James Watson ⋅ San Diego , CA General Atomics ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Alex-

I am retired after a 40 year career in industry where I hired over 100 people. Now I am helping veterans like yourself by helping with their resumes. If you would e-mail me your resume (drjamesfwatson@gmail.com) I would be happy to comment on it. I also recommend the book "Tired of Eating Peanut and Butter Sandwiches? - Tips to Get a Job Fast" available on Amazon. It contains practical advice. Good luck in your search!!

Jim Watson

David Jackson ⋅ Midland , MI U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 3 years served

Alex,
The first thing that I would advise is that you work with a military veteran in writing your resume. We have insight about the military and your experiences that will help to enhance your resume. In addition one of the biggest forms of discrimination in today's working world is age. With that in mind, do record your military experience, but leave the dates off. If you show to much (14 years) that is saying that you have a lot of experience and will cost more for an employer to hire you, and in today's employment market employers want good but they also want cheap!!!! (because payroll is their biggest expense) Also if you have/had a security clearance, be sure to state that and what level it was. You probably will need one with your career field and if you had one and it has expired, it's a lot less expensive to renew one then to get a new one and an employer will appreciate that! Also a security clearance says a lot about you as a person,,,,,, integrity, honesty, trustworthy!!! Also any Good Conducts you might have and if you have more than one state how many you have! What employer wouldn't want to hire a veteran with Good Conducts and a security clearance! There is so much more that should be on your resume as well as what shouldn't go on your resume and if you would like any help just let me know. Was a Personnel Specialist in the Army, worked in Veteran Services (veteran employment) as well as being a TAP instructor. Let me know what I can help with.

William (Liam) Hickey ⋅ Chicago , IL Willpower Careers ⋅ 14 years experience

Alex, I lived in Washington, DC for 17 years. By far the most important qualification to a company that has government contracts is a security clearance. The right type of clearance is more valuable than any skills or certifications. Whatever you have, put it at the top of your résumé in the Summary section where a recruiter can spot it immediately.

William Smith ⋅ Suffern , NY Right Management ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Alex,

I am a career consultant currently working with several veteran groups that assist military men and women transition into the civilian workforce.I would be glad to review your resume and offer some suggestions.

Best Regards,

Bill Smith

Kelly Williams ⋅ Newark , DE Stars to Stripes Military Transition Assistance ⋅ 10 years experience

Alex,

My company provides free resume critiques to all military service members. You can submit your resume to us via email or by using our secure online submission form:

Email: Info@ExpertResumeSolutions.com
Form: http://www.tinyurl.com/ERS-Critique

Please allow 3-5 business days for completion.

We use two different formats for corporate and federal applications. I can send you examples of each to get you started.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kellywilliamsmaresca/

Thank you for your service.

Warmest Regards,

Kelly Williams
Career Strategist & President
Security Cleared Careers
Expert Resume Solutions
Business: (732) 686-6455
Email: info@expertresumesolutions.com
www.ExpertResumeSolutions.com
Job Board: wwww.SecurityClearedCareers.com