"As a lead analyst, produced 587 products, directly enhancing commanders' situational awareness and critical information requirements for worldwide threats."
This was a bullet on my resume when I first drafted it. Let me start by saying I was considering intelligence jobs but also looking at corporate America.
Here is the use case we will analyze:
- "I am an analyst looking to apply for corporate analyst positions." "I have found a job requirement I want to apply for that is for a Data Analyst at Blizzard."
First, you must understand the job requirement you are applying for, ensure you are qualified, and tailor your resume. Let's take a line directly from this job requirement:
Working knowledge of SQL (BigQuery a plus); experience with at least one visualization tool such as Tableau, Lookr, or Power BI
Do you know how to use any of those tools, and do you know how to use SQL?
No? You're not qualified for this position. These are critical skills to do the job. Start learning these tools through one of the many free veteran resources.
Yes? Ensure your resume clearly outlines these and has the exact terms in your work history and skills sections. SQL, BigQuery, Tableau, Lookr, Power Bi
Let's assume I have these skills. Let's start by dissecting my bullet. Step into the shoes of a recruiter, talent acquisition specialist, or hiring manager - who may have never served in the military or understand a lot of the terms I used.
The first two thoughts I would have is, what is a "product," and what programs or tools did this person use to make "587 products"?
Product in the military and civilian world is different in many cases. In my bullet, it typically means some analytic white paper or PowerPoint (which typically includes visualizations).
So, how can we make it better? Replace every military term with the corporate world equivalent—literally, everything. Remove product, remove commander, remove worldwide threats.
- Product = Visualization
- Lead Analyst = Analytic Manager
- Commander = Director
- Critical Information Requirments = Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Here is how it looks now:
- "Led ten analysts as an Analytics Manager, producing 587 data visualizations using BigQuery and Tableau, directly supporting the Security Director's KPIs."
You need to do this for every bullet in your work history - if you're seeking civilian/corporate employment that isn't with a company that knows military jargon.
Find a position you want. Find at least ten job requirement postings from different companies. Take all the skills, buzz words, key terms, software, and titles from those postings. Make a list of the ones that come up the most. Add them all to your resume. Your resume should be a mirror reflection of the job requirement you're applying for.
Are you applying for corporate analyst positions?
- Remove TOP SECRET Clearance from the top of your resume
- Translate your courses and certifications to something that will make sense to a corporate person.
- Tactical Debriefer? This means you can question people and gather requirements and information. Switch it to "Stakeholder Requirement Gathering" or "Product Interview Expert"
- Master Training Specialist? This means you can present briefs. Switch it to "Expert Presentation Skills" or "Communication Expert"
See how well you did once you've translated all of your experience. Use tools like SkillSyncer and JobScan
Also, understand why all of this is important, not just to Talent Aqusion and Recruiting, but also because a lot of companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
