infantry resumes

[dalriaden]

I'm struggling at writing a decent resume that isn't in military lingo, and mainly trying to translate my job as an infantry man into something that would make someone want to hire me. So if there are any former infantrymen out there that could have any hints/useful websites out there to translate "close with and destroy the enemy" into I should really hire you to be a vet tech, it'd be stellar.

[llamatrnr]

Experience with wounds/injuries, maybe? Working under stressful conditions, keeping a clear head in emergencies?

[vonderplatz]

Were you a NCO? If so, concentrate on your leadership skills and working under pressure. I went to college and held a variety of jobs after I got out, so I concentrated on those attributes that relate to civilian work.

Do you have a GCM or any individual award? If so you can use those to your advantage. My Son was also Marine Corps Infantry, and he had a professional write his resume. He had no other skills except the Marine Corps and some after school jobs, but after posting his resume was able to get a job as an apprentice Machinist at Northrup Grumman. He had zero experience.

Another thing, check with all the trade unions, and ask about apprentice programs. Also post on all of the online jobs sites, especially those tailored specifically to Vets. But, I would really recommend using a professional to do your first resume, the lady he used was able to translate his experience to the civilian sector.

I'm willing to help any way I can, so stay in touch. I'll also hunt around for my Son's resume, and see what I can glean from it for you. Thank you for your service.

[Pablo22]

I don't know what you are trying to do, but i was able to get a job as a Conductor with the Union Pacific Railroad after leaving the Corps. We still have people layed off but the BNSF hired a recently retired Marine friend of mine. The UP and BNSF love to hire former Military because of the shift/on-call work and the lifestyle being similar to the Military. Plus, don't know if you heard, but these jobs pay big $$$$ - maybe not at first but once you get a bit of seniority.

[Snoopy47]

close with and destroy the enemy = challenge and gain market share in a competitive working environment

[SoCal_Sapper]

The UP and BNSF love to hire former Military because of the shift/on-call work and the lifestyle being similar to the Military. Plus, don't know if you heard, but these jobs pay big $$$$ - maybe not at first but once you get a bit of seniority.

The BNSF Military recruiter is my old First Sergeant, ***. I dont have his contact information but I'm sure if you call and ask for him he might be able to tell you what you need to do to get a job there. Please read that this wont guarantee you a job, it's just a lead.

PM me for more info

[dalriaden]

Sweet, thanks for the help, right now I'm just looking for any job, after I start having some income generating I'll worry about finding better. Although I would rather stay out of the fast food business lol.

[Pablo22]

Sweet, thanks for the help, right now I'm just looking for any job, after I start having some income generating I'll worry about finding better. Although I would rather stay out of the fast food business lol.

Cool - don't know where you are at but the UP is hiring "Installation Technicians" in Roseville, CA (21 bucks an hour starting) and you don't need experience. For that kind of money in this economy, I'd move to Roseville. Good Luck!

[odysseus]

A couple of notes from a non-mil person who has hired mil people for their first civilian jobs to add to the mix.

First thing - don't write one resume. You may need to write several, and really it is good to edit a resume to the individual job you are applying to. However of course via recruiters and online listing blasts, that may not be as feasible. Your best opportunities will come from networking with people.

I would imagine you would have a .mil speaking resume for jobs that can reference that information, or are to hiring managers tuned to hiring ex-mil. What you need also is a normalized resume for everyone else you apply to in civilian work, especially cold call, that does not use those strict military terms and focuses only on that experience dominating the resume. If you hit on a manager who knows more about that and wants to know, your interview will give you more opportunity to expand on it.

Your focus is not as much about detailing every military experience, for that may get you to the bin fast, but more globally how that work you did there makes you an asset to that manager for the job you are applying for. Most people see military experience a plus, but if you can't also get an inspired link for them specifically to that job it is a concern for them if you are a right fit, and also culturally if all you want is to be in a .mil culture in the workplace with like experienced people. YMMV, and it all depends on what and where you apply. Really it comes down to how you are in person or on the phone for the real interview.

[epilepticninja]

Touch on areas that you practiced as member of the military, i.e, leadership, teamwork, working in high stress environments, multitasking, working with diverse groups of people. etc.

[11Bforme]

I just got a sales job after being in the Infantry. I would hammer home the fact that you are the ultimate multi tasker and that you have had to make decisions in way more challenging environments then any thing you will face in the civilian world. Also the fact that you are always 10 minutes early, You were accountable for thousands of dollars in equipment and last but not least you take pride in what you do.

[dalriaden]

Good news, I heard back from a couple of places, but unfortunatly no job yet, at least i know my resume is being looked out. I try to tweak my resume for each individual job im applying for, same for the cover letter.
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, its appreciated.

[Caliyanks]

Pull your AARTS Transcripts, for free, online.
That should help. The biggest problem us Infantry folks have is we tend to sell ourselves short. ACAP centers have folks that can assist with translateing your skills as well. You can get great jobs. I know I did and those skills are needed in all fields not just LE or Postal. Good luck

[11b_vet]

mine says

Completed training and field work with an emphasis on strict regimen, discipline, dependability, sense of duty, stress-management and strength, both physical and mental. Obtained and maintain Secret security clearance.


• Learned exceptional stress management
• Subjected to highly stressful environments and gained various coping skills
• Worked harmoniously with fellow soldiers from multitudinous cultures, socioeconomic situations and belief systems
• Acquired far-reaching global awareness
• Advanced responsibility, accountability, essential time-management, organization, and work ethic

[matticus]

When I went through ACAP in 2008, our center fell short in helping soldiers. Hoping in the coming months when I begin to Separate they don't fall short again