Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans. In today’s job market, you need to leverage every possible advantage to differentiate yourself from the competition. Building an accomplishment-driven cover letter is a great way to show potential employers how your military background makes you uniquely qualified as a candidate. Our guide features expert advice and examples to help you translate the most relevant aspects of your military career into a powerful cover letter.
Military-to-Civilian Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Military-to-Civilian Cover Letter
A great military-to-civilian cover letter has five main elements:
1. Heading. Use a professional template to enhance the style and presentation of your cover letter. Be sure your heading includes:
- Your name, title, and contact info
- The current date
- The addressee’s details
2. Salutation. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
3. Introduction. The first step in building a strong cover letter is creating your introduction. It’s important to make a positive impression on the hiring manager as quickly as possible, so lead with one of your most impressive achievements from your military career. Be sure to select an accomplishment that demonstrates how your military background can effectively translate to a civilian career.
Example
While serving in the U.S. Army, I managed cybersecurity operations, mitigated threats, and provided technical support at a base with over 10,000 personnel. With over eight years of experience identifying innovative security solutions, I can leverage my military background to create value for your company.
4. Body paragraphs. Include two paragraphs that describe your military experience and industry qualifications. Start by mentioning specific details about the company’s reputation and how your military background positions you as a uniquely qualified candidate for the position. Avoid burdening your sentences with military terminology, as this runs the risk of alienating the reader. Instead, focus on specific accomplishments that illustrate your translatable skills and experience.
Example
I understand the Philadelphia Airport is looking for a candidate to enhance security protocols and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access. While stationed at Carlisle Barracks, I verified security clearances for access control and monitored parameters to identify potential threats. I can achieve similar results for your organization based on my previous successes:
- Managed security operations for VIPs and special military events, prepared incident reports, and identified potential security threats to high-risk personnel
- Led a tactical unit of five military police officers for surveillance operations, provided training, assigned responsibilities, and ensured compliance with military security protocols
- Operated and managed complex security systems with multiple CCTV cameras and monitoring equipment, which included performing routine maintenance
5. Closing section. Think of your conclusion as a call to action. Ask the hiring manager to contact you so you can learn more about the position. Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration.
Example
I’d like to set up an interview to discuss how my military background and security expertise can help ensure the safety of your passengers and personnel. Please feel free to contact me with a time that works best for your schedule. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Hideo Araki
Military-to-Civilian Cover Letter Tips
1. Quantify your military achievements
Incorporating hard numbers and data is a great way to show how your military background can create value for potential employers. In the example below, the candidate highlights their experience managing multi-million dollar supply chains and reducing operating costs. This effectively demonstrates how their military experience can be applied in a business setting:
During my time as a senior logistics officer at Fort Bragg, I coordinated multi-million-dollar supply chains supporting domestic and international operations for the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. I also identified opportunities to reduce supply costs by 3%, driving over $4 million in annual savings. My military experience will allow me to thrive in the supply chain analyst role with your company.
2. Feature your leadership capabilities
One of the selling points of hiring a candidate with a military history is their leadership experience. Serving in the military allows you to provide a unique tactical approach that civilian candidates might lack. In the example below, the applicant showcases how they managed diverse teams to support supply chain operations:
Holden Manufacturing’s need for an experienced leader with a background in procurement strongly aligns with my professional background. While serving in the U.S. Army, I managed a diverse team of military personnel to support all aspects of supply chain operations. I can solve complex challenges for your organization based on my previous successes:
3. Highlight translatable skill sets
When transitioning from a military career to civilian life, it’s essential to emphasize key skill sets that match your target role and industry. This doesn’t mean ignoring your military background but rather highlighting relevant aspects of it that can help you stand out as a candidate. For example, this candidate emphasizes how they utilized their cybersecurity expertise to mitigate potential threats to critical military systems, which shows they can handle similar situations in the private sector:
Alvera Security Solutions’s reputation as an industry leader within the cybersecurity space is what excites me about this opportunity. During my time at Fort Nelson, I coordinated security operations to protect critical weapon, aviation, and navigation systems from potential cyberattacks. I can help further enhance cybersecurity protocols for your clients based on my career achievements:
Military-to-Civilian Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Example #1
- Example #2
- Example #3
Raymond Ortiz
Cybersecurity Analyst | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA 12345 | LinkedIn
January 1, 2024
Hector Santos
Senior Hiring Manager
Alvera Security Solutions
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Santos:
While serving in the U.S. Army, I managed cybersecurity operations, mitigated threats, and provided technical support at a base with over 10,000 personnel. With over eight years of experience identifying innovative security solutions, I can leverage my military background to create value for your company.
Alvera Security Solutions’s reputation as an industry leader within the cybersecurity space excites me about this opportunity. During my time at Fort Nelson, I coordinated security operations to protect weapon, aviation, and navigation systems from potential cyberattacks. I can help further enhance cybersecurity protocols for your clients based on my career achievements:
- Oversaw cybersecurity operations, developed new security protocols, and successfully identified and mitigated potential domestic and foreign cybersecurity risks
- Managed a team of 25 civilian and military employees and coordinated the delivery of tactical and technical support to subordinates and superior officers at a base with over 10,000 personnel
- Triaged phones, password resets, VPN, and internet connectivity, prevented cybersecurity threats, and oversaw access management to ensure data integrity
I look forward to telling you more about how my cybersecurity expertise and leadership capabilities could benefit your organization. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Raymond Ortiz
Military-to-Civilian Cover Letter FAQs
Why should I submit a military-to-civilian cover letter?-
The cover letter provides a unique opportunity for individuals transitioning from a military career to show how their background can translate to a civilian job. In a competitive job market, you may encounter unique challenges, as some employers will prefer candidates who have experience working in the private sector. The cover letter allows you to cite your military experience as a strength that can help differentiate you from the applicant pool.
How long should my cover letter be?-
Although you may be tempted to provide an in-depth overview of your military experience, it’s best to keep the cover letter brief in most cases. Limit your document to 400 words or less and avoid long-winded paragraphs. Keep the reader’s attention on your most relevant achievements and qualifications to demonstrate the value you can bring to potential employers.
Should I use artificial intelligence to write my cover letter?-
While artificial intelligence (AI) has continued to advance, we can’t recommend using these tools to write your entire cover letter. Leveraging AI software to give yourself an initial draft is acceptable, but infuse your document with your own voice to truly make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
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