Learn how to impress recruiters and start your dream career with our military resume examples. Plus, use our writing tips to optimize your resume for success!

Want a stronger resume? Try our resume templates. Simply edit and download. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click using our Resume Builder.

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Job Outlook

The Armed Forces’ goal is to maintain a force sufficient to deter, fight and overcome various threats or conflicts in multiple regions simultaneously. The nation is expected to maintain adequate personnel in all branches. With that in mind, candidates can foresee military employment demand to remain steady.

3 Tips for Writing Military Resumes

Learn how to pick the right format for your experience level

Choosing the correct resume format is critical to having an impressive resume. To pick the right one for you, consider your career objectives and years of experience. Review the three main resume formats:

  1. If you’re a professional with more than five years of experience, a chronological resume will highlight your past roles and achievements, displaying your career progression.
  2. A functional resume is ideal if you’re a candidate with less than two years of experience because it places your skills section at the top of your resume.
  3. For job seekers with more than two but less than five years of experience, a hybrid/combination resume is the best way to pay equal attention to your work experience and skills sections.

Use military-friendly skills

Military careers are highly skilled jobs that require a specific mindset and specialized training. Ensure you’re including these hard and soft skills in your resume to stand out:

  • Leadership
  • Excellent physical strength and stamina
  • Discipline
  • Ability to perform under pressure
  • Integrity
  • Combat skills
  • Basic rifle marksmanship
  • Hand-to-hand combat and weapons training
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Adaptability

Use a professional template

A professional template is a great way to ensure your resume is well-organized and competitive for the industry. Check out our library of free resume templates to find the best one for you.

Military Resume FAQ

How much does a job in the military get paid?

Basic pay is based on rank and time in service. Armed Forces members may receive additional compensation for their job assignments or qualifications. For example, they receive extra pay for foreign, hazardous, submarine or flight duty, or for being medical or dental officers. Retirement pay is generally available after 20 years of service.

Military pay tables are available here: U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

What skills should I put on my resume for the military?

If you’re looking to start your career in the military, think of transferable skills that can show employers you’re ready for the job demands. Some transferable skills are:

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Resilience
  • Discipline
  • Accountability
  • Ethics
  • Dedication
  • Time management

Should I include a cover letter with my military resume?

Yes. We always recommend including a cover letter in your job application to show the employer you’re serious about the position and to further convince them you’re the right fit for the role. Start writing your own with our Cover Letter Builder!