free resume builder for veterans

VETERAN RESUMES Free Online Resume Builder For Veterans!

Creating a Professional Resume and Cover Letter Has Never Been So Easy. Build a Resume Today.

VETERAN RESUME BUILDER

Benefits of using our veteran resume builder.

Cover Letter Builder

Easily export pdf, multiple resume templates, resume templates.

Each template is expertly designed and follows the exact “resume rules” hiring managers look for.

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Resume Professional

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FREE RESUME BUILDER FOR VETERANS

Unlimited Resumes and Cover Letters. Unlimited PDF Downloads.

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Hire Our Heroes

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Providing veterans the essential tools to succeed in today's workforce

For Veterans

• Get Started
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Online Resume

Google for veterans and families has developed tools, “that can make transitioning easier,” leverage all of them but especially the resume builder.

Build Your Resume

Word Processing Template

If you don’t have or are not interested in creating a Google account, download this resume template, Microsoft Word document to save, print and send to potential employers.

Digital Tools

Hiring Our Heroes offers an innovative suite of digital tools for veterans, service members, military spouses, and employers.

Tools include Career Spark, MilSpouse Roadmap, Resume Engine, Employer Roadmap, and Vet Roadmap.

• Entrepreneurship and self-employment
• Remote work
• Reskilling and upskilling

• Input your military experience
• Get a civilian translation of the skills you gained in the military
• Download your resume & make it searchable to thousands of employers

Get Started With Dan The AI Resume Builder for Veterans!

The only AI resume writer that can produce both FEDERAL & CONVENTIONAL resumes! We trained our AI model on successful resumes that are getting people hired!

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Best military resume, the military resume builder that automates your next step, how does it work.

We took all of the best practices from working in the federal government and the private sector and built an AI assisted program that uses machine learning and natural language processing to generate fully formatted and tailored resumes. The results are absolutely MIND BLOWING!

Meet Dan, The Resume Builder for Veterans!

Check out how easy it is to create a resume with Dan!

Extract any duties, specialized experience and KSA's from the JOA.

Generate a professional summary tailored to the job announcement.

Tailor your work experience sections to the job announcement.

Export your new tailored resume to a PDF and apply for that job!

Give it a try!

What veterans are saying about our ai resume builder, military resume builder results, frequently asked questions.

We made it simple and effective.

• Paste over the information from your current resume or Military evals.
• Click generate new resume
• Hit extract (Your target job announcement URL)
• Hit generate with AI (Professional Summary, +Work Experience)
• Check it over for accuracy.
• Export to PDF

That’s it! It is incredibly easy and quick to generate and tailor resumes with our builder.

Veterans, Active Duty Military & Military Spouses can get started for free!

Just paste over your work history and you can generate 1 free federal and 1 free corporate resume in an award winning format that has been proven to get jobs.

• No paywall when you try to export

Every service member should leave the military with at least one good federal and conventional resume IN HAND. I am very proud to say, this will do that for you.

Its my way of saying thank you for your service, let me help you with your next journey.

To generate an unlimited number of tailored resumes, a subscription costs $30/Month. This cost helps us with other veterans free resumes and the costs for running the servers etc.

Non-veterans are more than welcome to use the app! I only ask that you subscribe for at least a week to help me cover the costs and help other veterans. 

AI capabilities have exploded in the last few years. The Federal Government and companies all use AI (ATS) to screen and track applicants. By using AI to generate and tailor resumes, we can level the playing field and save time. The trick was teaching it to write federal resumes which are very different from conventional resumes. Its also proved to be a very effective tool for translating military experience to civilian resumes.   

Our AI resume writer is very good at translating military experience. Why? Because it was trained exclusively on veteran resumes! Hooyah!!! 

Just paste your evals into the builder and we’ll do the rest! Easy Peezy!

Dan can also create conventional resumes. This is open and available for use but, we are still working on improving his responses. They are pretty good but, we think he can do better!

We are continually improving functionality and would like to push Dan further!

Yes! We went through the process of making it completely mobile friendly!

As you can see, the videos were taken from a mobile phone. We did this intentionally to show how easy it is! 

I personally made it mobile friendly because I remember when I was frantically applying for jobs after leaving the military, I was constantly on my phone applying. 

Put this tool to work and dominate the competition with perfectly tailored resumes in seconds!

Yes! Well….. kind of. 

Our tool is so good, you may have to tone it down.

It was trained to perfectly tailor your resume to match the job announcement. This means that  it may add experience  that you don’t have to match the job announcement.

This is a good and a bad thing.

If you have that experience you’re good to go. If not, it may come out in the interview. 

Read through it once its generated!

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100K Searchable Q&A's in the following areas: DoD Skillbridge | Military Transition | Post Military Careers | COOL Certs | VET TEC Info | Education | 100's of Nationwide Recruiters

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This is nuts i literally spent hundreds of hours working on my federal resume. started over from scratch with this tool and turned out better. total time start to finish - 15 min....., jason oliveira.

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• What to Look For
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Translate Your Military Experience

The first step towards a meaningful career.

TRANSLATE YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE FOR EMPLOYERS, SO THEY CAN TRANSLATE IT INTO SUCCESS.

Help potential employers understand how the skills and experience you’ve gained as a service member make you a great employee. The Personal Branding Resume Engine™ will translate your military record into a strong resume that civilian employers can understand. Once you complete your resume, you can make it viewable by thousands of employers using the Resume Engine to look for qualified job candidates.

SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

FOR MILITARY SPOUSES

Military spouses can visit CareerSpark to showcase their experiences and ignite their careers.

Over 5,000 Participating Employers, including:

Your Ticket to a Successful Civilian Career

Seamlessly transition from military to civilian life with our AI-powered resume builder and military skills translator.

JUST UPLOAD YOUR VMET

And let our ai do the rest, effortless resume creation.

Save time and energy by eliminating the hassle of manually crafting your resume. Simply Upload your VMET transcript and let Milly, our AI assistant, condense it into a tailored resume optimized for civilian jobs.

ATS-FRIENDLY FORMAT

Increase your chances of landing interviews by making your resume ATS-compliant and easily searchable.

KEYWORD OPTIMIZATION

Demonstrate your proficiency in the skills and experience sought by civilian employers. Leverage Milly's expertise to optimize your resume with keywords relevant to the specific job you're targeting.

Launch Your Civilian Career

Don't let your military experience go unnoticed in the civilian job market. Join SkillMil's community of job seekers who have used our AI-powered resume writing services to achieve their career goals. Your next adventure awaits, and SkillMil is here to help you seize it.

Ready to take the next step? Click the button below to get started on your journey to a fulfilling civilian career!

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Noel gonzalez.

Former Nuclear Submarine Captain, US Navy

"From service to success: SkillMil charts a course for veterans in the civilian job market."

After 29 years of distinguished service, I founded SkillMil with an unwavering commitment to empower my fellow servicemen and women. Recognizing the challenges faced by veterans transitioning into civilian roles, and drawing upon my own experiences, I envisioned a platform that would bridge the gap between military expertise and civilian opportunities. SkillMil is now a beacon of hope for veterans seeking seamless career transitions. We are dedicated to offering unique employment assistance and transforming the narrative for veterans entering the civilian workforce.

SKILLMILL HAS HELPED 12,000+ VETERANS FIND A JOB

A Seamless Transition: Logistics Success

SkillMil has been a game-changer for my career transition. Milly, the AI assistant, worked wonders condensing my military background into a resume that truly reflects my skills. The expert review added the final touch, and I landed my dream logistics role within weeks. SkillMil's personalized approach made all the difference!

John A. Logistics Specialist, US Army

Finding Civilian Jobs: Aviation Triumph

As an aviation technician, translating my military experience for civilian jobs seemed overwhelming. SkillMil not only simplified the process but exceeded my expectations. Milly's resume optimization showcased my skills perfectly, and I received my first job offer in record time. Thank you, SkillMil, for making my transition seamless!

Samantha R. Aviation Technician, U.S. Air Force

Cybersecurity: From Navy to the Private Sector

SkillMil understands the unique challenges veterans face. The AI analysis and keyword optimization by Milly were spot-on, creating a resume that grabbed the attention of employers. The result? I'm now employed in a cybersecurity role that aligns perfectly with my military expertise. SkillMil is a veteran's secret weapon for career success!

David H. Cybersecurity Specialist, U.S. Navy

Need help getting started?

No worries, we got you covered!  We've put together Demo Mode with a step-by-step tutorial that will guide you through the process.

Military to Civilian Resume Example for Veterans [Updated 2024]

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to that of a civilian is far from easy.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

Coincidentally, one of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.

To help solve that problem, though, we wrote this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

In case you’re looking to brush up on the resume basics, watch the video below.

If you’re ready to get started, though, let’s start by reviewing a well-written military to civilian resume example.

Military to Civilian Resume Example (for Veterans)

Compelling, right? Here’s what the above military to civilian resume example does right: 

• Follows a functional resume format. The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and strengths rather than work experience. It helps convey how your military experience is going to help you perform well in the civilian role you’re applying for.
• Lists the contact information the right way. It includes the applicant’s full name, email, location, phone number, and even a LinkedIn URL while skipping out on a photo.
• Captures the hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary. The summary on top of the military to civilian resume example offers a brief snapshot of the candidate’s career, instantly showing the recruiter their value.
• Focuses on transferable skills instead of work experience. Instead of mentioning military buzzwords that civilians wouldn’t understand in the first place, the resume example instead focuses on how the candidate's experiences helped them develop valuable skills.
• Mentions achievements when possible. Achievements help convince the recruiter that they’re not just any candidate - you’re an overachiever who plays to win.
• Uses bullet points to make the resume easier to skim. The recruiter doesn’t have all day - they have hundreds of other resumes to review just for a single role. Making the resume easy to skim makes it more likely to be read.
• Includes educational history (in brief). The military to civilian resume example describes the candidate’s educational background, which includes taking a leadership course and basic training.
• Makes use of the optional sections. The achievements and interests sections help shed light on the candidate’s personality outside of work, as well.

Now, let’s talk about how YOU can make your resume as impressive as the example above.

How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Easy Steps)

In this section, we’re going to walk you through the 8 steps to creating a powerful military veteran resume, starting with:

#1. Pick a Functional Resume Format

These are the 3 most popular resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological . This format focuses on your work history over education or skills.
• Functional . It focuses less on your work background and more on your skills and how they make you a qualified candidate.
• Combination . This format is a mix of the other two formats. It puts equal emphasis on skills and experiences. 

As a military veteran, you’re better off with a functional format .

As you can see above, the resume example focuses more on key strengths instead of just listing out work experiences.

This improves your odds of landing a civilian job for one important reason: 

Most recruiters aren’t really familiar with military lingo.

Your experiences in the military might be super compelling, but chances are, most recruiters won’t understand how these experiences make you a good candidate for the role.

By framing your experiences around your skills, on the other hand, your resume becomes more understandable for a civilian.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you also need to sort out your resume style, layout, font, and more. Here’s what this includes:

• Don’t go over one page . Your resume should be concise and to the point. More often than not, if you’re going over one page, you’re probably including information that isn’t relevant for the role.
• Pick the right font and font size . In terms of size, go for 11-12 pt for body text. For the font, pick something like Ubuntu, Times New Roman, etc. That way your resume will look professional AND stand out at the same time. 
• Use the military-to-civilian resume template . Want to skip the hassle of formatting a resume? Hit the link and pick from one of our free templates! Our templates are easy to use AND look much more compelling than the conventional black-and-white ones.

#2. Include Contact Information

Now that we’ve got the formatting hassle out of the way, let’s talk about resume content.

The first thing in your veteran resume is the contact information section.

Here, you need to include:

• Descriptive title. This should include your title in the military, as well as the title you’re applying for. Something like “Security Officer Seeking a Role as Customer Support Specialist.”
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. Think, [name][lastname]@gmail.com
• Location. City and state are good enough, you don’t need to include an address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can include a URL in the contact information section.

And finally, make sure NOT to include a photo in your military to civilian resume. In the US, employers prefer that you don’t include a picture to avoid unconscious bias during the hiring process.

Here’s what your resume contact information section should look like at the end:

Security & Customer Service Professional

[email protected]

416-821-9879

Seattle, US

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

#3. Capture the Hiring Manager’s Attention with a Military Veteran Resume Summary

When reading your resume for the first time, the recruiter will spend roughly 7 seconds skimming it to make sure that you’re qualified for the role.

If the resume catches their attention, they’ll give it a more in-depth look.

If it doesn’t, they’ll simply move on to the next one.

This is where a compelling resume summary can come in handy.

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence “summary” of your past work experience. It helps the recruiter understand your skill-set and whether you’re relevant for the role in a single glance.

Here’s what a convincing military to civilian resume summary looks like:

Dedicated professional with over 9 years of outstanding performance and results in the U.S. Military. Earned three promotions and excelled as a leader. Seeking to apply the skills I gained in the military as a Customer Support Specialist at Company X.

When writing your resume summary, make sure to include the following information:

• Your title in the military and the role you’re applying for.
• Years of experience.
• Top achievements and experiences.

#4. Summarize Your Experiences with a Key Strengths Section

This one’s arguably the most important part of your military to civilian resume.

At the end of the day, the main deciding factor in whether you get invited for an interview or not is if your resume manages to convince the recruiter that you’re capable of doing the job…

And that’s where the key strengths section comes in handy.

To create yours, start by listing out your top strengths as section headers. Then, underneath each header, list your achievements and responsibilities that prove you actually have the relevant skill.

Here’s what this looks like on a resume:

Customer Service

• Promoted within a short period by demonstrating an over-achieving dedication that maximized results for the entire team. 
• Proved internal customer service by relating to all personnel in a professional manner that facilitated the development of a diversified group. 
• Enhanced soldiers’ individual and professional growth, developing them into independent decision-makers.
• Accounted for the safety of equipment valued at over $1.3 million. 
• Secure the personal safety, training, and performance of fifteen U.S. Army soldiers.

Operations and Administration

• Organized schedules for over 45 soldiers. 
• Implemented new routes, resulting in savings in gas time and reduced work time. 
• Prevented over 10 cancellations and negotiated over 20 contract renewals with the local government.

Applying for a Military or Private Security Role? Do This

Now, in case you’re applying for a role that’s somewhat related to your experience in the military (e.g. in private security), then you can simply create a conventional Work Experience section instead of Key Strengths .

If that’s your case, here’s how you should format the section:

• Create a section header called “ Work Experience .”
• Start by listing your most recent role and go backward in time from there.
• For each entry, include your title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 top achievements.
• For older positions, you can include fewer achievements and responsibilities.

Now, if you want your work experiences to stand out from the rest of the candidates, we recommend you to include achievements over responsibilities.

• Achieved a 99.5% average delivery rate on all assignments, resulting in no losses of materials or assets.
• Conducted deliveries of materials and assets.

The first example shows just how the candidate stands out from other applicants. The 2nd, on the other hand, does not.

#5. Mention Your Education (the Right Way)

On to the next section!

The next step to creating a convincing military to civilian resume is mentioning your educational background .

This is where you mention your higher educational degrees, as well as training (e.g. boot camps) and any personal development courses you’ve taken.

First things first, here’s how you’d go about the formatting part:

• Create a header called “Education”
• Add your latest degree right on top. Then, include older degrees underneath.
• If you have a B.A. or an M.A., you can skip your high school degree altogether.
• You can skip mentioning a GPA. These days, no one cares about your grades.

Here’s how the end result would look like:

B.A. in Communications Boston University 08/2016 - 05/2020

Now, if you don’t have the relevant experience needed for the role you’re applying for, you can use your education section to show off your knowledge or skills.

You can do this by including:

• Any honors you might have earned.
• Exact courses you’ve attended.
• Any other way you’ve excelled during your education.

#6. Include In-Demand Skills (For the Industry You’re Applying for)

Another must-have of a military to civilian resume is the skills section.

This is where you list out all of your hard and soft skills and (optionally) grade them by knowledge level.

The key here, though, is not to simply list out random skills like:

• Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Word

Rather, you want to include the skills relevant to the role . 

E.g. applying for a role in accounting? You should probably mention payroll tax accounting, cost reduction strategies, budgeting and forecasting , and so on.

You wouldn’t want to mention your Adobe Illustrator skills, for example (even if you’re an expert at it).

So, how can you know which skills are essential to your resume, and which ones aren’t?

The best way to understand this is to read the job ad you’re applying for. More often than not, they include an exact list of skills required for the role, and all you have to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you possess the said skills, of course).

#7. Take Advantage of the Optional Resume Sections

If you still have some space on your military veteran resume, you can take advantage of some optional resume sections.

While these sections won’t land you the job on their own, they can definitely help you stand out from other applicants seeking the same role.

Some optional sections you can include are:

• Projects. Any type of personal project you’ve worked on. This can be a local business you started, a side-gig, freelance work, and so on.
• Certifications. Any type of certification you might possess. If you don’t have the experience for the role you’re applying for, certifications can help show the recruiter that what you do have is the right skill-set.
• Volunteering Experience. If you’ve volunteered in the past, you should definitely include it in your resume. Employers love candidates who love to help others (even if there’s no monetary incentive for it).
• Hobbies & Interests. Including hobbies or interests in your resume helps the recruiter see more of your personal side. While your hobbies won’t land you the job, they might help you build rapport with the interviewer.

#8. Make Sure Your Military to Civilian Cover Letter is as Impressive as Your Resume.

At this point, your military veteran resume should be quite compelling…

But you’re not done just yet!

To have both a complete and compelling job application, you need to pair your resume with a cover letter that’s just as good.

Here are our top tips on how to write a quality cover letter :

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. Sure, you could go with the default “Dear Sir or Madam,” but mentioning the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve done your research and really care about working at the company.
• In your introduction, mention the most important parts of your background. E.g. years of experience, key achievements, top skills, and why you’re applying for the job in question.
• In the body section of your cover letter, expand on whatever you mentioned in the introduction. This is where you can also explain how the experiences mentioned in your resume make you a good candidate for the role.
• Conclude the cover letter with a call to action . E.g. “Looking forward to hearing more from you!” or “I’d love to discuss how I can help Company X as a Support Specialist over a call or an interview.”

Want to learn more? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Essential Job-Search Resources for Veterans

There are a lot of free job-search resources for veterans on the internet - everything from dedicated job boards to free tools, programs, and more.

Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the very best resources:

Veteran Job-Search Resources

• Job board that helps you find federal organizations that prioritize hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Lots of quality resources to help you transition into civilian life.
• If you’re not sure what kind of career you want to focus on, you can use this website to discover different occupations and learn what they’re about.
• Website for finding veteran job fairs in your area.
• Free career consulting and job search help for veterans.
• American Corporate Partners matches you with a free, year-long mentor to help you build your career.
• For group discussions for veterans on resumes and gaining employment after service. (Veterans only/ screened and weeded out by questions and profile)
• For discussing Skill Bridge opportunities and military transitions. Skill bridge is a military program for giving veterans an opportunity to learn and work at civilian companies for 6 months before leaving the military.
• LinkedIn offers its Premium program to veterans for free for a year. You can use the platform to learn new skills, kick-start your career, as well as find and apply for jobs.
• A website dedicated to helping veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle. You can use it to find jobs, discover career events, attend job fairs, and more.
• Job board for US federal jobs. While it’s not specifically made for veterans, the US government prioritizes hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Job board for veteran-friendly roles and companies.
• Job board for roles in the private security industry.
• Another veteran-only job board.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all you need to know to create a strong military veteran resume!

Before you go, though, let’s do a quick recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• For a military to civilian resume, use a functional resume format to show off your skills instead of work history.
• Use a “Key Strengths” section to explain how your military experience distills into valuable skills for a civilian role.
• Don’t include every skill under the sun on your resume. Instead, pick the ones relevant for the role you’re applying for.
• Take advantage of the optional resume sections to show the recruiter that you’re an individual and not just a resume.
• Finally, make sure that your cover letter is just as impressive as your resume by following the tips we mentioned above.

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How a veteran can get a professional résumé for free.

For direct online access to VA benefits and resources, create an account  here .

For veterans seeking employment, or a recently separated service member who is trying to transition to civilian life, the VA provides various resources to help.

One of these many resources is a Résumé Builder, sponsored by The Veterans Employment Center (VEC). This is an online tool that helps veterans enter in their information and employment history, which is then automatically formatted into a professional résumé.

How it works?

– To start, click here to be brought to the Résumé Builder.

– In the form fields, you can input your information manually or click “Auto-Fill from LinkedIn” to have information populated automatically.

– Some of the sections provided include civilian skills, education and training, military service, work experience, and awards or affiliations.

– If there are any sections you do not wish to include, you can simply click “Remove Section” below, and it will not appear on your completed résumé.

– Once all the information is completed, you can preview the finished product, and then download it as a Microsoft Word document. From there, you can do any extra formatting edits that you see fit.

Using this tool, veterans can get an updated and professional résumé in minutes .

For more employment assistance, the VA also offers a Skills Translator , which takes your military experience and translates it to its equivalent in the civilian workforce.

Free Resume Guide for Veterans

Switching careers takes courage. And veterans know a thing or two about courage. But when military personnel finish serving their country and look to re-enter civilian life, they need more than just strong nerves to make the transition to a new career. Finding a job demands practical strategies. According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

One of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.     Learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

Read on for your free resume guide, complete with sample resumes at https://novoresume.com/career-blog/military-veterans-resume .

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A Veteran’s Resume and Job Hunting Guide

Challenges Faced by Veterans Looking for a Civilian Job

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The transition from military to civilian life is harder than most people think. Veterans are expected to make a big change in their environment, responsibility, and social atmosphere. Adding a job hunt on top can be a lot to handle. We’ll cover all the essential information on finding a new job as a veteran.

Learn many of the difficulties veterans face in their job transition, the best industries for them, how to find the right job, and how to prepare for the application process. First, let’s identify the common challenges veterans face as they journey from military service to civilian work.

• Degree deficiencies. To advance their career, most veterans will need a degree related to their industry. It’s not impossible to land a high-salaried job without a relevant degree, but this is uncommon and usually requires much professional experience. Veterans can take advantage of benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill — eligible veterans receive up to 36 months of free or discounted college tuition, fees, housing, books, and supplies. Tuition assistance is available for active duty members of the military as well.
• Undervalued soft skills. The military is the ultimate team-building exercise. Veterans know what it’s like to be part of a team and work within that dynamic toward a goal. They are taught to uphold diligence, loyalty, and integrity. What a veteran may lack in corporate training, they make up for in adaptability. But many companies don’t really take these soft skills into account when making hiring decisions.
• Employer bias. Hiring managers with negative beliefs about veterans are another obstacle. They may believe veterans struggle within corporate U.S. because they lack experience in a professional office or business environment. Employers may assume a veteran will have PTSD or trouble adapting to civilian life.

Also, the rigid formality cultivated within the highly disciplined military may not translate well during an interview and could be interpreted as cold. These harmful stereotypes can cause frustration for veterans looking for work.

• Chronic underemployment. Although the overall veteran unemployment rate is lower than that of nonveterans, underemployment is an issue . A recent Endowment report revealed nearly one-third of veterans looking for jobs are underemployed. Veterans are more likely to be employed but are commonly overqualified for their positions.

They’re working jobs that don’t fully utilize their skills or pay them well for their experience. The report also suggests veterans may be more likely to take the first job available when they initially leave military service, contributing to a greater likelihood of underemployment.

• Poor translation of skills. Abilities learned in the military are valuable resources you bring to the corporate world. The challenge is converting years of military experience into language a civilian can understand.

For example, if a former command sergeant major notes on their resume that they were responsible for $36 million worth of equipment and 4,000 service members to demonstrate their leadership abilities, hiring managers might not see how numbers that broad relate to a smaller-scale job. Your resume should explain exactly how your military experience prepared you for whatever job you’re applying to.

Veterans can thrive in any field, but the job hunt can be made easier by focusing on certain industries. For example, careers within the aerospace and defense industry require skills that many veterans already possess. Government service positions specifically seek out veteran applicants for their military experience. Private companies are interested in hiring veterans to take advantage of tax breaks and salary subsidies, making them a desirable demographic to hire. Let’s take a closer look at the four of the best industries for veterans.

Aerospace and defense

Many companies operate within the aerospace and defense sector, providing products and services to both the government and the private sector. The major production focus is on military and security equipment in aircraft, weaponry, satellites, and vehicles. Due to this close military association, these companies make a considerable effort to hire and support veterans through jobs and even charitable donations.

Veterans have often already obtained the security clearances needed to work within this industry, making them more desirable and convenient to hire. For example, Raytheon Technologies participates in the DoD SkillBridge program and has a dedicated veteran hiring team to support veterans transitioning to civilian jobs. Nearly 12% of the company’s workforce are veterans. Examples of job titles within the aerospace and defense fields include:

• Engineering
• Maintenance Technician
• Mechanical Engineer
• Test Engineer

Government services

Veterans who would like to continue serving their country may find a job within government services fulfilling. Government jobs also tend to provide good benefits, such as generous vacation and sick leave policies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , over 22% of government jobs were occupied by veterans. Open positions within the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs may be especially desirable.

The federal government’s Veteran’s Preference policy can give you an advantage over other applicants. It applies to all competitive service positions as well as many excepted service positions. Eligibility for the different preference levels is determined by factors such as your dates of service, discharge type, medals awarded, and whether you have a service-connected disability. If you go into a government services career, here are some common job titles:

• Engineering Internship
• Health Care Representative
• Project Manager

Information technology

Many military service members are trained to operate within the complex world of communications, making them great candidates for information technology (IT) jobs. IT work within corporate U.S. looks like data analysis, maintaining computer systems, software engineering, and building programs. Increasing technology use in both government and corporate occupations makes work in this industry fast-growing , a great indicator of opportunity.

Veterans who pursue a career in IT will find high-paying positions that are constantly in demand. Here are some examples of the types of positions available within the IT industry:

• Computer Scientist
• Data Science
• Professional Systems Engineer
• Software Engineer
• User Interface Developer

Health care

Veterans who held medical roles within the military during their service would be great candidates for work within the health care field. However, many occupations within admin and management are available for those without direct patient experience. The military teaches its members to be strategic and work well under pressure, both essential skills for the health care industry.

This is another workforce expected to grow substantially within the next 10 years, making it a good choice for veterans who want a career that will be in demand. The health care industry is full of a diverse range of career paths, but here are some common job titles:

• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Health Care Management
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Doctor
• Patient Care Technician

Many civilian career opportunities are available for veterans, so the most challenging part may be choosing which industry suits you. The first step in evaluating your potential career path is to take inventory of the skills you already have. This reaches all the way back to your teenage years with your first jobs, throughout your military career, and extends into the future with endless learning opportunities. Take advantage of what you already know and consider what you’d like to learn more about.

Translating military-acquired skills to civilian careers

You have undoubtedly learned many valuable skills in the military, such as team leadership, self-sufficiency, mechanical maintenance, and technology regulation. These skills can easily be carried over into the corporate world. If you’re unsure of how your experience can translate, start by listing out all of your military experience and accomplishments first without trying to change anything. If you can’t remember all that your military position(s) required, use the O*NET Military Crosswalk Search to get a complete list of roles and responsibilities specific to your classification(s).

Then, review your list and determine how those skills could translate into civilian work. Also, My Next Move for Veterans has a tool you can use to find civilian careers similar to your previous military occupation. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation’s translator tool is another excellent resource that shows you how your military experience can be maximized.

Additional skills

Think about the experience you’ve had outside the military as well. Skills you’ve gained through volunteer work, past jobs, higher education, and vocational training are valuable. These environments provided room for capacity building, learning, taking on responsibility, and achieving accomplishments. Then, consider what you did or didn’t like about any of your nonmilitary experiences. Identifying what kind of job you’d like to avoid can often help you determine the direction you should be going in.

Consider acquiring new skills

Veterans and nonveterans alike may need more training to get the job they want. The traditional route of a college or university is always an option, but there is an increasing amount of easily accessible educational resources both online and in-person. Vocational schools, technical skill bootcamps, affordable online courses, apprenticeships , and internships are ways to gain new skills quickly and efficiently.

How to find job openings

Once you have a good idea of your desired industry or position, start looking for job openings. One simple way to begin your search is to check in with your network of friends, family, and former colleagues. Many opportunities can be found among those who are already familiar with you and your abilities. Mentorships may also open doors for your career (organizations such as Veterati and American Corporate Partners can help connect you with a mentor).

Another option is to pursue a more entrepreneurial path in small business by considering your skills, interests, and hobbies and how you could transform them into your own business (the Small Business Association offers many resources for veterans wanting to start their own business). However, if you would rather start out working for a company, the traditional job board is the best place to look. Our list below is a collection of online locations best suited for a veteran jobseeker.

• ClearanceJobs : As of this writing, over 2,000 pre-screened hiring companies are recruiting security-cleared professionals on ClearanceJobs. After you sign up and verify your security clearance, you can establish direct connections with recruiters and build relationships with employers in the defense and intelligence industries. You can set up alerts for when relevant job offers are published as well.
• HireMilitary : There are over 130 organizations that use this platform to hire veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members. HireMilitary is also an authorized DoD SkillBridge provider — this program offers industry training, apprenticeships, and internships to active duty members of the military during their last 180 days of service.
• Hire Veterans : Led by former active-duty Air Force officer Brian Reese, Hire Veterans is a company dedicated to serving veterans, retirees, guardsmen, reservists, and spouses. Hire Veterans has allied with military agencies and veterans organizations to provide recruiting opportunities to veterans looking for work. Job seekers can sign up to become a member of Hire Veterans and apply for new positions found on the job board. The website also has a Help Desk feature full of resources for veterans and employers.
• Indeed : This is a sizable general job board that offers a few unique features for veterans. Jobseekers can search for “military veteran only” jobs and be presented with thousands of positions for applicants with military experience. Indeed also has a decent collection of resources for former military members looking for career transition information.
• LinkedIn : As one of the largest online professional networks, LinkedIn is a great place for veterans to expand their career opportunities. The company has a global mission to connect professionals worldwide and even provides a special offering just for veterans. Eligible current and former U.S. military service members and their spouses are granted a full year of access to LinkedIn Premium for free . Members can connect with hiring managers faster, see who has viewed their profile, and take advantage of over 15,000 expert-led courses.
• Military.com — Veteran Jobs : Since 1999, Military.com has served veterans and their families by providing the latest defense news, veterans’ benefits information, and employment support. The company’s partnership with Monster.com has only expanded the employment opportunities available to veterans through Military.com. Unique tools like the Military Skills Translator and the Transition Master Classes are standout features. Veterans can become free members of Military.com simply by registering for a free account.
• RecruitMilitary : This team empowers the military community by connecting employers and military job seekers. Over 2 million veterans, transitioning military, and military spouses have utilized the tools. Veterans can create an account to track their job hunting progress, apply for positions on the job board, and work with professional recruiters. The company also hosts job fairs and provides a collection of publications: Search and Employ Magazine, VetNet Newsletter, and Veteran Hiring Insights Newsletter.
• ZipRecruiter : With beginnings in helping small businesses find talent, ZipRecruiter is now one of the largest online employment marketplaces. It has some unique features that assist veterans. The website’s Get Recruited tool uses AI technology to present your resume and profile to employers wanting someone with your set of skills and experience. ZipRecruiter also allows applicants to identify as a veterans, matching them up easily with employers actively looking to hire them.

Basic job search documents you’ll need

The biggest hurdle to jump as you write your military-to-civilian resume and cover letter is demilitarizing your language. This isn’t about dumbing down the large responsibilities you held while in active service but bringing out the most relevant aspects of your experience in a way that a nonveteran could understand. Avoid using military abbreviations, ranks, titles, and classifications. For example:

• Use “ team leader” instead of “ squad leader”
• Use “ employees” instead of “subordinates”
• Use “ objective” instead of “mission”
• Use “ data collection” instead of “reconnaissance”

Once you feel comfortable translating your skills and experience into civilian-friendly terms, the rest of the process is the same as it would be for a nonveteran. Just stick with the information most relevant to the position you’re applying for and use an industry-appropriate template. Follow this simple list to keep your resume and cover letter organized and concise:

• Provide a professional summary: At the top of your resume, describe who you are, what you’re capable of, and your work experience within one to three sentences. This bite-sized version of your resume gives the hiring manager the essentials of your abilities and career goals. Expand on this within the introductory paragraph of your cover letter.
• Speak to the employer’s needs: Keep your documents focused on what the employer seeks. Study the job listing thoroughly and include keywords from the job description that are relevant to your experience. Your resume and cover letter are about you, but they should be presented in a way that fulfills what the company is looking for.
• List your experience in civilian terms: Demilitarize your language as much as you can to communicate effectively with someone who may know absolutely nothing about military classifications. Expand on how your experience qualifies you for the role in your cover letter.
• Include your educational background: Employers want to know about your education, so provide a list of any formal training from highest degree to lowest on your resume. Internships and externships also count here. Your education should also be mentioned in your cover letter as a qualifying factor if applicable.
• Highlight any relevant skills: Itemize your list of skills and be sure they are written in a civilian-friendly way. You may not need to include all of the skills you possess, so keep this list relevant to the job you’re applying for. Go into detail in your cover letter on how you used your skills to accomplish goals and make an impact within your previous military and nonmilitary roles.
• Get a proofread: Have another person take a look at your documents. Consider having someone who has no knowledge of military lingo proofread them. Can they understand what your experience and skills entail? Consider rethinking the way you convey these in your resume and cover letter if they are not being conveyed well.
• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Shaun D. Wilson (959) 000-1111 [email protected] 4369 Briar Cove Dr., West Hartford, CT 06105

A security guard with five years of military experience in the National Guard, specializing in conflict resolution and crisis management. A proven track record of managing security for high-risk personnel.

Professional Experience

Security Guard, United States National Guard, West Hartford, CT June 2020 – present

• Manage security operations for VIPs and special military events, prepare accident and incident reports, and identify potential security threats to high-risk personnel
• Lead a tactical unit of five military police officers for surveillance operations, provide training, assign responsibilities, and ensure compliance with military security protocols
• Provide support for civil and criminal investigations

Security Guard, Connecticut Army National Guard, Groton, CT June 2017 – June 2020

• Wrote and submitted daily reports of security incidents and suspicious activities
• Patrolled site premises to maintain security and deter unlawful activities
• Monitored surveillance systems to prevent the entrance of unauthorized personnel
• Conflict resolution
• Firearm handling and safety
• Non-lethal restraint techniques (baton and OC)
• Team leadership
• Traffic and crowd control

Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT September 2016 – June 2020

Basic Training Connecticut Army National Guard, Groton, CT, September 2017 – November 2017

Certifications

• First Aid/CPR Certification, LifeForceUSA, Inc., 2017

Mitchell Strong (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 789 Third Street, Augusta, GA 12345

A network security analyst with over eight years of experience identifying threats and finding workable solutions. A proven track record of mitigating cybersecurity threats and providing technical support to military personnel and civilians.

Platoon Leader, Signal Officer Field 25 Signal Corps, Fort Gordon, Georgia November 2016 – present

• Triage phones, password resets, and VPN and internet connectivity, identify cybersecurity threats, and oversee access management to ensure data integrity
• Configure, install, and maintain edge routers, firewalls, laptops, and LAN switches
• Manage a team of 25 civilian and military employees and coordinate the delivery of tactical and technical support to subordinates and superior officers

Information Technology Specialist, Various Locations September 2012 – October 2016

• Installed, operated, and maintained computer systems and local area networks
• Troubleshot computer systems and hardware to support military operations, which included debugging and testing new software
• Provided technical support to military personnel for a wide range of IT-related issues

Master of Science in Computer Networking New York University, New York, NY September 2010 – July 2012

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, AL September 2006 – June 2010

• Cybersecurity
• LAN and WAN
• Network administration
• System administration
• CCNA Security 2015
• CompTIA Security+, 2011
• Microsoft Technology Associate, 2010

Jessica Taylor (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 456 Main Street, Duval, FL 12345

A performance-driven leader with over 15 years of experience in staff supervision, aircraft maintenance, aircraft quality assurance (QA), and administration. An experienced instructor who motivates staff and enhances the overall efficiency and performance of the team. Track record of excellent service in the U.S. Navy as demonstrated by commendations, medals, and awards.

Quality Assurance Supervisor, United States Navy, NS Mayport Navy Base, Duval, FL September 2014 to present

• Manage team of 16 QA representatives performing program audits, including the training and deployment of combat-ready detachments
• Monitor 16 work detachments/centers supporting helicopters
• Oversee intense operational speed resulting in the execution of 7,800 mishap-free flight hours and a 98% sortie completion rate

Maintenance Control Supervisor, United States Navy, Chinhae Base, South Korea October 2009 to August 2014

• Maintained 237 aircraft and ensured the aircraft were combat-ready at all times
• Managed and supported 317 enlisted personnel who performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on all aircraft
• Trained and supervised 15 enlisted personnel in the maintaining of logs and records for five uniquely configured styles of aircraft

Bachelor of Science in Aviation Engineering University of Florida, Gainesville, FL September 2001 – July 2004

• Aircraft repair
• Aviation engineering
• Preventative maintenance
• Team management

John Johnson Police Officer | j.johnsonemail.com | (123) 456-7890 | 444 Fourth St., Joplin, MO 22222

January 1, 2024

Seth Smith Human Resources Specialist Columbia Police Department (111) 222-2222 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Smith,

As a former U.S. Army sergeant and current officer with the Joplin Police Department, I have extensive experience calming people in difficult situations and taking appropriate action. If your department is looking for a mix of measured analysis and decisive action, I fit the bill.

Moreover, I would embrace the chance to join an organization with a storied history like the Columbia Police Department. My record of success shows I am ready to help continue your department’s record of excellence:

• My two years of service with the Joplin Police Department include zero disciplinary infractions and several commendations.
• I have responded to and helped resolve over 30 domestic violence calls.
• Among my military awards are an Army Achievement Medal and a Silver Star, and I received a Distinguished Service Award for my work as a police officer.

I eagerly anticipate the chance to tell you more about my background and what I can do for your department going forward. Another topic I’d love to discuss is the community outreach program I set up for Joplin’s police department. I am glad to talk at a convenient time for you.

Kind regards,

John Johnson

Robert Ronaldson Cybersecurity Specialist | [email protected] | (123) 111-2222 | 111 Binary Rd., Wichita, KS 22222

Amy Amherst Hiring Specialist SKS Solutions (100) 100-10000 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Amherst,

Though my time in the U.S. Air Force is five years behind me, the traits I picked up there — including diligence and respect — have served me well in the private sector, as has my array of computer skills. I hope to bring my attention to detail and technical abilities to work at SKS Solutions as your new cybersecurity specialist.

Your organization’s stated mission to go above and beyond for every client is a noble and accomplishable one, especially with employees with backgrounds like mine in the fold. These military and private-sector highlights show the type of employee SKS Solutions would be getting:

• At my current organization, I have helped maintain 99.9% server uptime.
• Before leaving the armed services, I received an Air Force Commendation Medal for my work in cybersecurity.
• Since leaving, I have continued to expand my skills, including through my Information Security Manager and NIST Cybersecurity Framework certifications.

I look forward to discussing my potential fit at SKS Solutions in more detail, and I am available as your schedule allows. Given the opportunity, I’d love to tell you about the time I stopped a huge security breach.

Robert Ronaldson

Jessica Jefferson Lead Operations Research Analyst | [email protected] | (100) 100-1000 | 1000 Address St., Tacoma, WA 10000

Rachel Reynolds Hiring Associate Frederick Consultants (111) 111-0000 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Reynolds,

I am now closing in on 20 years of total experience, and thanks to my analytical skills, clear communication, and leadership ability, I have enjoyed success in both the U.S. Navy and the private sector. I’d like to continue those successes and help Frederick Consultants thrive as your new lead operations research analyst.

I am impressed with both the government and corporate clients your organization has worked with. Well-positioned to help keep those clients happy, I’d also impress new ones as they come into the fold. Here are some of my past achievements:

• In the Navy, I rose from the rank of Seaman Recruit to Intelligence Specialist Senior Chief.
• At my current organization, I have achieved approximately $350,000 in annual cost savings by identifying and ameliorating vendor and supply-chain inefficiencies.
• I have continually expanded my skills, most recently obtaining an Advanced Certificate in Operations Research from the Management Professionals of America.

I look forward to discussing what Trinity Consultants needs from me in more detail. Also, I am eager to share how my pattern recognition skills predicted a major business shift in 2018. My schedule can accommodate yours, so please let me know a convenient time.

Best wishes,

Jessica Jefferson

If you are a veteran who has recently completed active duty, it may have been some time since you last interviewed. We will catch you up on the basics. Approach your interview with the same attitude you used to write your resume and cover letter. Determine how to communicate your unique military experience in a way that is easy to understand. Keep these things in mind:

• Do your research. Collect all the information you need on when, where, and with whom your interview will be conducted. Research the company so you can speak to why you want to work for them. Learn the company mission statement and find a way to relate to it during your interview.
• Practice answering questions. Mock questions are a great way to get your mind ready for questioning. Think about how you could answer questions such as: “Describe your process of handling an unexpected situation on the job. Have you ever personally led a team of people? Why do you want this job?“
• Prepare your own questions. It’s always a good idea to come to your interview with questions for the hiring manager. After collecting data, you should have some good questions. Ask your potential employer things such as: “Can you describe what a typical day looks like in this position? What does success look like six months from now? What metrics do you use to determine employee performance?”
• Have a post-interview plan. After an interview, follow up with the hiring manager by sending a thank you note within 48 hours. Using email rather than a physical message ensures the manager will actually receive it. You can also plan a follow-up call or email to keep in contact and stay on their radar — just don’t go overboard, as pestering the hiring manager with too much communication may ruin your chances of getting the job.

Reservists and National Guard members can keep up their military training and serve while working a regular job. Due to being affiliated with a military reserve unit, employers may hesitate to hire you. They may worry you could be gone without a warning one day. Outweigh any negative aspects of being a reservist with all the positives. Use your veteran status to your advantage and highlight the benefits of hiring a reservist: good work ethic, self-discipline, advanced military skills, leadership, and employer tax breaks.

Employers who don’t like the regular training required of reservists may avoid hiring them or come up with creative ways to let them go, but there are rights afforded to reservists and National Guard members that employers must follow. Having a more flexible job may be the best way to avoid scheduling issues and job security concerns.

Consider becoming a freelance independent contractor and performing jobs that allow you to stay home and work remotely or for yourself. It’s also worth noting the federal government has many job opportunities available for those in the National Guard or Reserves. Here are some occupations that may suit reservists:

• Account Manager
• Community Service Worker
• Computer Consultant
• Data Analyst
• Technical Support
• CareerOneStop : Supported by the Department of Labor, this is designed to guide veterans and their families in exploring career options, how to effectively conduct job searches, and where to find local support.
• Military OneSource : The site offers many services to veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers. Some of the resources include employment guides, educational benefits, and tips for successful integration into the traditional workforce.
• National Labor Exchange : This is a robust job search tool for employers, employees, and agencies built on connecting job-seekers with openings. Veterans are encouraged to upload their resumes and complete their profiles to be matched with potential opportunities.
• National Resource Directory : This database is built for service members, veterans, family members, and caregivers to find validated resources that support recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. These resources include job boards, employment advocacy groups, and other key supports for veterans.
• The Disabled American Veterans Group (DAV ): This group supports veterans and spouses who have been injured or disabled due to their service. It offers employment training through its partners, career fairs, and job placement services.
• Wounded Warrior Project : The Warriors to Work program provides employment resources and assistance to injured veterans and family members. These services include career counseling, placement programs, military skills translation guidance, and many others.

Career Advising and Skills Training

• Easterseals Alabama : There are several branches throughout the state of this nonprofit organization focused on assisting people with disabilities. Its services for veterans include computer classes and job training.
• GI Bill Comparison Tool: Use this search tool to see if a particular on-the-job training or apprenticeship program is eligible for GI Bill benefits.
• O*NET Interest Profiler : After completing this quick quiz, you can see which career paths are a good match for your work preferences.
• Still Serving Veterans: This organization offers veteran employment services at its offices in Huntsville and Phenix City.

Job Boards and Employment Opportunities

• Alabama Works : This workforce development center offers a plethora of useful resources for veterans, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• HIREVets.gov : This site will show you which businesses in your state have received a HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The U.S. Department of Labor grants this award to employers who have made an exceptional effort to recruit, employ, and retain veterans.
• Alaska Warrior Partnership : This organization helps connect veterans to services for housing, health care, job training, and more.
• Easterseals Alaska : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans, which you can use to improve your interview, job search, and application skills.
• GI Bill Comparison Tool : Use this search tool to see if a particular on-the-job training or apprenticeship program is eligible for GI Bill benefits.
• AlaskaJobs : This workforce development center offers a range of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Arizona Coalition for Military Families: You can submit a career navigation inquiry form through this organization’s website — someone will get back to you to help address any barriers to employment.
• Easterseals Arizona : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans to improve your interview, job search, and application skills.
• Arizona Job Connection : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as information about local job fairs, workshops, and training opportunities.
• Arkansas Workforce Centers : At these facilities, you can get help with updating your resume, practicing interview skills, and finding training programs for the types of jobs you want.
• Arkansas JobLink : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as information about local job fairs, workshops, and training opportunities.
• CalVet: This state agency provides a variety of veteran employment services.
• Easterseals California : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans, which you can use to improve your interview, job search, and application skills.
• Goodwill Southern California : This organization’s Veteran Employment Program includes services such as one-on-one career counseling, interview workshops, and on-the-job training opportunities.
• California Association of Veteran Service Agencies : You can contact this organization for help finding employment — it places nearly 2,000 veterans in jobs every year.
• CalJobs : This workforce development center offers many useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Hire a Veteran : This Colorado Department of Labor and Employment program offers one-on-one coaching for things like resume writing, interviewing, and translating military experience into civilian responsibilities.
• Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center : This group offers employment services to veterans through a robust transition and employment team focused on developing the skills and career navigation of the veteran.
• Salute Colorado : This organization offers veteran employment services such as mentorship, career coaching, networking, and peer support.
• Connecting Colorado : You can post your resume and perform a self-directed search on this state job board.
• Connecticut Troops to Teachers : This collaboration between the Connecticut State Department of Education and the national Troops to Teachers program has helped over 20,000 veterans transition to a career in education.
• Easterseals Connecticut : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans, which you can use to improve your interview, job search, and application skills.
• The WorkPlace : This organization’s Platform to Employment for Veterans program offers services such as skills assessments, career readiness workshops, and personal coaching.
• CTHires: This state-level job board allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• HIREVets.gov: This site will show you which businesses in your state have received a HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The U.S. Department of Labor grants this award to employers who have made an exceptional effort to recruit, employ, and retain veterans.
• Delaware Department of Human Resource Management : This state agency offers remote career counseling sessions by appointment (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday).
• Easterseals Delaware : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans, which you can use to improve your interview, job search, and application skills.
• Delaware JobLink : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as information about local job fairs, workshops, and training opportunities.
• CareerSource Florida : Your local CareerSource branch can help with resume writing and interview preparation and may place you in an on-the-job training program.
• Easterseals Florida : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans, which you can use to improve your interview, job search, and application skills.
• Employ Florida Vets : This state-level job board allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Veterans Florida : With a network of veteran-friendly partners, this organization may help you find employment in a high-growth industry such as aerospace or engineering.
• Easterseals Georgia : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans, which you can use to improve your interview, job search, and application skills.
• Georgia Veterans Center : This one-stop resource provides education and training opportunities to Georgia Veterans.
• Worksource Georgia : You can post your resume and perform a self-directed search on this state job board.
• Work for Warriors Hawaii : This organization offers services such as resume review and interview assistance.
• HireNet Hawaii : This state-level job board allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Mission43 : This organization can assist you with developing your resume and LinkedIn profile and provides personalized job search support as well. Since 2016, Mission43 has helped over 1,000 veterans and military spouses in Idaho advance their careers.
• Idaho Works : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as information about local job fairs, workshops, and training opportunities.
• Work for Illinois : Illinois’s Veteran Outreach Program offers personalized career counseling for employment opportunities with the state government.
• IllinoisJobLink : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as information about local job fairs, workshops, and training opportunities.
• Easterseals Indiana : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans to improve their interview, job search, and application skills.
• Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF) of Indiana : This organization offers services such as resume creation, interview prep, and career training.
• Indiana Career Connect : This workforce development center offers a variety of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• INvets : By using its partnerships with veteran-friendly employers in the state, this nonprofit organization can help you find a job that matches your interests and skill set.
• Easterseals Iowa : This nonprofit organization’s Rural Solutions program provides support for Iowa veterans with disabilities who are engaged in or aspire to pursue a career in agriculture.
• IowaWORKS : This workforce development center offers a variety of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Kansas WorkforceONE : This organization’s Jobs for Veterans program offers services such as skills assessment, career coaching, and interview practice.
• KansasWorks : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as information about local job fairs, workshops, and training opportunities.
• Veteran’s Club : If you are struggling with your career or any other aspect of transitioning to civilian life, you can fill out a form on this Louisville-based organization’s website to request assistance.
• Kentucky Career Center : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a range of other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Easterseals Louisiana : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans to improve your interview, job search, and application skills.
• Louisiana Workforce Commission : This workforce development center offers many useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Maine Career Center : The veteran services offered by this organization include help with your job search, resume writing, and interview skills.
• Maine JobLink : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a variety of other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Easterseals Maryland : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities. It offers a Supported Employment program for veterans to improve their interview, job search, and application skills.
• Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training : The services provided by this organization include job workshops, resume preparation, and interview skills training.
• Maryland Workforce Exchange : This workforce development center offers a range of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Veterans Inc. : This Massachusetts-based organization can help you with job training, resume writing, interview techniques, dressing for success, and more.
• MassHire JobQuest : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a mix of other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity : This state agency allows you to connect with Local Veterans Employment Representatives as well as Veterans Career Advisors.
• Pure Michigan Talent Connect : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a diversity of other resources for veterans seeking work.
• CareerForce : This St. Paul-based organization has a team of Veteran Employment Specialists who can help you with planning your career and searching for a job.
• MinnesotaWorks.net : You can post your resume and perform a self-directed search on this state job board.
• Mississippi Department of Employment Security : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a variety of other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Mo Heroes Connect : This organization offers services such as career counseling, job readiness assessments, and job search workshops.
• MoJobs : This workforce development center offers many useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Veteran Services : You can search for civilian work that matches your military occupation code on this job board.
• MontanaWorks : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as various other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Easterseals Nebraska : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities and offers a plethora of employment services for veterans.
• NEworks : This workforce development center offers many useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Work for Warriors Nevada : This organization offers services such as resume and interview preparation.
• EmployNV : This workforce development center offers a diversity of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Easterseals New Hampshire : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities — it offers a variety of services for veterans, including help with employment.
• WorkReadyNH : This tuition-free educational program can help you develop skills such as communication, team-building, problem-solving, resume writing, and interviewing.
• NHWorks : This workforce development center offers a range of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) : This organization offers several programs for helping veterans transition to civilian careers.
• Easterseals New Jersey : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities — it offers a range of services for veterans, including help with employment.
• New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a mix of other resources for veterans seeking work.
• New Mexico Workforce Connection : This workforce development center offers a variety of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Institute for Career Development : This organization’s Veterans for Employment program can help you identify transferable skills, create a LinkedIn profile, arrange for internships, and more.
• New York State Department of Labor : This state agency allows you to connect with Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialists as well as Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives.
• New York State Job Bank : You can post your resume and perform a self-directed search on this state job board.
• Veterans Bridge Home : This organization provides services such as resume writing and job search assistance.
• NCWorks Veterans Portal : This state-level job board allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• North Dakota Workforce Connection : This workforce development center offers various useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Easterseals Ohio : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities — it offers numerous services for veterans, including help with employment.
• OhioMeansJobs : You can post your resume and perform a self-directed search on this state job board.
• Volunteers of America Oklahoma : This organization offers services such as veteran-to-veteran mentoring, resume assistance, and job search assistance.
• OKJobMatch : This workforce development center offers diverse useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Oklahoma Employment Security Commission : This state agency regularly holds Veterans Job Club events where you can meet one-on-one with potential employers.
• Easterseals Oregon : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities — it offers a variety of services for veterans, including help with employment.
• WorkSource Oregon : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as various other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Easterseals Pennsylvania : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities — it offers many services for veterans, including help with employment.
• Pennsylvania CareerLink : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as many other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Operation Stand Down Rhode Island : This organization offers services such as career counseling and resume preparation.
• EmployRI : This workforce development center offers a variety of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• SC Works Veterans Portal : This state-level job board allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• South Dakota Works : This workforce development center offers diverse useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Easterseals Tennessee : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities — it offers a range of services for veterans, including help with employment.
• Jobs4TN : This workforce development center offers many useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Easterseals Texas : This nonprofit organization is focused on assisting people with disabilities — it offers a variety of services for veterans, including help with employment.
• Texas Veterans Commission : This organization has over 100 Veteran Employment Representatives located throughout the state who can help you in areas such as resume writing and finding job training programs.
• WorkInTexas : This workforce development center offers a diverse range of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Utah Department of Workforce Services : This workforce development center offers a variety of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Vermont Department of Labor : The Veteran Services Coordinators at this state agency can help you access job search assistance, one-on-one career counseling, and more.
• Vermont JobLink : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a various other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Virginia Employment Commission : This state agency offers services for veterans, such as job readiness assessments and career counseling.
• Virginia Workforce Connection : This workforce development center offers a variety of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• WorkSource Washington : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a range of other resources for veterans seeking work.
• WorkForce West Virginia : This workforce development center offers a state-level job board as well as a variety of other resources for veterans seeking work.
• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development : This state agency allows you to connect with Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists as well as Local Veterans Employment Representatives.
• WiscJobsForVets : This workforce development center offers numerous useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.
• Wyoming at Work : This workforce development center offers a variety of useful resources for veterans seeking work, including a state-level job board that allows you to search for open civilian positions that match your military occupation code.

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Stephanie Nishimori

Human Resources Professional and Transition Counselor

Stephanie Nishimori is a Transition and Career Counselor for service members who are leaving the military. Stephanie provides guidance and support to help them prepare for new careers in the civilian world – this includes resume reviews, mock interviews, mentoring, facilitating multiple workshops, and supporting them post-transition.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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