How to Turn Your MOS Experience Into a Resume Employers Understand

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging phases of your career. One of the biggest hurdles veterans face is translating their MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) or AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) into language that civilian employers understand.

Your MOS defines what you did in the military—but most hiring managers won’t know what “91D Power Generation Equipment Repairer” or “12R Interior Electrician” means. To stand out, you need to bridge that gap by describing your experience in clear, business-focused terms that highlight your value, leadership, and results.

1. Translate Your Experience, Not Your Title

The goal isn’t to copy your MOS description word-for-word—it’s to translate what you actually did into civilian language. Focus on the skills and outcomes that matter in the private sector.

For example:

Instead of writingSupervised a platoon responsible for maintenance operations.

TryLed a team of 12 technicians responsible for maintaining $5 million in critical equipment with zero safety incidents.

That one sentence immediately communicates leadership, scale, and impact—three things every employer looks for.

2. Focus on Results and Responsibilities

Employers connect with measurable outcomes, not job titles. Describe what you achieved, how you improved processes, and what results you delivered.

Use metrics whenever possible—numbers help hiring managers visualize your success. Think about:

• How many people you led or trained

• The value or quantity of assets you managed

• The percentage of improvement you achieved in efficiency, safety, or readiness

Phrases like “reduced downtime by 20%,” “trained 15 new recruits,” or “managed logistics for 40,000 pounds of equipment” instantly give context that anyone can understand.

3. Remove Acronyms and Military Jargon

The language that made sense inside the service can confuse civilian employers. Remove abbreviations like NCOIC, TDY, or CO, and replace them with straightforward terms: supervisor, assignment, or team leader.

Think of your resume as your marketing brochure, not a service record. The goal isn’t to impress another soldier—it’s to show a hiring manager how your experience translates into results for their organization.

4. Highlight Transferable Skills

Military experience builds some of the most sought-after soft and hard skills in today’s workforce. Employers value candidates who can lead, adapt, and perform under pressure. Depending on your MOS, you likely have experience in:

• Leadership and team management

• Operations and logistics

• Safety and risk management

• Technical repair and maintenance

• Training and development

• Problem-solving and decision-making

When describing these skills, connect them to outcomes that fit civilian roles—for example, improving workflow efficiency, coordinating cross-department communication, or maintaining safety compliance.

5. Keep It Professional, Not Tactical

Avoid including overly detailed military specifics such as weapons systems, ranks, or deployment history unless they directly relate to the job you’re applying for. Instead, focus on professional achievements, certifications, and results that demonstrate how you’ll contribute to a company’s success.

Civilian hiring managers want to see how your leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills apply to their environment. The clearer you make that connection, the stronger your resume will be.

Turning Service Into Success: How to Turn Your MOS Experience Into a Resume Employers Understand

Your resume is more than a summary of your military experience, it’s a bridge to your next opportunity. By focusing on outcomes, leadership, and transferable skills, you can show employers that your time in uniform prepared you to excel in any professional setting.

At Sergeant Talent Partners, we help veterans transform their military experience into civilian success stories. Our team works with you to help you figure out how to Turn Your MOS experience into a resume employers understand so you can open doors to careers that fit your skills and goals.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Sergeant Talent Partners today to start building a resume that tells your story in a way employers understand.