
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid (20+ Biggest Blunders)
When writing a CV, it’s easy to forget about some important details or include something you’re not supposed to. But that won’t happen to you ever again—if you read this study.
Military CV examples and tips. Write a civilian CV with military experience. Make your military-to-civilian CV fast, with good and bad examples.
Here’s an outstanding military CV example.
Why is it so hard to write a military to civilian CV?
Two reasons:
1. Most of the world doesn’t know what you went through.
2. Most military to civilian CV examples target the wrong things.
But—
With the right translation, your veteran CV can shine like a tactical flashlight.
This guide will show you:
What does a perfect military to civilian CV profile look like? See below—
Save hours of work and get a CV like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 21 CV templates and download your CV now.
What users say about ResumeLab: Michael Keogh Personal Info Phone: 423-797-6780 Summary Police Officer with 5+ years of experience in USAF Security Forces. Seeking to use proven law enforcement skills to ensure civilian safety & security. As Staff Sergeant, trained 47 team members in security tasks. Slashed administrative costs 15%. Cut disciplinary incidents by 35%. Experience Security Forces Staff Sergeant Security Specialist Education B.A. in Criminal Justice, University of Memphis USAF Security Forces Tech School Certificates and Clearances Courses Volunteer Work Additional Activities Hard Skills: Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Emergency Planning and Response, Security and Surveillance Operations, Conflict Management, Firearms Safety and Handling, Team Development Soft Skills: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication Languages: Spanish Want to devote your life to keeping others safe from harm? Have a look at our guides: Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV examples. Now, here’s how to write a military to civilian CV: Critical intelligence: Use the right CV format to prove you’re no oxygen thief. This is what you should include in the CV: Expert Hint: Use a CV PDF unless the job description says they’re off limits. PDFs don’t go AWOL in transit. Plus they’re machine-readable. Big tip: The hiring manager is a civilian. She’s wondering, “but can this applicant do the job?” Answer fast with a CV objective (aka CV summary). Include: Scope out these two military CV examples: Massive difference. That first of those military CV samples is superior. The measurable accomplishments give it force. The second is too military-focused. Civilians won’t relate to it. Expert Hint: Don’t write your military CV summary or CV objective first. You’ll get lost. Write it last so you can build it from the best materiel in your CV. The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now. Nail it all with a splash of colour, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Use the ResumeLab builder now. Here’s the biggest problem with your military to civilian CV. It talks about your military background. Civilian hiring managers don’t know what that means. So— Here’s how to add military experience to a CV: These military CV examples provide reconnaissance: Job ad wants these skills: (1) leadership (2) security (3) training (4) vendor management. Experience Security Forces Staff Sergeant Experience Security Forces Staff Sergeant What gives supremacy to example #1? It’s got measurable achievements that plug into the civilian job. This is high value: Translate what you did in the military to the civilian skills the job is looking for. Need a military skills translator for CV use? Not sure what jobs your military experience translates to? Try CareerOneStop’s Military to Civilian Occupation Translator. Never copy CV skills from a list online. But— For reference, here are the skills civilian employers value most: What about hard skills in a CV for veterans? In the military, you may have picked up skills in engineering, IT, HAZMAT training, cooking, or mechanical work. Maybe you were a driver or instructor. List those hard skills on your CV, too. But—make sure they fit the requirements shown in the job ad. Expert Hint: Should you mention combat experience in a military-to-civilian CV? Only for security or law enforcement jobs. Otherwise, it may play to negative stereotypes. How do you show education on a military to civilian CV? There’s a right way and a wrong way. The wrong way only shows your GPA and that you graduated. The right way shows accomplishments that fit the job. These military CV examples show how: Let’s say the job calls for skills in law enforcement, emergency response, and efficiency. Education B.A. in Criminal Justice, University of Memphis USAF Security Forces Tech School That military to civilian CV sample sews it up. It demonstrates civilian skills. Expert Hint: Should you list your GPA on a veteran CV? Only if it’s high or recent. Otherwise, use the space for something more impressive. What do all military-to-civilian CVs have in common? They show experience and education. Plus— They blend in like MultiCam. Your military CV must make employers want to work with you. How? With CV extras that show you’re not just a grunt. See these military to civilian CV examples: Pretend you’re applying for a police officer job. The job posting wants skills in HAZMAT, weapons use, leadership, risk assessment, training, conflict resolution, and physical fitness. Certificates and Clearances Courses Volunteer Work Additional Activities Additional Activities See the difference? Those first military CV samples prove your skills. Expert Hint: Send a military CV cover letter. While more than half the hiring managers don’t read cover letters, nearly half insist on them. How do you show military training on a CV? It’s basic. First: Do you have lots of more impressive accomplishments? If yes, add basic training on a CV bullet point under “additional activities.” If no, add military training to a CV section called “Basic Training.” Then put job-fitting achievements in the bullet points. See this military CV example: Let’s say the job calls for efficiency, motivation, teamwork, and work ethic. US Army Basic Training Pow. That’s military experience translated into civilian experience. The hiring manager knows you’ll fit in perfectly. Expert Hint: On a military to civilian CV, you can call BCT “Basic Training” or “Boot Camp.” Leave out “combat” to ensure you don’t confuse civilian hiring managers. Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out. Some cover letter examples that may be useful to you: Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here. Here’s a recap. To write a military to civilian CV: Got questions on how to write a great CV for military jobs? Not sure how to show military experience on a CV? Leave a comment. We are happy to reply.I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your CV.”
Patrick
I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work!
Dylan
My previous CV was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful!
GeorgeMilitary CV Template
Police Officer
Email: michaelqkeogh@gmail.com
linkedin.com/michaelqkeogh
US Air National Guard
2015–2019
US Air National Guard
2013–2014
2013–2016
2010–20121. Pick the Right Military CV Format
2. Write an Effective Military CV Objective
Military to Civilian CV—Objective
3. Write a Fast-Moving Military CV Job Description
Military Job Descriptions for CV—Example
US Air National Guard
2015–2019
US Air National Guard
2015–2019Translate Military Skills to Civilian CV
Military Skills for a CV
Interpersonal Skills Persuasion Leadership Dependability Collaboration Judgement Problem Solving Compassion Adaptability Self-Motivation Communication Detail Oriented Work Ethic Listening Critical Thinking Active Learning Enthusiasm Honesty Decision Making Physically Fit 4. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You
Education on Military to Civilian CV—Example
2013–2016
2010–20125. Use Military CV Extras to Get Inside the Wire
Additional Sections on Veteran CV—Examples
7. Army Basic Training Description for CV
Military to Civilian CV Training—Example
Fort Jackson, South Carolina
2015Key Points
When writing a CV, it’s easy to forget about some important details or include something you’re not supposed to. But that won’t happen to you ever again—if you read this study.
We say that keeping your CV up to date is important. But why do we say that? Here's the data.
Streamline your job search with our curated list of the best Google Docs CV templates. Spend less time sifting through options and more time landing your dream job.