilian industry or career position. It's important to translate military knowledge and skills into civilian job openings.

Resumes contain information about an individual, but shouldn't become too self-centered. Resumes should be employer and industry-focused. The employer is interested in the skills listed in their job posting, so resumes should be tailored to the specific job.

However, resumes should not be a "copy and paste" exercise from the job description. It is important to bring a unique voice to a resume, provide relevant facts and prior experience, as well as to include keywords from the job description that apply to the position and the applicant.

Throughout a military career, Soldiers perform a myriad of duties and are proud of many accomplishments. These accomplishments should become part of the resume but without becoming a long list of jobs performed. Instead, use qualifying statements to show how experience gained during active duty relates to the open position.

For example, instead of saying a mission required the tracking and storage of equipment, the same thing can be stated with higher value details. By saying that the project required the tracking of equipment worth $3 million, as well as required properly cleaning the equipment and providing security for the equipment area, a Soldier qualifies their responsibilities.

While each branch of service defines their personnel with a military occupation or career field category, the civilian world isn't always just looking at the assigned job a service member was given.

In the Army, if a Soldier's MOS was 88M, a motor transport operator, that does not mean the Soldier intends to operate vehicles in the civilian career force. It is important to instead convey to the employer what skills and responsibilities were learned as a result of the job and how they can transfer to an industry more aligned with current interests. For example, instead of stating that the Soldier drove a vehicle, the same responsibility can be given context by saying that the Soldier ensured the safety and security of equipment and hazardous materials, inspected vehicles to sustain operations, and transported goods.

For various military occupational specialties, resumes could include how supplies were stored properly and accounted for, proper procedures were followed, specific safety guidelines were adhered to, problems and obstacles in the workplace were resolved, and how co-workers and supervisors worked together to meet goals.

A job search may lead to various positions of interest and each employer may list different requirements. Consider having multiple versions of a resume that can be sent to various job positions or industries of interest.

Developing a resume is a process and SFL-TAP is available to support transitioning Soldiers from the beginning product to the end result. During transition, continue to take ownership of the transition process, including resume creation, interview preparation, and the groundwork for civilian life.

Transitioning Soldiers are encouraged to start SFL-TAP 18 months prior to transition or 24 months prior for retirees. To learn more information on SFL- TAP, visitCaution-www.sfl-tap.army.mil or call a local SFL-TAP Center.