On this site, Chris Russell recognized the pride, talents and achievements of the military in an article that was originally published in 2009. On another career site, where I am a contributing career expert, the military to civilian transition issue came up today. Allow me to enlighten you.

Many of my clients have been existing and outgoing members of the military community.

Please allow me to give my perspective in assisting the military for over nine years:

To add to Chris Russell's previous article,  the use of military members' performance evaluation ratings is very strategic and effective in easing their transition to civilian life. In Canada, we call them "PER's." The American vernacular bears a similar name. Whatever they may be called, using PER's is extremely beneficial:

-they build the military member's confidence in realizing that their responsibilities, tasks and accomplishments are valued and prized by civilian employers. (IHaving worked closely with military clients, they appear to be the most modest population with whom I've ever worked).
-PER's can be used as testimonials in resumes, cover letters and interview prep documents
-PER's can contain information that exemplifies military members' USP (unique selling points)
-to highlight high performance evaluation ratings that will quantify what military members have done and how they have done it. (For example, I will write something like:"Mastered 10 performance evaluation ratings in teamwork, supervision and job knowledge.").
-confirm a military member's work ethic

These are just a few examples of how PER's can make the military member "shine" on paper and in an interview.

Previously, I myself delivered seminars at two Canadian military bases, including "how to de-militarize your resume."

To add to your arsenal (pun intended) of outstanding career resources and professionals, I strongly recommend Audrey Prenzel, a certified, military transition specialist, and author of Military to Civvie Street, available at www.resumeresources.ca

Drop me a line if you are an outgoing military member (no matter what country from which you hail).

Special wishes to our service men and women who are deployed.

Melissa Martin
bilingual career coach, www.careercoachingbyphone.com
author, ebook, How to use social media in your job search