resume writing for transitioning military

Military to Civilian Resume Example for Veterans [Updated 2024]

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to that of a civilian is far from easy.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

Coincidentally, one of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.

To help solve that problem, though, we wrote this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

In case you’re looking to brush up on the resume basics, watch the video below.

If you’re ready to get started, though, let’s start by reviewing a well-written military to civilian resume example.

Military to Civilian Resume Example (for Veterans)

Compelling, right? Here’s what the above military to civilian resume example does right: 

• Follows a functional resume format. The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and strengths rather than work experience. It helps convey how your military experience is going to help you perform well in the civilian role you’re applying for.
• Lists the contact information the right way. It includes the applicant’s full name, email, location, phone number, and even a LinkedIn URL while skipping out on a photo.
• Captures the hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary. The summary on top of the military to civilian resume example offers a brief snapshot of the candidate’s career, instantly showing the recruiter their value.
• Focuses on transferable skills instead of work experience. Instead of mentioning military buzzwords that civilians wouldn’t understand in the first place, the resume example instead focuses on how the candidate's experiences helped them develop valuable skills.
• Mentions achievements when possible. Achievements help convince the recruiter that they’re not just any candidate - you’re an overachiever who plays to win.
• Uses bullet points to make the resume easier to skim. The recruiter doesn’t have all day - they have hundreds of other resumes to review just for a single role. Making the resume easy to skim makes it more likely to be read.
• Includes educational history (in brief). The military to civilian resume example describes the candidate’s educational background, which includes taking a leadership course and basic training.
• Makes use of the optional sections. The achievements and interests sections help shed light on the candidate’s personality outside of work, as well.

Now, let’s talk about how YOU can make your resume as impressive as the example above.

How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Easy Steps)

In this section, we’re going to walk you through the 8 steps to creating a powerful military veteran resume, starting with:

#1. Pick a Functional Resume Format

These are the 3 most popular resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological . This format focuses on your work history over education or skills.
• Functional . It focuses less on your work background and more on your skills and how they make you a qualified candidate.
• Combination . This format is a mix of the other two formats. It puts equal emphasis on skills and experiences. 

As a military veteran, you’re better off with a functional format .

As you can see above, the resume example focuses more on key strengths instead of just listing out work experiences.

This improves your odds of landing a civilian job for one important reason: 

Most recruiters aren’t really familiar with military lingo.

Your experiences in the military might be super compelling, but chances are, most recruiters won’t understand how these experiences make you a good candidate for the role.

By framing your experiences around your skills, on the other hand, your resume becomes more understandable for a civilian.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you also need to sort out your resume style, layout, font, and more. Here’s what this includes:

• Don’t go over one page . Your resume should be concise and to the point. More often than not, if you’re going over one page, you’re probably including information that isn’t relevant for the role.
• Pick the right font and font size . In terms of size, go for 11-12 pt for body text. For the font, pick something like Ubuntu, Times New Roman, etc. That way your resume will look professional AND stand out at the same time. 
• Use the military-to-civilian resume template . Want to skip the hassle of formatting a resume? Hit the link and pick from one of our free templates! Our templates are easy to use AND look much more compelling than the conventional black-and-white ones.

#2. Include Contact Information

Now that we’ve got the formatting hassle out of the way, let’s talk about resume content.

The first thing in your veteran resume is the contact information section.

Here, you need to include:

• Descriptive title. This should include your title in the military, as well as the title you’re applying for. Something like “Security Officer Seeking a Role as Customer Support Specialist.”
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. Think, [name][lastname]@gmail.com
• Location. City and state are good enough, you don’t need to include an address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can include a URL in the contact information section.

And finally, make sure NOT to include a photo in your military to civilian resume. In the US, employers prefer that you don’t include a picture to avoid unconscious bias during the hiring process.

Here’s what your resume contact information section should look like at the end:

Security & Customer Service Professional

[email protected]

416-821-9879

Seattle, US

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

#3. Capture the Hiring Manager’s Attention with a Military Veteran Resume Summary

When reading your resume for the first time, the recruiter will spend roughly 7 seconds skimming it to make sure that you’re qualified for the role.

If the resume catches their attention, they’ll give it a more in-depth look.

If it doesn’t, they’ll simply move on to the next one.

This is where a compelling resume summary can come in handy.

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence “summary” of your past work experience. It helps the recruiter understand your skill-set and whether you’re relevant for the role in a single glance.

Here’s what a convincing military to civilian resume summary looks like:

Dedicated professional with over 9 years of outstanding performance and results in the U.S. Military. Earned three promotions and excelled as a leader. Seeking to apply the skills I gained in the military as a Customer Support Specialist at Company X.

When writing your resume summary, make sure to include the following information:

• Your title in the military and the role you’re applying for.
• Years of experience.
• Top achievements and experiences.

#4. Summarize Your Experiences with a Key Strengths Section

This one’s arguably the most important part of your military to civilian resume.

At the end of the day, the main deciding factor in whether you get invited for an interview or not is if your resume manages to convince the recruiter that you’re capable of doing the job…

And that’s where the key strengths section comes in handy.

To create yours, start by listing out your top strengths as section headers. Then, underneath each header, list your achievements and responsibilities that prove you actually have the relevant skill.

Here’s what this looks like on a resume:

Customer Service

• Promoted within a short period by demonstrating an over-achieving dedication that maximized results for the entire team. 
• Proved internal customer service by relating to all personnel in a professional manner that facilitated the development of a diversified group. 
• Enhanced soldiers’ individual and professional growth, developing them into independent decision-makers.
• Accounted for the safety of equipment valued at over $1.3 million. 
• Secure the personal safety, training, and performance of fifteen U.S. Army soldiers.

Operations and Administration

• Organized schedules for over 45 soldiers. 
• Implemented new routes, resulting in savings in gas time and reduced work time. 
• Prevented over 10 cancellations and negotiated over 20 contract renewals with the local government.

Applying for a Military or Private Security Role? Do This

Now, in case you’re applying for a role that’s somewhat related to your experience in the military (e.g. in private security), then you can simply create a conventional Work Experience section instead of Key Strengths .

If that’s your case, here’s how you should format the section:

• Create a section header called “ Work Experience .”
• Start by listing your most recent role and go backward in time from there.
• For each entry, include your title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 top achievements.
• For older positions, you can include fewer achievements and responsibilities.

Now, if you want your work experiences to stand out from the rest of the candidates, we recommend you to include achievements over responsibilities.

• Achieved a 99.5% average delivery rate on all assignments, resulting in no losses of materials or assets.
• Conducted deliveries of materials and assets.

The first example shows just how the candidate stands out from other applicants. The 2nd, on the other hand, does not.

#5. Mention Your Education (the Right Way)

On to the next section!

The next step to creating a convincing military to civilian resume is mentioning your educational background .

This is where you mention your higher educational degrees, as well as training (e.g. boot camps) and any personal development courses you’ve taken.

First things first, here’s how you’d go about the formatting part:

• Create a header called “Education”
• Add your latest degree right on top. Then, include older degrees underneath.
• If you have a B.A. or an M.A., you can skip your high school degree altogether.
• You can skip mentioning a GPA. These days, no one cares about your grades.

Here’s how the end result would look like:

B.A. in Communications Boston University 08/2016 - 05/2020

Now, if you don’t have the relevant experience needed for the role you’re applying for, you can use your education section to show off your knowledge or skills.

You can do this by including:

• Any honors you might have earned.
• Exact courses you’ve attended.
• Any other way you’ve excelled during your education.

#6. Include In-Demand Skills (For the Industry You’re Applying for)

Another must-have of a military to civilian resume is the skills section.

This is where you list out all of your hard and soft skills and (optionally) grade them by knowledge level.

The key here, though, is not to simply list out random skills like:

• Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Word

Rather, you want to include the skills relevant to the role . 

E.g. applying for a role in accounting? You should probably mention payroll tax accounting, cost reduction strategies, budgeting and forecasting , and so on.

You wouldn’t want to mention your Adobe Illustrator skills, for example (even if you’re an expert at it).

So, how can you know which skills are essential to your resume, and which ones aren’t?

The best way to understand this is to read the job ad you’re applying for. More often than not, they include an exact list of skills required for the role, and all you have to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you possess the said skills, of course).

#7. Take Advantage of the Optional Resume Sections

If you still have some space on your military veteran resume, you can take advantage of some optional resume sections.

While these sections won’t land you the job on their own, they can definitely help you stand out from other applicants seeking the same role.

Some optional sections you can include are:

• Projects. Any type of personal project you’ve worked on. This can be a local business you started, a side-gig, freelance work, and so on.
• Certifications. Any type of certification you might possess. If you don’t have the experience for the role you’re applying for, certifications can help show the recruiter that what you do have is the right skill-set.
• Volunteering Experience. If you’ve volunteered in the past, you should definitely include it in your resume. Employers love candidates who love to help others (even if there’s no monetary incentive for it).
• Hobbies & Interests. Including hobbies or interests in your resume helps the recruiter see more of your personal side. While your hobbies won’t land you the job, they might help you build rapport with the interviewer.

#8. Make Sure Your Military to Civilian Cover Letter is as Impressive as Your Resume.

At this point, your military veteran resume should be quite compelling…

But you’re not done just yet!

To have both a complete and compelling job application, you need to pair your resume with a cover letter that’s just as good.

Here are our top tips on how to write a quality cover letter :

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. Sure, you could go with the default “Dear Sir or Madam,” but mentioning the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve done your research and really care about working at the company.
• In your introduction, mention the most important parts of your background. E.g. years of experience, key achievements, top skills, and why you’re applying for the job in question.
• In the body section of your cover letter, expand on whatever you mentioned in the introduction. This is where you can also explain how the experiences mentioned in your resume make you a good candidate for the role.
• Conclude the cover letter with a call to action . E.g. “Looking forward to hearing more from you!” or “I’d love to discuss how I can help Company X as a Support Specialist over a call or an interview.”

Want to learn more? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Essential Job-Search Resources for Veterans

There are a lot of free job-search resources for veterans on the internet - everything from dedicated job boards to free tools, programs, and more.

Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the very best resources:

Veteran Job-Search Resources

• Job board that helps you find federal organizations that prioritize hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Lots of quality resources to help you transition into civilian life.
• If you’re not sure what kind of career you want to focus on, you can use this website to discover different occupations and learn what they’re about.
• Website for finding veteran job fairs in your area.
• Free career consulting and job search help for veterans.
• American Corporate Partners matches you with a free, year-long mentor to help you build your career.
• LinkedIn offers its Premium program to veterans for free for a year. You can use the platform to learn new skills, kick-start your career, as well as find and apply for jobs.
• A website dedicated to helping veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle. You can use it to find jobs, discover career events, attend job fairs, and more.
• Job board for US federal jobs. While it’s not specifically made for veterans, the US government prioritizes hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Job board for veteran-friendly roles and companies.
• Job board for roles in the private security industry.
• Another veteran-only job board.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all you need to know to create a strong military veteran resume!

Before you go, though, let’s do a quick recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• For a military to civilian resume, use a functional resume format to show off your skills instead of work history.
• Use a “Key Strengths” section to explain how your military experience distills into valuable skills for a civilian role.
• Don’t include every skill under the sun on your resume. Instead, pick the ones relevant for the role you’re applying for.
• Take advantage of the optional resume sections to show the recruiter that you’re an individual and not just a resume.
• Finally, make sure that your cover letter is just as impressive as your resume by following the tips we mentioned above.

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Crafting a Standout Resume for Veterans and Transitioning Military Personnel: Expert Tips for Success

by Workshops for Warriors | Oct 12, 2023 | Blog , Careers , Education , News & Media

Leaving the military and transitioning to civilian life is a monumental step that comes with its unique set of challenges. One of the most crucial aspects of this transition is crafting a resume that effectively communicates your skills, experiences, and accomplishments to potential employers. A well-structured resume can make all the difference in securing that post-military career you’ve been working towards. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential tips for writing a resume for veterans and transitioning military making the leap into the civilian job market.

1. Start with a Powerful Summary Statement

The first thing recruiters see when they review your resume is the summary statement. This brief section should encapsulate your skills, experience, and career goals in a compelling way. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for, focusing on how your military experience makes you an ideal candidate.

2. Highlight Your Military Experience

Your military service is an asset, and you should leverage it to the fullest. When detailing your military experience, be sure to:

– Use military terminology that translates to the civilian world. Explain your roles and responsibilities in a way that is understandable to those not familiar with the military.

– Emphasize leadership and teamwork skills. These are highly valued by civilian employers.

– Mention any special achievements, awards, or recognitions you received during your service.

– Quantify your accomplishments where possible. For example, “Managed a team of 20 soldiers” or “Supervised logistics operations with a budget of $1 million.”

3. Translate Military Skills into Civilian Language

When writing a resume for veterans and transitioning military, it’s essential to bridge the gap between military jargon and civilian terminology. Use online resources and career counselors to help you translate your skills into language that resonates with civilian employers. For instance, if you were a combat engineer, highlight your problem-solving abilities and project management skills. Workshops for Warriors hosts a resume-writing session each semester with Hire Heroes to assist students with translating military terminology to language civilians understand.

4. Showcase Relevant Training and Certifications

Your military training and certifications are highly valuable. Make a dedicated section in your resume to list relevant qualifications, such as technical skills, leadership training, or security clearances. These can give you a significant edge in certain industries like law enforcement, IT, or project management.

5. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

Recruiters are more interested in what you achieved in your previous roles than simply your job duties. Use bullet points to highlight accomplishments, showcasing the tangible results of your work. For instance:

– Instead of saying, “Managed a team of soldiers,” say, “Led a team to achieve a 95% pass rate on critical training exercises.”

– Instead of mentioning routine tasks, emphasize projects or initiatives you led, and the positive outcomes you delivered.

6. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application

One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Customize your resume for each job you apply for by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. By doing this, you demonstrate genuine interest in the role and your commitment to the employer’s needs.

7. Emphasize Soft Skills

In addition to your technical and job-specific skills, don’t forget to highlight your soft skills. Veterans often possess exceptional qualities like discipline, adaptability, and resilience, which are highly sought after in the civilian job market. Mention these skills in your resume and provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated them.

8. Include Relevant Civilian Work Experience

If you have any work experience in civilian roles, even while in the military, be sure to include it on your resume. This demonstrates that you are not only prepared for civilian work but have already gained experience in that context. Be concise and focus on transferable skills.

9. Use a Clean and Professional Format

A resume should be easy to read and navigate. Choose a clean and professional format that includes:

– Clear headings and subheadings to organize information.

– Bullet points to make your achievements and skills stand out.

– A legible font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

– Ample white space to avoid a cluttered appearance.

– A professional email address.

10. Keep It Concise

Your resume should ideally be limited to one or two pages. Recruiters often spend just a few seconds reviewing each resume, so it’s crucial to provide essential information concisely. If you have an extensive military career, focus on the most relevant and recent experiences.

11. Use Action Words

Make your resume more dynamic by starting each bullet point with an action verb. Action words create a sense of accomplishment and energy. For example, “Managed,” “Directed,” “Developed,” “Implemented,” etc.

12. Highlight Relevant Education

Include your educational background, particularly if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. List your degree(s), the name of the institution, and the graduation date. If you have advanced degrees or certifications like the ones students earn at Workshops for Warriors , don’t forget to mention those as well.

13. Show Adaptability

Demonstrate your adaptability by mentioning any overseas deployments, cross-training experiences, or language proficiency you’ve acquired during your military service. These qualities can make you an attractive candidate for international or diverse workplaces.

14. Mention Your Security Clearance

If you hold a security clearance, this is an essential selling point. Include the level of your clearance and any relevant information, as this can be a significant advantage when applying for positions in government, defense, or security-related industries.

15. Address Employment Gaps

If you have employment gaps due to deployments, training, or other military commitments, don’t leave them unexplained. Briefly mention the reason for the gap in your cover letter or in a one-liner on your resume.

16. Seek Professional Help

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce is a significant change, and it can be beneficial to seek the assistance of professionals who specialize in helping veterans with their resumes. There are many career counselors, resume writers, and job placement services that understand the unique challenges you face. As mentioned earlier, in addition to advanced manufacturing training , Workshops for Warriors provides soft skill seminars to students every semester, including a session focused on tips for writing a resume for veterans and transitioning military.

17. Tailor Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to elaborate on your military experience and explain how it makes you an ideal candidate for the job. Use it to address specific points in the job description, and make a personal connection between your skills and the company’s needs.

18. Use Online Tools and Resources

Take advantage of online resources, including veteran-specific job boards, resume builders, and military transition websites. These can provide templates, examples, and guidance to create an effective resume.

19. Proofread and Edit

Before submitting your resume, carefully proofread and edit it. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Mistakes can make a poor impression on potential employers.

Creating a resume as a veteran or transitioning military personnel may seem like a challenging task, but with the right approach and attention to detail, you can present your skills and experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers.

Remember to focus on the value you bring to the table, translating your military accomplishments into language that civilian recruiters can understand. With these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to securing a successful career in the civilian workforce.

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The best resume writing services for military-to-civilian employment

Improve the odds of landing your dream job with a professionally prepared military-to-civilian resume.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

The top resume writing services for military to civilian transitioning can help members of the armed forces translate their uniformed background into private sector work experience. Many veterans can find it tricky to express their vast operational and leadership know-how to meet the needs of today’s employer. For example, resumes that state your “MOS was 11B” may mean very little to a hiring manager. But when you convert military abbreviations and jargon to show your “role in the infantry was to manage the safety of equipment appraised at over $1.5 million,” then managers have a much clearer understanding of the value you bring. 

Employers are keen to find professionals with your teamwork and critical thinking skills. And, you don’t have to transition from your military careers into the private sector alone. There are resume consultants who are eager to assist you. So if you’re ready to make the leap from chopper to cubicle, the first step is gathering hiring materials like cover letters, thank you emails, resumes, and in today’s job market — a compelling LinkedIn profile. Keep reading to discover resume writing services for military members and veterans seeking employment with civilian companies.

• Best Online Service: Find My Profession
• Best for IT: TopResume
• Best for Writing CVs: Career Confidence Resume Services
• Best for Executives: Great Resumes Fast
• Best for Federal Jobs: TopStack

Find My Profession

While most resume writing companies are online these days, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all good at it — which is why many regard Find My Profession hard to compete with when it comes to ease of use, a smooth process, and online career resources for digital natives. For those who are transitioning from military careers into the civilian workforce, Find My Profession may offer an efficient and speedy online service at a competitive price.

This company’s online offerings provide a variety of solutions for military members seeking entry-level positions, managerial roles, and executive careers. It even extends support for curriculum vitaes (CVs) and federal resumes. All packages come with a 60-day guarantee and options for LinkedIn networking, interview coaching, and career counseling. You can even opt to let the team at Find My Profession take over your job search for you — it’s sort of like reverse recruiting.

Trustpilot gives Find My Profession 4.9 out of five stars, and many reviews highlight the company’s results-oriented approach and affordability. Find My Profession says its clients have been hired by the likes of Apple, Nike, Tesla, Morgan Stanley, the Department of Justice, and other high-profile employers. To find out if this service is right for you, take a look through its sample resumes and testimonials.

• Online service with options for phone correspondence
• One-on-one session with your resume writer
• Three- to five-day turnaround time
• If you’re looking for an online maker of military-to-civilian resumes, then you should check out this zippy service that offers job hunters a wholly digital platform.

Federal resumes, C-level, and curriculum vitaes also available

Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC)

Packages come with one week of unlimited resume revisions

Packages with higher price points may be required to enjoy all benefits

LinkedIn profile not available with all packages

Nearly 99 percent of Fortune 500 companies simplify the hiring process by scanning and filtering resumes using some form of applicant tracking software (ATS), according to a recent Jobscan report. Smaller companies, too, have adopted similar digital methods. This is why commissioning a resume service with modern IT baked into its process can help get you seen by employers that are keen to identify candidates quickly.

In addition to its ATS-optimized system, TopResume offers a Military Resume Package that pairs you with a military resume expert who will align your service experience with the types of jobs for which you’re applying. You’ll also receive a cover letter, up to three resume revisions, and unlimited email correspondence with your consultant. TopResume also has a selection of other non-military resume packages, each with their own terms and offerings.

TopResume features testimonials and reviews on its website, many of which are written by former military service members. In fact, you can review a sample of the company’s military-to-civilian resumes, along with examples from other industries. TopResume has earned 4.2 out of five stars on Trustpilot, where over 70 percent of its some 11,000 customer reviews give it “excellent” ratings.

• Industry-leading ATS-optimized platform
• Speciality services for Army, Air Force, Marine Corp, Navy, and Coast Guard
• Military Resume Package starts at $199
• Jobseekers who are looking to get one step ahead of the competition may like what they see with TopResume. Its internet technology is arguably second to none.

Federal resumes and curriculum vitaes also available

Free resume critique via online upload

Turnaround time is generally under seven business days

Military Resume Package does not include a money-back guarantee

May not be ideal for those looking for managerial or C-suite level roles

TopStack Resume

Many military members find themselves in federal jobs after their uniformed service. But not only do some struggle with translating military jargon into civilian vocabulary, even more find the federal resume itself quite challenging. That’s because federal jobs require specialty resumes that are often four to six pages long with formatting that varies by department. In these cases, a federal resume expert like TopStack is critical in helping military personnel apply for government jobs.

TopStack furnishes new customers with a choice of packages, all of which can be paired with its federal resume service. Yet those who select its Premium Package will presumably enjoy the most that TopStack has to offer, including working with the most experienced writers, 60-day interview guarantee, phone and email correspondence, career counseling, and an optimized LinkedIn profile — that’s in addition to your federal resume and a cover letter.

Still, TopStack’s standard of service can take upwards of 10 business days to deliver. Plus, its interview guarantee is not a money-back guarantee. If you’ve applied to at least 10 jobs and not received any interviews within 60 days, TopStack will only provide one-on-one career guidance and application support, free of charge. So you’ll need to look elsewhere for a faster turnaround or an actual money-back offer.

TopStack receives 4.9 out of five stars on Trustpilot, and many customers praise the company for its effectiveness and affordability. Besides these accolades, TopStack donates five percent of its profits to the Fisher House Foundation, which is a charity dedicated to providing free lodging to families of hospitalized military members.

• Payment after you approve the first draft of your federal resume
• Two rounds of revisions included in all packages
• One-on-one career counseling and other services available
• If you’re confused by the strict resume formatting required for federal jobs, then TopStack might be right for you. It's an industry leader in federal resume writing.

Select packages come with a 60-day interview guarantee

All resumes are ATS-friendly

Discounts and promotions for return customers

Turnaround times are upwards of two weeks, which is longer than other options

No money-back guarantee

Career Confidence Resume Services

Whether you’re a researcher pursuing your dream job or you’re seeking international employment, the perfect curriculum vitae (CV) will get you noticed. But not all resume services are right for this type of document, and even fewer are qualified to translate your military record into civilian work experience. But the team at Career Confidence Resume Services is well-equipped to help military members and veterans find work that is commensurate with their educational and service backgrounds.

Career Confidence was founded by Cassie Hatcher, a self-professed former Air Force brat who works with a team of military spouses who can leverage their unique insights to assist members from “all military branches and across a wide range of Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs).” You’ll receive two versions of your CV — one that is more general and the second that is tailored for a specific role. Furthermore, your CV will be assessed by a CVCS and CPRW (see above), and it comes with a money-back guarantee. Career Confidence also provides a custom LinkedIn profile, and it will throw in a 200-page ebook to guide you through your job search.

That said, the biggest drawback to Career Confidence is that this boutique service only has the capacity to assist a limited number of clients at a single time. So if you’re in a rush, a company that is built for volume may be better suited to your needs.

While we couldn’t find any customer reviews on Trustpilot, Career Confidence showcases testimonials from its military customers, some of whom have landed employment with Northrop Grumman, Amazon, Verizon, and the Civil Aviation Authority, to name a few. You’ll also find sample resumes, career resources, and an option for a free resume review on the company website.

• Dedicated military-to-civilian resume service
• All packages include an ATS-friendly resume, Linkedin optimization, and email support
• Certified Veteran Career Strategists (CVCS) and Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW) available
• Scholars who need to incorporate military service into their curriculum vitae might have a lot to like about this company’s expertise with both academic writing and military life.

Full 100 percent money-back guarantee

Free resume review

Career and job search resources

Limited number of clients at any given time

No “hard” pricing; costs vary by customer

Great Resumes Fast

Regardless of your military rank, your service background makes you a strong contender for executive positions with many private sector companies. Undoubtedly, Great Resumes Fast is up to the task of communicating your skill set effectively.

This company’s C-Level Job Alignment package is designed to bring your candidacy to the attention of hiring managers. You’ll have access to the full range of services that the standard packages provide, including an ATS-friendly resume, a custom LinkedIn profile, cover letter, and two rounds of revisions. But you’ll also receive a customizable thank you letter, a value proposition letter, and a professional career biography. Additionally, you’ll work directly with a writer who has proven executive and C-suite level hiring experience.

That’s an impressive set of tools to work with, but it comes at a premium. This vendor’s resumes can cost nearly $3,000, but considering the concierge service you’ll get and the potential pay off when you land your corporate job, the investment in yourself could be worth it. Still, there are other amazing resume builders out there who can support your job search for much less money.

Great Resumes Fast has earned a 4.9 star rating from Trustpilot, and almost 90 percent of its reviewers ranked the company as “excellent.” What’s more, you’ll find success stories and testimonials on the website, including one case study that features a former military service member who transitioned into an executive role with a civilian company.

• Process begins with a 25-minute phone call with the company founder
• Turnaround in three to five business days
• Two rounds of revisions included in every package
• Professionals searching for tailor-made executive resumes should know about Great Resumes Fast. It provides next-level service and support for applicants who are serious about landing that big job.

Full 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee

SEO optimization for LinkedIn profile

Customizable cover letters

Premium packages may be cost-prohibitive for many

Things to consider before choosing a resume writing service for military

Resume writing for military service members and veterans.

Resume services can take the stress out of writing a military-to-civilian resume, but service members and veterans do have other options, many of which are free. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides an online employment toolkit with career counseling, job search guidance, and resume writing advice.

Veterans can also receive resume support through the Veterans Employment Center, as well as free online-based services through VetNet . In addition, many U.S. military bases and installations offer civilian transition instruction. You may also find resources with charitable organizations, such as HireOurHeroes , that specialize in mentoring service members as they begin their journey in the civilian workforce.

How resume writing services work

Resume-writing services create tailor-made hiring documents that are specific to the job seeker. You’ll generally work one-on-one with an expert who will use your employment history as the basis for a resume that will appeal to both human resources managers and job applicant tracking systems. Communication between you and your resume writer often takes place by phone or via email, but occasionally you’ll upload your details through the company’s website.

The cost of a resume writer varies depending on the level of service you require. However, you can typically expect to pay at least $150 for some of the more basic offerings, and upwards of $3,000 for an executive resume or a helping hand with your job search.

Evaluating resume writing services for military personnel

When choosing a resume maker for your military-to-civilian transition, look for companies that highlight the qualifications and backgrounds of their writers. Vendors that do not employ certified writers may be cheaper, but you’re potentially purchasing an inferior product. Similarly, you’ll benefit from direct correspondence with your writer, which can take place through phone calls, video meetings, or even email. It’s this type of one-on-one collaboration that will truly yield an effective resume. Also, prioritize companies that offer some form of guarantee. If a service doesn’t stand behind its product, then that’s generally a red flag that you’re working with an inexperienced team.

FAQs about resume writing services for military

Q: is it worth paying for a resume service.

A: Yes, it’s generally worth it to pay for a resume service, especially for military members who are inexperienced with the private sector. An expert can translate your military background into civilian work experience and provide a polished, ATS-optimized resume. 

Q: What are employers looking for in a resume?

A: Employers want to see resumes that show alignment between an applicant’s experience and a hiring manager’s expectations for a role with their company. Resumes should be scannable, honest, and formatted to display your qualifications in a coherent employment history.

Q: What are most resumes missing?

A: Many military-to-civilian resumes are missing relatable work experience that is expressed using modern vocabulary. It’s important to translate military abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon into qualifications and skill sets that recruiters can easily understand. 

Q: What words should not be used in a resume?

A: Military service members and veterans who are transitioning into the civilian workforce should avoid using words on their resumes such as medal, platoon, mission, and subordinates, to name a few. Instead, substitute those jargon words with terms like award, team, task, and employees.

Final thoughts

Resume-writing services for military members and veterans can relieve much of the stress from a job hunt in the civilian workforce. Many services will provide you with all of the hiring materials you need to successfully find a steady, well-paying job. Yet, those who do not want to pay for a commercial service may find support through the VA employment center or with non-profit organizations. Review your options beforehand to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Methodology

To choose the best resume writing services for this list, the team at Task & Purpose looked at a large number of companies. We focused on cost, plan features and options, ease of use, customer service reviews, and past customer ratings as the most important factors in our ratings. Learn more about our methodology in the Task & Purpose review guide . 

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How to Write a Military To Civilian Transition Resume

Translating your military experience for a civilian hiring manager.

As a transitioning military professional, you've most likely never before been required to create a professional resume. A resume is a snapshot of your accomplishments, education and work experience. It should reflect your strengths in a concise and coherent manner. Through your resume you typically have about 30 seconds to convince a potential employer that you deserve an interview. In today's competitive job market, a well-written resume is an important tool to get your foot in the door and on your way to landing the perfect position.

Military to Civilian Transition Resume Guide: Table of contents

a) 3 Goals for Your Military to Civilian Resume

b) How to Create a Civilian Resume: Resume Types

c) Military to Civilian Resume Samples

d) Additional Points to Keep in Mind

It may seem a daunting task to effectively translate your military experience on your resume into a format from which a civilian hiring manager can easily extract your civilian qualifications and experience. Hiring managers receive so many resumes that it is imperative that your resume be targeted and concise, with clearly spelled out qualifications and experiences.

Civilian hiring managers can hardly be expected to effectively translate military skills they see on resumes when statistics show that 76% of service members do not know how to translate their own military skills. In fact, having too much military jargon and code on your resume can be the quickest way to ensure your resume is passed over. By translating your skills and experiences for them, you have eliminated the biggest obstacle to transitioning into the civilian workforce.

Step 1: Quantify Your Impact

The first step in translating your resume into civilian terms is to list all positions with specific and quantifiable detail. Quantify how many people worked for you and the dollar amount of the equipment, budgets and programs for which you were responsible for. "Battery Commander" on a resume may not convey much to a civilian hiring manager, but quantifying with "As Battery Commander, I was overall in charge of 100 soldiers and responsible for five million dollars worth of equipment" will demonstrate the depth of your responsibility. Numbers are critical.

Step 2: Translate Your Achievements

Quantifying your experience, however, is not enough. You must also translate your achievements. Treat your achievements and assignments as programs, and include details relevant to the position for which you are applying. Illustrate how you were able to map out a plan and achieve it. Use practical examples to show transferable skills, such as leadership, decision-making, and technical skills and certifications. By doing this, you can prove that your skill set is a match for that required.

Step 3: Incorporate Civilian Counterpart Job titles

When possible, try to use the civilian counterpart job title on your resume with your military position and rank in parenthesis. Hiring managers may not always know what a Staff Sergeant is or how many people they oversee. This position may best be described as a Manager or Leader. Keep in mind, though, that rank is often not an important factor on your resume. Many hiring managers know that service members' experience often exceeds their pay grade and that responsibility doesn't always come with rank.

How to Create a Civilian Resume

Resume types, chronological resume.

You should typically use a chronological resume if you have less than 15 years total professional experience and your professional timeline is relatively easy to follow.

This format lists your professional experience in reverse chronological order, so a potential interviewer, military or non-military, can easily follow your professional timeline and very quickly get a good overall understanding of what you are qualified to do.

Keep the following in mind when creating a chronological resume:

• You must effectively differentiate between your duties and responsibilities, and your achievements.
• Remember that there are thousands of people who have held a job similar to yours in terms of responsibility, but your achievements are what will set you apart.
• Be specific and quantify wherever possible.
• Your duties and responsibilities should be listed directly under your job title and concisely describe your overall responsibilities in two to three lines.
• Below your responsibilities paragraph, you should list 2-4 achievements for each job held.
• GPA should only be listed if it is above 3.0.

Keep the following in mind when creating a skills based/combination resume:

• Ensure your summary paragraph accurately outlines your professional experience.
• Carefully select the skills listed and the achievements that support each. The first skill set listed should be your strongest and the one you most want to emphasize.
• Your achievements supporting each skill set should be specific, concise and quantifiable where possible.
• The Employment Chronology section should not contain gaps in your timeline.

Military to Civilian Resume Samples

These resume samples are intended to give you an idea of what your resume may look like using the Chronological and Skills Based/Combination formats. Consult with your Candidate Recruiter for specific resume preparation assistance and advice.

Sample Military to Civilian Resumes for Junior Military Officers (JMOs), Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Technicians

Please remember to use Microsoft Word format, and do not use tables, headers, or footers.

Chronological Format Sample Resume

The Chronological Resume format is the most widely used. Hiring Managers are used to seeing it, and this format makes it easy for them to scan your resume and see at a glance if you're a good fit for the position. A Chronological Resume is the best way to explain your background and skills.

Combination Format Sample Resume

Combination resumes list skills and qualifications first, followed by work history. They combine the most notable features of both your skills and your work history, with more of an emphasis on your skills and achievements first. If you have a limited work history, a Combination/Skills Based Resume format is good to use.

download: Combination Format Sample Resume

Skills Based/Combination Format Sample Resume

The Skills Based/Combination Resume format places equal emphasis both on your skills and work experience. It allows you to present a quick overview of your actual employment history and the areas that are transferable. If you have a limited work history, or the history you do have isn't directly related to the job you're applying for, a Skills Based/Combination Resume format is good to use.

Functional/Skills Resume

Functional resumes focus on skills and experience rather than on employment history. The purpose of a functional resume is to draw attention to your transferable abilities and skills. If you have a work history that is not directly related to the job you're applying for, a Functional Resume format is good to use.

Junior Military Officer Sample Resume

If you are a Junior Military Officer with limited to no civilian work experience, this resume helps to highlight your military experience and focus on your skill set. The best rule of thumb for this type of resume is to avoid military jargon and to include results and achievements during your time in the service.

Machinist Mate Sample Resume

For specialized positions like the Navy Machinist's Mate, the resume will look very similar to the Military Technician resume. You will want to draw attention to your areas of expertise within your military role. This will help to focus on the skills that you have obtained while in service. Be sure to also list out any certifications or additional education related to your field.

Technician Sample Resume

If you are a Military Technician with limited to no civilian work experience, this resume helps to highlight your areas of expertise within your military experience while focusing on your skill set. For this resume, focus on your proficiencies and expound upon any troubleshooting experience and certifications that you have received.

Learn More About Creating a Resume From Our Podcasts and Webinars

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Here are some additional points to keep in mind as you begin to develop your civilian resume:

Do not use military jargon..

Position titles like Company Commander, Chief Machinist Mate, or Division Officer are acceptable, but be prepared to explain those terms. You must be able to quantify the number of people who worked for you, your level of technical expertise, and the dollar value of the equipment, program or budget you were responsible for.

There should not be any date gaps on your resume.

You need to adequately cover all time periods specified on your resume.

Spelling and grammar on your resume must be correct and consistent.

Double and triple-check to make sure you have no grammatical or punctuation errors.

Format and styling is important.

Use a standard US Word document. Times New Roman is the preferred font format. Black is the only acceptable font color. Pictures or icons are not acceptable on a professional resume. Margins should be no smaller than 1 inch.Resume paper should be a neutral color, preferably off-white.

Your resume length should be a maximum of two pages.

The length of your resume is entirely dependent on your professional experience, and one page is ideal.

Duties and responsibilities are fine, but keep it short.

Accomplishments are much more important. Companies don't want the person responsible for things, they want the individual who gets things done.

Personal information (age, health, marital status) is not required and should not be included on your resume.

By leaving off your personal information (including age, marital status, gender), you are protecting yourself from discrimination.

There is no need to put "References Available Upon Request."

You will, of course, supply outstanding references when requested. Use the limited space available to showcase your status as a top performer.

When in doubt, consult with your Orion Candidate Recruiter. We will work with you to develop the strongest resume for you based on your background and experience.

Need help finding your next civilian job ? Orion Talent can help!

Learn more about building your military to civilian resume, automated resume screening.

How Does Automated Resume Screening Work → Learn More →

Resume Preparation

Does Your Resume Contain These Three Words? → Learn More →

Researching Your Background

How to Use Your Background to Your Advantage → Learn More →

Sample Military to Civilian Resumes

Military to Civilian Examples for Each Branch of the Military → Learn More →

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• 5 Best Military Resume Writing Services (2024)
• Federal Resume Guide
• Military Resume Help

Last Updated on 12/27/2023

When you starting a transition from a military career to a civilian one, it may seem that you have limited options, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Global companies are looking for candidates who are loyal, hardworking, resilient, adaptable, they are looking for you.

As a veteran, you might struggle to describe your work experience in a way that private-sector recruiters understand. Military.com reported that skills translation was the number one thing holding veterans back from new employment. The military acronyms and terminology that you’ve become familiar with often fail to connect with civilians.

Fortunately, a military to civilian resume service could allow you to overcome this difficulty. Browse this list of military transition resume writing services to begin comparing top service providers.

Make your first life-changing steps with the help of professionals.

Table of Contents

• 1 Military to Civilian Resume Writing Services
• 2.1 Which Payment Methods are Supported by Military Resume Writing Services?
• 3.1 Establish Direct Contact
• 3.2 Search for Feedback
• 3.3 Certification
• 3.4 Prepare to Work With a Military Resume Writer
• 3.5 Resume Writing for Veterans
• 4.1 Can I Find Military Resume Writers Near Me?

Military to Civilian Resume Writing Services

The companies presented in a chart were selected due to several positive feedbacks from satisfied customers and good professional reputation, including guarantees, several free military resume revisions, a low rejection rate, on-time orders delivery, and excellent value for many.

Check out our military resume writing service reviews for the next companies:

• Find My Profession
• Professional Resume Services
• Great Resumes Fast

Below, we will evaluate each of the resume writing services focusing on some of their key features.

• Turnaround: 3-5 business days 
• ATS compliance: Yes 
• Revisions: Unlimited, 1 week 
• Cost: $695-$1095
• Turnaround: 7-14 days
• ATS compliance: Yes
• Revisions: 2 rounds
• Cost: $795-$1595
• Executive Resume Package may vary from $2695 to $4295
• Turnaround: 4-7 business days
• Revisions: 2 rounds, 1 week
• Cost: $995-$2999
• Cost: $279-$479

Cost of Resume Military Service

Prices for professional resume writing services for military veterans start at about $130. For officers seeking executive-level jobs, resume prices climb as high as $3000. A professionally written resume represents an investment. The cost, however, is a good value when it leads to years of ongoing employment.

You can expect to pay a premium when you need a resume fast. This could be appropriate if an open position is about to close applications. Otherwise, it’s usually best not to rush things unnecessarily. A resume requires attention to detail, and you want one that sells your skills effectively.

The Military Skills Translator at Military.com lets you enter your branch of service and job title. It takes your MOS/AFC Rating and delivers pertinent job results.

Which Payment Methods are Supported by Military Resume Writing Services?

The major part of military resume writing services accepts MasterCard, Maestro card, Visa, American Express, Amex, Discover, and Wire Transfer.

How to Evaluate Military Resume Writers

Establish direct contact.

Choose a writer specializing in military transitions. Give preference to a former military officer with the Master Military Resume Writer credential who knows how to translate military jargon into language that is attractive for the private sector. Make sure your resume professional is sophisticated in writing ATS-friendly resumes as well.

Search for Feedback

Military resume writers reviews will reveal clues about the writer’s suitability for your goals. Look for feedback like “The writer understood my skills” or “The resume I got landed me a job.”

During initial communications with potential writers, ask specific questions. You want to determine if a person has a good grasp of military terminology and job descriptions.

Good questions for vetting a military resume writer are:

• Which branches of military service are you most familiar with?
• Did you serve in the military?
• How many resumes have you written for veterans?
• What are your writing credentials?
• Can you provide any references from satisfied customers?

Certification

Another credential that could help you identify the best professionals is a certification from the National Resume Writers Association. Credentials like these indicate that a writer is serious about resume writing and it’s not just a side hustle.

The best choice for you might not necessarily be the best choice for everyone. A writer who excels at military skill translation for Marines might struggle with someone transitioning from the Navy.

The civilian industry where you’re seeking work should influence your choice. Not all military resumes writers specialize in the same things. Look for someone who understands what recruiters in your desired field want to see in a job candidate.

Certified resume writers often develop specialties, such as engineering or finance. They’ve learned what job recruiters in certain industries are looking for. Most importantly, the best military to civilian resume writers know what words to use to capture the attention of hiring managers.

Before accepting a resume from a writing service, ask someone you trust to look at the draft. An outside opinion could help you know if you should ask for a revision.

Prepare to Work With a Military Resume Writer

Even when you outsource resume writing, you still need to fill questionnaires or provide your work history. An exception is Great Resumes Fast , which doesn’t ask its clients to complete any worksheets but offers 60-90 minutes conversation to discuss the work experience. But as for the rest military resume writing services , be ready to provide the next data:

• Last 10 years of NCOER/OERs/EPRs
• Fully updated ERB or ORB
• ATRRS, VMET Document
• Training certificates and licenses
• Academic level and degree (i.e., BA, BS, MBA, etc.), including GPA
• Security clearance status
• Your contact information ( address, phone number, and email address).

Request a Verification of Military Experience and Training from the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program. This record provides a summary of your skills.

Resume Writing for Veterans

If you are transitioning from a military position to the civilian workforce, writing a resume and cover letter can be challenging. Fortunately, help is available from professionals who specialize in resume services for veterans and providing assistance that goes beyond veteran resume help.

The Veteran’s Administration is an excellent resource for veterans and their spouses. It provides training and resources to help you find employment after your military career is complete. The Veterans Employment Center connects veterans to local career fairs, places to find internships, and access to personalized career counseling.

Ready to Build Your Own Business?

If you are a veteran who is thinking about starting your own business, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Veteran’s Business Development (OVBD) helps veterans and their family members begin the journey to business ownership. Veteran-owned businesses can receive assistance by connecting you with supply chains, special funding, and access to capital. You can access these resources through special centers across the nation. This is an excellent way to get what you need to get your business up and running at a low cost. The SBA also provides federal resume writing for veterans and contractors who need to learn to navigate the system and present their company as the most qualified for the position.

How to Choose Military Resume Writing Service?​

We hope, now you have a clear idea of how to determine professional military resume writer. Let’s see what to take into consideration while choosing the best military to civilian resume writing service.

• Website design and content: guarantees, turnaround time, working process and contact information.
• Testimonials: make sure the person is real, just browse name and surname, occupation in Google or on LinkedIn.
• Direct contact with a writer is a must. Even if you’ve got a first-class writer, make a double check if you’re both looking at the same direction of your career transition.
• Resume review is an essential part of the process. Make sure, you’ll have the possibility to revise the document for further improvement.
• The lack of direct contact with a writer, unskillful communication during a chat with your writer. Writer’s reluctance to get into details of your military transition.
• No guarantees: on-time delivery guarantee, revisions guarantee, quality guarantee. Usually, military resume writing services provide 100% satisfaction guarantee or 60-day interview guarantee.
• Fictional information or overstatement of your skills, years of experience and achievements, which can be easily revealed during a job interview.

Can I Find Military Resume Writers Near Me?

If you’re in an area with a large military presence, like Fort Bragg or Fort Hood, local employment agencies could offer resume writing assistance. Do an internet search for resume writers for military transition along with the town where you live. The search could return results for resume writing services for veterans .

You might not even have to look off base. The majority of U.S. military installations have a transition assistance office. A convenient source of resume help might be closer than you think.

Finding someone locally might feel more comfortable. You’ll have the chance to meet the writer in person. If you’re not pleased with the services available locally, don’t dismiss using an online company. Thousands of people employ these services with good results.

The nonprofit organization Hire Our Heroes could also connect you with transition resources. Veterans founded this nonprofit for the sole purpose of helping veterans transition to civilian employment. The group sponsors group training and networking events throughout the country. Volunteers at Hire Our Heroes can mentor you and aid in your job search.

• Best Federal Resume Writing Service Reviews

As a person with military experience of more than 20 years, I will say only one thing. In the world there is a clear regulation for everything, including a resume. Especially for a military man this is his face. Writing a resume is like sending to a hot spot. The slightest mistake can cost you everything. I do not believe in magical resume builders, free resume services for veterans as well as a tooth fairy. There is a quest, its qualified execution and proper reward – this is how it works in the real world.

Hi Tom, Totally agree with you! Thank you so much for your feedback! We’ll improve our list of the best military writing services soon. Let’s keep in touch)

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Military Resume Writing Service

Navigating from the military world to the civilian workforce can seem like a complicated course-change—with our military resume writing service, we’ll guide you through your career transition by making sure your skills and accomplishments are applicable to new and exciting job opportunities. 

Let us help you set off on your next great career adventure with a resume that tells your story right

Get Started today

Reviewed by the community. Trusted by professionals.

based on 13,104 reviews on

based on 13,104 reviews

The resume interaction was fantastic

The resume interaction was fantastic. Great transfer of military skill set and common jargon into civilian equivalent.

Harold Carter

Outstanding resume and cover letter

The writer, Mrs. Alyssa, and I collaborated throughout the process. She listened to my concerns and answered each question with logical reasoning. Although, it is difficult to capture the entire skill set developed from 30 years of military experience spanning seven countries and six states, Mrs. Alyssa did a great job at pinpointing and expressing the critical skills.

Great Experience!

I was very satisfied with the finished product. My resume and cover looked sharp. Patricia R. was very patient with me. I gave her a lot of information to digest. The evaluations and job descriptions from my naval career are filled with military jargon but she translated it all into skills that hiring managers can relate to.

My resume reviewer

My resume reviewer, Kyla D., was fast, professional, and very astute on how to change my resume from sounding overly military to one which any civilian HR could easily digest and understand. I feel fortunate to have had Kyla as my reviewer. I would recommend TopResume to anyone seeking to improve their professional portrait.

The investment is well worth the cost!

I'm very pleased with the quality and services provided by TopResume. They set and met expectations and communicated every step of the way. I never once felt like I had fallen off their radar. The writer assigned to me, Kathleen S, deserves a vacation for her work! After a 25+ year career in the Armed Forces (in a variety of career fields) and a few jobs since the military, I had a lengthy resume. While filled with skills, strengths and accomplishments, it lacked focus, energy and quite frankly needed an overhaul. That's exactly what Kathleen did, She overhauled my resume - content and format - and provided me a new one that is focused, articulate and appealing. TopResume provides their clients the opportunity to collaborate with the resume writer over the phone which I did. I believe this was helpful to the process. I'm confident this new resume will represent me well with recruiters and potential employers. Same goes for the LinkedIn profile and cover letter that Kathleen created. The investment was well worth the cost. I highly recommend TopResume and will not hesitate to use their services again. Thank you!

Being a career soldier in the Army for…

Being a career soldier in the Army for over 20 years, I never dealt with or even had a resume to prepare myself for the after career. I recently did a resume and had TopResume take a look at it and they gave me some real excellent feedback. I decided to have them help me with both the resume and LinkedIn service and they did an phenomenal job. I’m starting to get a lot of attention for my skills. They really helped me articulate and showcase my 29 years of service into understandable civilian terms. Thank you TopResume.

Professional to the next level

Mr Ryan is very professional . He is able to bring out the intrinsic value of my military experience to be better understood to anybody. The effort to deliver quality result is truly remarkable! I would definitely endorse his skills and competency as a wordsmith indeed! My experience has been nothing but a truly positive journey from the start to the end of the process.

izhan ismail

Resume and LinkedIn

Thank you for getting me started on my career after the military with a professional resume and LinkedIn write up. I’m totally satisfied with the product.

Edward Rahming

Excellent Military to Civilian Resume

Excellent experience turning a mediocre resume into something professional. My resume writer did a fantastic job translating 20 years of military experience to apply to civilian jobs and highlighting my education since I am completely changing my career field. If you’re reluctant to spend the money, remember, if you don’t invest in yourself, no one else will.

Screamin Eagle 101

Awesome Resume Service!

I worked with Lorie at TopResume to translate my military experience into a Project Management Resume. I have to say I'm blown away by the results! TopResume captured my experience and the soft skills that I've earned without sounding braggy or underselling me. I'm confident that I'll land a great job with this resume!

Devin Clinevell

I had a great experience & received a…

I had a great experience & received a very good resume. The team was very professional & went above/beyond in assisting me. I truly appreciate your assistance--have already recommended your services to a ton of my military associates/friends. Jimmy D. Simmons, MSgt, USAF (Soon to be retired)

Jimmy D Simmons

Military Friendly

I used this service to write my resume as I was transitioning out of the Military and they did a wonderful job. I recommend this to anyone looking for help.

Bradley Bidia

Military to Civilian translated resume.

The writer was able to translate the military jargon of my performance reports and write a high quality resume that captured my experience and strengths better than I could have on my own. Well worth the money.

Very professional company

Very professional company. Katie worked with me in every aspect of translating 20yrs of military service into civilian terms. Very easy to work with and responded to emails quickly. Highly recommend for resume writing.

Waylon Arehart

Experienced in all fields

Our military resume writers are experts in all areas—from the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard, to Army Work. After we find the right writer for you, they’ll take your document through a professional bootcamp, and help you sharpen your competitive edge as a civilian.

Illustrated impact

Highlight your value and potential with a resume that puts your skills and accomplishments front and center.

Measured success

Use metrics to benchmark your achievements and build an impressive career narrative hiring managers can’t ignore.

Detailed documentation

Thoroughly document any special certifications and awards, highlighting the value you bring as a professional.

"Transitioning from military to civilian life, TopResume was instrumental in aiding me. They converted successful military career into a language easily understood by hiring managers in the civilian sector. My resume writer was professional and expedient. I would highly recommend this service."

MARIA HUGHES

How it works

Meet your match 

We’ll hand-pick your ideal writing partner based on the requirements of your specific situation.

Define your goals Together, you and your military resume writer will go over your job-seeking goals. These goals will help your writing partner make your document as precise and targeted as possible.

Start your journey

Get ready to reap the real-time rewards of having a professionally crafted resume—your doc is proofed, perfected, and ready to be put out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a military resume different?

1. Typical resumes are usually formatted to reflect a clear timeline, whereas military resumes will list qualifications and accomplishments upfront. 2. Transferable skills are given special attention (ex. Leadership, problem solving, teamwork etc.) 3. There is emphasis put on global and cross-cultural experiences gained through deployments and international assignments. 4. Military awards and certifications play a key role in showing your achievements

How does the resume process work?

1. We get to know more about your career history and goals. 2. We match you with your ideal military resume writer. 3. You submit your current resume or give us your career details. 4. You fill out a form with all the necessary info for your writer. 5. The collab begins! 6. You two review and refine the doc to make sure it aligns with your goals. 7. You’re done! Your professionally polished resume is ready to put out into the world!

What qualifications do the resume writers have?

Our resume writers are the real deal—we recruit and vet our writers based solely on the value they can bring to your case. Our network is over 1,200 strong and includes certified career coaches, former and current hiring managers, HR professionals, recruiters and professionals with specialized experience in over 65 industries. 

This way,  we can match each client with an expert who is an exact match for their needs.

What if I’m applying for a government or academic job?

Government and academic positions have a particular set of requirements that typically go beyond those of a standard resume. If you need a federal resume or an academic CV , we offer special services dedicated to fulfilling your needs.

We have your back

No matter your branch or rank, creating a resume that stands out and does your experience justice is a special operation. Our team of expert writers are here to help ease you through this transition by crafting a winning resume that distinguishes you as professional and military veteran.

Make the transition from military to civilian with confidence with a specialized, professional resume:

Optimized and formatted to get past Applicant Tracking Systems

Carefully tailored to the types of positions you’re looking for

Professionally written by a military resume expert

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From Military to Civilian: Resume Translation

You've served your country proudly, and now it's time to move on professionally. More than anything, you want your transition from boots to suits to be a smooth one. You want to land a good job that pays well. The only thing standing in your way? Your so-called resume.

Explaining to would-be employers what you did in the military in a way that makes sense to them can be difficult. Skills, experiences and accomplishments often get lost in translation or in the lack thereof. This is where the Military Skills Translator comes in, and you must decide what needs to be translated and what doesn't.

Related : Search for Veteran Jobs

To Translate or Not to Translate?

That is the question to answer before you start drafting your resume. Will you be sending it to someone within the defense industry? Or will you be targeting employers outside of it?

If the answer is yes to the former, then you may not need to spend a great deal of time translating your job titles, descriptions, awards and training into English.

Those within the defense industry usually understand what you are communicating, but not always. Keep in mind that a lot of people who work in the industry have never worn a uniform and may not fully understand what you've accomplished.

If you are targeting a job outside of the defense world, then you most certainly need to translate your skills , experiences and accomplishments into the English language.

It can be challenging but not impossible.

From a Tank to a Cubicle

"You have to be patient because there is no such thing as a perfect resume," said Philip Lapple, a former M1 main battle tank crewmember (19K-armor crewman) in the U.S. Army.

Lapple wants to switch career gears completely and get a job in business. To reach that goal, he is currently attending the University of Maryland, University College and working on a degree in management studies.

"I really don't think I will get a good job until I finish my degree, but I'm trying," Lapple said.

In the meantime, he is working on creating a basic master resume that he can tailor to individual job opportunities as they arise.

"On my resume, I try to show that I am a well-rounded package of education and expertise," said Lapple, adding that it continues to be a work in progress.

"You're not going to get it right the first time or the second time you write it," said Lapple, who finds himself revising his resume each time someone else critiques it for him.

Lapple understands he needs to translate specific words in order to make his resume work. Rather than say he was a tank crewmember, he says that he was a heavy equipment operator.

To highlight his skills without over emphasizing equipment operation, he puts strong emphasis on leadership.

"My latest version shows words like mentoring, efficiency, and workload planning. I also use the word "team" instead of platoon or squad," Lapple said.

"I am also physically counting and adding up the dollar value of items that I was in charge of in the military and noting the number of people or employees I supervised.

"Right now, school is my priority. In my case, I feel like my resume has to show not only practical experience but a degree as well," he said.

Staying in the Same Career Field

"I have a resume, but it's horrible. I want to make it better in order to be competitive," said Gary Heinstrom, a U.S. Army specialist who currently serves as a medic with the 554th Military Police Company based in Germany.

Heinstrom is knee deep in the process of transitioning out of the military. He is considering staying in his career field, but he wouldn't rule out getting his foot in the door to federal employment in any field, either.

"I just started the process of getting out, and there is so much information coming at me at one time. It's overwhelming, but it seems necessary at the same time," Heinstrom said.

If Heinstrom indeed tries to stay in the medical field, he may find that the level of translation needed for his resume differs from those needed by Lapple.

In some military career fields, such as those in the medical field, there may not be as strong a need to translate some of the skills, abilities and experiences for the civilian counterpart. In or out of uniform, patient care, recordkeeping and specific medical procedures and protocol are universally understood within the career field.

"Instead of saying that I was a medic, I am writing that I was a health-care specialist. I am also a certified emergency medical technician (EMT), and that is the same in or out of the military," Heinstrom said.

Heinstrom said he is also making it a point to quantify his accomplishments and avoid the use of personal pronouns.

For More Assistance

Translating the military words on your resume into civilian ones can be challenging. You don't have to do it alone, though.

Visit your transition assistance office or the family services and support center's employment readiness program. On either doorstep, you'll find expert, one-on-one counseling assistance or available classes, free of charge.

For your own research, the following websites offer excellent military-to-civilian translation tools:

• Military to Civilian Skills Translator
• O*Net Military Crosswalk
• FREE Resume Assessment Service

You can also get ideas on how to translate your military experiences effectively by looking at the civilian job descriptions or vacancy announcements for the jobs that interest you.

Here are some word-for-word common translation examples:

• Commander = director or senior manager
• Executive officer = deputy director
• Field grade officer = executive or manager
• Company grade officer = operations manager or section manager
• Warrant officer = technical specialist or department manager
• Senior NCOs = first-line supervisor
• Infantry = security force
• First sergeant = personnel manager
• Squad leader = team leader or team chief
• Supply sergeant = supply manager or logistics manager
• Operations NCO = operations supervisor

General Terms

• AI = additionally skilled in
• Combat = hazardous conditions
• Company = company, department or section
• Medal = award
• Military personnel office = human resources
• Mission = task, function, objective
• Military occupation specialty, classification = career specialty
• Squad, platoon = team or section
• Reconnaissance = data collection and analysis
• Regulations = policy or guidelines
• Security clearance = security clearance
• Service members = employees
• Subordinates = employees
• TAD/TDY = business trip

Related Articles:

• Writing Military-to-Civilian Resumes: Make Your Resume Interviewable
• Sample Resume for a Military-to-Civilian Transition
• Translating Your Military Resume for a Corporate Audience
• 20 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

For the latest  veteran jobs postings around the country, visit the  Military.com Job Search section .

The Next Step: Find the Right Veteran Job

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10 Best Military to Civilian Resume Writing Services (2024)

Find the best professional military resume services. Compare costs and customer reviews of the top military transition resume writing services for veterans.

2024 Winners: Add your badge to your marketing materials.

Looking to make the transition from the military into the civilian world? Well first and foremost, thank you for serving our country.

If you’re preparing to enter the civilian workforce and stand out in a competitive job market, you may very well be searching for the best military to civilian resume writing services.

As you already know, military jargon is different than civilian jargon. If your resume is filled with military keywords that the average hiring manager cannot understand, it won’t take you far.

Believe it or not, most companies love hiring veterans. There is a work ethic that is instilled in military professionals that you just can’t find elsewhere.

The hard part isn’t proving your worthiness. The hard part is translating your skills and experience gained in the military into simple language that the civilian hiring manager can understand.

As a small thank you for your service, it is our privilege to bring you a shortlist of the very best military to civilian resume writers in America.

If you are transitioning to a federal government career, check out our list of the Best Federal Resume Writers .

Best Military Transition Resume Writers

Best resume services for military to civilian transition.

How We Choose Winners

Each of the military-to-civilian transition resume services below was reviewed by a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) taking into consideration the following:

The cost of the service compared to other military-to-civilian resume writers.

The speed at which the resume is completed.

Overall experience, awards, and certifications.

The design, style, and overall look of the resume.

Guarantees, number of edits, and reviews.

This list was hand-curated to serve all military transition professionals. Whether you were O-1 to O-10, W-1 to W-5, or E-1 to E-9, we have resume writers on this list that will be perfect for your career needs.

Average Military to Civilian Resume Cost

Military to civilian resume writer reviews.

Find My Profession

Find My Profession is much more than a resume writing service. They are a global career services company whose work has been featured on sites like Forbes, Inc., Zety, Fast Company, and more.

With their team of elite resume writers who have experience in over 85 industries and professions, they can match you with a writer who understands your unique background and experience. Additionally, every resume comes with a one-on-one phone consultation with your writer.

Find My Profession has an impressive track record of successfully landing clients jobs at top companies such as Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Facebook, DoJ, Morgan Stanley, and Tesla.

Their 900+ 5-star reviews speak to their commitment to delivering high-quality service. They also offer a 60-day interview guarantee and ensure that every resume created is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your specific needs.

You will work one-on-one with an elite and certified resume writer based in the U.S. Find My Profession is committed to ensuring that every client is 100% satisfied with their resume, which is why they do not limit the number of edits or time spent working with your writer.

Find My Profession is a virtual company allowing them to provide services worldwide. While they do not have a physical office for in-person visits, they ensure direct communication with your writer through email and phone calls.

4.9/5 based on 521 Trustpilot reviews 4.9/5 based on 319 Sitejabber reviews 4.9/5 based on 151 Google reviews 5/5 based on 52 Facebook reviews

3 – 5 business days (can expedite to 2 business days)

$395 – $995

(831) 888-0967 or [email protected]

Check out some of our 5-star reviews:

Alex on January 4, 2024

Resume & LinkedIn Profile

Belda Villalon on July 1, 2022

Michael on December 19, 2023

Exceptional resume

Michelle T on November 10, 2022

Professional Resume

Brigit on October 25, 2023

Highest quality of work

Beh on September 20, 2021

Professional. Experts…

Matt B on July 17, 2023

Excellent Experience

Chad B on May 2, 2022

Wonderful investment

ResumeZest is trusted by professionals from companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Oracle, GE, Adobe, Uber, and Facebook. Their resume writing team has written resumes for more than 75 industries. A 60-day interview guarantee backs up every resume they write. Each resume is also ATS compliant and keyword-optimized.

ResumeZest is a very well-rounded company. They offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times. You will work with a high-quality, certified writer and receive excellent customer service. They are also members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC).

ResumeZest is one of the newer companies on this list. While they do a great job and their writers have many years of experience, the company was only founded in 2020.

4.8/5 based on 175 Trustpilot reviews 4.8/5 based on 93 Google reviews 4.9/5 based on 91 Sitejabber reviews 5/5 based on 12 Facebook reviews 5/5 based on 4 Yelp reviews

$279 – $479

(888) 530-4911 or [email protected]

Need Help With Your Job Search?

Did you know there are companies you can hire to help with your job search? Whether you need resume help or want someone to apply to jobs for you, we’ve reviewed the 20 best agencies to help you find a job.

A Word’s Worth

A Word’s Worth is owned and operated by Nina Ebert, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Coach, and Military Reward Partner. Nina has had a series of resumes and cover letters selected for inclusion in 23 nationally published books. She started her business in 1989 and has since been able to help countless military professionals transition into civilian jobs.

A Word’s Worth has a special focus on military resumes. She also provides a handful of resume samples on her site including a military to civilian transition resume. If you are in the New Jersey area, Nina is more than happy to meet with you in-person to write your resume.

A Word’s Worth resume packages didn’t seem to be available on the website. You must call this company in order to receive an exact quote. Also, we are unsure if Nina is the only writer on the team or if she works with other writers.

4.8/5 based on 26 Google reviews 4.7/5 based on 15 Yelp reviews

$375 – $950

(609) 758-7799 or [email protected]

Masterpiece Resume

Masterpiece Resume was founded in 2008 by Kirstin Olsen. Kirstin is a professional resume writer who specializes in government, law enforcement, and military transition resume writing. With such a special focus on military resumes, you can rest easy knowing you are in great hands with Masterpiece Resume.

Masterpiece Resume has a special focus on military resume services. Founder Kirstin Olsen personally writes each and every resume and never uses ghostwriters for her work. They even mention that they offer military and returning customer discounts.

Masterpiece Resume does not feature any resume samples on their website. It would be great to be able to see the quality of work that Kirstin provides. Also, you will need to schedule a call in order to get more of an exact quote.

4.5/5 based on 13 Yelp reviews 4/5 based on 5 Google reviews

2 – 7 business days

$350 – $120

(760) 453-1448 or [email protected]

A Platinum Resume

A Platinum Resume is one of the finest military to civilian resume writing services around. Based in Colorado Springs, Kara Varner, the owner and writer, has three different resume certifications to translate your military service into an amazing civilian resume. They also offer discounted military spouse resumes which can really help out your significant other!

Kara is a Certified Military to Civilian Transition Resume Specialist (CRS-MTC) and member of the Military Spouse Resume Writers’ Coalition. That is a rarity when it comes to resume services. Kara has worked in both the Army and Air Force and now assists service members with their transition into civilian life.

A Platinum Resume has a long turnaround time, which could be a turnoff to some clients. If you need a resume ASAP, you will end up paying a significant cost to receive your resume in your desired time frame. Pricing is rather expensive if you want a more extensive package.

4.9/5 based on 19 Google reviews

8 – 10 business days (can expedite to 1 or 3 business days)

$417 – $477

(719) 339-2659 or [email protected]

1-Day Resume

1-Day Resume has the experience that many other resume writers dream of. Every single one of their resume writers has at least a Bachelor’s degree and has written at least 3,000 resumes. Based in Knoxville, they have worked with clients from all over the world –– including Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Your resume is in great hands with this military to civilian resume writing service.

1-Day Resume has collectively written over 15,200 resumes since its inception. They have a vast number of 5-star reviews online to backup their boisterous claims. Military to civilian transitions are one of the specialties they have listed on their website.

1-Day Resume does not have any standard pricing. That can be worrisome since you have no idea what they are charging their other clients. There is also no information on who is specifically writing your resume, which is a downside.

4.9/5 based on 81 Google reviews 5/5 based on 11 Facebook reviews

1 – 2 business days

$395 – $595

(865) 691-3796 or [email protected]

Is Your Resume Working Properly?

If you are having trouble landing interviews, it might be time to hire a professional resume writer. Check out our list of the 750+ best resume writers and start landing more interviews!

Empire Resume

Empire Resume understands how difficult the transition from military to civilian life is. The owner and writer, Phil Gold, was an Air Force captain who knows how to translate your service into skills that are positioned as attractive to employers. Phil Gold also has his PhD, so you will be on the receiving end of military to civilian transition resume writing that is top-of-the-line.

Empire Resume is dedicated to getting you a job. If you do not land an interview after 30 days, they will edit your resume for free. After another 60 days, they will edit it once again. Empire Resume cares about helping you secure a job and ensuring that your transition goes smoothly.

Empire Resume is a one-man show. That is great from a service standpoint as everyone will receive the same level of resume. But if Phil is too overwhelmed with resumes, he may not be able to take your resume on.

5/5 based on 207 Google reviews 5/5 based on 86 Bark reviews 5/5 based on 11 Facebook reviews 4.7/5 based on 3 Yelp reviews

3 business days

(801) 690-4085 or [email protected]

EBR HR Experts

EBR HR Experts was established in 2015 by Krystal Yates. The company helps military members convert their skills into corporate skills so that they can land interviews in the civilian world. As an SHRM Veterans At Work Certificate holder, EBR employs resume writers that have military experience themselves.

Krystal is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches who has also been a recruiter since 2010. You can easily check out the details and certifications of their resume writers through their website. Depending on your location, you can meet face-to-face with your writer.

There are no military to civilian resume samples on their website for potential customers to check out. You cannot purchase resume packages directly from the company’s website. To do that, you’d have to schedule an appointment or phone consultation first.

4.9/5 based on 33 Google reviews 5/5 based on 7 Facebook reviews

5 business days

(972) 855-8009 or [email protected]

Career Confidence Resume Services

Career Confidence Resume Services is led by Cassie Hatcher, a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Certified Veteran Career Strategist (CVSC), and contest-winning resume writer. Her company specializes in executive and senior leader military resumes. They have worked with all military branches and across various Military Occupational Specialties (MOS’s).

Career Confidence Resume Services is a growing resume-writing boutique that only accepts a set number of clients at a time to ensure high-quality services. If they are over capacity, you might have to wait to start your resume.

4.8/5 based on 39 Trustpilot reviews

$600 – $2,400

[email protected]

Di4Resume was founded by Dianne H. Millsap all the way back in 1984. That is longer than many resume writers have been alive. All jokes aside, Dianne has seen it all when it comes to resumes and thus knows the ins and outs of the game. It is safe to say that Dianne can whip up one of the best sales professional resumes out there.

Di4Resume does not up-charge their clients at all and there are no hidden costs associated with their service. Dianne has helped hundreds of Marines (of all ranks) throughout the years with a smooth career transition from the Marine Corps to corporate America.

Di4Resume does not have any sample resumes on their website, so we don’t have any idea as to what their resumes look like. The turnaround time is also quite long compared to others on the list.

5/5 based on 6 Google reviews

5 – 15 business days

(760) 687-6466 or [email protected]

Previous Years Winners

Resume writing winners (2023).

Find My Profession, ResumeZest, A Word’s Worth, Masterpiece Resume, A Platinum Resume, 1-Day Resume, Empire Resume, EBR HR Experts, Career Confidence Resume Services, Di4Resume

Resume Writing Winners (2022)

Find My Profession, ResumeZest, SDC Resumes, A Word’s Worth, Masterpiece Resume, A Platinum Resume, 1-Day Resume, Empire Resume, Career Confidence Resume Services, Di4Resume

Resume Writing Winners (2021)

Find My Profession, SDC Resumes, A Word’s Worth, Masterpiece Resume, A Platinum Resume, Blue Ridge Resumes, 1, Day Resume, Empire Resume, Career Confidence Resume Services

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