Gemma's Resume Success: Navy Vet’s Career Transition Tips

🎖️ Summary Notes

At a virtual summit for veterans in transition, Navy veteran Gemma found herself overwhelmed by one major obstacle: her resume. Despite more than a decade of service, she struggled to communicate her military achievements in a way that made sense to civilian employers. Enter Ms. Veteran Affairs—a mentor with lived experience who helped Gemma break down her military background and reframe it into a powerful, results-focused resume. Through their one-on-one session, Gemma learned how to emphasize leadership, tailor her resume to job descriptions, and focus on achievements rather than duties. By the end, she wasn’t just holding a better resume—she was holding a renewed sense of confidence.

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🏅 Key Themes

Translation of Skills: Bridging the gap between military duties and civilian job requirements.
Achievements Over Tasks: Focusing on impact and measurable results to impress employers.
Confidence Through Clarity: How a well-written resume can validate and empower veterans.
Tailored Applications: The importance of customizing resumes to each job opportunity.
Less Is More: Creating resumes that are concise, targeted, and effective.

🏅 Discussion Questions

How did Gemma's military experience translate into civilian job skills, and how might you do the same?
Why do achievements matter more than just listing job duties on a resume?
How can tailoring your resume to each job posting improve your chances of landing interviews?
What role did Ms. Veteran Affairs play in helping Gemma overcome resume-related challenges?
Why is brevity important in resume writing, and how can you strike a balance between detail and focus?

🏅 Action Steps for Veterans & Families

🔄 Translate Your Experience: Use civilian-friendly terms and focus on transferable skills.
🧭 Write a Strong Summary: Craft an opening statement that showcases leadership and results.
📊 Highlight Achievements: Include specific examples of cost savings, improved operations, or leadership wins.
🎯 Tailor for Each Job: Align your resume with the skills listed in each posting.
✂️ Keep It Focused: Limit your resume to the most compelling, relevant highlights.

🏅 Reflection

Gemma’s journey is a reminder that military service, though often misunderstood by employers, holds immense value when presented the right way. Ms. Veteran Affairs empowers veterans to see themselves not through military jargon, but through a lens of leadership, impact, and adaptability. With the right guidance, veterans can tell their story with clarity—and step confidently into a new chapter.

☞ Read the full story in Ms. Veteran Affairs Helps Gemma Craft a Standout Resume — and discover how the right words can unlock powerful opportunities.