Hiring Our Heroes\u2019 Career Connectors reveal the top five resume mistakes military-connected job seekers make and provide tips to avoid making the same mistakes on your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5 Solutions to Fix Common Resume Mistakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"CarMax](\"https:\/\/www.hiringourheroes.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/CarMax-military-veteran-recruiter-speaks-to-job-seeker-1024x683.jpg\")
Is your resume highlighting your skills and experiences in the best way possible? Most likely not. Let Hiring Our Heroes’ Career Connectors provide resources and guidance to help your resume showcase you as a strong job candidate.<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nUse Your Most Recent Work History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You may want to include every job you\u2019ve ever had on your resume but resist the temptation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career Connectors<\/a> recommend highlighting your recent work experiences instead of your entire work history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cEmployers want your current experience and knowledge on your resume. There\u2019s no reason to highlight more than 10 years of experience,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottom line:<\/strong> Save your entire work history for a job application. Limit your resume to a one-page or two-page document. Your civilian resume should never be longer than two pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdd Only Relevant Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Our friends at Indeed report employers spend six seconds, on average, scanning through a resume<\/a> to determine if the person has the right experience for the job opening. Make those seconds count and get hiring managers to spend more time reading your resume by prioritizing your relevant experience to match the job you are applying for.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAre you<\/a> unsure which work experience to use on your resume? The answer is in the job announcement, said Larissa Rodriguez, a Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cReview your resume and the job description side by side. Any experience in the job description should mirror your experience or skills and be included in your resume,\u201d Rodriguez said. \u201cRemove any work experience on your resume that you don\u2019t see in the job description. It is not relevant for this job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your qualifications should be obvious to the person reading your resume. Don\u2019t be vague.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe reality is someone reading your resume will not care how many jobs you have had; they will care about your experience and how it is relevant to the needs of their company,\u201d Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“The reality is someone reading your resume will not care how many jobs you have had; they will care about your experience and how it is relevant to the needs of their company.” <\/p>\nLarissa Rodriguez, Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t force hiring managers to search your resume for relevant experience. They won\u2019t do it. They will interview someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottom line:<\/strong> It\u2019s more important to highlight relevant skills, knowledge, and experience than job descriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUse Keywords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
And while we are on the topic of the job announcement, let\u2019s review the importance of keywords in your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to electronically screen resumes and applications for keywords and phrases related to the job. ATS software can rank resumes based on keywords. Basically, keywords are the difference between a hiring manager reviewing your resume and your resume being lost and unseen in a digital dark hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career Connectors recommend looking at the job description you\u2019re applying for to find the keywords. Employers often use keywords in a bulleted list of requirements or desired skills for job applicants. The keywords may be certain skills, certifications, or software programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottom line:<\/strong> Keywords and phrases must be used in your resume but do not overload your resume with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelete Acronyms and Military Jargon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your resume shouldn\u2019t look like you\u2019re staring into a bowl of alphabet soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s not 100% obvious to the person reading your resume, then ditch the acronym and spell out the word,\u201d said Racheal Tucker, a Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“If it\u2019s not 100% obvious to the person reading your resume, then ditch the acronym and spell out the word.”<\/p>\nRacheal Tucker, Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nMilitary unit name acronyms and training exercise abbreviations are among the most common ones used by transitioning service members and veterans on their resumes, according to the HOH Career Connectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI always recommend military-connected job seekers ask a non-military friend or family member to read through their resume,\u201d Tucker said. \u201cOr imagine a recruiter with zero military background or experience reading the resume. Are they going to know what 2ID Divarty is? Will they be familiar with 593D ESC CPCE?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jargon isn\u2019t only an issue for military veterans. Civilians do it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere will be unique acronyms at every place you\u2019ll ever work. Your new employer will most likely not care about the personalized name of your former employer\u2019s enterprise business intelligence system, so instead, use a general term to describe proprietary systems,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In conclusion, if your resume reads like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Integrated FEAD priorities to meet the requirements of 72 NAVFAC customers, other divisions in the PWD at NCBVC<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Managed oversight of JLCCTC Federation (WARSIM, IEWTPT, NVIG, MUSE, BE Server, SE Core, OneSAF) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You know what you need to do \u2013 JSIO or Just Spell It Out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottom line:<\/strong> If you\u2019re unsure if your resume contains jargon, ask a friend to read it. If they don\u2019t understand a phrase or term, the hiring manager likely won\u2019t understand it either.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTailor Your Resume to the Job Posting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After you remove the acronyms, add keywords, and include relevant work experience, you may think this one resume is good to use on every job application. Right? Wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Resumes are not one-size-fits-all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A resume must be revised or tailored before you submit it. This step is key to job search success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI compare a job seeker\u2019s resume to the position they are applying for and look for keywords to match the position\u2019s description. I will ask, \u2018Where is experience A?\u2019 If a job seeker can’t answer the question, I know the job seeker did not take the time to tailor their resume,\u201d Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More importantly, the hiring manager knows you didn\u2019t tailor your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTailoring a resume is not a waste of time. Rather it shows an employer you took the time to target your resume for the job,\u201d Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cTailoring a resume is not a waste of time. Rather it shows an employer you took the time to target your resume for the job.”<\/p>\nLarissa Rodriguez, Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nWhen you are applying for more than one job, tailoring your resume for each job application can be time-consuming. Yet, it\u2019s essential. A tailored resume demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for a potential employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, hiring managers are spending only seconds reviewing each resume. Make those seconds count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottom line:<\/strong> Our friends at Indeed have a step-by-step guide on how to tailor your resume<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Your Most Recent Work History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You may want to include every job you\u2019ve ever had on your resume but resist the temptation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career Connectors<\/a> recommend highlighting your recent work experiences instead of your entire work history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEmployers want your current experience and knowledge on your resume. There\u2019s no reason to highlight more than 10 years of experience,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line:<\/strong> Save your entire work history for a job application. Limit your resume to a one-page or two-page document. Your civilian resume should never be longer than two pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our friends at Indeed report employers spend six seconds, on average, scanning through a resume<\/a> to determine if the person has the right experience for the job opening. Make those seconds count and get hiring managers to spend more time reading your resume by prioritizing your relevant experience to match the job you are applying for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you<\/a> unsure which work experience to use on your resume? The answer is in the job announcement, said Larissa Rodriguez, a Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cReview your resume and the job description side by side. Any experience in the job description should mirror your experience or skills and be included in your resume,\u201d Rodriguez said. \u201cRemove any work experience on your resume that you don\u2019t see in the job description. It is not relevant for this job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your qualifications should be obvious to the person reading your resume. Don\u2019t be vague.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe reality is someone reading your resume will not care how many jobs you have had; they will care about your experience and how it is relevant to the needs of their company,\u201d Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The reality is someone reading your resume will not care how many jobs you have had; they will care about your experience and how it is relevant to the needs of their company.” <\/p>\nLarissa Rodriguez, Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t force hiring managers to search your resume for relevant experience. They won\u2019t do it. They will interview someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line:<\/strong> It\u2019s more important to highlight relevant skills, knowledge, and experience than job descriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And while we are on the topic of the job announcement, let\u2019s review the importance of keywords in your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to electronically screen resumes and applications for keywords and phrases related to the job. ATS software can rank resumes based on keywords. Basically, keywords are the difference between a hiring manager reviewing your resume and your resume being lost and unseen in a digital dark hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Career Connectors recommend looking at the job description you\u2019re applying for to find the keywords. Employers often use keywords in a bulleted list of requirements or desired skills for job applicants. The keywords may be certain skills, certifications, or software programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line:<\/strong> Keywords and phrases must be used in your resume but do not overload your resume with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your resume shouldn\u2019t look like you\u2019re staring into a bowl of alphabet soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf it\u2019s not 100% obvious to the person reading your resume, then ditch the acronym and spell out the word,\u201d said Racheal Tucker, a Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “If it\u2019s not 100% obvious to the person reading your resume, then ditch the acronym and spell out the word.”<\/p>\nRacheal Tucker, Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Military unit name acronyms and training exercise abbreviations are among the most common ones used by transitioning service members and veterans on their resumes, according to the HOH Career Connectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI always recommend military-connected job seekers ask a non-military friend or family member to read through their resume,\u201d Tucker said. \u201cOr imagine a recruiter with zero military background or experience reading the resume. Are they going to know what 2ID Divarty is? Will they be familiar with 593D ESC CPCE?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jargon isn\u2019t only an issue for military veterans. Civilians do it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere will be unique acronyms at every place you\u2019ll ever work. Your new employer will most likely not care about the personalized name of your former employer\u2019s enterprise business intelligence system, so instead, use a general term to describe proprietary systems,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In conclusion, if your resume reads like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You know what you need to do \u2013 JSIO or Just Spell It Out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line:<\/strong> If you\u2019re unsure if your resume contains jargon, ask a friend to read it. If they don\u2019t understand a phrase or term, the hiring manager likely won\u2019t understand it either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After you remove the acronyms, add keywords, and include relevant work experience, you may think this one resume is good to use on every job application. Right? Wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resumes are not one-size-fits-all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A resume must be revised or tailored before you submit it. This step is key to job search success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI compare a job seeker\u2019s resume to the position they are applying for and look for keywords to match the position\u2019s description. I will ask, \u2018Where is experience A?\u2019 If a job seeker can’t answer the question, I know the job seeker did not take the time to tailor their resume,\u201d Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More importantly, the hiring manager knows you didn\u2019t tailor your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTailoring a resume is not a waste of time. Rather it shows an employer you took the time to target your resume for the job,\u201d Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTailoring a resume is not a waste of time. Rather it shows an employer you took the time to target your resume for the job.”<\/p>\nLarissa Rodriguez, Career Connector at Hiring Our Heroes<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n When you are applying for more than one job, tailoring your resume for each job application can be time-consuming. Yet, it\u2019s essential. A tailored resume demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for a potential employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, hiring managers are spending only seconds reviewing each resume. Make those seconds count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line:<\/strong> Our friends at Indeed have a step-by-step guide on how to tailor your resume<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdd Only Relevant Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Use Keywords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Delete Acronyms and Military Jargon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Tailor Your Resume to the Job Posting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n