Translating navy service into civilian-understandable phrases on a resume requires a strategic method. This includes clearly articulating the abilities, coaching, and expertise gained throughout service and demonstrating their relevance to the specified civilian position. For example, a navy logistics officer would possibly spotlight expertise in provide chain administration, stock management, and useful resource allocation, emphasizing quantifiable achievements at any time when doable.
Efficient communication of navy expertise considerably will increase the possibilities of securing civilian employment. It allows employers to acknowledge the precious transferable abilities veterans possess, akin to management, teamwork, self-discipline, and problem-solving below stress. Traditionally, veterans have confronted challenges translating their service into civilian careers. Nevertheless, elevated consciousness of the distinctive strengths veterans carry to the workforce, mixed with assets designed to bridge the hole, has created a extra favorable atmosphere for transitioning service members.
The next sections will delve deeper into particular methods for successfully presenting navy expertise on a resume, together with translating navy jargon, quantifying achievements, and tailoring the resume to particular job descriptions.
1. Translate Navy Jargon
Readability is paramount when presenting navy expertise to civilian employers. Navy jargon, whereas commonplace inside the armed forces, can create confusion and obscure precious abilities and expertise. Translating this specialised terminology into civilian-equivalent phrases is important for making certain recruiters and hiring managers perceive the relevance of a candidate’s background. For instance, referencing “MOS 11B” presents little perception to a civilian recruiter, whereas stating “Infantryman, specializing in small unit techniques and fight operations” clearly communicates the position and skillset. Equally, changing “CONUS” with “Continental United States” avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.
Failure to translate jargon can result in a resume being neglected or misunderstood. A civilian recruiter could lack the time or assets to decipher navy acronyms and terminology, probably resulting in certified candidates being dismissed. Conversely, successfully translating jargon showcases a candidate’s means to adapt communication to totally different audiences, a precious talent in any civilian office. Think about a candidate itemizing “qualification with the M4 carbine.” Whereas informative inside a navy context, a civilian employer would possibly higher perceive the phrase “proficient with small arms weapon methods.” This translation clarifies the talent and avoids potential misinterpretations. Moreover, utilizing clear language helps reveal vital considering and communication abilities, additional enhancing the candidate’s profile.
Efficient translation of navy jargon straight contributes to a stronger, extra impactful resume. This observe ensures readability, highlights related abilities, and demonstrates adaptability, growing the chance of securing an interview. This translation course of requires cautious consideration of the audience and the precise necessities of the specified civilian position. Assets like military-to-civilian occupation translators and veteran-focused resume writing guides can help on this essential side of resume preparation.
2. Quantify Achievements
Quantifying achievements is essential for successfully translating navy expertise onto a resume. Whereas navy descriptions typically give attention to duties and tasks, civilian employers search concrete proof of influence and outcomes. Quantifiable achievements present tangible proof of abilities and skills, enabling employers to evaluate a candidate’s potential contribution.
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Efficiency Metrics:
Utilizing metrics provides weight to accomplishments. Reasonably than stating “accountable for automobile upkeep,” a quantifiable assertion like “diminished automobile downtime by 15% by means of preventative upkeep packages” demonstrates a tangible influence. This data-driven method gives employers with clear proof of a candidate’s effectiveness and effectivity.
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Scope and Scale:
Defining the scope of tasks gives context and demonstrates management capabilities. As a substitute of stating “supervised personnel,” specifying “led a staff of 12 personnel in complicated logistical operations” presents a clearer image of management expertise and accountability. Equally, quantifying the dimensions of operations, akin to “managed a funds of $2 million” or “oversaw the distribution of assets to five,000 personnel,” gives precious context.
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Value Financial savings and Effectivity Enhancements:
Highlighting value financial savings or effectivity features demonstrates worth and impactful contributions. Examples embody “applied a brand new coaching program that diminished coaching prices by 10%” or “streamlined logistics processes, leading to a 5% improve in operational effectivity.” These quantifiable achievements resonate with employers who search candidates able to delivering tangible outcomes.
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Awards and Recognition:
Together with awards and recognition gives additional validation of achievements and demonstrates distinctive efficiency. Itemizing particular awards, akin to “Awarded the Military Commendation Medal for excellent management,” presents concrete proof of recognition and reinforces the candidate’s {qualifications}. It is very important briefly clarify the importance of the award in civilian phrases to make sure its relevance is known.
By quantifying achievements, navy expertise turns into extra impactful and simpler for civilian employers to know. This observe permits candidates to showcase their contributions successfully, growing their competitiveness within the civilian job market. Translating navy expertise into quantifiable achievements bridges the communication hole between navy and civilian sectors, enabling employers to acknowledge the true worth veterans carry to their organizations.
3. Spotlight Transferable Abilities
Highlighting transferable abilities kinds a cornerstone of successfully presenting navy expertise on a civilian resume. Navy coaching typically cultivates a novel set of abilities not readily obvious to civilian employers. Instantly connecting these abilities to the necessities of civilian job descriptions is vital for demonstrating a candidate’s suitability. For instance, expertise main a squad can translate to confirmed management and staff administration abilities relevant to mission administration or supervisory roles. Equally, expertise in logistics or provide chain administration inside the navy straight interprets to equal civilian roles. A candidate proficient in working complicated navy gear can emphasize technical aptitude and adaptableness, precious belongings in technical fields. The flexibility to thrive in high-pressure navy environments demonstrates adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving abilities, wanted in varied industries.
Failure to focus on transferable abilities can result in underselling precious expertise and {qualifications}. A resume merely itemizing navy duties with out connecting them to civilian-relevant abilities dangers being neglected. A candidate may need intensive expertise in cybersecurity inside the navy, however itemizing solely technical navy jargon with out emphasizing abilities like community safety, risk evaluation, or incident response fails to speak the true worth of that have to a civilian employer. Conversely, a candidate who explicitly states abilities in strategic planning, danger evaluation, or disaster administration gained by means of navy management roles instantly demonstrates their relevance to a broader vary of civilian positions.
Successfully highlighting transferable abilities bridges the hole between navy expertise and civilian profession alternatives. This course of requires cautious evaluation of job descriptions, identification of related key phrases, and clear articulation of how navy expertise interprets to these necessities. Doing so maximizes the influence of a resume, enabling employers to acknowledge the precious skillset veterans supply. Assets such because the Navy Abilities Translator and veteran-focused profession counseling companies can present invaluable help in figuring out and articulating transferable abilities. This important step considerably will increase a veteran’s possibilities of securing interviews and in the end, profitable profession transition.
4. Use Civilian Job Titles
Utilizing civilian job titles is important for maximizing the effectiveness of a resume that features navy expertise. Whereas navy occupational specialties (MOS) or different military-specific titles are readily understood inside the armed forces, they typically lack that means for civilian hiring managers. Translating navy roles into equal civilian job titles ensures fast readability and permits recruiters to shortly grasp a candidate’s expertise and skillset. This observe considerably improves the possibilities of a resume being correctly understood and regarded.
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Readability and Understanding:
Civilian job titles present fast context and understanding for recruiters unfamiliar with navy terminology. For instance, as a substitute of itemizing “11B Infantryman,” utilizing a title like “Safety Specialist” or “Staff Chief” immediately conveys the character of the position and its potential civilian functions. This readability is vital for attracting consideration in a aggressive job market.
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Key phrase Optimization:
Applicant Monitoring Techniques (ATS) typically scan resumes for particular key phrases associated to the job description. Utilizing civilian job titles ensures resumes align with widespread trade terminology, growing the chance of being flagged by ATS and reaching human reviewers. A navy title like “92A Automated Logistical Specialist” is perhaps neglected, whereas “Provide Chain Supervisor” or “Logistics Coordinator” straight aligns with widespread trade key phrases.
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Demonstrates Adaptability:
Utilizing civilian job titles demonstrates a candidate’s understanding of the civilian job market and their willingness to adapt their communication model. This adaptability is a precious asset in any office and indicators a proactive method to profession transition.
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Facilitates Direct Comparability:
Civilian job titles facilitate direct comparability with different candidates from civilian backgrounds. This stage enjoying area ensures navy expertise is evaluated pretty and permits recruiters to simply assess a candidate’s {qualifications} relative to different candidates.
Using civilian job titles on a resume considerably enhances a veteran’s means to attach with potential employers. This observe ensures readability, improves ATS compatibility, demonstrates adaptability, and facilitates direct comparability with different candidates, in the end growing the chance of securing a civilian job interview. Assets akin to military-to-civilian job title converters and veteran-focused resume writing guides can help in precisely translating navy roles into their civilian equivalents. This important step is instrumental in bridging the communication hole between navy expertise and civilian profession alternatives.
5. Tailor to Goal Roles
Tailoring a resume to focus on particular roles is paramount when transitioning from navy service to a civilian profession. Generic resumes typically fail to focus on the relevance of navy expertise to particular person job necessities. A focused method ensures the resume speaks on to the wants of every potential employer, maximizing the influence of military-acquired abilities and expertise. This customization demonstrates a proactive method and a real curiosity within the particular position, growing the chance of securing an interview.
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Key phrase Optimization:
Rigorously reviewing job descriptions and incorporating related key phrases into the resume is important. Applicant Monitoring Techniques (ATS) typically filter resumes based mostly on key phrase matches. Aligning the resume with the precise language used within the job description will increase its visibility and improves the possibilities of reaching human reviewers. For instance, a veteran making use of for a mission administration position ought to incorporate key phrases like “mission planning,” “danger administration,” and “staff management,” that are generally related to such positions, and join them with related navy expertise.
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Highlighting Related Abilities:
Emphasizing the transferable abilities most related to the goal position ensures the resume resonates with the hiring supervisor. Whereas a veteran would possibly possess a broad vary of abilities acquired throughout navy service, choosing and highlighting these straight relevant to the precise job necessities demonstrates a targeted and tailor-made method. A veteran making use of for a logistics position ought to prioritize abilities like provide chain administration, stock management, and procurement, even when additionally they possess different abilities like fight operations or weapons dealing with.
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Quantifying Achievements with Context:
Quantifying achievements is important, however offering context related to the goal position provides important influence. As a substitute of merely stating “managed a funds,” tailoring the outline to “managed a $2 million funds for logistical operations supporting 5,000 personnel” aligns straight with the necessities of a senior logistics administration position. This context demonstrates the dimensions and complexity of the achievement, making it extra related and spectacular to the hiring supervisor.
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Addressing Particular Necessities:
Instantly addressing the precise necessities outlined within the job description demonstrates consideration to element and a real curiosity within the position. If a job description emphasizes expertise with particular software program or applied sciences, the resume ought to spotlight any related navy coaching or expertise in these areas. This focused method demonstrates a candidate’s preparedness and suitability for the place.
Tailoring a resume to every goal position considerably will increase the effectiveness of presenting navy expertise to civilian employers. By optimizing key phrases, highlighting related abilities, offering context for achievements, and addressing particular necessities, veterans can reveal the direct applicability of their navy expertise to civilian careers. This tailor-made method enhances the resume’s influence, making it extra prone to seize the eye of hiring managers and in the end result in profitable profession transitions.
6. Give attention to Outcomes
Specializing in outcomes is paramount when translating navy expertise onto a civilian resume. Whereas navy resumes typically element tasks and duties, civilian employers prioritize demonstrable outcomes and quantifiable achievements. This shift in focus requires reframing navy expertise to showcase the influence of actions and contributions. Trigger and impact relationships have to be clearly articulated. For instance, as a substitute of stating “accountable for automobile upkeep,” highlighting the outcome, akin to “diminished automobile downtime by 15% by means of implementation of a preventative upkeep program,” demonstrates tangible influence and quantifiable success. Equally, quite than stating “managed logistics,” quantifying the achievement with “optimized logistical operations, leading to a ten% discount in transportation prices” showcases the direct influence of actions. This results-oriented method straight addresses what civilian employers search: proof of worth and contribution.
Actual-life examples additional illustrate the significance of specializing in outcomes. A navy medic making use of for a civilian nursing place would possibly state “offered emergency medical care in fight conditions.” Whereas descriptive, a results-oriented method would emphasize outcomes, akin to “administered emergency medical remedy to over 200 casualties, leading to a 95% survival price.” This quantified achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the medic’s abilities in a high-pressure atmosphere. An officer accountable for coaching personnel would possibly state “developed and applied coaching packages.” A results-oriented method would quantify the influence: “developed and applied coaching packages that improved soldier proficiency by 20%, as measured by standardized efficiency evaluations.” These examples reveal the ability of showcasing quantifiable outcomes, offering concrete proof of abilities and skills.
Understanding the importance of specializing in outcomes empowers veterans to successfully talk the worth of their navy expertise to civilian employers. This method clarifies influence, strengthens the resume’s narrative, and aligns with civilian expectations. It addresses potential challenges in translating navy jargon and expertise into civilian-understandable phrases, straight contributing to a simpler and aggressive resume. By showcasing the tangible influence of their actions, veterans can successfully bridge the hole between navy service and civilian profession alternatives, maximizing their possibilities of success within the civilian job market.
7. Use Motion Verbs
Sturdy motion verbs are essential for successfully speaking the worth of navy expertise on a civilian resume. These verbs inject dynamism and precision into descriptions, remodeling passive statements of accountability into lively demonstrations of abilities and accomplishments. This lively voice engages the reader and gives a clearer image of a candidate’s capabilities, straight contributing to a extra compelling and impactful resume.
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Readability and Influence:
Motion verbs substitute obscure language with concise and impactful descriptions. As a substitute of “accountable for coaching new recruits,” utilizing “Led, mentored, and educated 20 new recruits, leading to a 100% go price on qualification checks” gives particular particulars and quantifiable outcomes, showcasing the candidate’s management and coaching skills.
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Demonstrates Initiative and Possession:
Motion verbs emphasize proactivity and possession of accomplishments. Phrases like “Spearheaded the event of…” or “Applied a brand new technique that…” spotlight a candidate’s initiative and contribution, contrasting sharply with passive phrases like “was assigned to” or “participated in.” This distinction demonstrates management qualities and a proactive method to problem-solving.
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Key phrases for Applicant Monitoring Techniques (ATS):
Many firms make the most of ATS to scan resumes for particular key phrases. Motion verbs typically align with these key phrases, growing the chance of a resume being chosen for evaluation. Verbs like “managed,” “led,” “developed,” “applied,” and “optimized” are incessantly wanted by employers and ought to be strategically integrated when describing navy expertise.
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Conciseness and Readability:
Motion verbs contribute to concise and impactful writing, avoiding pointless jargon and bettering readability. This streamlined method permits recruiters to shortly grasp the essence of a candidate’s expertise and {qualifications}, maximizing the influence of the resume inside restricted evaluation time. For instance, utilizing “streamlined logistics operations, lowering transport prices by 15%” is extra impactful and simpler to know than a lengthier, passive description.
The strategic use of motion verbs considerably enhances the presentation of navy expertise on a civilian resume. This observe clarifies accomplishments, demonstrates initiative, aligns with ATS key phrases, and improves readability. By successfully using motion verbs, veterans can guarantee their resumes resonate with civilian employers, showcasing the precious abilities and expertise gained by means of navy service and maximizing their possibilities of success within the civilian job market.
8. Preserve Constant Formatting
Constant formatting is essential for presenting navy expertise successfully on a civilian resume. A well-formatted resume enhances readability and professionalism, enabling recruiters to shortly course of data and grasp the worth of a candidate’s {qualifications}. Inconsistencies can create distractions and detract from the content material, probably resulting in a unfavorable first impression.
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Font and Font Measurement:
Sustaining a constant font and dimension all through the resume ensures a clear {and professional} look. Utilizing an ordinary, simply readable font like Instances New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in a dimension between 10 and 12 factors is really helpful. Various fonts or sizes can create a disorganized and unprofessional impression, probably signaling an absence of consideration to element. For instance, utilizing totally different fonts for headings and physique textual content or inconsistent font sizes between sections can disrupt visible stream and detract from the content material.
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Spacing and Margins:
Constant spacing and margins contribute to a elegant and arranged presentation. Utilizing normal margins (usually 1 inch on all sides) and constant spacing between sections and features of textual content improves readability and visible enchantment. Inconsistent spacing, akin to giant gaps between sections or uneven line spacing, could make the resume seem cluttered and unprofessional. For example, sustaining constant spacing between job entries ensures a transparent and arranged presentation of expertise.
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Headings and Subheadings:
Utilizing clear and constant headings and subheadings improves the group and readability of the resume. Constant formatting of headings, akin to utilizing daring textual content or a barely bigger font dimension, helps information the reader’s eye and facilitates fast entry to data. Inconsistencies in heading kinds can disrupt the visible hierarchy and make the resume troublesome to navigate. For instance, utilizing totally different capitalization kinds or font sizes for headings all through the resume can create confusion and detract from the general presentation.
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Dates and Places:
Consistency in formatting dates and areas ensures readability and professionalism. Constantly utilizing both the month-year or month-day-year format for dates and utilizing a constant model for areas (e.g., Metropolis, State) avoids confusion and maintains a elegant look. Inconsistent formatting, akin to utilizing totally different date codecs inside the identical part or abbreviating areas inconsistently, can create a disorganized impression. For instance, itemizing one job’s location as “San Diego, CA” and one other as “New York Metropolis, NY” lacks consistency.
Constant formatting straight contributes to a elegant {and professional} resume, enabling navy expertise to be introduced clearly and successfully. A well-formatted resume enhances readability, improves ATS compatibility, and creates a constructive first impression, in the end growing the chance of success within the civilian job market. Consideration to those seemingly minor particulars can considerably influence how a recruiter perceives a candidate, emphasizing professionalism and a spotlight to element, essential attributes for any civilian position.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Addressing widespread inquiries relating to the inclusion of navy expertise on a resume clarifies greatest practices and assists transitioning service members in successfully speaking their {qualifications} to civilian employers. The next questions and solutions present precious insights into this important side of profession transition.
Query 1: How ought to navy ranks be introduced on a resume?
Whereas together with rank can present context, it is typically simpler to give attention to the management tasks and achievements related to that rank. Clearly articulating the scope of management, such because the variety of personnel supervised or the dimensions of operations managed, gives extra impactful data for civilian employers. Utilizing civilian management titles like “Staff Chief,” “Supervisor,” or “Challenge Supervisor” can additional make clear roles and tasks.
Query 2: Is it essential to record each navy task or responsibility?
Itemizing each task is not at all times mandatory. Prioritize relevance. Give attention to experiences and abilities straight relevant to the goal civilian roles. Tailor the resume to every particular job utility, emphasizing essentially the most related facets of navy service. This focused method maximizes influence and avoids overwhelming the reader with pointless data.
Query 3: What if navy expertise is the one skilled expertise?
Even when navy service includes the whole lot {of professional} expertise, focus stays on transferable abilities and quantifiable achievements. Spotlight management, teamwork, problem-solving, technical proficiencies, and every other abilities related to the specified civilian profession. Quantifying achievements at any time when doable gives concrete proof of capabilities.
Query 4: How can safety clearances be addressed on a resume?
Merely stating the extent of clearance held is enough. Keep away from together with particular particulars concerning the clearance course of or labeled data. For instance, stating “Held Prime Secret clearance” is enough with out divulging delicate particulars. Focus ought to stay on abilities and expertise related to the goal position.
Query 5: What assets can be found to help with translating navy expertise?
Quite a few assets exist to help veterans in translating navy expertise onto a civilian resume. These embody on-line navy abilities translators, veteran-focused resume writing guides, and profession counseling companies supplied by veteran organizations. These assets present precious steerage and assist through the profession transition course of.
Query 6: How can veterans handle employment gaps as a consequence of deployments or different service commitments?
Deal with employment gaps straight and concisely. Briefly clarify the rationale for the hole, akin to “Navy Deployment” or “Energetic Obligation Service,” together with the dates of service. Give attention to the abilities and expertise gained throughout that interval and their relevance to the goal civilian position. This transparency and give attention to transferable abilities mitigate potential issues about employment gaps.
Successfully translating navy expertise onto a civilian resume requires cautious consideration of viewers, related abilities, and quantifiable achievements. These FAQs supply steerage for navigating this course of and making certain a profitable transition into the civilian workforce.
Extra assets and in-depth steerage on particular facets of resume writing for veterans might be discovered within the following sections.
Suggestions for Presenting Navy Expertise on a Civilian Resume
Successfully speaking the worth of navy expertise to civilian employers requires a strategic method. The following pointers present sensible steerage for crafting a compelling resume that highlights related abilities and achievements.
Tip 1: Translate Navy Jargon: Exchange military-specific phrases and acronyms with civilian equivalents. For instance, translate “MOS 11B” to “Infantryman, specializing in small unit techniques and fight operations.”
Tip 2: Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to reveal the influence of contributions. As a substitute of “accountable for automobile upkeep,” state “diminished automobile downtime by 15% by means of preventative upkeep packages.”
Tip 3: Spotlight Transferable Abilities: Join navy abilities to civilian job necessities. Expertise main a squad can translate to “confirmed management and staff administration abilities.”
Tip 4: Use Civilian Job Titles: Translate navy roles into equal civilian job titles. For instance, use “Logistics Coordinator” as a substitute of “92A Automated Logistical Specialist.”
Tip 5: Tailor to Goal Roles: Customise the resume for every job utility, emphasizing abilities and experiences related to the precise necessities. Incorporate key phrases from the job description.
Tip 6: Give attention to Outcomes: Emphasize outcomes and quantifiable achievements quite than simply itemizing duties and tasks. Showcase the influence of actions.
Tip 7: Use Motion Verbs: Start descriptions with robust motion verbs to create dynamic and impactful statements. Examples embody “led,” “managed,” “developed,” and “applied.”
Tip 8: Preserve Constant Formatting: Guarantee an expert look with constant fonts, font sizes, spacing, margins, and heading kinds.
By following the following pointers, candidates can create a compelling resume that successfully interprets navy expertise into civilian-understandable phrases, maximizing their possibilities of securing interviews and in the end, profitable profession transitions.
The next part gives a concise conclusion and reinforces the significance of successfully presenting navy expertise on a civilian resume.
Conclusion
Efficiently integrating navy expertise right into a civilian resume requires a strategic method that bridges the communication hole between navy and civilian sectors. Key parts of this course of embody translating navy jargon into civilian-understandable phrases, quantifying achievements with metrics and impactful language, highlighting transferable abilities related to focus on roles, and utilizing civilian job titles for readability and key phrase optimization. Constant formatting and a results-oriented method additional improve the resume’s effectiveness, permitting recruiters to shortly grasp the worth a candidate brings. Tailoring the resume to every particular job utility ensures essentially the most related {qualifications} are introduced, maximizing influence and demonstrating real curiosity within the alternative.
Efficient presentation of navy expertise is important for profitable profession transition. By using these methods, transitioning service members can showcase the precious abilities, expertise, and dedication cultivated throughout navy service, making certain their {qualifications} are acknowledged and valued by civilian employers. This clear and concise communication empowers veterans to compete successfully within the civilian job market and safe fulfilling careers that leverage their distinctive strengths.
