Does military rank carry any weight on your resume after you leave the service?

Question

Ok, say you did four years in the Military, Enlisted (any branch), left as an E-5. Does that carry any weigh on your resume? Say someone did four years, left as an E-3 (For whatever reason, they never advanced). Or someone does twenty and leaves as an E6 or E7. I hear conflicting things. from an Idiot I work with he says it doesn't carry any weigh on the outside, and employers don't look at it. Another Co-worker says "Yes, employers look at that" Who is right?

The idiot I am referring to gives out ALOT of misinformation, so I look into it.

Also, it depends on who you are applying with, Such as corporation that do alot of business with the Military of if the corporation is structured like the military then it would have importance. Police, Fire department, civil service it carries alot of importance. Although, jobs in the floor-level retail sales/food service it doesn't carry much weight. They might be more inclined to hire a veteran, than a non-veteran.

Answer 1

As a veteran who did 4 years and got out as an E-4... I'd say I have not seen that it has made a whole lot of difference.

However, I have mentioned that I had gone to the Army's Primary Leadership Development Training (Sergeant school).

I also mentioned that as an E-4 I was placed as the temporary leader at times over others.... learned leadership training etc... That seemed to get their interview pens jotting furiously when I mentioned that. lol

So my guess is as an E-5 or higher, just the fact that you would be placed in charge of others is what is important and not the rank.

Answer 2

This "person" really should contact the nearest military installation and talk with a career counselor (separation assistance office) - it's free.

www.usajobs.gov is the website for federal jobs. Someone with an honorable discharge, will receive a Veterans Preference for hiring. That 10 pt advantage is a big step. Plus this month, the gov't is on a big hiring push to hire vets. All of the application process is free, if done online, otherwise it's just the cost of a stamp.

www.clearancejobs.com is a website specializing in jobs with former military who have had a security clearance. And no the jobs are not all in Iraq.

Military experience is still considered a huge advantage on job applications. Especially if the training resulted in certification (electrical, etc...) Copies of annual performance evaluations are pretty in-depth, share only if positive.

Search the internet and use it as a tool. "Translating" military lingo into English can be tricky, but is vital if the applicant wants their skills to be highlighted.

And use the GI Bill to continue your education.

Good luck and don't believe everything you hear...

Answer 3

To actually get this right, when officers of the rank of Major or above (and equivalent in the other Services) retire they are granted the honorary rank of Major (or whatever). It is only by this grant that they are entitled to use the title. If an officer resigns his commission and leaves the service without retiring he is not granted that right, though some do (wrongly) continue to use the title. If you want to research this, look in the London Gazette where you will see notices of officers retiring and being granted honorary ranks.

Answer 4

Definitely list Military service and Rank obtained. This shows discipline.

Answer 5

Some employers do. I recall seeing a job ad saying leaving the Navy as an E-7 5in tech would be eqaul trainging/qualification. Most of thew time, no.

Answer 6

I would go with the yes do to the fact that it gives them something to dig into during an interview and through that the potential employer can find out what kind of leader you are as well as your work ethic.

Answer 7

Yes it does and it also leaves you with a good pension depending on the rank you when you retire...

Answer 8

no