Have you served in the military and now want to find a job in the civilian sector? Are you confused and don’t know how to add military experience to LinkedIn? Do you feel that the experiences and skills you’ve developed during your service are unappreciated or not counted out of the military?
Well, you are wrong! In fact, military experiences make everyone the best candidate they can be for many jobs.
You are organized, responsible, and hardworking; besides, it is proven that people who served in the military won’t waste their time and hardly ever get lazy while they are working.
Additionally, you are probably a perfectionist and dedicate yourself to your job to ensure that the outcome is the best that can be!
To add military experience to LinkedIn, go to the "Experience" section of your profile, click the "+ Add new position" button, and fill out the job title, company name, and description fields. In the company field, select "U.S. Military" from the dropdown menu, and in the job title field, enter your rank and branch of service.
You can probably deal with the deadlines better than other candidates, so don’t get disappointed. People with military experiences are so capable of solving problems under stressful conditions and are great at teamwork in most cases.
You might think that having these skills and characteristics is not really something to brag about. Like most people are like this, right? No, Most people are not like this.
Of course, if they won’t be quite the opposite! That’s why the civilian sector will separate candidates with military experiences from other people.
Adding your military experiences to your LinkedIn will probably attract employers and recruiters to your profile and who knows, you might even get some perfect offers related to your knowledge, experiences, and skills. Do you see the point I’m trying to make? Sir, yes, sir!
How to add military experience to LinkedIn?
It’s actually pretty easy to do so. Adding military experiences to LinkedIn is not really that different from adding other jobs to the profile. All you need to do is to enter your LinkedIn account, click on “Me” in the right corner of the page, and select “View Profile”.
Once you are in, scroll down to see the experiences section and click on the “+” icon. Now, type the branch of the military you served in, don’t forget to check the dropdown list that opens and select the branch to have its logo in your experiences. Add your title, location, and the time period you served.
Don’t miss the description box. Tell your viewers what your duties were and what skills you’ve developed in simple terms.
This is where you will translate your experience into the civilian employer’s language, so act like a professional.
Don’t dive too far or too deep into your experiences, and don’t swim in too shallow waters.
For example, you can write about the branch you served in and tell the viewers what it used to do in about one line.
Then you can talk about what your job was. Be cautious about using the technical military terms; most people cannot even read them properly, let alone be familiar with them! Use numbers; they can make it so much easier to understand your skills.
Like the number of people you used to lead or the value of the military equipment you were responsible for. And save the chances.
Repeat these steps for each title you had during the time of your service in the military. Trust me; you will definitely witness the result sooner than later.
Related Questions & Answers
Military LinkedIn summary examples
When crafting a military LinkedIn summary, it’s important to highlight your unique experiences, skills, and goals. Here are two simple examples to guide you:
As a dedicated military professional with a successful career spanning over 10 years, I have developed strong leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in high-pressure environments. From my service in the Army, I have gained extensive experience in strategic planning, operations management, and personnel development. I am passionate about leveraging my military background to make a meaningful impact in the civilian sector. My goal is to transition into a project management role where I can apply my disciplined approach, attention to detail, and strong work ethic to drive successful outcomes.
With a background in the Navy as a highly skilled technician, I have honed my expertise in complex systems, troubleshooting, and maintaining critical equipment. Throughout my service, I have demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strong commitment to achieving operational excellence. As I transition to civilian life, I am seeking opportunities where I can utilize my technical skills and dedication to continuous improvement. I am eager to contribute to a dynamic organization that values teamwork, innovation, and a results-oriented mindset.
Remember to tailor your summary to your specific experiences and career goals. Highlighting relevant accomplishments, skills, and aspirations will help you stand out and attract the attention of potential employers or professional connections on LinkedIn.
Military LinkedIn profile
When creating a military LinkedIn profile, it’s important to effectively showcase your military experience, skills, and accomplishments. Here are two simple paragraphs to guide you:
As a military professional with a distinguished career, I have acquired a wide range of skills and experiences that are transferable to the civilian sector. Throughout my service in the Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines, I have demonstrated strong leadership, adaptability, and teamwork in high-pressure environments. I have successfully managed complex operations, trained and mentored personnel, and excelled in challenging situations. My expertise includes strategic planning, logistics management, and risk assessment. I am now seeking opportunities where I can leverage my military background to contribute to a dynamic organization and make a meaningful impact.
In addition to my military experience, I have developed valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. I am proficient in utilizing advanced technology and working with diverse teams to achieve mission objectives. My dedication, discipline, and strong work ethic have been instrumental in my military success, and I am eager to bring these qualities to a civilian role. I am open to opportunities in fields such as project management, operations, logistics, or leadership development. I am committed to continuous learning and growth, and I look forward to leveraging my military background to contribute to the success of an organization.
Remember to customize your LinkedIn profile with specific achievements, certifications, and any additional relevant information that highlights your strengths and aligns with your career goals. This will help you attract the attention of potential employers and connect with professionals in your desired industry.
FAQ
How do you put military experience on a resume?
To include military experience on your resume, create a dedicated section titled “Military Experience” or “Military Service.” Start with key details such as your branch, rank, and dates of service. Use bullet points to highlight responsibilities, achievements, and skills acquired during your military tenure. Translate military terminology into civilian-friendly language, avoiding jargon. Quantify accomplishments when possible, and emphasize transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and discipline. Tailor your military experience to align with the job you’re applying for, showcasing aspects that are relevant to the position. Proofread your resume to ensure clarity and consistency in your presentation. This approach effectively communicates your military background to potential civilian employers.
What is an example of a military headline on LinkedIn?
An example of a military-related headline on LinkedIn could be: “US Army Veteran | Logistics Specialist | Supply Chain Management | Transitioning to Civilian Careers.” This headline highlights your military background, specifies your expertise in logistics and supply chain management gained during service, and communicates your intent to transition into civilian career opportunities. It provides a clear snapshot of your qualifications and aspirations to potential employers and network connections.
What is an example of a veteran summary on LinkedIn?
An example of a veteran summary on LinkedIn might be: “Dedicated U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a strong background in leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Experienced in managing teams, logistics, and mission-critical operations in high-pressure environments. Passionate about applying my skills to contribute to the success of organizations in the civilian sector. Seeking opportunities in project management and leadership roles where my military experience can drive results and add value.”
This summary highlights the veteran’s military background, key skills, and desire to transition into civilian roles, making it clear to potential employers how their military experience aligns with their career goals in the civilian workforce.
Do you put military service on resume?
Yes, you should typically include your military service on your resume, especially if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for or if you gained valuable skills and experience during your service that are applicable to civilian roles. Create a dedicated “Military Experience” section on your resume, providing details like branch of service, rank, dates of service, and a list of responsibilities and achievements. Be sure to translate military jargon into civilian-friendly terms and emphasize transferable skills. Including military service on your resume can showcase your dedication, skills, and discipline to potential employers and strengthen your candidacy for certain positions.
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