Military resumes have gotten complicated with all the translation challenges and ATS systems flying around. As someone who’s reviewed thousands of veteran resumes, I learned everything there is to know about mistakes that get resumes rejected. Today, I will share it all with you.
HR departments spend seconds on initial resume reviews. Certain mistakes trigger immediate rejection. Avoiding these errors keeps you in consideration.
Untranslated Military Jargon
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Civilian hiring managers don’t know what an E-7 does or what a “Section Chief” responsibilities entail. Every acronym, rank, and military-specific term needs translation into civilian equivalents. That’s what makes jargon the biggest resume killer – it creates comprehension barriers that end consideration immediately.
Duty Description Instead of Accomplishments
Listing responsibilities from your job description doesn’t differentiate you. What did you accomplish? What improved because of your actions? Use numbers – team sizes, budget amounts, efficiency improvements, mission completion rates. Accomplishments demonstrate value; duties just fill space.
Wrong Format for Applicant Tracking Systems
Most companies use ATS software that scans resumes before humans see them. Fancy formatting, graphics, and unusual fonts confuse these systems. Clean, simple formatting with standard sections and relevant keywords gets through. Your creative design means nothing if the ATS never forwards your resume to a human.
Military experience is valuable – but only if hiring managers can understand it. Translate your background, quantify your accomplishments, and format for the systems that actually process applications.
Recommended Resources
Retirement Planning Guidebook – $32.95
Navigate important financial decisions for retirement success.
Federal Resume Guidebook – $14.67
The definitive guide to writing winning federal resumes.
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