How to Write a Resume for a Defense Job

When writing a resume for a defense job, make sure that you indicate if you have a security clearance and if you are willing to travel. Prepare a resume that explicitly shows how your experience is applicable to the defense industry. If you have just graduated, emphasize coursework that defense contractors may be interested in, such as science and math courses, or computer or engineering degrees.

Instructions

1. Include your basic information first. This will consist of your full name, your residence and your phone (including cell phone), your fax number and your email address.

2. Present the extent of your education, including colleges, universities and professional training. This would be a good place to list any professional titles that you may have accumulated.

3. List your work history. Make sure that if you have had other jobs in the defense industry sector that you expound on these, especially if it will tie you into the job you may be seeking now.

4. List any professional organizations that you may belong to. List some of your achievements, such as recognition for volunteer work and any awards you may have received.

5. Include your security clearance, if you have one. Also include the date you received it and whether or not it is active or inactive. Having a security clearance is a big plus for landing that defense job.

Tips & Warnings

• Include a cover letter with your resume. Make that cover letter so interesting that an employer will want to read your resume.

• Use white or off-white , good quality bond paper for your resume.

• Make sure that you include your veterans status if you have served in the military. Defense industries have a good track record for hiring veterans.

• Don't use fancy fonts and elaborate color schemes for your resume. Make sure that the resume is professional, but also easy to read. The person that reads these resumes might have to read several hundred resumes, if your is too hard to decipher, it will end up in the round file.

• Don't fold your resume. Put it into an envelope that is the same size as your resume.

Resources

• See Space Jobs for defense industry and the space industry positions.
• Visit the Department of Defense website for defense jobs.