Using Artificial Intelligence to Translate Your Military Resume
The 21st century job marketplace is increasingly run by AI. There are artificial intelligence programs screening resumes, creating job titles and descriptions, and then there are the jobs that directly require expertise in artificial intelligence.
When you are transitioning out of the military, you can use AI to translate your military skills to civilian ones whether you’re entering an AI field or not. This is helpful not just for those trying to switch to a civilian career but also for those who plan to return to school at military-friendly colleges after they retire or separate.
Even if you are just applying for a part-time job while attending school, you’ll need to translate your military skills into civilian ones.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Translate Your Military Resume
AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude are excellent for designing resumes and cover letters for military members transitioning into civilian life, but there is a catch. These tools work best when you know how to communicate with them effectively.
Think of AI resume and cover letter prompts as a starting point for moving your thoughts out of “military mode” and into a context a hiring manager understands. You can also use AI to help you research military degrees and program options, but that is the topic of another article.
We asked an AI program to suggest ways to improve resumes and cover letters. The results were unsurprising and fairly common sense. They included using ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence to translate military jargon into civilian-friendly terminology, and ditto for military job descriptions and duty requirements.
But what some don’t realize is that human intervention is needed after the AI prompts are complete. AI suggestions are just that, suggested responses to the prompt. They are not necessarily definitive or even accurate, depending on the circumstances.
In our experience, it pays to double-check all work done by AI to ensure it is not misleading, outdated, or inaccurate. With that in mind, consider the following uses of AI to enhance your cover letter and resume for the civilian job market or for going to school as a veteran.
Using AI to Translate Military Jargon
Instead of attempting to explain the nuances of your military job or duties, try using a prompt like this:
“I am transitioning into the civilian workforce and need assistance. I will provide a bullet point from my military evaluation. Please translate this into professional English for a logistics manager. Remove the acronyms and focus on the transferable skills I utilized.”
Refining Your Bullet Points
Military resumes can focus more on promotion boards rather than corporate culture and leadership. To adjust for a civilian audience, try this:
“Review this job duty: [Paste Duty].”
“Help me rewrite this as a strong resume bullet point. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate the impact I had on the personnel or equipment I managed.”
Job Descriptions
Tailor your resume for each specific application and don’t use one AI prompt for multiple jobs. Handle each one on a case-by-case basis instead of trying the “assembly line” approach:
“I am applying for this [Job Title] role. Here is the description.” [Paste it].
“Here is my military experience.” [Paste experience]. What are the top five elements from my background that matter most for this position? How should I phrase them to ensure I am not filtered out by automated screening systems?”
Use AI to Rehearse the Interview
The first time you discuss your service should not be during the actual interview. Use AI to practice.
“Act as a recruiter for a major corporation. Based on my time as a [Insert MOS/Job], provide three challenging questions about how my leadership style will adapt to a corporate environment.”
“After I respond, let me know if I sounded too military-focused.”
Your LinkedIn Profile
Your rank should no longer be your primary identifier. For a more effective headline, try this:
“I am leaving the military after serving as a [Job]. I want to transition into [Field]. Provide five LinkedIn headlines that focus on my capabilities rather than my rank. Use terms that recruiters in [Field] frequently search for.”
Using AI to Improve Your Resume
Do not rely on the AI as a ghostwriter and do not use unedited AI responses, as these platforms are prone to errors, hallucinations, and fictionalized responses.
AI is a useful as tool. It can help you structure your thoughts, but it is no replacement for human editing. AI will produce inaccuracies and can sound overly mechanical without careful editing. Use AI to help you build the framework, but ensure the final version reflects your personal voice and true experience.
About the author
Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
