Crafting a resume can be a daunting task in itself, but creating one when you have to translate your military skills into their civilian equivalent can be even more difficult. When you are a spouse trying to put everything together for the (ex) service member it becomes complex, especially when you know very little about their day to day responsibilities, as in my case. This is by no means all-inclusive and does not cover every variable associated with each branch of service. I am simply relaying what has worked for us, with the examples presented geared toward the US Navy. Hopefully this series will give you some tips to help in creating an attractive resume and also some that are military specific, including job boards and resources for transitioning military.

Some ratings translate well into civilian jobs. For example, a GSM (Gas Turbine Systems Mechanic) or a GSE (Gas Turbine Systems Electrician) can find many opportunities using those search terms. Some power plant employers even specify that they prefer applicants who are prior or transitioning military in the GS rating.

Crosswalk Search will allow you to punch in your MOC and get a detailed list of Tasks, Tools & Technologies, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Work Activities, Work Context, Job Zone, Interests, Work Styles, Work Values, Related Occupations and average Wages & Employment statistics. If you don’t know your MOC, type in your rate in the MOC search and a list of matches will come up and you can find the appropriate one for fairly detailed information.

When you stop and think about your ‘job description’ you will probably feel like a Jack of All Trades. Often, the service member is called to responsibilities outside their rating. If those lasted throughout an assignment, you became proficient in a skill set, or you received outside training, it may be a good idea to include them on your resume, if applicable to the job. If they were intermittent, it’s probably safe to leave them out unless the position you are applying for requires that skill or it will be a direct asset. You can also group seemingly unrelated, but relevant, skills together in a leadership, administrative or hobby section.