Like anyone in any profession, transitioning from a military or law enforcement career to a corporate role can be challenging. And there’s no denying that! Honestly, we know how difficult it can be. One of the factors in making a successful transition is to present your experience in a way that appeals to potential employers. Your experience speaks volumes, especially with the skills that come from a military or law enforcement career. This is where your resume plays a critical role. 

When you're ready to transition from the military or law enforcement, you may be wondering how to create a resume that will help you stand out from the competition. After all, your experience in the military is unique and should be leveraged to your advantage.

While there are some key differences between a civilian and military resume, the process for creating both is actually quite similar. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you must demonstrate how your military experience or law enforcement has prepared you for a career in corporate roles.

Are you ready to create a winning resume for your next job in the corporate world? 

In this blog post, we'll share 5 essential steps to ensure that your resume stands out to potential employers in corporate jobs. We'll also provide some resume examples to give you a better idea of what your resume should look like. Continue reading to find out how to do the following:

• Understand the Employer's Requirements 
• Format Your Resume Correctly
• Create a Compelling Summary Statement 
• Highlight Your Relevant Skills
• Get Feedback and Proofread
• Converting Military/Law Enforcement Jargon into Understandable Language for the Civilian Workforce

So let’s get started

Why is a Good Resume Important For Corporate Roles?

Your resume is a key tool for corporate roles because it is often the first introduction that employers have to your qualifications. A well-written resume can grab an employer's attention and help you stand out from the competition. A good resume is important for corporate roles for many reasons. 

• First, it is important to remember that a resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. As such, it is important to make sure that your resume is well-written and free of any errors. 

• It can also give employers a sense of your professional accomplishments and help them understand how you can contribute to their company.

• A good resume will also showcase your skills and qualifications in a way that is clear and concise.

• Finally, a good resume is a good way to build your professional brand. Your resume should be an accurate representation of your professional persona.

In today's job market, there are often many qualified candidates applying for the same role. Having a well-written resume gives you a chance to showcase why you are the best candidate for the job.

Crafting Your Corporate Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide to Tailoring Your Application

Step 1: Understand the Employer's Requirements

When transitioning from the Army to the corporate sector, it is important to understand the requirements that employers are seeking in candidates. Many companies want employees who have experience working in teams, are able to think critically and solve problems, and have a strong sense of leadership.

While these are all qualities that are developed during one's time in the Army, it is important to be able to articulate how these skills can be transferred to the civilian workplace. In addition, candidates should be prepared to address any gaps in their resume and explain how they will be able to quickly adapt to the new environment.

By taking some time to prepare, soldiers who are transitioning from military to corporate roles can set themselves up for success. Here are three steps to follow for a smooth transition:

1. Research the employers: Look up the job postings, company website, and social media profiles to determine the specific requirements of the employer.

2. Consider additional education and training: Many veterans find that additional education or training can help them gain the necessary skills and qualifications for their desired corporate roles.

3. Network with professionals: Networking with professionals in the industry can provide valuable insights, referrals, and job opportunities.

By following these steps, Army and Law enforcement personnel can increase their chances of successfully transitioning from military or law enforcement careers to corporate roles.

The most important thing to remember when making the transition from the Army to the civilian workforce is that it is possible to succeed. With the right preparation and effort, you can find a rewarding career in the corporate world.

Step 2: Format Your Resume Correctly 

When drafting a resume, consider your level of experience and the rank you hold in the military or law enforcement.

There are three options for formatting your resume, each with its own strengths and suitability depending on your experience and education.

1. Reverse-Chronological: This format is ideal for professionals with extensive experience (such as 2nd Lieutenant and higher) that they want to showcase. It focuses primarily on work experience.

2. Functional: The functional resume highlights your education, training, and skills, making it ideal for recent graduates or those who have completed training but have not yet had formal work experience.

3. Hybrid: The hybrid resume combines elements of both formats and gives equal focus to all sections.

Consider using one of the above formats while you switch from Army or Law Enforcement to a corporate role.

Step 3: Create a Compelling Summary Statement

Making a good first impression with potential employers requires creating an engaging summary statement. It should highlight your distinct abilities, experiences, and accomplishments that make you the best candidate for the job. Include relevant keywords from the job posting to boost your chances of being spotted. A well-written summary statement can set you apart from the crowd and land you the interview you've been aiming for.

Checkout the below Summary example👇:

Weak Resume Summary: 

"I am a retired Army officer seeking a corporate position. I've previously managed teams and carried out missions under high pressure."

Correction and Explanation:

While the above summary provides just the basic information about the individual's background. But it lacks focus and fails to convey professional goals and values. Below is an example of how a stronger resume summary might read:

"Motivated Army officer seeking to leverage leadership and problem-solving skills in a corporate environment. Passionate about driving team success through effective communication and strategic planning. Committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity in all endeavors."

This summary not only highlights the individual's relevant skills and experience but also conveys their desire to contribute to a corporate team and their commitment to upholding important values.

Step 4: Highlight Your Relevant Skills

Military service or law enforcement experience can offer many transferable skills to a corporate career. Leaders in corporate America are beginning to understand and value the skill sets that these individuals can bring to their organizations.

Some of the12 most sought-after skills that Army and law enforcement officers can use in their resume include:

• Communication
• Adaptability in the Face of Adversity
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Organization
• Compliance
• Strategic Planning
• Dedication

In addition to this, you could also include the technical abilities necessary in each job posting when looking for work. These frequently include Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Drive (Gmail, Docs, Sheets), Mac/PC, and social media platforms such as Twitter or Instagram. If you have relevant experience with any of these technologies, include it in your CV.

With the right skills, you can find success in any number of corporate careers. So if you're looking to make the transition from military or law enforcement to the corporate world, don't hesitate to highlight your transferable skills. With the right skill set, you can find success in any number of corporate careers.

👉For Example: Here is the skills that you could add to your Resume if you are an Army/Law Enforcement officer willing to transition your career to corporate roles.

SKILLS

• Soft Skills: Leadership, Organizational skills, Problem-solving, Communication, Flexibility, Teamwork, Adaptability, Time management, Attention to detail, and Decision-making.

• Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Drive (Gmail, Docs, Sheets), Social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram), Project management software, Data analysis tools (Tableau, Power BI, Excel), Database management (SQL).

Step 5: Converting Military/Law Enforcement Jargon into Understandable Language for the Civilian Workforce

When writing your resume, it's important to make your military experience relatable to potential civilian employers. While some military positions are easy to translate into civilian language, others may require additional effort to ensure that your experience is understood by those outside the military.

To make your experience more relatable, try to describe your responsibilities in civilian terms. 

👉For Example: Instead of using Military terms like "combat support," you can use more precise words like "assistance" or "support" and provide examples of how you provided support to senior officers. This will help you showcase your abilities and demonstrate your value to potential employers in a clear and concise manner.

You can actually translate your job titles into civilian languages, such as "Squad Leader" as "Team Lead"

For positions like Army medic or Navy HR officer, you may not need to make any changes, as the titles and responsibilities are already straightforward.

Finally, keep in mind that civilians may not be familiar with military jargon and acronyms, so it's important to simplify or translate whenever possible. 

👉For Example: You could describe a Higher headquarters as "Leadership" or a subordinate as a "Teammate" and a battalion as an "Organization" and commanded as “Supervised”. By taking these steps, you can make your military experience more accessible to potential civilian employers.

Step 6: Get Feedback and Proofread

Having a polished and error-free resume is crucial in making a good impression on potential employers. Here are some tips to help you get a proofread resume:

Ask for feedback: One way to ensure that your resume is polished is to ask for feedback from colleagues, friends, or a professional resume writer. 

Edit and proofread: Look out for common errors such as spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and typos. 

Use online tools: There are numerous online tools that you can use to check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Some popular ones include Grammarly, Hemingway, and ProWritingAid. These tools can help you catch errors that may have been overlooked during the editing process.

Remember, having a well-written and proofread resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job. Take the time to review and refine your resume to showcase your skills and experiences in the best possible light.

Start implementing these 6 steps today to transform your military experience into a powerful tool for landing your dream corporate job.

📢 Bonus Tip: Get your resume reviewed by our experts from Careerflow! Whether you are a professional in any field or looking to refresh your resume, our detailed review will provide you with step-by-step guidance on improving the sections that need it most. Stand out to recruiters 🙎♂️and increase your chances of landing an interview call by taking advantage of our expert resume review service today😃

A Model Resume for Transitioning from Military/Law Enforcement to Corporate Careers

Example 1:

Catherine Lee 

San Francisco, California | 415-555-1234 | catherinelee@email.com

Summary

Motivated Army officer seeking to leverage leadership and problem-solving skills in a corporate environment. Passionate about driving team success through effective communication and strategic planning. Committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity in all endeavors.

Experience:

Subedar Major, (Country) Military

June 2023 - present

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring the team’s tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Advising Supervisors on matters of discipline, morale, and welfare of the team.
• Maintaining the team’s traditions and customs.
• Serving as a role model for the team’s junior enlisted members and providing guidance and mentorship when needed.

Key Achievements:

• Led a successful training program for recruits resulting in an increase in the overall readiness and effectiveness of the team.
• Implemented new administrative and logistical procedures, resulting in a significant reduction in supply chain issues and more efficient use of resources.
• Developed and implemented a morale-boosting program for teammates during long-term deployments, resulting in increased job satisfaction and team cohesion.
• Successfully led a mission-critical operation, demonstrating exceptional leadership and decision-making skills under high-stress conditions, resulting in mission success.

Skills:

• Soft Skills: Leadership, Organizational skills, Problem-solving, Communication, Flexibility, Teamwork, Adaptability, Time management, Attention to detail, and Decision-making.

• Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Drive (Gmail, Docs, Sheets), Social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram), Project management software, Data analysis tools (Tableau, Power BI, Excel), Database management (SQL).

Certifications:

• Junior Leaders Course (JLC).
• Regimental Duties Course (RDC).

Education:

Professional Development: Advanced Leadership Course, US Army

August 2020 - October 2021 

Relevant coursework: Leadership Principles and Strategies, Organizational Management, Resource Allocation, Personnel Administration, Military Ethics.

Bachelor of Science in Military Science, XYZ University 

August 2015 - May 2019 

Relevant coursework: Military History, Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Small Unit Tactics, Physical Fitness Training

Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Systems Technology, ABC Community College 

August 2011 - May 2014 

Relevant coursework: Electronics Theory, Digital Electronics, Circuit Analysis, Microprocessors, Communications Systems

Example 2:

John Anderson 

Houston, TX | 555-555-5555 | john.anderson@email.com 

Summary

A highly skilled and experienced Aviation Maintenance Officer with 10 years of experience leading teams of up to 30 technicians in the maintenance of multiple airframes. Dedicated to efficiently balancing productivity, quality, and safety to ensure mission success. Active Secret security clearance, renewed in 2020. 

Experience

United States Army, Aviation Maintenance Officer 

May 2023–Present

• Led and managed maintenance for multiple aviation teams, including Apache, Blackhawk, and Chinook helicopters, ensuring all maintenance actions were completed safely, efficiently, and on time.
• Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for the maintenance of aviation systems, which improved maintenance efficiency by 20%.
• Implemented a training program that increased the quality and proficiency of technicians, resulting in a 98% QA pass rate and 100% mission readiness.

Second Lieutenant (2LT), US Army

June 2018 - June 2022

• Planned and managed the maintenance for over 20,000 flight hours per year, ensuring mission success and customer satisfaction. 
• Provided technical expertise and troubleshooting for complex systems, resulting in a 99% mission-capable rate. 
• Maintained accurate documentation of maintenance actions and equipment status to meet Army and regulatory requirements. 

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, XYZ University

August 2013 - May 2017

• Relevant coursework: Aviation Safety, Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Regulations, Air Traffic Control, Flight Operations

Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Technology, ABC Community College

August 2011 - May 2013

• Relevant coursework: Aircraft Structures, Avionics Systems, Powerplants, Aircraft Propulsion Systems, Flight Dynamics

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Highly organized Project management
• Time management
• Administrative
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Skilled in organizational policy
• Quick learner
• Excellent multitasker
• Effective team leader
• Technical expertise in aviation systems

📢 Note: While the roles and educational qualifications may differ from country to country, it is important to note that the fundamental format and layout of a resume remain consistent across the globe.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a military or law enforcement career to a corporate job can be a challenging endeavor, but it can also be an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth👨‍💼. By following the right resume and job search strategies, you can successfully navigate this transition and land your dream job. 

It is essential to emphasize your transferable skills and tailor your resume to the job description, highlighting specific examples of your achievements to showcase your value to potential employers. With perseverance and determination, you can make a smooth transition and find a fulfilling career in the corporate world💼 

Remember, a well-crafted resume is a crucial tool in this process, and by implementing the tips outlined in this article, you can create a resume that stands out from the competition and helps you land the job you want. So, take these tips to heart and start crafting your winning resume today! 🚀

Here's to a successful job search and a fulfilling career ahead! 🥂