I have served almost 12 years in the Marine Corps and have deployed to Afghanistan twice. I served about 5 years as a Military Policeman and six years as a counterintelligence agent and human intelligence collector. I have many other significant certifications and training courses, but I am having trouble relaying these skills when so many employers are using automated application systems.
I believe my experience conducting very complex activities could easily relate to a corporate investigative or security management position, but I am not sure how to approach my corporate job search since I don't know exactly how to market my skills to the private sector.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Answers
Gordon,
My recommendation is to ensure your resume communicates your accomplishments and not just your skills or assignments. What you accomplished in a given assignment or role is much more important than the fact of having held that role. I've written a blog article on this with examples here: https://www.militaryhire.com/blog/vets/entry/veterans-resumes-why-hire-you
Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out what your accomplishments are. I covered this challenge in a second blog article: https://www.militaryhire.com/blog/vets/entry/how-to-identify-my-accomplishments Here are five quick questions to ask yourself if you are having trouble identifying accomplishments vs assignments for your resume.
1. In what ways did you stand out from your peers or in what ways you outperform them?
2. Describe an area that was substandard when you arrived at a new duty assignment and what steps you took to improve it (and what were the final results).
3. Describe cases where you mentored subordinates so they improved their performance.
4. Describe a time your work was recognized for going above and beyond.
5. Describe a time when you introduced a new and better way of doing something and what the results were.
Good Luck,
Sean
I have many friends with your background who have great jobs in corporate security. Contact me at c AT recordedfuture DOT com if you'd like to chat.
C
Gordon,
This is not an easy task. Everyone here has provided great suggestions and tips. The only thing I can tell you that you must tailor your resume to EVERY application that you send in. This is because, as you said, the automated systems are what corporations are using. These systems are looking for key words that are related to the the job description. So if any of your skill sets have something in common with the job description, then you should tailor the resume to reflect those skills. A general/ generic resume will not help with such automated systems.
Additionally, I think it is very important to network and volunteer. Get your name out there. Speak in front of various groups like churches and schools about various topics to establish your name and skills. You can add these pieces to your resume as well.
I hope this helps.
Warm regards,
Jerry
I would also be willing to evaluate your resume (info@212-careers.com). But you must seriously consider the following. Your "skills" are not particularly relevant to the best companies because they know that skills are simply what you "have." Not what you've done. In reality you may have skills that you really don't like to use. What you need to do is word your resume -- and application letters -- to express what you DID with those skills. Your accomplishments represent how you put those skills -- and this will translate much better to civilian possibilities. Check the articles I've written on this site for some details.
You have to get in front of someone which takes a connection. Where are you looking to go and what are you looking to do? Send me an email if you'd like to discuss in detail - joshua.l.hartley@pwc.com. There's a lot of transitional positions that will help you get in as well. PwC has a few as well as some other big fours.
From a Human Resources perspective as well as Law enforcement or a legal career on the private sectors, I notice that while enlisted, you attained the rank of Sergeant. That's awesome and to be commended, great job! In the public and private sectors this translates to many attributes,such as management and leadership capabilities.
Additionally, many critical elements of what you put into place each day in said capacity, translates to a high mid level to upper management skill set (dependant on agency hierarchy that you choose) like supervision of large number of staff....etc.
As the wife of a 32 year law enforcement career retired Chief of Police, literally every law enforcement agency could use all of your skills and ability hands down. As a return veteran, honorably discharged, you have everything it takes and more! Good luck, our prayers are with you and your family. I hope you find the position that you desire and that makes you happy and fulfilled in future endeavors. Feel free to contact me again in the future if I can be of assistance in your search.
I send a very heartfelt thankyou for your years of service.
Robyn DeRohan
Human Resources Director and
Legal Administrator
Your skills can actually be played up. Check out this article. https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-resume-section-that-matters-more-than-youd-think
Gordon, hi!
A few more thoughts to add to yesterday's.
Go to www.indeed.com. Search security roles (or any others). It will search local company websites as well as job posting companies with open positions. I would also suggest searching the internet for temporary staffing and/or direct hire recruiting companies that specialize in law enforcement or security roles. Hope that helps.
Martin
Hi Gordan.
First, thank you for what you've done for us!!!
Quick thoughts:
Review the website of those firms you're applying to.
Note, if any exist, alignment or connections that you skill-set bring, to THAT firm's needs or space.
Also, don't ONLY apply to firms with openings - everyone else is.
Review sectors that perhaps operate in a space that you feel your skills might align with.
And really get out-of-the box; perhaps apply as the chief security officer for a large multi-national firm as an e.g., or have you thought of contacting temp-to-hire firms?
Review (learn about) any company you're interested in; find the name of someone (that's key) send them a personalized letter, how/why you're a good fit - and an asset to their firm; along with your c.v.
good luck!!!
Best,
Martin
There is plenty of good advice on this site however these are the keys to the kingdom. Focus on getting around the gatekeepers. What I mean is that you need to network with people who can get your resume in front of the right people. I have worked in and worked with corporate America for over 40 years. In every case where I have been successful someone introduced me to the right person. So you need to network. Who are the Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, other groups that meet regularly where you can attend meetings and meet people who will listen to your story and help you. Older people love to help. Hang out at a prestigious Country Club and ask questions. You don't have to be a member act as if you are considering joining. Retired politicians are a possibility. You are a young energetic guy just trying to get a break. Adding your resume to the pile on the personnel departments desk won't do it. The right personal introduction will. Don't be afraid to ask for help. People want to give back. Know that the right job is waiting for you and it is in your backyard. However you will have to do some work to find it. Don't be discouraged as these efforts will eventually pay off.
Gordon
You have gotten some great advice. Here are a few of my thoughts.
Use LinkedIn and join some groups focused on corporate security. I would use the same message you sent to ACP (it is well written) to send out to that group simply asking those professionals for some career coaching advice. Typically you will find some people will to talk to you about how to make your transition in a private sector position..... especially someone with your military background. You might even get some specific "leads" based on this kind of networking.
Your mention of Automated Tracking Systems for resume review is a real issue. One way to react to them is to make the specific resume revisions that many have mentioned. Another tactic is to use a cover letter format called a "T-letter". What it does is simply pull out requirements from the job description and lets you match your skills to those specifications using the key words that will hopefully get you positively identified. Send me an email and I can give you some more info. All the Best Kevin kevinaspell1@gmail.com
Gordon,
Thanks for your service. Looks like you've already received some great advice from others involved with ACP, but I'll add a resume tip...
In some cases where it's particularly hard to relate your skills to job needs, consider naming the specific skill for each bullet point on your resume. For example, if your target job requires skills in leadership, training, and data analysis, each point on your resume could start with these exact phrases....
- Leadership: Led, mentored, and developed X Marines through Y deployments....
- Training: Developed the curriculum and oversaw training of Z Marines for a course designed to....
- Data Analysis: Oversaw process to decipher complex code and....
- Data Analysis: Developed software to....
From a hiring manager point of view, if they're looking for someone with these three skills, you've spelled it out for them. It's a bit untraditional, but I've seen it work with success.
Review job descriptions for positions you want and pull out the Keywords. Those are the descriptors you want to relate your skills to.
Review job descriptions for positions you want and pull out the Keywords. Those are the descriptors you want to relate your skills to.
Hi Gordon,
Thank you for your your service. I agree with the advice you have received, and would be happy to help you find a position. My company's largest client values military as well. One piece of advice I would relay that was given to me many years ago is to quantify! How many, how much , on a rating scale etc.... I was in pharmaceutical sales at that time. They also seek out military, but after all you have given to our country, I wouldn't recommend it. The pay is great as are the perks, but the strain of always possibly being laid off is a hard road. If you'd send me your resume, I too would be happy to edit. smulcahy@bksinc.com
I wish you the best,
Sue
Can you identify specific people who have careers similar to careers you want?
Can you share examples of job postings for jobs similar to jobs you want?
Do the topics that ASIS asisonline.org covers interest you?
Please message me after you reply so I know to return to this discussion.
Hi Gordon, tying your skills to company requirements helps them connect the dots.
What specific positions have you applied for at which companies? If you have a "dream position" maybe I can help you find it.
Send me your resume and can give you some feedback.
All skills on a resume are abstract. If your skills are not listed, choose other and fill them in
List out your core competencies and then crosswalk those (i.e., connect the dots) with what employers need, and then connect those with the types of businesses that use those competencies. But keep tracing everything back to what you know how to do (your core competencies), without being limited by the context in which you've been doing it. Best of luck!
Staff Sergeant,
My two cents are that your skills are the ones most desired by an employer. Creative problem solvers who can operate within system are the most valuable employees in just about any business.
As the others above have said, crafting a resume that puts military jargon into corporate lingo is important. Resumes are just tickets to interviews and hire decisions are based mainly on interviews. Preparing and being able to communicate the applicability of your skills in terms of their business is the clincher. Just like any military mission this means planning, Intel and rehearsals before hitting the objective, which in this case is an interview.
I am going to be in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday this week for work and happy to carve out some time for a cup or coffee or a beer to discuss in person.
RLTW,
Christian
Hello Gordon,
Please end me your resume - lisa.duda@schneider-electic.com. if you are still looking.
I agree also with Ken from Northup-Grumman, have your resume reviewed carefully for form and content - it is your FIRST impression, and key to getting to the next step.
I have a friend who is a very senior manager of a fairly large corporate security firm in the northest, and I will be happy to forward your info to him. Very likely he will be interested supporting your transition, or have additional contacts for you. Good luck!
Lisa
Hi Gordon,
Thank you for your service. I would be happy to review your resume and provide guidance. Send me a message if that is of interest.
Thanks
Celeste
Gordon,
Thanks for your years of service. First point is that your job experience removes you from small companies; your focus should be on large corporations. The only question before you that I perceive is whether you will remain a technician or whether you will move into management. Management in private industry is not guaranteed by ordinary promotion -- it is by invitation only. Do you have -- or can you acquire -- business management skills to add to your resume? I get an impression that you would be more satisfied as a manager, yet that requires at least a certification in HR and Finance. I see a bright future for you in a multinational corporation.
Best regards,
--Paul
Gordon, Great information here. For job titles at Fortune 500 Companies search for positions with Investigator, Compliance and Fraud within the title. These should align best with your prior experience.
Deborah
You have been given good advice from others on this forum.
I sought guidance from a colleague who is a veteran law enforcement officer and police chief. Here are his thoughts: There are some civilian contractors that work closely with the military, oversees, that seek that kind of experience. It sounds like the CIA or Homeland Security would be good choices with his background for government jobs. For corporate security, I'd recommend companies that have contracts with the Federal government. He could check out www.asisonline.org. This is a professional association for corporate security.
Good luck! Thank you for your service!
Thank you for your service to our country.
Boy, what a background. I think most major corporations would have an interest in your background. I would peruse the websites of Fortune 500 companies for job openings. Many are posted on the website. Subsequently to reviewing the websites, I would get a feel for what interests you, and start to develop a resume. A job objective is important, and if possible, I would try to customize the objective to correspond with the needs of the company. Next i would develop a list of your skills and accomplishments. Major corporations are interested in leadership skills, and they should be incorporated on the resume along with other experience you have achieved. Equally important is demonstrate success, by showing promotions, citations and awards you have earned.
I would then make a list of companies that you would enjoy working for and where you think you be most successful in using your education, skills and experience. As I said, check the websites of these companies, to see if any job posting exist, and contact the appropriate person. I would also mail resumes to companies with a fit for your needs. Don't get discouraged, getting the right job is a job, so I would mail as many resumes as possible.
I would also use Linkedin, which is a website that has different influential people along with their experience and contact information. Try to join some of the committees to gain experience and develop contacts. Executive search firms specializing in areas of your interest are good sources for jobs
Good luck, and thanks again for you commitment to our great country
Mike Convey
Gordon,
Thank you so much for your service. You have served your country well.
As you think about the complex activities in which you have been involved, try to find a way in your application or in your cover letter to expand on one particular episode or event. As you do that, consider all of the parties/stakeholders that were involved and how you, personally, were able to influence their behavior through some of your capabilities -- dealing with stress, communication skills, clear direction, listening skills, negotiation, managing conflict -- whatever applied. Help the hiring company understand that in addition to the credentials and military experience and training certificates, you have the behavioral and leadership skills to be an asset to the company, as described through this experience in a very tangible way. Remember that you are working toward that interview. Once you are face to face, you can further describe how you have and will continue to generate results.
Hi Gordon,
One resource that might be helpful to you in terms of search strategy and writing your accomplishments is a book by Ford Myers "Get the Job You want even when No One is Hiring". Ford is a career consultant and his book provides a very thorough approach to job and career search. One of the unique things Ford discusses in his book is creating a portfolio of documents to use not just stopping with your resume.
As others have already mentioned, networking is key as well. While you will have to go through applicant tracking systems, nothing replaces a network of contacts that know you, trust you, and are comfortable recommending you to others in their network.
Hi Gordon,
Let's chat. Please give me a call or text at 813-625-3653. And, send me your resume (dvldog0231@gmail.com).
I too am going through the process of job hunting, and have some insights that I've endured over the past several months. You're receiving a ton of great advice for the others who've responded. I would like to take the discussion down a level as I am a Marine veteran, with 20+ years of all-source intelligence expertise, I can empathize with you. I may have some options that will help you hone into particular careers (e.g. anti-money laundering) or assistance (e.g. recruiters in your specific locale or desired industry).
Semper Fi - Brock
Hello Gordon, Maybe you can make a temporary website so employers could find you, where you could market your skills. You could use Intuit or Ria Enjolie or any other web design company to make it. I have been in touch with both and they seem okay.
Another thing you might consider is to bring your resume in hand on hard copy to the employer yourself. Sometimes they accept resumes this way. Also, you should join LinkedIn and start networking there. It will enable you to meet new business people.
Hoping this helps you out.
Best Wishes,
June Rosemarie Massoud
Gordon,
The key element when making such a transition is not so much how do I take my current job and map it to a corporate opportunity. You have a new chapter in your life approaching. Always look at how you want your lifestyle to be, your family life, where does your passion reside even if your were not being paid. Start here. Careers need to support your desired lifestyle, not the other way around.
Once you have your desired lifestyle and passion for what would get you up in the morning and fulfilled when you return home for work, then you can explore what careers that enable this for you excite you most.
Upon this being isolated, look at the job descriptions for what each position is asking for in experience for the tasks they need you to accomplish. I'm confident you will look at most of the bullet points and say... "I can do that in my sleep." Just take that task and place in your words how you have done something similar to that in the past. Try to associate metrics with its impact. I like to use the "BAR" method. "Background", "Action" and "Result" for your cited example.
More than happy to help further.
Best wishes,
Lowell Sandoval
Website: LowellSandoval.com
Email: info@LowellSandoval.com
In addition to certifications, training courses, and specific skills, be prepared to speak of your intangible qualities: resourcefulness, dependability, analytical prowess, psychological stamina, self-reliance, focus, risk assessment, and so forth (as they or other qualities apply). Those are things that come from within, they're not taught in a classroom. Performance, character, and strength move you ahead. Self-doubt, roadblocks, and hesitation hold you back. You may have exactly the qualities and skills that some company out there is looking for. The trick is to find each other. Security, human intelligence, and corporate investigation are becoming more in demand than ever as foreign entities infiltrate America's government, military, corporate, and private computer networks. You just might have a golden opportunity to land a nice position and continue to do good for our country. Go for it!
Gordon,
The best way to get where you want to be is by networking where a people connection can mitigate the unfriendly automated recruitment process that weeds out your intangibles. You need to get going with some networking via Facebook, LinkedIn or just email, to find someone who is in that market now and can mentor you. Think of all the CI/HUMINT Folks you know who got out in years past - officer, CWO and enlisted - and look them up to reconnect.
S/F,
Joe
Hi Gordon,
Thank you so much for your service.
I think you have a lot of great skills that a company would be lucky to get. You will need to be the one that shows the companies that. As Ken said, you will need to customize your resume and cover letter to each job so that you can highlight the parts of your experience that will be of value to that job. Use the same words they use in the ad. Even if it means the same thing, computers and recruiters are looking for exactly what they are told to look for. Don't leave any room for speculation.
Reach out to people who work in that field in the corporate world. Ask them for 20 minutes of their time in person (preferably) or over the phone to ask them about security management and investigative services as they know it. Are there people in the service you could ask first? Even if you ask who they know that they can introduce you to?
Look at job ads for anywhere in the country. Indeed is a good search tool. Look at jobs and see what the job descriptions look like. Go onto GlassDoor.com and look for jobs in their data base using any keyword you can think of. At this point you are trying to collect as much information as you can on the jargon that is used, the job titles, the companies, the job requirements. The more you know, the better you can sell yourself.
I hope that helps a bit, but I am happy to go over other ideas with you. Just ask: myfordmb@ptd.net.
Good luck
Mary Beth
Gordon,
Translating your skills from Military to civilian skills is great but you have to update your resume for every position you apply. I am a recruiter with Northrop Grumman and review many resumes daily. What I have noticed is that most candidates do not review the position description and basic qualifications and addressing their resume around the position.
When applying to a position review your resume to make sure your resume is addressing the position and you have covered the basic and preferred qualifications. Have others review your resume before submitting.
I can help you with this send me a copy of your resume to Kenneth.Friend@ngc.com.
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