What You Need to Know About the Civilian Employment History Section

Mastering the Civilian Employment History: What Your Past Jobs Should Include

When you’re turning in a resume or filling out an application, especially in connection with the IPPSA Check on Learning Assessments, knowing what to include can feel a bit overwhelming. You might find yourself wondering, “What do they really want to see about my job history?” There’s certainly a lot to consider, but one common area of confusion lies in the Civilian Employment History section.

So, let’s dig deep into this!

What's Expected in Your Employment History?

First off, let’s lay it all out. Your Civilian Employment History is a showcase of your work experience outside the military realm. Here, you’ll want to focus on areas such as your job titles, the duration you worked in each role, and the skills you honed along the way. By providing a detailed overview, you make it easier for potential employers to see where you’ve been and what you can bring to the table.

Breaking It Down: The Must-Haves

1. Job Titles: This is your first checkmark. Clearly stating your job titles helps employers understand your previous roles and responsibilities. If you held a managerial position, say so! It says a lot about your leadership experience.

2. Job Duration: Employers like to see how long you stayed in a position. It can indicate stability, commitment, and experience. Were you at a company for five years? Great! That’s worth highlighting.

3. Job Skills: This is where you can really shine. What specific skills did you acquire or utilize while in each role? Did you enhance your communication skills or learn new software? These skills point directly at your qualifications.

But hold on! You might be asking, “What about my military honors? Those mean a lot to me!”

The Missing Piece: Military Honors

Here’s the thing: while military honors are absolutely significant and certainly reflect your character and dedication, they typically don’t belong in the Civilian Employment History section. Why? Because this section is focused solely on your civilian work experience.

You see, military achievements and accolades represent an entirely different realm. They illustrate your accomplishments in a military context. So, while a medal for valor might catch someone's attention, it won't help them understand your day-to-day capabilities as a civilian employee.

Why It Matters

This distinction is crucial. When an employer scans your application, they need clarity and focus. They want to see your civilian work experience laid out plainly, without the cloud of military accomplishments diluting the message. Keeping these two worlds separate ensures you're communicating effectively and showcasing what’s most relevant.

A Little Extra: Tips for Building Your Employment History

Now that you know what to leave out, let's briefly brush over some tips that can help you create a killer Civilian Employment History.

• Be Specific: Use concrete examples. Instead of saying, "used software," explain how you "managed projects using Microsoft Project." Details stand out!

• Tailor Your List: Adjust your job skills and descriptions based on the job you're applying for. It shows you're aware of what they need and you can fill that gap.

• Don’t Skim Over Dates: Ensure your job duration is correct. Gaps can raise eyebrows, so be ready to explain any significant time off.

Conclusion

In essence, knowing what to include (and what not to) in your Civilian Employment History can set you apart from the crowd. You're not just listing jobs; you're telling the story of your professional development and readiness for future roles.

So, the next time you sit down to update your resume or application, remember the key ingredients of job titles, duration, and skills, while gently tucking away your military honors for another time. It’s about clarity, precision, and making sure each part of your application contributes to the bigger picture.

You’ve got this! Your career narrative is more than just a list; it's a testament to your growth and potential in the civilian world.