Contributed by Paul David, Human Resources Manager
Separating from military service? A well written resume will help you get noticed by hiring managers.
A resume has a singular purpose—to provide a snapshot of your skills that motivates the hiring manager to call you in for an interview. However the current job market is tight and hiring managers receive 30 resumes for every position they need to fill. Below are some military transition tips to write a resume for your aviation career that makes your military experience stand out above the crowd.
1. Create Your Resume Early
As soon as you’ve made the decision to separate from military service, you should begin creating a resume. If you wait until you’ve found an aviation career to apply for, you’ve waited too long. A resume is your first impression on a potential employer. It should not be rushed and thrown together at the last minute. A current resume can be easily tweaked and handed to a potential employer, even while you are still in active duty.
2. Tailor your resume
Do not submit a cookie-cutter resume. A resume that covers all your military training and skills for all possible career paths is too broad and will not stand out or get noticed. Create a summary of your skills and training that targets the current needs of the employer. Although you have many more qualifications than what is listed, focus on the skills relevant for the aviation career you are applying for. You can talk about your other qualifications verbally during an interview.
3. Keep an objective view
When listing your skills and qualifications, avoid subjective statements like, Able to perform troubleshooting and function-tests of aircraft systems and components. Although this may be a true statement, it is actually just your own personal opinion on your skill level.
Write objective statements that can be backed up with facts, such as Served as a Plane Captain, Engine Mechanic and Engine Shop Supervisor; working on A4, T38 and F5 aircraft, or Worked as an I-Level Communication/Navigation systems technician.
When separating from the military, my greatest piece of advice is to BEGIN EARLY. Write your resume and begin filling out applications several months in advance of your separation date.
25% of Duncan Aviation's team members are former and/or active service members. Visit http://www.duncanaviation.aero/careers/apply.php to view aviation careers at Duncan Aviation.
Paul David is a Human Resources Manager located at Duncan Aviation's Michigan facility. He specializes in strategic planning and HR metrics, recruitment, compensation and employee and community relations. His aviation career began in March 2008.
