CV tips for military spouses

As an ADF or veteran spouse, finding and maintaining employment can be challenging due to frequent moves and long periods of separation from your partner. Add to the mix the unique nature of military life, which often means military spouses have gaps in their employment history or may have experience in a variety of industries.

But here at the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program, we know that the unique challenges faced by military spouses is one of the things that makes them great employees. The trick is in understanding what you have to offer and knowing how to communicate that clearly to a potential employer. Reach out to us for a hand if you need it – our service is free for military spouses.

Here are some tips for military spouses to keep in mind when writing their resume.

HIGHLIGHT your TRANSFERABLE SKILLS 

Military spouses often have a wealth of skills that are transferable to a variety of industries. These may include communication, organisation, leadership, and problem-solving skills, as well as experience working in a team environment. These are all ‘soft skills’ – you can read more about them in this article.

When writing your CV, be sure to highlight these transferable skills and how they relate to the job you are applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job in customer service, you could highlight your experience working with diverse groups of people during your time as a military spouse. You could also mention your strong communication skills, developed through years of effectively communicating with service members, military officials, and other military spouses.

TAILOR YOUR RESUME TO THE JOB

One mistake many job seekers make is using the same generic resume for every job they apply for. Conversely, tailoring your resume to the specific job you are applying for is essential for catching the attention of hiring managers. This means taking the time to carefully read the job description and customising your resume to match the required qualifications and skills.

For example, if the job description emphasises the need for excellent organisational skills, you could highlight your experience managing household moves and deployments as an ADF partner. If the job requires experience in a specific software program, be sure to mention any experience you have using that software.

USE KEYWORDS

Using keywords in your resume can be beneficial in catching the attention of hiring managers. Many companies use automated applicant tracking systems to screen resumes, which scan for specific keywords related to the job description.

To optimise your resume, it’s important to include relevant keywords throughout. Start by carefully reviewing the job description and identifying key phrases and words related to the position. Then, incorporate those keywords into your resume, particularly in the summary, skills, and experience sections.

Remember to use keywords strategically and not overdo it. Only include keywords that are relevant and appropriate to the job and avoid stuffing your resume with too many unrelated terms, as this can harm your chances of getting noticed by a human recruiter.

INCLUDE VOLUNTEER WORK AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Volunteering and getting involved in their local communities is one of the key ways military spouses make connections when they move to new locations. While this experience may not have been paid, it can still be valuable to potential employers. Including volunteer work and community involvement on your resume shows that you are a dedicated and engaged member of society.

For example, if you have volunteered at a local non-profit organisation, you could include that experience on your resume and highlight any skills you developed through that work, such as event planning or fundraising.

ADDRESS EMPLOYMENT GAPS

Due to frequent moves and other challenges associated with military life, military spouses may have gaps in their employment history. It’s important to address these gaps in your CV, as potential employers may view them as a red flag.

There are ways to address employment gaps without making them a negative point on your resume. For example, if you took time away from paid work to raise children, you could mention that in your resume and highlight the skills you developed during that time – things like time management, logistics, and flexibility. Be sure to include any volunteer work or freelance projects you worked on during that time – if full time parenthood allowed time for such endeavours (big if, we know).  

KEEP IT CONCISE

While it’s important to highlight all your relevant skills and experience on your resume, it’s also good to keep it concise. A resume that is too long or overly detailed may be overwhelming to potential employers. Keep your resume to one or two pages and use bullet points and concise language to convey your qualifications.

For example, instead of writing long paragraphs about each job you’ve held, use bullet points to highlight your key accomplishments and responsibilities.

SOFT SKILLS AND MILITARY SPOUSES

Soft skills refer to personal attributes and characteristics that enable individuals to interact effectively with others. They are often innate qualities that can be developed and refined over time through practice and experience. Soft skills are valuable in any profession and industry, as they are transferable from one role to another and can contribute to an individual's success in their personal and professional life.

For military spouses, soft skills are especially important because of the unique challenges they face in the job market. Identifying and leveraging soft skills can help military spouses write stand-out resumes.

Here are some examples of soft skills that are relevant to military spouses:

Adaptability: Military spouses often have to adapt to new environments, cultures, and communities. They may have to move frequently, which can be stressful and disruptive. Being adaptable can help military spouses adjust to new situations quickly and efficiently.

Communication: Effective communication is essential in any job, but it is especially important for military spouses who may have to communicate with a diverse group of people, including military officials, service members, and civilians. Good communication skills can help military spouses build relationships, resolve conflicts, and convey information effectively.

Teamwork: Military spouses often have to work with diverse groups of people, including military officials, service members, and military spouses. Being able to work effectively as part of a team can help military spouses build strong relationships and achieve common goals.

Time management: Military spouses often have to manage their time effectively, especially during deployments or when their spouse is away. Good time management skills can help military spouses prioritize their tasks, meet deadlines, and balance their personal and professional life.

Problem-solving: Military spouses often have to deal with unexpected situations and challenges, such as household moves or deployments. Being able to solve problems quickly and efficiently can help military spouses overcome these challenges and succeed in their careers.

Networking and relationship building: By now, you’re an absolute boss at networking. After relocating yourself and your family to new towns and cities however many times, you know how to make new connections and develop relationships. Use this experience to show an employer what you have to offer.  

Reach out to the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program

As a military spouse, you possess a treasure trove of skills and experiences, cultivated through a lifestyle that’s both rewarding and challenging. Crafting a CV that speaks volumes about your strengths is paramount. Focus on highlighting transferable skills, customising your CV, incorporating keywords, showcasing community involvement, and tactfully addressing employment gaps.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. The RSL Veterans’ Employment Program is here to assist you. Reach out to us if you’d like a hand writing a CV that reflects who you are and opens doors to new opportunities.

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