You’ve led teams.

Managed complex operations.

Made decisions under pressure.

But if you’ve ever had a civilian recruiter glance blankly at your resume… you’re not alone.

One of the biggest challenges in military transition is translation.

Not of a different language, but of experience.

But let’s be honest… it might as well be a different language sometimes.

Someone who’s never served will almost never understand how “Specialized in helicopter movement and assault operations, ground assault tactics, and military leadership” translates to something like Finance.

Reframing your experience matters.

Don’t expect hiring managers to understand military titles, acronyms, or responsibilities.

That doesn’t mean your experience can’t translate.

It just means you need to frame it in a way they can understand the value that you bring!

Here’s a few tips for navigating this translation in your resumes, interviews, and throughout the transition -

Swap Acronyms for Impact

Military acronyms make sense to us..but to a civilian hiring manager?

It is another language.

That’s why it’s important to lead with impact, not insider terms.

Instead of: Led a team of 12 in an FST in support of OIR.

Try: Led a 12-person medical team providing trauma care in a high-pressure, resource-limited military deployment—resulting in 100% patient survival rate.

The second version tells the story and the outcome. No decoding required.

Focus on Transferable Skills

Leadership. Project management. Logistics. Communication.

These aren’t just buzzwords - they’re core competencies that companies actively hire for.

Chances are, your military experience gave you plenty of real-world wins in these areas.

Now’s the time to connect the dots.

Show how your skills translated into results whether it was through leading teams or managing complex operations.

Pro tip: Check job descriptions for roles you’re interested in and mirror their language on your resume.

How SkillBridge Helps

SkillBridge is one of the best opportunities to practice translating your military experience.

You’re in a civilian environment, getting real-time feedback on how you communicate, and starting to see how your skills align to civilian roles.

Use this time to test your messaging.

Get feedback on how you talk about your background, show up in meetings, and present your value to teammates.

This will help you tell your story in a way that resonates.

Bottom line?

You don’t need to “dumb down” your experience.

You just need to translate it.

The goal is to make it easy for employers to see how your background fits their needs.

You’ve done the hard work. Now it’s time to help others see it.

Check out this week’s featured jobs!

🎯Multiple Roles at Leaf Home - This leader in home solutions is looking for SkillBridge interns for sales, event marketing, recruitment, installation, and more! In any role, you will be supported by a team of leader to support your development. Apply to one of the fastest-growing private companies by Inc. 5000!

🎯Manager Core Training Program at Vestas American Wind Technologies - This program provides an education on the rapidly growing wind industry where you will learn everything from wind turbine operation and maintenance, safety, wind park operation, to finance and budgeting.

🎯Military Veterans Program at United Brotherhood of Carpenters - This 8 week program trains in the basics of becoming a millwright (essentially an industrial mechanic). Following the program, you will be set up with an apprenticeship anywhere in the United States!

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💬 Community & Networking

Looking for support during your transition? Join our Discord to connect with fellow transitioning veterans and share tips, resources, and job leads.
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Have other friends getting out soon? Forward them this newsletter so they can sign up here!​

We’re here to support you every step of the way as you transition from military service to civilian success.

Keep an eye out for future editions with more opportunities, tips, and resources!

Let us know how the translating goes!
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Kathy + Andrew
Career PCS

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