At Military Veteran Pipeline, we connect qualified candidates with the civilian workforce via our highly accessible, easy-to-use platform. A key aspect of your online application is filling out your Work History, as potential employers will rely on this information when reviewing job candidates. The Work History section of your Veteran Dashboard is separate from the Short Summary and online profile you provide when making an account. Let's review the process for what to include in your Work History.
After you create a profile with MVP, you can access your Veteran Dashboard. This is a great place to check whether your information is up-to-date, and the dashboard is your primary site for accessing your candidate profile, updating your personal information and attaching new versions of your resume. Prominent sections of the dashboard include "Short Summary," "Work History" and "Education.” The information included in these sections should be populated with the information present on your resume. However, it is crucial to double-check that the information in your Work History is accurate and properly formatted.
While your Short Summary provides a space for you to discuss your general career interests alongside other forms of civilian and volunteer experience, your Work History is a great opportunity to showcase information about your employment history and reference any certifications, equipment specialties and relevant skills. The main reason for this section is for employers to review specific skills and certifications that your Short Summary may not include. You can learn more about the differences between these sections on our blog, "Filling Out Your Profile".
Your Work History should be nearly identical or identical to your resume. For more guidance on highlighting your work experience effectively in resumes, see our blog on "Writing a Strong Resume".
Here are some general tips to keep in mind when filling out your Work History:
1. The first thing potential candidates should do is make sure their Work History matches their resume. Our website has a "cut-and-paste from a resume” feature to help fill out the Work History section. This feature not only simplifies the process so you can avoid inputting all the information manually but also ensures your Work History precisely mirrors the job descriptions, keywords, specializations, skills and more that are included in your resume.
2. The Work History section should include current and past positions, as well as what you are looking for and interested in for your next position. Also, remember to include both military and civilian work experience, as listing different types of positions in either sector will widen your potential in various job openings. The more relevant experience your potential employer can reference, the easier it will be to connect with a specific position that matches your background and interests.
3. Alongside the job title and employer of a past position, be sure to fill out the Start and End dates. If you can, be specific when filling out both the month and the year. Paying close attention to the dates of a position is a great way to ensure your Work History is cohesive. An added benefit is giving potential employers an easy narrative to follow in your progression from one position to the next. Further into the application process, a hiring manager may ask about any "gaps" they see in your Work History, so be sure that the dates you list accurately convey your previous experience.
4. Remember to be as detailed as possible in your Work History. Your Work History should be all-encompassing with relevant courses, machines, experiences and other information that would be beneficial for employers to know. It's a good idea to err on the side of too much information, rather than not enough detail. Every employer is different, and you don't always know what specific keywords or additional details will ultimately stand out in the hiring process.
By filling out a complete work history on your dashboard, you can increase your chances of landing a new role that's a perfect match not only for your previous work experience but also for your current passions. Set yourself up to be the best candidate you can be, and good luck in the job search!