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Question
I am employed by the US Air Force and have obtained an MBA in human resources. When I get out of the Air Force, I'd like to work in HR for a multinational software company or any other blue chip company. How do I market my defense experience to a corporate office?
Answer
As you probably know, HR is an excellent career choice because it's useful across all industries. This not only allows you to choose nearly any industry that interests you, but it can help you avoid industries that experience short-term or long-term decline.
As for how to market your Air Force experience, you can do this in a number of ways. Obviously, it depends a little bit on what you've been doing in the Air Force--any sort of command responsibilities should be highlighted as being directly relevant to personnel. Also, since you are targeting a multinational software company as an ideal employer, there are a couple of other possible tie-ins. Many software companies now have defense contracts, so you can make the connection to your defense experience--including your understanding of military jargon and procedures. Also, if you've been stationed abroad, this may be relevant experience for a multinational operation.
Those are some specific aspects of your background you should highlight, on your resume, in your cover letters, and in interview situations. You could also highlight more general aspects of armed forces experience, such as teamwork and discipline--character traits that any employer would value.
As for how to market your Air Force experience, you can do this in a number of ways. Obviously, it depends a little bit on what you've been doing in the Air Force--any sort of command responsibilities should be highlighted as being directly relevant to personnel. Also, since you are targeting a multinational software company as an ideal employer, there are a couple of other possible tie-ins. Many software companies now have defense contracts, so you can make the connection to your defense experience--including your understanding of military jargon and procedures. Also, if you've been stationed abroad, this may be relevant experience for a multinational operation.
Those are some specific aspects of your background you should highlight, on your resume, in your cover letters, and in interview situations. You could also highlight more general aspects of armed forces experience, such as teamwork and discipline--character traits that any employer would value.
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