Transitioning from military service to a civilian career is a significant milestone, and crafting the right resume is often the first step. However, many veterans struggle to create resumes that effectively translate their military background into terms that civilian employers understand and value. As a leading Military Resume Writing Service in Norfolk VA, Top Sphere Resume has helped countless veterans overcome this hurdle with professionally tailored resumes that get results.
Below are the most common military resume mistakes we’ve seen and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Using Military Jargon or Acronyms
One of the biggest resume pitfalls veterans make is including military-specific terms, abbreviations, and job codes. Employers in the civilian sector often don’t understand terms like “MOS,” “EPR,” or “TDY.”
Solution:
Use civilian-friendly language that clearly communicates your role and accomplishments. For example, say “Logistics Coordinator” instead of “92Y Supply Specialist.” At Top Sphere Resume, we specialize in translating your service experience into powerful civilian language.
2. Overemphasizing Rank Instead of Responsibilities
While rank is important in the military, civilian employers are more focused on what you did, how well you did it, and what results you achieved, not your rank or pay grade.
Solution:
Focus on leadership, project management, and problem-solving abilities. Quantify your experience wherever possible, such as “Supervised 12 personnel and maintained $2M in equipment.”
3. Making the Resume Too Long (or Too Short)
Some military resumes go overboard with pages of technical duties and deployment details, while others are too short and vague.
Solution:
Aim for a focused 1–2 page resume that highlights your most relevant and transferable skills. Our Military Resume Writing Service in Norfolk, VA ensures your resume is tailored, concise, and impactful.
4. Ignoring a Resume Summary
Many military resumes jump straight into the work history section, leaving hiring managers confused about the candidate’s goals.
Solution:
Include a professional summary at the top of your resume. This short paragraph should highlight your background, strengths, and what kind of role you’re targeting. At Top Sphere Resume, we craft strategic summaries designed to catch recruiters’ attention fast.
5. Failing to Showcase Transferable Skills
Veterans often don’t realize how valuable their military skills are in civilian roles. Skills like leadership, logistics, strategic planning, and discipline are all in high demand.
Solution:
Identify transferable skills that align with the job you’re applying for and highlight them clearly. Our team helps clients in Norfolk showcase these strengths in a language that civilian employers can understand.
6. Not Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Most companies use ATS software to screen resumes. If your resume isn’t properly formatted or lacks keywords, it might never get seen by a human recruiter.
Solution:
Use standard formatting and include relevant keywords from the job posting. Our Military Resume Writing Service in Norfolk, VA ensures every resume is ATS-compliant and strategically written for visibility.
7. Including Irrelevant or Outdated Details
Including every duty from your military career or listing old training that’s no longer applicable can clutter your resume.
Solution:
Focus only on experiences that add value to your current job goals. Leave out outdated certifications and irrelevant assignments.
Why Choose Top Sphere Resume?
Located in the heart of Norfolk, Top Sphere Resume is proud to serve the local veteran community with high-quality, customized resume writing services. We understand the local job market, the unique needs of transitioning service members, and how to present your skills in the most effective way possible.
Our resume services include:
- Military-to-Civilian Resume Writing
- Federal and Government Resume Support
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization
- Cover Letters and Career Coaching
With years of experience and a deep understanding of both military culture and civilian recruitment practices, Top Sphere Resume is your go-to Military Resume Writing Service in Norfolk, VA.
Ready to Land Your Next Career Opportunity?
Avoid the most common resume mistakes and let the experts at Top Sphere Resume help you transition with confidence. Whether you’re leaving active duty or are a veteran seeking new opportunities, our team is here to support your next mission, starting with a resume that works.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s build your future together.
