How to Write a Government & Military Resume Work Experience Section

In most communities, a huge portion of the population works for the government or military on a local, state or federal level. These large-scale industries come with challenges that range from confidentiality control to national protection. When you apply for a government or military job, your resume should reflect the discipline and characteristics that hiring managers look for.

What to Include in a Government & Military Resume Work Experience Section

A government & military resume work experience section should focus on paid positions, but it can also include part-time summer jobs and volunteer work if you can relate the experience to the position you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re up for a construction job, it’s okay to include your job at a superstore if it shows that you function well in teams, are flexible with assignments and get things done in a timely manner.

Determine what you have that employers want and then tailor your resume to that criteria. If you’re transitioning from military to government or public service, leave out obscure military jargon and be sure to translate your training and explain how it is relevant to the position. Above all, highlight your accomplishments rather than simply list your duties, and only include work within the last 20 years.

How to Format a Government & Military Resume Work Experience Section

A government & military resume work experience section should include your employer or branch, the city and state, your job title and the dates (month and year) of employment. Start with your most recent position and work back, making sure to use past tense for jobs you no longer hold. Then, display your achievements and duties as a list of 5-8 bullet points rather than in a paragraph.

Avoid generic language like “responsibilities included,” and start each bullet with a powerful action verb that conveys dedication, persistence and how you respond to pressure. Keep in mind that government managers love statistics, so use quantifiable metrics wherever you can, such as the number of recruits you directed or how quickly you executed strategies.

Example of a Government & Military Resume Work Experience Section

U.S. Research & Development Corp, New Cityland, CA November 2011–Present
Logistics Management Specialist

Member of the Operational Readiness Inspection board.
Appointed by senior military to lead the team that investigated erroneous asset shipments and ensured inventory control.
Spearheaded the implementation of ACC supply Compliance and Standardization Requirements.
Develop and implement safety training for Nuclear Weapons and Related Materials Awareness.
Collaborate with a team of analysts to codify policy adherence and align supply chain management of controlled material with the Logistics Readiness Squadron.
Manage supply logistics, information technology and military procedures to ensure seamless integration of systems between processes and procedures.

United States Army, San Diego, CA January 2009-November 2011
Team Flight Security Leader

Served as advisor to senior security manager.
Reviewed operational orders to ensure safety on all domestic and international missions.
Achieved a 100% mission accomplished rate.
Kept all units manned and maintained morale of flight and security crews.
Cross-trained flight crews on security detail.

Conclusion

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