5 Tips to Translate Your Military Skills Into a Civilian Resume

As you prepare to transition out of the military into civilian work, our recruiting team recommends reviewing your resume for five essential attributes to set yourself apart and demonstrate how your military experience correlates to the civilian work in which you’re interested.

1. Speak Their Language: Avoid Military Jargon

Hiring managers may not be familiar with military occupational specialties (MOS), so translate them into functional roles aligned with business operations, IT, logistics, and cybersecurity.

• Instead of: “Squad Leader for Signal Company, 25U MOS”
• Try: “Led a 10-person team in managing secure communications infrastructure, ensuring continuous connectivity and cybersecurity compliance in remote environments.”

2. Translate Your Experience into Business and Tech Skills

Your resume should highlight core skills that federal IT employers are looking for, translating military skills to civilian:

• Leadership > Team management, project coordination
• Operational Planning > Strategic planning, resource allocation
• Cybersecurity Protocols > Network defense, information assurance
• Communications Tech > Systems admin, infrastructure support
• Logistics Management > Supply chain, procurement, vendor coordination
• Intelligence Analysis > Data analytics, threat detection, risk assessment

3. Showcase Certifications and Technical Training

If you’ve earned certifications through military training, especially in cybersecurity, networking, or systems management, list them clearly. Common certifications that stand out:

• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Network+
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• CompTIA A+
• CISSP

GovCIO and other federal IT companies often value candidates with a mix of hands-on experience and certified expertise.

4. Use Metrics to Prove Your Impact

Employers love measurable results. Instead of general descriptions, include metrics and achievements.

Example: “Managed the deployment of 3 mobile comms kits supporting 200+ personnel across 5 remote locations, reducing communication downtime by 80%.”

5. Lean Into Mission and Soft Skills

GovCIO supports agencies across defense, health, and civilian sectors. Show how your military experience aligns with mission-oriented work in areas like:

• National security and defense systems
• Veteran health services and VA infrastructure
• Cybersecurity for government networks
• AI, simulation, and training programs

Military professionals bring unmatched strengths in:

• Leadership under pressure
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability in high-stakes environments
• Dedication to mission success

At GovCIO, we know the skills developed in military service extend well beyond the field—they fuel innovation, resilience, and mission success. By clearly translating your experience, emphasizing certifications, and highlighting leadership and problem-solving strengths, you can craft a resume that stands out in the federal IT landscape.