My skills and interests are completely different from my MOS. How can I fill in the Army gap on my resume to reflect that?

2016-12-01T02:26:37-05:00

I separated from the Army about 2 years ago as a watercraft engineer. This is completely different from my actual interests and major now in college (computer science). My work history consists of mainly retail outside of the Army. How can I bridge the gap for the past 6 years to rejoin the work force? Any resume tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 1 at 2016 3:14 AM

2016-12-01T03:14:30-05:00

Employers generally will not care if there is a mismatch. I was Infantry as well before I seperated and went to college........my first job was at the very Top of General Motors a floor above the Executive Suite supporting the GM Economics Staff. Recruiter did not care one whit about what what I did in the Army but looked on the military service very favorably (it was EDS and that was the old Ross Perot influence, he was a Annapolis Grad and so was his Wife and EDS preferred military Veterans). So what I did on my resume was put Army as employer, years of service and a few bullet points of accomplishment while I was in the Infantry in the adminstrative area. So for example (going off memory here)....

Active Duty Army May 1984 - March 1987

Rose from PVT to Specialist Four in 15 months with promotional waiver, Worked independently and as a member of a team. Volunteered to take on role of assistant armorer while maintaining my other responsibilities. Worked with 1SG to create new Arms Room Policy for weapons maintenance and turn-in. Assisted with Brigade Arms Room Policy revisements. Earned Army Achievment Medal in performance of duties under difficult conditions while assigned as Gunner in exercise so and so. Honorably Discharged with Good Conduct Medal.

So something along those lines, I probably went a little long with the description but a little blurb under the Army to show that you were not some dud biding their time in the Army, that you actually have some accomplishments there. After you have more relevant job experience pertaining to the job your going for just drop the entire description under the Army and write it this way if you want to include it at all.

Active Duty Army - Honorably Discharged 1991..........something like that because after you have 3 other jobs it is all they care about. Depending on the job, since I have over 15 years experience now and the Army was the very start of my working career I sometimes just drop mentioning it. Federal related jobs I mention it or if I am applying to USAA I mention it, in those two respects it might have a beneficial impact. So that is how I handled it.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 1 at 2016 3:21 AM

2016-12-01T03:21:58-05:00

Also, as I responded on another thread. It's the non-computer science work you did in retail that is probably hurting you more right now than your Army experience.

Response by SPC Kevin Zeigler made Dec 1 at 2016 6:12 AM

2016-12-01T06:12:33-05:00

Never under estimate what you learned while in the Military, it has opened a few doors for me over the years. Yes you were a watercraft engineer, however while in the military what did you learn?... If you answer, you worked on combustion engines, I would slap the snot out of you. No you learned how to work as an individual, as a team member, you learned how to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues, deadlines, priories, self -respect. Pride in your work, your Company, and Country. Meanwhile why not look for work in a marina? Use those skills, even if it is part time. Maybe you were a squad leader,.. use that.

Me, when I have jeans with holes in the knees, some would throw them out,.. Me, I cut off them off and make short pants….
Good luck and never quit!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2016 8:20 AM

2016-12-01T08:20:37-05:00

SPC Andrew Molina Your resume "Objective" should describe your career goal. We all travel different paths to achieve our goals, which is normal and can be explained. I was a Field Radio Operator when I served. I then went to work as an Operator at a chemical plant while I worked on my degree. When I had my degree, I went to work on the Space Shuttle program. The jobs that I had were about diverse as you can get.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 1 at 2016 8:47 AM

2016-12-01T08:47:09-05:00

You need to highlight the things you did in the Army that relate to your chosen computer science field. You didn't serve in the military and not come into contact with computers so focus in on what you did there and show how what you did with computers impacted your unit. Same with your retail jobs, they all rely heavily on employee interaction with computers. As several have stated, employers hiring someone out of college most likely don't need or want a explanation for a gap, simply show your time in the Army along with highlighting several computer science related accomplishments. Employers also understand concept of working at what's available while getting an education, so again point out computer technology accomplishments while in those jobs. Good luck!

Response by PO2 John Forzley made Dec 1 at 2016 10:35 AM

2016-12-01T10:35:30-05:00

You will need to merge your skills from the Army into your future; leadership, dedication, work ethic, etc. These skills are valuable and were instilled in us as veterans. Apply them to your desire to learn Computer Science. Don't sell yourself short on your resume.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 1 at 2016 12:37 PM

2016-12-01T12:37:33-05:00

Some ideas:
Could your current employer use you in an IT job? Easier to work from the inside.
Only apply for entry level jobs appropriate for new grad.
Look for internships in IT.

On resume minimize your military experience and emphasize your recent education. Include objective statement in resume that points to job you're looking for.

Response by Nikki Gordon made Dec 1 at 2016 4:21 PM

2016-12-01T16:21:41-05:00

Many civilian recruiters understand that your experience in the military may not match up directly with your pursuit of a civilian career. They clearly understand the value of hiring someone with a military background. But this doesn’t mean that all know how to read your resume to get what they need to know out of it.

Take a step back and look at your resume as if you are giving it to someone that doesn’t understand anything about the military terminology. It is a safer way to go. For example, if you led a platoon, I would stress how you lead and motivated your team more than the details of where you led them or ammunition you used as a SME (Unless it applies to the job of course).

When perusing a civilian career would be to make sure you highlight the areas in which you have interest and any specialized training that matches the skills needed for the job. This includes experience inside and out of the military. Make sure you include key words that apply to the job you qualify for on your resume, it is how recruiters will search for you. For example, listing off applicable computer applications such as SharePoint or Peoplesoft is just as important as listing management and operations.

I hope this helps and thank you humbly for your service!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2016 6:15 PM

2016-12-02T18:15:51-05:00

Finish college, get IT certifications, use that as a basis for employment. Need high-pay at entry level? Consider a salesforce developer certification.