Strong Computer Skills Important to Resume Writing, Application Process, Marketability

Special Section: Going Ashore

By Rebecca Perron,
Military Newspapers of Virginia

Computers, online communications and software systems have become the standard in both the business world as well as the personal, daily lives of most people, regardless of age or profession. Transitioning Sailors are no exception. Up-to-date computer skills can help transitioning Sailors get the job of searching for employment done more quickly, efficiently and professionally and make them more marketable at the same time.

According to employment educators at Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), it is very important for transitioning Sailors to have word processing skills and understanding of the Internet at the very least.

“Sailors and anyone who is looking for a job should make sure they at least know how to use a computer, including word processing, email and the Internet,” said Sandy Meadow, an employment educator at Naval Air Station Oceana FFSC. “These days, most resumes are submitted online instead of being mailed or faxed. Sailors must be able to build their resume in a professional-looking format, and then either email it to a potential employer or post it to an employer’s website or an employment search website.”

In addition to the essentials for the purpose of job searching, Meadow said transitioning Sailors should keep current whatever skills are required by their job field as well.

“Employers are looking for the most qualified candidate when they are screening resumes,” Meadow said. “Many times, employers are only looking at each resume for a few seconds before moving on to the next. Job seekers need to make sure they are as qualified for the job as possible so they can stand out.”

Sailors should assess the skills they will need after their last day on active duty during the career planning stage and then plan to keep those skills sharp.

“Many times, the job field they are in while on active duty gives them a start on whatever training they need to have to make themselves marketable in the civilian world,” Meadow continued. “But some civilian jobs may require additional training, say at the intermediate or advanced level, and Sailors may want to research training opportunities well before they get to the point of sending out that first resume. They don’t want to start sending out resumes, then find they aren’t being called for an interview because they aren’t as qualified as the other candidates.”

Transitioning Sailors should review their skills and training needs to make sure they are current. Technology is here to stay and keeping skills current can make the job search process smoother and the candidate more marketable, sending them on their way to finding their ideal job.