That just leads to another ranting subject: are retirees being given the right information about how to write their resumes?
The help I got from base HR staff about resume writing was not useful. I got a lot of help from HR people at university and in business and went through over ten versions before I got it to a level where mine is now considered an industry standard.
It is rather depressing to know that noone wants to see your military service and achievements.
(Not true in the US, a retired memebr can get a job anywhere with a clean military record. In canada you have to, not ignore it, but tone it down.)
The most important part to put in (and that they dont tell you at the BPSO/HR office) is your transferable skills.
Heres are your general titles and what you need to mention in your resume.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
- put in your transferable skills!
highly skilled
energetic
self-motivated
experience in management
seeking a challenging position
level of creativity
problem-solving capabilities
excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills
effective and creative leader
instructor and mentor (if you have been in those positions)
team player (if you are applying for a job as an employee)
team leader (if you are aplying for management positions)
cultural effectiveness
proven record of success and achievement (give examples under achievements!!)
mature, dedicated, and ethical
proven ability to successfully plan, coordinate, and execute complex tasks with little or no direction.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
List educational facilties attended and/or certifications obtained
(DO NOT list battle school, but can use other schools like CFSIS or CFSAS)
I.E. 2004-2005: Human Resources Management Diploma; (Institution, City, Province).
or
1999: Certification in Targeting and Analysis; Royal Military College Air Warfare School, Canterbury, United Kingdom.
or
1994: Leadership Qualification 6A; CFSIS, Canadian Forces Base Borden, Borden, Ontario.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- list recognized achievements related to your transferable skills, and preferably ones you can back up with a piece of paper; doesnt have to be a formal commendation it can be backed up by a statement from your annual PER.
- mention level of success, training positions, leadership positions, any transferable skills related to business, and work in other countries!
- indicate how many courses and training sessions you have been in over the past 5-10 years to show you are a 'continuous learner'.
EXPERIENCE
Mar 05 to Present: Company Name, City, Province
Current Position: Project Consultant
(phone number and contact name)
Mar 85 to Apr 05: Department of National Defence, (last city and province worked in)
Last Positon title: xxxxxx
(phone number and contact name of good reference for you)
Thats it for your service - unless you are applying for close protection or overseas private security, then no units, no weapons quals, no postings, if they are interested in that then you can tell them later.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
(now you can list your other skills)
X years experience as an instructor and trainer.
x years experience in leadership, management, team-building, or analysis.
x years experience in interviewing, briefing, or presentation techniques.
x years experience in interpreting human rights or other laws.
x years experience in crisis and change management.
- dont forget volunteer experience especially if you were a president, VP, coach, or committee member!
- mention your skill on computers and which programs you know
I.E. Highly adaptive and skilled in the use of computers and application of computer operations and programs, with training and extensive experience in most Microsoft Office suite products, and additional training and experience on over a dozen other software packages and unique computer configurations.
List other signficant courses,
I.E. Feb 1997: St. John’s First Aid Instructor qualification
REFERENCES AND AVAILABILITY
Available for full-time employment after (Day Month Year).
- Exceptional work and personal references, and letters of reference, are available upon request.
(you do not by law have to provide your references when you apply, but some companies still ask right away; its your choice whether to give it to them or not)
(get reference letters written by people you know BEFORE you leave the military)
Any questions?