Best Format for Listing Experience on Your Resume

When crafting a resume for civilian employment, structuring your experience effectively is crucial. Employers need to quickly grasp your qualifications, leadership abilities, and technical skills without being bogged down by military-specific jargon. Using the right format and language ensures your resume is clear, impactful, and easy to understand.

Structuring Your Experience:

1. Use Reverse Chronological Order

Always list your most recent position first and work backward. This format highlights your most relevant experience and keeps your resume organized.

Each job entry should include:

• 
  Job Title
• 
  Branch of Service
• 
  Years Served
• 
  Bullet Points Highlighting Achievements

2. Use Civilian-Friendly Language

Translate military duties into terms that civilian employers understand and value. Instead of listing technical responsibilities, focus on transferable skills like leadership, efficiency, and problem-solving.

Example:

• 
  Too Technical (Hard to Understand): "Maintained and troubleshot Type I and Type II propulsion systems under AFTO Form 781 documentation compliance."
• 
  Civilian-Friendly (Clear & Impactful): "Conducted repairs and maintenance on aircraft propulsion systems, ensuring compliance with safety and operational guidelines."

3. Use Action Verbs & Quantify Your Work

Strong resumes start bullet points with action verbs and include measurable results whenever possible.

Example:

• 
  Weak Statement: "Worked on aircraft repairs."
• 
  Stronger, Quantified Statement: "Led a team of 5 to conduct aircraft repairs, reducing maintenance time by 20%."

What Contact Information Should Be on Your Resume?

Many military certifications directly translate to civilian jobs. List any relevant certifications, training courses, or licenses.

Include:

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  Professional email address: (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com)
• 
  Phone number
• 
  LinkedIn profile (if you don't have a LinkedIn, you should consider making on)

Avoid:

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  Military-specific emails: (e.g., airforceguy92@email.com)
• 
  Personal details like birthdate, Social Security Number, or full mailing address

Conclusion

By following this structured approach, veterans can present their military experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers. Clear formatting, civilian-friendly language, and quantified achievements will make your resume stand out. Need a quick and effective resume? VetResumes.com can build a professional, civilian-ready resume in minutes, helping you take the next step in your career transition.