The term 'Veteran' is a powerful word that carries a sense of respect and admiration. It essentially refers to someone who has a significant amount of experience in a particular field or profession. It's a term that suggests longevity, expertise, and a deep understanding of a specific area or industry. In the context of a resume, 'Veteran' is often used to highlight one's extensive experience and knowledge. It's a term that employers often appreciate as it indicates that the candidate has a wealth of experience, has faced and overcome challenges, and has a proven track record in their field. It communicates that you have been in the trenches, so to speak, and have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of your profession. However, while 'Veteran' is a strong term, it isn't always the most effective language to use on your resume. The word can sometimes imply that you are set in your ways or resistant to new ideas and technologies. It may also give the impression that you are nearing the end of your career, which could potentially deter employers who are looking for long-term hires. Therefore, it's beneficial to consider using other synonyms or more descriptive terms that can better articulate your experience and adaptability. Terms like 'experienced', 'knowledgeable', or 'skilled' can convey the same depth of experience without the potential negative connotations. By doing so, you can make your resume more appealing to a wider range of employers, and give them a more comprehensive understanding of your capabilities.
The best replacement for 'Veteran' on a resume would be 'Experienced'. For example, instead of saying 'Veteran Marketing Professional', you could say 'Experienced Marketing Professional'. This conveys the same level of expertise and longevity in the field without using military-specific terminology.
It's appropriate to use 'Veteran' on a resume when you have served in the military and are no longer in active duty. This can be included in the experience section, or in a separate section for military service. For example, "U.S. Army Veteran, 2005-2015" or "Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps, 2008-2018". It's also acceptable to use 'Veteran' if you have extensive experience in a particular field, such as "Veteran Software Developer with over 10 years of experience".
The term 'Veteran' is relevant to your resume if you have served in the military, as it signifies your experience, discipline, and commitment. It's particularly impactful if you're applying for roles that value these traits or in industries like defense, security, or government. For example, a line in your resume could read: "Veteran with 5 years of active service, demonstrating strong leadership and problem-solving skills."
