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Career Development
Veteran Guidebook:
Transitioning to the Civilian Workforce
The following guidebook introduces strategies on how to translate military experiences to
civilian terms for resumes, cover letters and the interview process.
One-on-one appointments are available to further discuss your career matters and review
your job search documents.
Career Development
215-646-7300, ext: 21230
[email protected]
www.gmercyu.edu/careerdevelopment
Transferable Skills
As a veteran there are many challenges that arise when entering the civilian workforce. Veterans are just as likely as
non-veterans to be unemployed, despite the skills they developed over their years of service. In a lot of cases, the
problem is that a career in the military doesn't necessarily prepare someone for the job search process in the civilian
world. What you need to understand is how the skills and abilities from your military career relate to the business or
industry you are pursing in the civilian workforce. And there will be plenty: Military personnel develop a vast amount
of traits beneficial to any employer.
Explain Yourself
Civilian employers are not always familiar with military lingo, which can be a disadvantage to veterans. While typical
jobs in the military and corporate worlds may have very different titles, many of the underlying skill-sets are similar.
Employers tend to know veterans have great leadership skills and team-building capabilities. What they may wonder is
how you’ll fit into their office culture and organization structure. Understanding your transferrable skills will help you
be able to effectively articulate your military background into the civilian workforce.
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are areas of development that will transfer from one environment to another such as from the
military to the civilian workforce. There are numerous transferable skills that employers look for in candidates. Take a
look at the list of some common characteristics below and start to brainstorm which traits you possess.
Analytical, communication, dependability, flexibility, adaptability, leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking,
professionalism, self-confidence, self-motivated, strong work ethic and teamwork skills.
Skills and Strengths acquired from military experience
Military experience has provided veterans with training and work experience valued by many employers. The
following is a list of some of the opportunities and strengths that many veterans have acquired and used in the
uniformed services.
Leadership Training: The military trains people to accept and discharge responsibility for other people, for activities,
for resources, and for one's own behavior. This training includes setting an example, giving carefully considered
directions, and continually motivating other personnel in the group.
Ability to Work as a Team Member and as a Team Leader: Essential to the military experience is the ability to
work as a member of a team. Almost all military activity is performed with the assistance, coordination and awareness
of other persons or other units. Most positions require you to collaborate with others as a team. Employers want to
know you can communicate well and work together to get the best results.
Ability to Get Along with and Work with All Types of People: In the Service, military personnel have worked for
and with people of all types of backgrounds. This experience has prepared service members to work with all types of
people on a continuing basis.
Ability to Work Under Pressure and to Meet Deadlines: One characteristic of the military service is that service
members do their job, do it right the first time and do it in a timely manner. They are continuously setting priorities,
meeting schedules and accomplishing their missions. Pressure and stress are built into this, but service members are
taught how to deal with all these factors in a positive and effective manner.
Ability to Give and Follow Directions: People in the military know how to work under supervision and can relate
and respond favorably to others. They understand accountability for their actions and for their subordinates' actions.
Security Clearances: Many military personnel have achieved some level of security clearance.
For many employers, an existing clearance will simplify the process of requiring a new continuing civilian clearance.
This clearance can also demonstrate that an individual is recognized as a trustworthy person.
Systematic Planning and Organization: Most military operations require thorough planning and workload
management. Carefully considered objectives, strengths and limitations of other people, resources, schedules, logistics,
and other factors are always considered. The ability to participate, direct or establish systematic planning is highly
valued in business.
Emphasis on Safety: Military safety training is among the best in the world. Service members understand the
considerable cost in lives, property and objectives when safety is ignored.
Ability to Conform to Rules and Structure: Individuals in the service have learned and followed rules every day in
their working environment. While in this environment, they have also learned loyalty to their units and their leaders.
Companies value employees who will be team members that follow the rules of the organization.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Individuals in the service have learned to meet the constantly changing needs of any
situation and mission. Last minute changes are not uncommon in any military or civilian working environment.
Initiative: Many military personnel have the ability to originate a plan of action or task to answer and solve many
unusual problems regarding supplies, logistics, resources and transportation.
Work Habits: People in the military are known and are recognized for completing their missions in a timely fashion
and in an effective, efficient manner.
Global Outlook: Many people in the military have been stationed and served their country in various locations around
the world. This international experience has broadened their outlooks with regard to customs, economies, languages
and cultures of other countries.
Specialized Advanced Training: This allows individuals a specialized focus and skill building for their individual
jobs. Advanced training and cross-referenced training can be in the computerized, financial, personnel, technical and
others. This training can be completed in the classroom, office, or on the job.
Resumes & Cover Letters
As a veteran you have a unique background and skill set that can be marketed to a potential employer. The important
part of resume writing will be to describe your military experiences in a manner that makes sense to a civilian. In order
to do this it is vital to focus on your transferrable skills and explain how your diverse background is relevant to the
civilian position you are seeking.
Resume Guidelines
Quick Tips:
 Create a specific ‘Skills Summary’ section. This will allow you to highlight your most relevant skills and show
the relationship between your military experiences and the desired qualifications of the employer. This section
also allows you to tailor your resume to the needs of each employer.
 Those who have been in the military for a considerable amount of time or have held a multitude of positions
should consider narrowing it down to the ones with the most responsibilities or are most relevant to the position
for which you are applying.
 Employers are most interested in results, not only job descriptions. Use key phrases like "...resulting in..." and
"...which led to..." to state your accomplishments using specific numbers when possible:
- Example 1: "Coached, prepared, and screened aviation candidates during hiring process as Aviation
Advisor."
- Improved: "Coached, prepared, and screened aviation candidates during hiring process as Aviation
Advisor. Results-driven program management led to 30% reduction in training time for graduate level
flight program with a $250K annual budget."
 Focus on skills, qualifications and accomplishments that are transferable
- Soft skills: decision-making, teamwork, performing under pressure, leadership, flexibility, attention to
detail, self-motivated (see transferable skills section)
 Quantify your statements: “250 personnel,” “$3M budget,” etc.
 Do not forget to highlight awards and honors you may have received
 Clearly define the type of civilian career path you are pursuing
De-militarize your Resume:
 Write out all of your experiences and duties using whatever language makes most sense to you.
 Review your descriptions with a civilian so that they can help pinpoint what descriptions are not easily
understood.
 Think beyond the specific function you carried out and identify the core marketable and transferrable skills you
acquired. For example, a sharpshooter would have led small teams to carry out high-priority objectives with
minimal room for failure in high pressure situations.
 Translate military jargon into civilian terms - Assume the hiring manager knows nothing about the military.
Modifying Military Language:
When explaining your experiences on the resume it is common for veterans to use military jargon that is often unclear
to civilians. Below are some examples of typically used military language that should be translated. See the resource
section of this guide for online skills and titles translators.
 Acronyms: Spell them out and consider simplifying them
o Example: Use “Non-Commissioned Officer” or “Supervisor” rather than “NCO”
Use the word “Base” rather than “FOB” or “AFB”
 Occupational Designator: State your job title rather than the MOS/MOC designator
o Examples: Use “Aircraft Loadmaster” or “Cargo Manager” rather than “1A2X1”
Use “Infantry Squad Leader” rather than “11B”
 Technical Terms: Put them into the simplest possible terms
o Example: Use “Operations Department” rather than “S3”
Use “Military Helicopter” rather than “AH-64”
 Military Education: Service members regularly attend military schools and that education should be included. It
may be necessary to offer a brief explanation of the program or accomplishments achieved.
o Example: Warrior Leadership Course, Fort Bliss, TX - February 2012
• Two-week course that used experiential learning to teach valuable skills in leadership, teamwork,
and critical thinking
• Recognized as “Soldier Leader of the Class” for outstanding academic performance
Resume Format:
The most common type of resume is the chronological resume. This type of resume lists your job experiences
(company, title, and description of duties) in reverse chronological order (start with the most recent and move
backward). It entails breaking down your experience with related work experience being at the top and other work
experiences following. The chronological resume allows you keep your skills paired with the positions in which you
acquired them. On the next page you will see a sample of this type of resume.
Occasionally, in the case of veterans with many years of experiences or a wide range of positions held, a functional
resume may be used. Rather than emphasizing previous job positions, a functional resume emphasizes categories of
skills (e.g. Leadership, Communication, and Management) and does not relate them back to the position in which they
were acquired.
The following pages contain a sample resume and cover letter. For additional resume and cover letter
information and samples please review our website.
Sample Resume
Joseph Doe
200 West Broadway, Philadelphia, PA 19019
502-123-4567, [email protected]
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Highly motivated individual seeking a management position that utilizes leadership, excellent interpersonal relations,
and superior project coordination skills developed in the military. Key qualifications:
 Over four years proven leadership skills and supervisory experience; adept at overseeing day‐to‐day operations
of staff and motivating employees.
 Skilled at strategic planning, decision making, and project development in a high-pressure environment.
 Resourceful problem solver capable of implementing solutions to complex problems.
 Adept at communicating with individuals on all levels, including senior leadership.
 Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
EDUCATION
Gwynedd Mercy University, Gwynedd Valley, PA
Bachelor of Science in Management, May 2013
GPA: 3.5/4.0
United States Army
Enlisted Recruiter School, Jan. 2009
 In-depth, three-week sales training course
Basic Training, July 2004
EXPERIENCE
Enterprise, Allentown, PA
Management Trainee Intern, May - Aug. 2012
 Aided in the tracking of company sales goals through a performance matrix
 Gained skills in the management of profit and loss statements and inventory management processes
 Managed an average of 20 clients per day in all aspects of customer service
 Supported supervisor in the marketing of a new transportation solution to a local dealership
The United States Army, Aug. 2004 - Feb. 2010
Civil Affairs Specialist, 2008-2010
 Helped develop over $1.5 million in humanitarian aid and reconstruction projects
 Oversaw retention duties of approximately 50 soldiers
Infantryman, 2004-2008
 Directed subordinates and superiors by providing tactical and technical guidance
 Communicated urgent orders and directions effectively to a team of 150 personnel
 Operated and maintained equipment worth $1.5M in biologically and chemically contaminated areas
 Forecasted and adjusted decisions in a high-pressure environment
 Supervised improvisatory construction projects
 Surveyed and analyzed terrain to determine optimum equipment placing and usage
HONORS & AWARDS
Dean’s List, Five consecutive semesters
National Defense Service Medal, 2009
U.S. Army Achievement Medal, 2008
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Gwynedd Mercy Business Club, 2010 - present
 President, 2011-2012
Cover Letter Guidelines
The cover letter should be viewed as an expansion of your resume and not as a repetition of it. Use the cover letter to
provide more detail about your skills and achievements from your military background and any post-service civilian
work positions. It is also important to tailor your cover letter to each different position which will further help the
employer see the relationship between your military experiences and your current career path. Be sure to follow the
standard rules for business letters. See our sample below and check out the online guidebook for the general rules of a
cover letter.
Sample Cover Letter
200 West Broadway
Philadelphia, PA 19019
May 2, 2011
Abigail Smith, Business Manager
ABC Company, Inc.
7000 Hancock Street
Lansdale, PA 19446
Dear Ms. Smith:
With a consistent track record of success in achieving a broad range of goals throughout my career, I believe I offer
leadership abilities and management skills that would benefit ABC Company, Inc. Both my military experience and
education in the area of management have provided me with an array of capabilities that would make me a wellrounded addition to your team in the available position of Project Manager.
My time in The United States Army was both challenging and rewarding, and I am now looking for a position that will
offer the same. As a proven leader and troubleshooter, I have solid experience in many aspects of management
including supervising, problem solving, delegation, and planning. I have always received excellent reviews and strive
to be the best. With my multiple military roles and management trainee intern experience I have developed many of
the qualities you are currently seeking in a project manager. Some of my key attributes include:




Advanced team development skills, including training, mentoring and evaluating performances
High level of adaptability and flexibility gained through working in high-pressure situations
Strong management experience in overseeing, planning and executing programs and projects
Ability to foster strong relationships with team members, upper management, and clients resulting in an
efficient and highly successful leadership style
I am certain that my team-focused, positive attitude and emphasis on customer satisfaction would be a welcome
addition to your organization. My included resume will provide additional details concerning my qualifications and
accomplishments and I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications for the Project Manager position.
Please feel free to contact me by phone (502-123-4567) or email ([email protected]) at your convenience. Thank you
for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Joseph Doe
Job Search
Once you have created your resume and cover letter you are ready to begin your job search. There are many universal
job searching strategies (online searches, networking, etc.) that are beneficial to all types of job seekers. Please visit
our website for more information about these strategies.
As a veteran it is important that you take advantage of the additional specialized resources that are available to you.
Organizations like the PA Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, Wounded Warrior Project, and many online
resources (see end of guidebook) operate specifically to aid veterans and those who are currently serving. These unique
associations often can provide more individualized help and an extensive array of services.
Interviewing
Once you have identified your top transferrable skills you need to know how to communicate your experiences in
person. An interview with an employer will give you an opportunity to do this. Be sure to practice the interview ahead
of time. Interviews are vital in determining whether you get the job or not. It is important how you present yourself and
express what you can offer the employer. You can make an appointment with a staff member from Career
Development for a mock interview.
Sample Interviewing Questions and Answers
Tell me about yourself.
This is a typical first interview question. Discuss why you chose the military, why you're interested in this position
now and how it relates to your career plans. Be brief with this answer or you will lose the employer’s attention. The
employer doesn’t want to hear your life story. Summarize your skills and experience in a way that makes you stand out
and show why you are the best person for the job.
Example: “Hello, my name is Brian Murphy. I am a law enforcement professional with a degree in criminal justice.
My qualifications include 15 years of experience in international and homeland security and outstanding leadership
capability managing large security teams. My experience also includes knowledge of patrol and investigative and
criminal procedures. I would like to discuss how I can bring these skills and experience to your company.”
What did you do in the military?
If your interviewer doesn't have military experience, you'll need to explain your role while being mindful that any
military jargon may not be understood. Speak about the different positions you had, as well as how you worked with
your team. If you're not sure what's appropriate to discuss, ask yourself: Is this relevant to the position I'm applying for,
will it make the interviewer choose me over other candidates, and why might the interviewer care about this
information?
How has your military experience prepared you for this role?
Although you may have briefly covered this in your introduction, now is the time to directly relate your military
experience to the position for which you're applying. Share leadership examples and explain the work ethic you
developed. Explain training you received or skills you developed--if they are relevant to the position.
Why are you leaving the military? or Why are you leaving your current job? When answering this question,
always focus on the positive: You are looking for a new challenge, more responsibility, more experience or a change
of environment. Never be negative about your former or current employers or talk about negative experiences you had
there.
Example: “I feel that the time is right for me to transition the outstanding skills and experience I obtained during my
last four years in the military to the civilian job market. I received great training in the Army and have been given job
assignments that have enhanced my technical skills, leadership ability and taught me how to meet deadlines and multitask in a fast-paced and stressful environment. I can bring these same skills to your organization.”
What is your biggest strength?
You have many strengths and the interviewer isn’t looking for a laundry list. Pick the one or two that would most help
the company and illustrate it with an example of how it would help. Talk about how you led a team that accomplished
great things. Make it a “we” answer, not a “me” answer.

Other Interview Tips:
Avoid using ranks, military acronyms, and other military jargon, and practice translating military language before
the interview. Using a military occupational classification (MOC), veterans can identify similar jobs in the civilian
workforce. For example, if a military officer was a budget analyst or cost analyst in the military they can translate
these duties to a financial analyst in the civilian workforce. Also review the job description closely and match your
military experience with the experience and skills required.

Emphasize your dedication to the job, in this case the military and time spent serving your country. You’ve just
completed an incredible accomplishment that most people will never realize. Prospective employers are sure to
recognize that your dedication and loyalty to your country will in turn make for a dedicated and loyal employee.
Discussing these traits will leave a lasting impression and could give you a competitive edge.

Describe situations in the military in which you achieved your end goal. Being able to complete a task from start to
finish with discipline and preparedness is a key trait of people in the military, and one that no employer will
overlook. Narrate one or two brief examples of how you put your skills into practice and how this kind of quick
thinking will translate into your civilian job.

Speak their language. Employers routinely report it can be difficult to decipher how military experience fits into
civilian positions. It's important to highlight specific military skills and spell out how they are relevant to the
responsibilities listed in the employer's job ad. For example, if you served in the infantry, there are a lot of
relatable skills for police or security guard positions or for training roles within organizations. Military terms need
to be quantified and qualified whenever possible. For example, a battalion can be described as a large organization
and a commander can be called a Senior Military Leader. Make sure not to go overboard, though. A company
commander is not a CEO.

Portfolios are a great way to showcase skills, abilities, or special projects and could set you apart in the hiring
process. See our online portfolio guide available on the Career Development website for more details.
Online Resources
General Sites
www.mynextmove.org/vets
www.nrd.gov/
www.linkedin.com
http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk
http://www.acp-usa.org
www.dmva.state.pa.us
http://gibill.va.gov
Job Search Databases
https://h2h.jobs
http://veteranrecruiting.com/
http://www.vetjobs.com
http://www.fedshirevets.gov
www.collegecentral.com/gmercyu
Skills Translators
http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator
http://www.careerinfonet.org/moc