Resume Help

A good resume is a powerful tool that helps you stand out in the job market by effectively showcasing your skills, experience, and qualifications. It should not only highlight your strengths but also be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. A well-crafted resume can make a lasting impression on recruiters and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Resume & Cover Letter Writing Best Practices from the Defense Field

Writing a resume and cover letter for defense-related industries or academic positions requires tailoring your approach. You’ll want to highlight technical expertise and mission-critical accomplishments while making your experience accessible to non-government audiences. Below are best practices for resumes and cover letters, with differences to consider for industry vs. academia.

Translate Government Jargon:

Translate government-specific jargon into plain language and universally recognized terms to highlight your skills. For example, replace “Managed GS-14 analysts for SIPRNET intel ops” with “Supervised a team of 5 intelligence analysts on secure networks” to ensure clarity for private-sector employers.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Emphasize skills and competencies that carry over to civilian roles, such as leadership, project management, cybersecurity, systems engineering, policy analysis, etc. Place a summary or “Key Skills” section at the top of your resume to immediately showcase these strengths​. 

Reframe Bureaucratic Experience

Challenge the “bureaucratic” stereotype by showcasing innovation, efficiency, and impact. Highlight achievements like cost savings, process improvements, or technology deployments to demonstrate your value and problem-solving skills.

Resources

Distinctive Web

Resume Place

Modernize the Format

Keep your resume clean and easy to read with clear headings, white space, and a simple format. Use standard fonts, skip unnecessary details like supervisor names or salary, and aim for 1–2 pages to showcase your ability to summarize information effectively.

Tailoring Your Resume (or CV) for Academic Roles

Crafting Effective Cover Letters

Open with Purpose

Clearly state the position you’re applying for and a brief introduction of your background in the first sentence​. For example: “I am a materials scientist with 10 years at the U.S. Army Research Lab, writing to apply for the R&D Manager position at [Company].” This establishes context immediately.

Connect the Dots

Use your cover letter to connect your government experience to the new role, highlighting project management, security expertise, or coordination skills. If transitioning to the private sector, briefly explain your motivation while focusing on the value you bring.

Showcase Key Accomplishments

Highlight one or two major achievements in your cover letter, quantifying results when possible.

Demonstrate Fit and Passion

Demonstrate genuine interest by referencing the organization’s mission and how your experience aligns. Mention relevant projects, express enthusiasm for their work, and note any personal ties or referrals if applicable.

Keep Tone and Format Professional

Keep your cover letter professional, concise, and jargon-free, limiting it to one page with 3–4 strong paragraphs. Proofread for security-sensitive details, mention clearances if relevant, and close with gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity.