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How Veterans Can Format Their Resumes to Stand Out to Construction Industry Hiring Managers
How-to guide will walk you through the steps to create a compelling resume.
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How Veterans Can Format Their Resumes to Stand Out to Construction Industry Hiring Managers
Transitioning from military service to a civilian job in the construction industry can be challenging for veterans. However, with the right resume format, you can effectively showcase your logistics and supply chain experience to impress hiring managers. This how-to guide will walk you through the steps to create a compelling resume.
Step 1: Start with a Strong Professional Summary
Your resume should begin with a summary that highlights your key qualifications.
Include Your Experience: Mention your years of logistics and supply chain management.
Highlight Certifications: State that you are a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
Showcase Your Military Background: Emphasize how your service has prepared you for the role.
Example:
"Dedicated veteran with over 8 years of logistics experience in the U.S. Army. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) with a proven track record in optimizing supply chains and managing complex operations."
Step 2: Translate Military Experience into Civilian Terms
Hiring managers may not be familiar with military jargon.
Use Civilian Equivalents: Replace military titles with industry-standard terms.
"Quartermaster" becomes "Logistics Manager."
Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight leadership, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
Step 3: Emphasize Relevant Skills and Achievements
Create a section for key skills that are pertinent to the construction industry.
Supply Chain Management
Procurement and Purchasing
Inventory Management
Vendor Relations
Risk Management
Provide bullet points under each previous role showcasing achievements.
Example:
Implemented a new inventory system that reduced excess stock by 20%.
Led a team of 15 in managing logistical support for overseas operations.
Step 4: Highlight Your CPSM Certification
Your CPSM certification is a valuable asset.
Detail the Certification: Explain what CPSM stands for and its relevance.
Mention ArmyIgnitED Support: Note that it was obtained through the ArmyIgnitED Credential Assistance Program.
Example:
"Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), demonstrating expertise in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain management. Certification funded by the ArmyIgnitED Credential Assistance Program."
Step 5: Showcase Education and Training
List your educational background and any additional training.
Degree Information: Include any college degrees.
Military Training: List relevant courses and workshops.
Ongoing Education: Mention any current studies or certifications in progress.
Step 6: Format for Clarity and Professionalism
Use a Clean Layout: Opt for a simple, easy-to-read template.
Consistent Formatting: Ensure fonts and bullet points are uniform.
Proofread Thoroughly: Eliminate typos and grammatical errors.
Step 7: Include a Cover Letter
A tailored cover letter can enhance your application.
Address the Hiring Manager by Name: Personalization makes a difference.
Express Your Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in the construction industry.
Briefly Mention Your Transition: Explain how your military experience is relevant.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can create a resume that effectively communicates your value to construction industry hiring managers. Your military background, combined with a CPSM certification, positions you as a strong candidate in the supply chain and logistics field.
Ready to launch your civilian career? Upload your resume at SCM.Jobs to maximize your visibility to employers seeking veterans. Connect with recruiters eager to fill critical roles. For top-tier training to further qualify for supply chain positions, visit SupplyChainManagement.Training.
What's the most effective way for veterans to translate military experience on a resume? |
From Soldier to Supply Chain Expert: Your Complete Guide to Submitting a Credentialing Assistance Request for CPSM
As a Soldier, leveraging the Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) program can be a game-changer for your professional development and future civilian career. Whether you're looking to build skills for your current role or planning ahead for life after the military, CA funding allows you to pursue industry-recognized credentials. One excellent example of such a credential is the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification, ideal for logistics and procurement professionals.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully submit a CA request via ArmyIgnitED and work towards certifications like CPSM.
1. Creating a Credentialing Goal in ArmyIgnitED
Your credentialing journey begins with setting an educational goal in ArmyIgnitED. This goal will define what you aim to achieve with your credential, such as obtaining the CPSM certification for supply chain professionals.
Steps to Create a Credentialing Goal:
Log in to ArmyIgnitED: Ensure you have a registered account on ArmyIgnitED.
Access the CA Section: Navigate to the "Credentialing Assistance" section. This is where you’ll be able to select and manage your credentialing goals.
Declare Your Goal: Soldiers must declare a specific credential goal, such as "Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)." The system will auto-approve your first goal, allowing you to submit further CA requests based on that goal.
Multiple Credentials: You can pursue more than one credential simultaneously, but you need to declare each credential separately within ArmyIgnitED.
2. Submitting a Credentialing Assistance Request for Training, Exams, and Materials
Once you’ve set your goal, the next step is to submit a Credentialing Assistance (CA) request. This covers costs related to training, exams, and materials for credentials like the CPSM certification.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Choose Your Vendor: Once your credentialing goal is set, you’ll need to find a vendor that offers CPSM training. If the vendor is listed on ArmyIgnitED, select it; if not, you’ll need to manually request its addition (more on this below).
Select Training or Exam: After choosing your vendor, you’ll proceed to select the CPSM training course, exam, or both. Be sure to review the course start and end dates.
Request Materials: In addition to training and exams, Soldiers can request funding for textbooks and other necessary materials. Make sure to list these separately and attach custom quotes from the vendor.
Submit Your Request: After inputting all the necessary details and uploading your custom quote (more on that next), click “Submit.” You’ll be given a unique CA Request number, which you’ll use for tracking.
3. Obtaining and Uploading Custom Quotes from Vendors
One of the essential steps in the CA process is obtaining and uploading custom quotes for your training, exams, and materials. For the CPSM certification, your quote may include the cost of online courses, textbooks, exam fees, and other materials.
How to Obtain Custom Quotes:
Contact the Vendor: Reach out to the CPSM training provider for a custom quote. The vendor will typically provide itemized costs for the course, exam, and required materials.
Prepare Your Documents: Be sure to upload a detailed, itemized quote that matches what you’re requesting in ArmyIgnitED. For specific vendors like Pearson Vue or CompTIA, a screenshot of the cost is allowed instead of a custom quote.
Tips for Uploading Quotes:
Ensure that your quote is not bundled (i.e., don’t combine the cost of the exam, training, and materials). Each item must be listed separately.
Double-check that the quote includes any shipping fees for books or materials; failure to include shipping costs can result in rejection of your request.
4. What to Do If the Vendor Is Not Listed on ArmyIgnitED
Occasionally, you may find that the vendor offering your CPSM training isn’t listed in ArmyIgnitED. In that case, you’ll need to submit a request to add the vendor.
Steps for Adding a Vendor:
Send a Message via ArmyIgnitED: Navigate to the “Messages” section and create a new message. Select the “Credentialing Assistance (CA) Office” category.
Provide Vendor Information: Include the vendor’s name, website URL, point of contact, email address, and phone number. Army Credentialing Assistance Program Office (ACAPO) will reach out to the vendor and request their participation.
Once the vendor is approved, you’ll be able to proceed with your CA request for that provider.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the Army Credentialing Assistance process and obtain credentials that will set you apart in both your military and civilian careers. Certifications like CPSM can significantly boost your logistics career, opening doors to leadership positions and global opportunities.
So, if you're ready to elevate your career with a recognized certification, start today by setting your credentialing goal in ArmyIgnitED and applying for the funds you need. Don't forget, with CPSM certification, you’ll gain not only expertise but also a prestigious credential that enhances your future career prospects in supply chain management.
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