How to Create a Resume When Discharged From the Army

A discharge from the Army signals a transition back to civilian life. This can be a tough adjustment, particularly for those who served a number of years in the armed forces. However, the Army teaches its soldiers a lot of unique skills that can serve you well when its time to get a civilian position. Showcasing some of these skills and experiences on your resume is the best place to start.

• 1

  Draft a list of your basic skills. This is important to get down on paper before you begin working on your resume. List all of the things you know how to do on a professional level, from technology-oriented tasks to putting together a rifle. This will not only help you to get organized but also determine your career direction if you haven't already.

• 2

  Peruse some resume examples. Because civilian resumes are different from those used in the armed forces, look over some basic examples just to get an idea of how you want to format your resume and what some of the trends are in terms of design. Choose a format based on the amount of experience you have to include on yours.

• 3

  Focus on transferable skills when drafting your resume. While you probably learned a whole host of skills in the Army -- from combat operations to how to rebuild a computer to how to communicate well in various positions --- only include those that apply to the type of job you are seeking. Transferable skills might include computer technology, communication methods, customer service, multitasking and the ability to learn new tasks quickly.

• 4

  List all relevant positions. For example, it may not be as important to list your position as a line cook in basic training while in the Army as it to list that you were a First Technology Officer in your unit. Depending on your position, only list the Army experience that directly applies.

• 5

  Ask a professional resume writer or business professional to look it over. This will give you an idea of anything you may need to add or some feedback on how your Army experience matches up with what a civilian company may be looking for in a potential employee.