Transition Benefits: Resume writing workshops teach essential writing skills
9/27/2011
by MC1 Monique K. Hilley,
Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Resume writing workshops, offered at all Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC), provide Sailors transitioning out of the Navy guidance on writing skills.

"Resume writing workshops prepare military members for the outside world by putting their experiences into civilian terms, which can make them far more competitive in their search for civilian or federal employment after departing the service," said Margarita (Pinky) Mason, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling's Military and Family Support Center transition manager.

Resume writing workshops are held throughout the year at CNIC FFSC locations worldwide. Many locations also offer Saturday workshops to make it as convenient as possible for Sailors to attend the classes.

The workshops teach Sailors how to market their skills, knowledge, accomplishments and experience with a resume, as well as how to put their military experience into terms comprehensible to civilian employers.

Often, Sailors begin the resume writing process unaware of the significant differences between writing a job resume and writing a resume for federal employment. A federal employment resume must be in a very specific format and is a fluid document, in that it changes constantly based on the specific position an applicant is applying for.

The workshops help attendees navigate these differences, as well as teach service members the correct way to prepare a master resume and a specific resume for employment in the private sector.

Workshop attendees also have the opportunity for one-on-one counseling with a trained professional, and are provided information on local job fairs and websites geared toward resume writing.

In addition to resume writing workshops, FFSC also offers federal employment workshops, job fairs, transition assistance, education information, relocation assistance, financial counseling and more. These services are free of charge to military personnel and their dependents.

For more information, contact a local Fleet and Family Support Center or visit www.nffsp.org.