Resume help please

[kmtpilot]

I’m a little over four months from retiring after 20 years of service in the Army as a Blackhawk pilot. I’m ready to start sending resumes out and have all my data ready to go and I also have three different completed resume formats. I have been passing these around to my friends to review and critique and I’ve received a lot of great advice. The problem is that many of the critiques conflict what another critique advises. I recently read a post from a very senior pilot saying that the resume should be extremely succinct and that a lengthy resume explaining everything ever done is a waste and viewed as trying to cheese into an interview or a job. This is a very difficult thing for a guy who hasn’t had to look for a job in twenty years and I’d like to solicit some input from the masses that have a good idea as to what is the best resume format.

 

I’m also living overseas now and I’m pretty sure I can pass a Class 1 physical but won’t be able to get one until I get back to the US. I don’t know what’s more thorough my annual military physical or a civilian Class 1. Any idea how I should articulate this on the resume and cover letter? Thanks in advance for any help offered.

[flingwing206]

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Joe Pilot

123 Main St

Anytown, US 01234

(555)123-4567

 

Ratings and Qualifications:

(List here your pertinent ratings, endorsements, and qualifications)

 

Flight Time:

(List here types and hours - if you have a dizzying list of types, break it out my heavy twin, light twin, medium single, light single, ect.)

 

Service/Employment History:

(List here your most recent, and any pertinent info on service and civilian jobs)

 

Education:

List here any pertinent military schools and civilian education (after high school)

 

References available upon request

 

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This should fit on one page, in 11 or 12-pt type, with at least 1/2" margins left, right, and top, 3/4" margin bottom. No pictures, no color, just simple, neat and clean.

 

Along with this comes a 1-page, three-paragraph cover letter.

 

Paragraph one is introduction:

"This is who I am, and how you know me." (if they know you)

 

Paragraph two is why you like their company:

"XXX helicopters is my employer of choice because..."

 

Paragraph three is what you will do for them:

"I will be an asset because I have this experience..."

 

It is entirely proper (and often preferred) for to email this - the documents should be in MS-Word or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. However you deliver your resume, follow it up with a phone call to be sure it was received (this also helps ensure it gets looked at). I wouldn't sweat discussing the physicals until they ask - although of course you will want to know you can pass before you move somewhere for work. They won't hire you without at least a Class 2 in hand.

 

Hope this helps!

John