By Ken Cates, Speaker | Consultant | Veteran
Decoding a military resume shouldn’t feel like cracking a secret code, yet for many employers, it does. Translating military job titles, acronyms, and skills into civilian terms is a challenge – but one that’s well worth tackling. Behind the jargon lies a wealth of untapped talent that can transform your workplace.
As if you couldn’t guess: it’s not just employers struggling to bridge this gap – veterans themselves face significant hurdles in making their experience relatable to civilian employers.
The Veteran’s Dilemma: Lost in Translation
Let’s start with the veteran perspective. A former logistics officer might have overseen multimillion-dollar supply chains in high-pressure environments, but on a civilian resume, that experience is often boiled down to “managed inventory.” A Navy SEAL’s expertise in team leadership, crisis management, and strategic planning might come across as “leads small teams under challenging conditions.” It’s no wonder veterans feel their achievements are undersold.
This disconnect doesn’t just stem from modesty; it’s a matter of language. Veterans are trained to speak in terms of mission success, not corporate ROI. They’ve been conditioned to avoid embellishment and stick to the facts – a habit that doesn’t always translate well to resumes and interviews.
The Employer’s Challenge: Making Sense of the Mission
On the flip side, employers genuinely want to hire veterans but often lack the tools to decipher military experience. Without a clear understanding of what a “Command Sergeant Major” or “Operations Specialist” brings to the table, hiring managers might overlook a candidate’s qualifications entirely.
Let’s be real – jargon causes confusion (yes civilians have their own jargon). Employers’ you use terms like ‘cross-functional collaboration’ on your job postings. These are just as perplexing as ‘Field Artillery Battery First Sergeant’ is to a civilian recruiter.
Meeting in the Middle: Translating Potential into Opportunity
Is the future really here? Bridging this communication gap isn’t impossible. Sometimes we use terms that are clearly unique but have the same meaning.
“A plan that results in long-term commitment or taking on more than initially planned or intended”:
Civilians – “Boil the Ocean”
Veterans – “Mission Creep”
Here are some tips for both sides:
For Veterans:
- Translate Your Experience: Replace military titles with functional descriptions. “Platoon Leader” becomes “Managed and trained a team of 40 personnel in high-stress environments.” (No LT – your position as Platoon Leader is NOT CEO).
- Focus on Skills, Not Ranks: Highlight transferable skills like leadership, logistics, and risk management.
- Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to explain your experience in terms that resonate with civilian employers.
For Employers:
- Simplify Job Descriptions: Avoid vague buzzwords and focus on the core competencies you need. (Trying to sound like a thesaurus or find someone who can do the job?)
- Use Translation Tools: Platforms like Major Talent specialize in bridging the language gap for both veterans and employers, making resumes and job postings mutually comprehensible.
- Ask Better Questions: In interviews, dig deeper to uncover how a veteran’s skills align with your organization’s goals.
Major Talent: Your Partner in Translation
Here’s where Major Talent shines. Think of us as your universal translator. We provide resources and coaching to help veterans articulate their skills effectively while equipping employers to recognize the immense value veterans bring to the table. By connecting the dots, we ensure both sides feel understood and empowered to succeed together.
The Path Forward
The transition from combat to corporate doesn’t have to be daunting—for veterans or employers. It’s about meeting in the middle, learning to speak the same language, and recognizing that what might seem like jargon is actually the key to unlocking unparalleled talent.
With the right tools and mindset, employers can decode military resumes with confidence, and veterans can step into civilian careers with pride. Together, let’s make 2025 the year we bridge the gap and bring veteran talent to the forefront of the workforce.
