A Veteran’s Resume and Job Hunting Guide

Table of Contents

Challenges Faced by Veterans Looking for a Civilian Job
Best Industries for Veterans
Which Civilian Industry Is Right for You?
How To Find Job Openings
The Basic Job Search Documents You’ll Need
Writing Military-to-Civilian Resumes and Cover Letters
Military-to-Civilian Resume Examples
Military-to-Civilian Cover Letter Examples
Ace the Interview
Job Hunting for Workers in the National Guard or Reserves
National Employment Resources for Veterans
Employment Resources for Veterans by State

The transition from military to civilian life is harder than most people think. Veterans are expected to make a big change in their environment, responsibility, and social atmosphere. Adding a job hunt on top can be a lot to handle. We’ll cover all the essential information on finding a new job as a veteran.

Learn many of the difficulties veterans face in their job transition, the best industries for them, how to find the right job, and how to prepare for the application process. First, let’s identify the common challenges veterans face as they journey from military service to civilian work.

Challenges Faced by Veterans Looking for a Civilian Job

Degree deficiencies. To advance their career, most veterans will need a degree related to their industry. It’s not impossible to land a high-salaried job without a relevant degree, but this is uncommon and usually requires much professional experience. Veterans can take advantage of benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill — eligible veterans receive up to 36 months of free or discounted college tuition, fees, housing, books, and supplies. Tuition assistance is available for active duty members of the military as well.

Undervalued soft skills. The military is the ultimate team-building exercise. Veterans know what it’s like to be part of a team and work within that dynamic toward a goal. They are taught to uphold diligence, loyalty, and integrity. What a veteran may lack in corporate training, they make up for in adaptability. But many companies don’t really take these soft skills into account when making hiring decisions.

Employer bias. Hiring managers with negative beliefs about veterans are another obstacle. They may believe veterans struggle within corporate U.S. because they lack experience in a professional office or business environment. Employers may assume a veteran will have PTSD or trouble adapting to civilian life.Also, the rigid formality cultivated within the highly disciplined military may not translate well during an interview and could be interpreted as cold. These harmful stereotypes can cause frustration for veterans looking for work.

Chronic underemployment. Although the overall veteran unemployment rate is lower than that of nonveterans, underemployment is an issue. A recent Endowment report revealed nearly one-third of veterans looking for jobs are underemployed. Veterans are more likely to be employed but are commonly overqualified for their positions.
They’re working jobs that don’t fully utilize their skills or pay them well for their experience. The report also suggests veterans may be more likely to take the first job available when they initially leave military service, contributing to a greater likelihood of underemployment.

Poor translation of skills. Abilities learned in the military are valuable resources you bring to the corporate world. The challenge is converting years of military experience into language a civilian can understand.
For example, if a former command sergeant major notes on their resume that they were responsible for $36 million worth of equipment and 4,000 service members to demonstrate their leadership abilities, hiring managers might not see how numbers that broad relate to a smaller-scale job. Your resume should explain exactly how your military experience prepared you for whatever job you’re applying to.

Best Industries for Veterans

Veterans can thrive in any field, but the job hunt can be made easier by focusing on certain industries. For example, careers within the aerospace and defense industry require skills that many veterans already possess. Government service positions specifically seek out veteran applicants for their military experience. Private companies are interested in hiring veterans to take advantage of tax breaks and salary subsidies, making them a desirable demographic to hire. Let’s take a closer look at the four of the best industries for veterans.

Aerospace and defense

Many companies operate within the aerospace and defense sector, providing products and services to both the government and the private sector. The major production focus is on military and security equipment in aircraft, weaponry, satellites, and vehicles. Due to this close military association, these companies make a considerable effort to hire and support veterans through jobs and even charitable donations.

Veterans have often already obtained the security clearances needed to work within this industry, making them more desirable and convenient to hire. For example, Raytheon Technologies participates in the DoD SkillBridge program and has a dedicated veteran hiring team to support veterans transitioning to civilian jobs. Nearly 12% of the company’s workforce are veterans. Examples of job titles within the aerospace and defense fields include:

Government services

Veterans who would like to continue serving their country may find a job within government services fulfilling. Government jobs also tend to provide good benefits, such as generous vacation and sick leave policies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 22% of government jobs were occupied by veterans. Open positions within the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs may be especially desirable.

The federal government’s Veteran’s Preference policy can give you an advantage over other applicants. It applies to all competitive service positions as well as many excepted service positions. Eligibility for the different preference levels is determined by factors such as your dates of service, discharge type, medals awarded, and whether you have a service-connected disability. If you go into a government services career, here are some common job titles:

Information technology

Many military service members are trained to operate within the complex world of communications, making them great candidates for information technology (IT) jobs. IT work within corporate U.S. looks like data analysis, maintaining computer systems, software engineering, and building programs. Increasing technology use in both government and corporate occupations makes work in this industry fast-growing, a great indicator of opportunity.

Veterans who pursue a career in IT will find high-paying positions that are constantly in demand. Here are some examples of the types of positions available within the IT industry:

Health care

Veterans who held medical roles within the military during their service would be great candidates for work within the health care field. However, many occupations within admin and management are available for those without direct patient experience. The military teaches its members to be strategic and work well under pressure, both essential skills for the health care industry.

This is another workforce expected to grow substantially within the next 10 years, making it a good choice for veterans who want a career that will be in demand. The health care industry is full of a diverse range of career paths, but here are some common job titles:

Which Civilian Industry Is Right for You?

Many civilian career opportunities are available for veterans, so the most challenging part may be choosing which industry suits you. The first step in evaluating your potential career path is to take inventory of the skills you already have. This reaches all the way back to your teenage years with your first jobs, throughout your military career, and extends into the future with endless learning opportunities. Take advantage of what you already know and consider what you’d like to learn more about.

Translating military-acquired skills to civilian careers

You have undoubtedly learned many valuable skills in the military, such as team leadership, self-sufficiency, mechanical maintenance, and technology regulation. These skills can easily be carried over into the corporate world. If you’re unsure of how your experience can translate, start by listing out all of your military experience and accomplishments first without trying to change anything. If you can’t remember all that your military position(s) required, use the O*NET Military Crosswalk Search to get a complete list of roles and responsibilities specific to your classification(s).

Then, review your list and determine how those skills could translate into civilian work. Also, My Next Move for Veterans has a tool you can use to find civilian careers similar to your previous military occupation. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation’s translator tool is another excellent resource that shows you how your military experience can be maximized.

Additional skills

Think about the experience you’ve had outside the military as well. Skills you’ve gained through volunteer work, past jobs, higher education, and vocational training are valuable. These environments provided room for capacity building, learning, taking on responsibility, and achieving accomplishments. Then, consider what you did or didn’t like about any of your nonmilitary experiences. Identifying what kind of job you’d like to avoid can often help you determine the direction you should be going in.

Consider acquiring new skills

Veterans and nonveterans alike may need more training to get the job they want. The traditional route of a college or university is always an option, but there is an increasing amount of easily accessible educational resources both online and in-person. Vocational schools, technical skill bootcamps, affordable online courses, apprenticeships, and internships are ways to gain new skills quickly and efficiently.

How To Find Job Openings

Once you have a good idea of your desired industry or position, start looking for job openings. One simple way to begin your search is to check in with your network of friends, family, and former colleagues. Many opportunities can be found among those who are already familiar with you and your abilities. Mentorships may also open doors for your career (organizations such as Veterati and American Corporate Partners can help connect you with a mentor).

Another option is to pursue a more entrepreneurial path in small business by considering your skills, interests, and hobbies and how you could transform them into your own business (the Small Business Association offers many resources for veterans wanting to start their own business). However, if you would rather start out working for a company, the traditional job board is the best place to look. Our list below is a collection of online locations best suited for a veteran jobseeker.

ClearanceJobs: As of this writing, over 2,000 pre-screened hiring companies are recruiting security-cleared professionals on ClearanceJobs. After you sign up and verify your security clearance, you can establish direct connections with recruiters and build relationships with employers in the defense and intelligence industries. You can set up alerts for when relevant job offers are published as well.

HireMilitary: There are over 130 organizations that use this platform to hire veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members. HireMilitary is also an authorized DoD SkillBridge provider — this program offers industry training, apprenticeships, and internships to active duty members of the military during their last 180 days of service.

Hire Veterans: Led by former active-duty Air Force officer Brian Reese, Hire Veterans is a company dedicated to serving veterans, retirees, guardsmen, reservists, and spouses. Hire Veterans has allied with military agencies and veterans organizations to provide recruiting opportunities to veterans looking for work. Job seekers can sign up to become a member of Hire Veterans and apply for new positions found on the job board. The website also has a Help Desk feature full of resources for veterans and employers.

Indeed: This is a sizable general job board that offers a few unique features for veterans. Jobseekers can search for “military veteran only” jobs and be presented with thousands of positions for applicants with military experience. Indeed also has a decent collection of resources for former military members looking for career transition information.

LinkedIn: As one of the largest online professional networks, LinkedIn is a great place for veterans to expand their career opportunities. The company has a global mission to connect professionals worldwide and even provides a special offering just for veterans. Eligible current and former U.S. military service members and their spouses are granted a full year of access to LinkedIn Premium for free. Members can connect with hiring managers faster, see who has viewed their profile, and take advantage of over 15,000 expert-led courses.

Military.com — Veteran Jobs: Since 1999, Military.com has served veterans and their families by providing the latest defense news, veterans’ benefits information, and employment support. The company’s partnership with Monster.com has only expanded the employment opportunities available to veterans through Military.com. Unique tools like the Military Skills Translator and the Transition Master Classes are standout features. Veterans can become free members of Military.com simply by registering for a free account.

RecruitMilitary: This team empowers the military community by connecting employers and military job seekers. Over 2 million veterans, transitioning military, and military spouses have utilized the tools. Veterans can create an account to track their job hunting progress, apply for positions on the job board, and work with professional recruiters. The company also hosts job fairs and provides a collection of publications: Search and Employ Magazine, VetNet Newsletter, and Veteran Hiring Insights Newsletter.

ZipRecruiter: With beginnings in helping small businesses find talent, ZipRecruiter is now one of the largest online employment marketplaces. It has some unique features that assist veterans. The website’s Get Recruited tool uses AI technology to present your resume and profile to employers wanting someone with your set of skills and experience. ZipRecruiter also allows applicants to identify as a veterans, matching them up easily with employers actively looking to hire them.

The Basic Job Search Documents You’ll Need

Document	What Is It?	Why Does It Matter?	How To Prepare?
DD-214	A certificate of release or discharge from active duty issued by the Department of Defense.	This certificate contains important information needed to verify military service for employment, retirement, benefits, and veteran organization membership.	Your DD-214 will be provided to you upon your discharge from the military. We recommend taking steps to preserve this document, such as making physical copies or backing it up digitally. If you lose your original DD-214, you can get a new copy by submitting a military records request.
Resume	A formal document created by job applicants to summarize and showcase their relevant employment history, skills, and education.	Resumes show employers a snapshot of your professional background and help them determine who they should and shouldn’t take the time to interview.	Your resume should be organized and concise. Translate your military skills into language that a civilian could understand, and only include information relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Cover letter	A formal letter is attached to a resume in which the applicant introduces themselves and explains why they would be a good fit for the position.	Cover letters give you a chance to dig deeper and provide details on key highlights of the work and educational experience you listed on your resume. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to the application process and sell your skillset.	Your cover letter should be a one-page document beginning with a brief introduction. Use the next two paragraphs to give some examples of why you want the role, why you would be the best choice, and how you’ve used your skills.

Writing Military-to-Civilian Resumes and Cover Letters

The biggest hurdle to jump as you write your military-to-civilian resume and cover letter is demilitarizing your language. This isn’t about dumbing down the large responsibilities you held while in active service but bringing out the most relevant aspects of your experience in a way that a nonveteran could understand. Avoid using military abbreviations, ranks, titles, and classifications. For example:

Use “team leader” instead of “squad leader”
Use “employees” instead of “subordinates”
Use “objective” instead of “mission”
Use “data collection” instead of “reconnaissance”

Once you feel comfortable translating your skills and experience into civilian-friendly terms, the rest of the process is the same as it would be for a nonveteran. Just stick with the information most relevant to the position you’re applying for and use an industry-appropriate template. Follow this simple list to keep your resume and cover letter organized and concise:

Provide a professional summary: At the top of your resume, describe who you are, what you’re capable of, and your work experience within one to three sentences. This bite-sized version of your resume gives the hiring manager the essentials of your abilities and career goals. Expand on this within the introductory paragraph of your cover letter.

Speak to the employer’s needs: Keep your documents focused on what the employer seeks. Study the job listing thoroughly and include keywords from the job description that are relevant to your experience. Your resume and cover letter are about you, but they should be presented in a way that fulfills what the company is looking for.

List your experience in civilian terms: Demilitarize your language as much as you can to communicate effectively with someone who may know absolutely nothing about military classifications. Expand on how your experience qualifies you for the role in your cover letter.

Include your educational background: Employers want to know about your education, so provide a list of any formal training from highest degree to lowest on your resume. Internships and externships also count here. Your education should also be mentioned in your cover letter as a qualifying factor if applicable.

Highlight any relevant skills: Itemize your list of skills and be sure they are written in a civilian-friendly way. You may not need to include all of the skills you possess, so keep this list relevant to the job you’re applying for. Go into detail in your cover letter on how you used your skills to accomplish goals and make an impact within your previous military and nonmilitary roles.

Get a proofread: Have another person take a look at your documents. Consider having someone who has no knowledge of military lingo proofread them. Can they understand what your experience and skills entail? Consider rethinking the way you convey these in your resume and cover letter if they are not being conveyed well.

Military-to-Civilian Resume Examples

Entry-Level
Mid-Career
Senior-Level

Shaun D. Wilson
(959) 000-1111
[email protected]
4369 Briar Cove Dr., West Hartford, CT 06105

Profile

A security guard with five years of military experience in the National Guard, specializing in conflict resolution and crisis management. A proven track record of managing security for high-risk personnel.

Professional Experience

Security Guard, United States National Guard, West Hartford, CT
June 2020 – present

Manage security operations for VIPs and special military events, prepare accident and incident reports, and identify potential security threats to high-risk personnel
Lead a tactical unit of five military police officers for surveillance operations, provide training, assign responsibilities, and ensure compliance with military security protocols
Provide support for civil and criminal investigations

Security Guard, Connecticut Army National Guard, Groton, CT
June 2017 – June 2020

Wrote and submitted daily reports of security incidents and suspicious activities
Patrolled site premises to maintain security and deter unlawful activities
Monitored surveillance systems to prevent the entrance of unauthorized personnel

Key Skills

Conflict resolution
Firearm handling and safety
Non-lethal restraint techniques (baton and OC)
Team leadership
Traffic and crowd control

Education

Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT September 2016 – June 2020

Basic Training
Connecticut Army National Guard, Groton, CT, September 2017 – November 2017

Certifications

First Aid/CPR Certification, LifeForceUSA, Inc., 2017

Mitchell Strong
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
789 Third Street, Augusta, GA 12345

Profile

A network security analyst with over eight years of experience identifying threats and finding workable solutions. A proven track record of mitigating cybersecurity threats and providing technical support to military personnel and civilians.

Professional Experience

Platoon Leader, Signal Officer Field 25 Signal Corps, Fort Gordon, Georgia
November 2016 – present

Triage phones, password resets, and VPN and internet connectivity, identify cybersecurity threats, and oversee access management to ensure data integrity
Configure, install, and maintain edge routers, firewalls, laptops, and LAN switches
Manage a team of 25 civilian and military employees and coordinate the delivery of tactical and technical support to subordinates and superior officers

Information Technology Specialist, Various Locations
September 2012 – October 2016

Installed, operated, and maintained computer systems and local area networks
Troubleshot computer systems and hardware to support military operations, which included debugging and testing new software
Provided technical support to military personnel for a wide range of IT-related issues

Education

Master of Science in Computer Networking
New York University, New York, NY September 2010 – July 2012

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security
Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, AL September 2006 – June 2010

Key Skills

Cybersecurity
IT
LAN and WAN
Network administration
System administration

Certifications

CCNA Security 2015
CompTIA Security+, 2011
Microsoft Technology Associate, 2010

Jessica Taylor
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
456 Main Street, Duval, FL 12345

Profile

A performance-driven leader with over 15 years of experience in staff supervision, aircraft maintenance, aircraft quality assurance (QA), and administration. An experienced instructor who motivates staff and enhances the overall efficiency and performance of the team. Track record of excellent service in the U.S. Navy as demonstrated by commendations, medals, and awards.

Professional Experience

Quality Assurance Supervisor, United States Navy, NS Mayport Navy Base, Duval, FL
September 2014 to present

Manage team of 16 QA representatives performing program audits, including the training and deployment of combat-ready detachments
Monitor 16 work detachments/centers supporting helicopters
Oversee intense operational speed resulting in the execution of 7,800 mishap-free flight hours and a 98% sortie completion rate

Maintenance Control Supervisor, United States Navy, Chinhae Base, South Korea
October 2009 to August 2014

Maintained 237 aircraft and ensured the aircraft were combat-ready at all times
Managed and supported 317 enlisted personnel who performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on all aircraft
Trained and supervised 15 enlisted personnel in the maintaining of logs and records for five uniquely configured styles of aircraft

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Engineering
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL September 2001 – July 2004

Key Skills

Aircraft repair
Aviation engineering
Preventative maintenance
QA
Team management

Military-to-Civilian Cover Letter Examples

Entry-Level
Mid-Career
Senior-Level

John Johnson
Police Officer | j.johnsonemail.com | (123) 456-7890 | 444 Fourth St., Joplin, MO 22222

January 1, 2024

Seth Smith
Human Resources Specialist
Columbia Police Department
(111) 222-2222
[email protected]

Dear Mr. Smith,

As a former U.S. Army sergeant and current officer with the Joplin Police Department, I have extensive experience calming people in difficult situations and taking appropriate action. If your department is looking for a mix of measured analysis and decisive action, I fit the bill.

Moreover, I would embrace the chance to join an organization with a storied history like the Columbia Police Department. My record of success shows I am ready to help continue your department’s record of excellence:

My two years of service with the Joplin Police Department include zero disciplinary infractions and several commendations.
I have responded to and helped resolve over 30 domestic violence calls.
Among my military awards are an Army Achievement Medal and a Silver Star, and I received a Distinguished Service Award for my work as a police officer.

I eagerly anticipate the chance to tell you more about my background and what I can do for your department going forward. Another topic I’d love to discuss is the community outreach program I set up for Joplin’s police department. I am glad to talk at a convenient time for you.

Kind regards,

John Johnson

Robert Ronaldson
Cybersecurity Specialist | [email protected] | (123) 111-2222 | 111 Binary Rd., Wichita, KS 22222

January 1, 2024

Amy Amherst
Hiring Specialist
SKS Solutions
(100) 100-10000
[email protected]

Dear Ms. Amherst,

Though my time in the U.S. Air Force is five years behind me, the traits I picked up there — including diligence and respect — have served me well in the private sector, as has my array of computer skills. I hope to bring my attention to detail and technical abilities to work at SKS Solutions as your new cybersecurity specialist.

Your organization’s stated mission to go above and beyond for every client is a noble and accomplishable one, especially with employees with backgrounds like mine in the fold. These military and private-sector highlights show the type of employee SKS Solutions would be getting:

At my current organization, I have helped maintain 99.9% server uptime.
Before leaving the armed services, I received an Air Force Commendation Medal for my work in cybersecurity.
Since leaving, I have continued to expand my skills, including through my Information Security Manager and NIST Cybersecurity Framework certifications.

I look forward to discussing my potential fit at SKS Solutions in more detail, and I am available as your schedule allows. Given the opportunity, I’d love to tell you about the time I stopped a huge security breach.

Kind regards,

Robert Ronaldson

Jessica Jefferson
Lead Operations Research Analyst | [email protected] | (100) 100-1000 | 1000 Address St., Tacoma, WA 10000

January 1, 2024

Rachel Reynolds
Hiring Associate
Frederick Consultants
(111) 111-0000
[email protected]

Dear Ms. Reynolds,

I am now closing in on 20 years of total experience, and thanks to my analytical skills, clear communication, and leadership ability, I have enjoyed success in both the U.S. Navy and the private sector. I’d like to continue those successes and help Frederick Consultants thrive as your new lead operations research analyst.

I am impressed with both the government and corporate clients your organization has worked with. Well-positioned to help keep those clients happy, I’d also impress new ones as they come into the fold. Here are some of my past achievements:

In the Navy, I rose from the rank of Seaman Recruit to Intelligence Specialist Senior Chief.
At my current organization, I have achieved approximately $350,000 in annual cost savings by identifying and ameliorating vendor and supply-chain inefficiencies.
I have continually expanded my skills, most recently obtaining an Advanced Certificate in Operations Research from the Management Professionals of America.

I look forward to discussing what Trinity Consultants needs from me in more detail. Also, I am eager to share how my pattern recognition skills predicted a major business shift in 2018. My schedule can accommodate yours, so please let me know a convenient time.

Best wishes,

Jessica Jefferson

Ace the Interview

If you are a veteran who has recently completed active duty, it may have been some time since you last interviewed. We will catch you up on the basics. Approach your interview with the same attitude you used to write your resume and cover letter. Determine how to communicate your unique military experience in a way that is easy to understand. Keep these things in mind:

Do your research. Collect all the information you need on when, where, and with whom your interview will be conducted. Research the company so you can speak to why you want to work for them. Learn the company mission statement and find a way to relate to it during your interview.

Practice answering questions. Mock questions are a great way to get your mind ready for questioning. Think about how you could answer questions such as: “Describe your process of handling an unexpected situation on the job. Have you ever personally led a team of people? Why do you want this job?“

Prepare your own questions. It’s always a good idea to come to your interview with questions for the hiring manager. After collecting data, you should have some good questions. Ask your potential employer things such as: “Can you describe what a typical day looks like in this position? What does success look like six months from now? What metrics do you use to determine employee performance?”

Have a post-interview plan. After an interview, follow up with the hiring manager by sending a thank you note within 48 hours. Using email rather than a physical message ensures the manager will actually receive it. You can also plan a follow-up call or email to keep in contact and stay on their radar — just don’t go overboard, as pestering the hiring manager with too much communication may ruin your chances of getting the job.

Job Hunting for Workers in the National Guard or Reserves

Reservists and National Guard members can keep up their military training and serve while working a regular job. Due to being affiliated with a military reserve unit, employers may hesitate to hire you. They may worry you could be gone without a warning one day. Outweigh any negative aspects of being a reservist with all the positives. Use your veteran status to your advantage and highlight the benefits of hiring a reservist: good work ethic, self-discipline, advanced military skills, leadership, and employer tax breaks.

Employers who don’t like the regular training required of reservists may avoid hiring them or come up with creative ways to let them go, but there are rights afforded to reservists and National Guard members that employers must follow. Having a more flexible job may be the best way to avoid scheduling issues and job security concerns.

Consider becoming a freelance independent contractor and performing jobs that allow you to stay home and work remotely or for yourself. It’s also worth noting the federal government has many job opportunities available for those in the National Guard or Reserves. Here are some occupations that may suit reservists:

National Employment Resources for Veterans

CareerOneStop: Supported by the Department of Labor, this is designed to guide veterans and their families in exploring career options, how to effectively conduct job searches, and where to find local support.

Military OneSource: The site offers many services to veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers. Some of the resources include employment guides, educational benefits, and tips for successful integration into the traditional workforce.

National Labor Exchange: This is a robust job search tool for employers, employees, and agencies built on connecting job-seekers with openings. Veterans are encouraged to upload their resumes and complete their profiles to be matched with potential opportunities.

National Resource Directory: This database is built for service members, veterans, family members, and caregivers to find validated resources that support recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. These resources include job boards, employment advocacy groups, and other key supports for veterans.

The Disabled American Veterans Group (DAV): This group supports veterans and spouses who have been injured or disabled due to their service. It offers employment training through its partners, career fairs, and job placement services.

Wounded Warrior Project: The Warriors to Work program provides employment resources and assistance to injured veterans and family members. These services include career counseling, placement programs, military skills translation guidance, and many others.