I am an EM1(SS) sailor who is due to check out on terminal in April of 2011. I would like to stay in the nuclear field but I am having some issues trying to put together a resume.
It is not that I do not have one it is just that there are so many different types, lengths, information etc.... between all the "right" resumes.
I few things I've seen in reading recent resumes:
1. Use MS Word *.doc. Most of the electronic systems use that format and you'll be expected to "upload" it to the system.
2. Include your Email address with your contact info. It seems to be the main communication circuit. Ensure your email address is professional.
3. Academics. Include NPS, NPTU GPA and standings....especially if they're good (e.g., 1/115, 3.95). Obviously include college, degree, and GPA. If any academics are "in progress", list that along with your current GPA and anticipated grad date.
4. Quals. EOOW/EWS? Put it near the top. If you're applying for nuclear ops, this is very important.
5. What did you do? Chronological, etc.
* Title (put this in civilian terms). Put a few sentences for your responsibilities.
* What did you do? These are your bullets. (Don't make your responsibilities your bullets). This is a good place to copy/paste Fitrep bullets, and back them up with awards. "Saved $1B on the ship's 2-week refit period. Awarded a NAM".
6. Lastly, any additional "fluff".
* Personal Awards. CO's letters, NAMs, etc.
* Additional, noteworthy quals
* Security Clearance (very important!)
* "Proficient Microsoft Office Programs" (etc)
I'm not a fan of listing the "RPPO", QAI, command PRT coordinator, etc.
For a 8 and out EM1 (SS) qualified EWS, I would envision this to be on 1-1.5 pages (2 at most).
Watch the "overinflation" and "fluff". Nuclear plants are staffed with many ex-Navy guys who will know that you didn't really save the Navy $1B during a refit. Brag...by all means, but be able to back it up!
Finally, you might need a "nuclear resume" and a "non-nuclear resume" depending on your post-Navy career search. While you'll get help with nuclear careers here, keep in mind that many transition into non-nuclear jobs for sometimes higher pay, less stress. Consider using a national recruiter (see other threads on that topic) for your non-nuclear...and maybe nuclear searches.
Separately, if you're not networking, you're late. Consider LinkedIn.com. Find peers that have transitioned out of the Navy before your, old Division Officers, etc and learn what worked, didn't work for them. At TAPS (you have gone already...right?) they'll tell you that most/many get their jobs through Networking. I think that's very accurate.
Most importantly, have fun, be aggressive, be energetic and you'll find your military work ethic goes a long way.
Good thread! I hope we get other modern 2010 ideas on resume writing. This is an extremely important topic to the Navy: Getting Out crowd!