FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Transitioning can be a simplified process by knowing the essentials necessary to move on to the next chapter in the Soldier's life. This transition not only effects changes for the Soldier, but for the Soldier's family, as well.
One key component to continue to be more prepared for this transition is the resume and references. You've spent years building a career within the military, which is highly respected, but what if you want to do something different in the civilian world? What if you want to do something similar?
These are good questions, most especially how to put what you've done for years on a short resume. The importance of asking these questions, determines what type of resume you want to achieve.
Resumes show your experience, knowledge, abilities and skills. Resumes can have different formats, such as professional, functional and chronological.
Your resume should be tailored for each job you apply for if the job titles are different. Identifying who you are and what you can offer for the position you are applying for is also a key essential in the details of your resume. Tailor your accomplishments and skill sets that you have towards the civilian career you want.
Make sure you are also translating your military terminology and acronyms into something the potential employer can understand and match with your current experience to the new job description.
Employers may ask for professional references and personal references. The professional references are people who trust you to do your job, how well you work with others and if you're a person that can be qualified to do the job.
It is important to have built professional relationships, so that when an employer you are interested in working for contacts your reference, they'll feel more confident in choosing you as a top candidate.
Personal references are geared towards who you are outside of work ethically and morally. Employers do not typically use these references in determination for hiring, but it helps them to identify your character that could potentially benefit their company. So, it is important to utilize both types of relationships with peers and professionals, but also important to ask their permission to use them as a reference. You don't want to have a bad reference listed.
SFL-TAP career counselors are here to help with your transition from military life to civilian life. We can help with resume and references, so please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment by calling 255-2558.
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