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The top resume writing services for military to civilian transitioning can help members of the armed forces translate their uniformed background into private sector work experience. Many veterans can find it tricky to express their vast operational and leadership know-how to meet the needs of today’s employer. For example, resumes that state your “MOS was 11B” may mean very little to a hiring manager. But when you convert military abbreviations and jargon to show your “role in the infantry was to manage the safety of equipment appraised at over $1.5 million,” then managers have a much clearer understanding of the value you bring.
Employers are keen to find professionals with your teamwork and critical thinking skills. And, you don’t have to transition from your military careers into the private sector alone. There are resume consultants who are eager to assist you. So if you’re ready to make the leap from chopper to cubicle, the first step is gathering hiring materials like cover letters, thank you emails, resumes, and in today’s job market — a compelling LinkedIn profile. Keep reading to discover resume writing services for military members and veterans seeking employment with civilian companies.
- Best Online Service: Find My Profession
- Best for IT: TopResume
- Best for Writing CVs: Career Confidence Resume Services
- Best for Executives: Great Resumes Fast
- Best for Federal Jobs: TopStack
Best Online Service
Find My Profession
Pros
- Federal resumes, C-level, and curriculum vitaes also available
- Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC)
- Packages come with one week of unlimited resume revisions
Cons
- Packages with higher price points may be required to enjoy all benefits
- LinkedIn profile not available with all packages
Key Features
- Online service with options for phone correspondence
- One-on-one session with your resume writer
- Three- to five-day turnaround time
Why It Made the Cut
- If you’re looking for an online maker of military-to-civilian resumes, then you should check out this zippy service that offers job hunters a wholly digital platform.
Best for IT
Top Resume
Pros
- Federal resumes and curriculum vitaes also available
- Free resume critique via online upload
- Turnaround time is generally under seven business days
Cons
- Military Resume Package does not include a money-back guarantee
- May not be ideal for those looking for managerial or C-suite level roles
Key Features
- Industry-leading ATS-optimized platform
- Speciality services for Army, Air Force, Marine Corp, Navy, and Coast Guard
- Military Resume Package starts at $199
Why It Made the Cut
- Jobseekers who are looking to get one step ahead of the competition may like what they see with TopResume. Its internet technology is arguably second to none.
Best for Federal Jobs
TopStack Resume
Pros
- Select packages come with a 60-day interview guarantee
- All resumes are ATS-friendly
- Discounts and promotions for return customers
Cons
- Turnaround times are upwards of two weeks, which is longer than other options
- No money-back guarantee
Key Features
- Payment after you approve the first draft of your federal resume
- Two rounds of revisions included in all packages
- One-on-one career counseling and other services available
Why It Made the Cut
- If you’re confused by the strict resume formatting required for federal jobs, then TopStack might be right for you. It’s an industry leader in federal resume writing.
Best for Writing CVs
Career Confidence Resume Services
Pros
- Full 100 percent money-back guarantee
- Free resume review
- Career and job search resources
Cons
- Limited number of clients at any given time
- No “hard” pricing; costs vary by customer
Key Features
- Dedicated military-to-civilian resume service
- All packages include an ATS-friendly resume, Linkedin optimization, and email support
- Certified Veteran Career Strategists (CVCS) and Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW) available
Why It Made the Cut
- Scholars who need to incorporate military service into their curriculum vitae might have a lot to like about this company’s expertise with both academic writing and military life.
Best for Executives
Great Resumes Fast
Pros
- Full 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee
- SEO optimization for LinkedIn profile
- Customizable cover letters
Cons
- Premium packages may be cost-prohibitive for many
Key Features
- Process begins with a 25-minute phone call with the company founder
- Turnaround in three to five business days
- Two rounds of revisions included in every package
Why It Made the Cut
- Professionals searching for tailor-made executive resumes should know about Great Resumes Fast. It provides next-level service and support for applicants who are serious about landing that big job.
Things to consider before choosing a resume writing service for military
Resume writing for military service members and veterans
Resume services can take the stress out of writing a military-to-civilian resume, but service members and veterans do have other options, many of which are free. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides an online employment toolkit with career counseling, job search guidance, and resume writing advice.
Veterans can also receive resume support through the Veterans Employment Center, as well as free online-based services through VetNet. In addition, many U.S. military bases and installations offer civilian transition instruction. You may also find resources with charitable organizations, such as HireOurHeroes, that specialize in mentoring service members as they begin their journey in the civilian workforce.
How resume writing services work
Resume-writing services create tailor-made hiring documents that are specific to the job seeker. You’ll generally work one-on-one with an expert who will use your employment history as the basis for a resume that will appeal to both human resources managers and job applicant tracking systems. Communication between you and your resume writer often takes place by phone or via email, but occasionally you’ll upload your details through the company’s website.
The cost of a resume writer varies depending on the level of service you require. However, you can typically expect to pay at least $150 for some of the more basic offerings, and upwards of $3,000 for an executive resume or a helping hand with your job search.
Evaluating resume writing services for military personnel
When choosing a resume maker for your military-to-civilian transition, look for companies that highlight the qualifications and backgrounds of their writers. Vendors that do not employ certified writers may be cheaper, but you’re potentially purchasing an inferior product. Similarly, you’ll benefit from direct correspondence with your writer, which can take place through phone calls, video meetings, or even email. It’s this type of one-on-one collaboration that will truly yield an effective resume. Also, prioritize companies that offer some form of guarantee. If a service doesn’t stand behind its product, then that’s generally a red flag that you’re working with an inexperienced team.
FAQs about resume writing services for military
Q: Is it worth paying for a resume service?
A: Yes, it’s generally worth it to pay for a resume service, especially for military members who are inexperienced with the private sector. An expert can translate your military background into civilian work experience and provide a polished, ATS-optimized resume.
Q: What are employers looking for in a resume?
A: Employers want to see resumes that show alignment between an applicant’s experience and a hiring manager’s expectations for a role with their company. Resumes should be scannable, honest, and formatted to display your qualifications in a coherent employment history.
Q: What are most resumes missing?
A: Many military-to-civilian resumes are missing relatable work experience that is expressed using modern vocabulary. It’s important to translate military abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon into qualifications and skill sets that recruiters can easily understand.
Q: What words should not be used in a resume?
A: Military service members and veterans who are transitioning into the civilian workforce should avoid using words on their resumes such as medal, platoon, mission, and subordinates, to name a few. Instead, substitute those jargon words with terms like award, team, task, and employees.
Final thoughts
Resume-writing services for military members and veterans can relieve much of the stress from a job hunt in the civilian workforce. Many services will provide you with all of the hiring materials you need to successfully find a steady, well-paying job. Yet, those who do not want to pay for a commercial service may find support through the VA employment center or with non-profit organizations. Review your options beforehand to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
Methodology
To choose the best resume writing services for this list, the team at Task & Purpose looked at a large number of companies. We focused on cost, plan features and options, ease of use, customer service reviews, and past customer ratings as the most important factors in our ratings. Learn more about our methodology in the Task & Purpose review guide.