Gina Foringer is a collector of sorts. She maintains files of resumes sent in response to job listings and networking.  But countless more end up in her circular file—the metal one sitting at her feet beside her desk. 

As Vice President for Outsourcing for VERSAR, Inc., a 35-year-old environmental and engineering company, Foringer often hires former military personnel for technical and management positions.  She knows what some hopeful employees don’t seem to get the hang of:  A resume is an introduction that can either make a wonderful first impression or a terrible one. 

Talk with five employers about what they like to see in a resume, and you’re likely to get five different opinions.  But for Foringer, who often holds on to impressive resumes for positions that come up later, the criteria is simple.  “I look for a concise representation of the person's experience and education,” she said.

No doubt, for a first-time resume writer, this exercise can be daunting.  Be sure to contact the Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) for more in-depth advice, but until then, here is some information to consider when writing your resume.

One page or two?
You’ll learn in TAMP classes that the length is not as important as what you include.  Foringer agrees.  “If the content is useful, I don't mind when it’s longer than two pages,” she said.  “I do mind when the candidate is redundant or goes into too much detail.”  Keep in mind that employers often read hundreds of resumes in response to a job opening.  Be concise and don’t ramble.  “Be willing to let go of past experiences that don't market you for your current goal,” said Kim Isaacs, resume expert for Monster.com. 

Lead with your strengths
Employers often scan when culling through piles of resumes.  “Ensure that your strongest selling points are immediately visible to make the first cut,” said Isaacs.

Action and details
Make your work history leap from the page with action words like create, implement, and manage.  Add details for extra oomph.  For example:  Managed an eleven-person team to implement a $2.5 million training program.

Military lingo
Assume that your potential employer has no military knowledge.  “For the military resumes that I receive, I look for the ability to translate their work to layman's terms,” said Foringer.  “If a candidate does that well, it's indicative of a myriad of skills—good communication, solid ability to transition to civilian workforce, and thoughtful presentation of military experience.”  But know your audience.  If you are applying for a position in which your military experience—especially your knowledge of military language—is an advantage, consider including some reference to that.

State your objective
Customize your resume for each position by including an objective that pertains to that particular job opening.  Before sending your resume, do some sleuthing.  Find out what the employer is looking for and customize your resume to their needs. 

If an objective isn’t your cup of tea, TAP suggests trying a three- to five-line summary of your qualifications.  Concentrate on the skills and past experience that match the particular job you’re applying for.

Print your resume on clean, high-quality paper.  Edit for typos—and then edit again.  “If a person can't take the time to proofread their resume, I won't take the time to read it myself,” said Foringer.  Be absolutely truthful, without exaggeration.  Keep your resume readable with font types and sizes that are easy on the eyes and make your accomplishments and skills stand out. 

Find out more about resume writing during the four-day TAP course.  Call 757-444-6089 or e-mail tapquotas@ffscnorva.navy.mil for more information.  To set up an appointment with an FFSC career counselor, call 757-444-6089.  For a list of FFSC career classes, visit www.ffscnorva.navy.mil.