In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT offer significant advantages in assisting military-affiliated students and transitioning service members with crafting their resumes. These tools can help translate military experience into civilian terms, provide professional formatting, and generate impactful content. However, while the benefits are clear, it is essential to approach AI with caution and ethical considerations. Misusing these tools can lead to inaccuracies in the resume, loss of personal touch, and potential ethical dilemmas. This week, we will navigate the new terrain of ethically utilizing ChatGPT in resume writing, ensuring that the final product authentically represents the individual’s skills and experiences while avoiding common pitfalls associated with AI-generated content.

Transitioning from military service to civilian employment poses unique challenges for military-affiliated students and transitioning service members, particularly when utilizing professional resume-creation services. You can use AI to build your resume; some organizations will create one for you at no cost. One significant challenge is the potential loss of personalization. Many resume services rely on standardized templates and generic language, which can fail to capture the unique experiences, skills, and achievements of individuals who have served in the military. This lack of personalization can result in resumes that do not stand out to civilian employers or accurately reflect the candidate’s strengths. Additionally, civilian resume writers may struggle to interpret and translate military terminology and roles into civilian terms, leading to misrepresentations or omissions of critical experiences. These inaccuracies can hinder the ability of service members to communicate their value to potential employers effectively.

Another challenge is the risk of over-reliance on these services, which can prevent service members from developing essential job search skills, such as resume writing and interview preparation. High-quality resume services can also be prohibitively expensive, making them inaccessible to those with limited financial resources. This disparity creates an unequal playing field where some transitioning service members may not have access to the support they need. Furthermore, generic content produced by some services may not adequately differentiate service members from other candidates, reducing the impact of their resumes in the job market. To address these challenges, it is crucial for military-affiliated students and transitioning service members to engage actively in the resume creation process, seek specialized services with expertise in military transitions, and leverage free or low-cost resources available through military and veteran support programs.

A well-crafted resume can open doors to numerous opportunities. With the help of ChatGPT, you can create the framework for the statements that will ensure your experiences are portrayed effectively and concisely. It is essential to understand that you can have a normal conversation with ChatGPT to obtain information without using “prompts.” However, for those new to the game, here’s a guide on using ChatGPT for several sections of your resume while maintaining ethical standards.

NOTE: Due to the length of some of ChatGPT’s outputs, we will only provide summaries of those lengthy outputs.

1. Opening Statement

Ethical Considerations: The first step is understanding the difference between an Introduction, an Objective, and a Professional Statement. Your opening statement should reflect your genuine intent. Avoid using overly generic or exaggerated statements. Once the output is generated, personalize it.

Using ChatGPT

• Framework for Prompt: “Create an Introduction/Objective Statement/Professional Summary for a military-affiliated student/transitioning service member with experience as a (field of experience or previous MOS) seeking to apply experience in (new career) within the civilian workforce.”
• Example: Create a Professional Summary for a transitioning service member with experience as an 11B Army Infantryman seeking to apply experience in law enforcement within the civilian workforce.
• Output: “Dedicated and disciplined former 11B Army Infantryman with extensive experience in high-pressure environments, seeking to transition skills and expertise into a law enforcement career. Proven ability to maintain composure under stress, implement strategic operations, and lead diverse teams with precision and integrity. Strong background in security operations, risk assessment, and conflict resolution, complemented by exceptional physical fitness and a commitment to public safety. Ready to leverage military training and leadership skills to contribute effectively to a civilian law enforcement agency.”

2. Summary of Qualifications

Ethical Considerations: Ensure that you choose the most effective format to list your skills and that all qualifications listed are accurate and verifiable. Generally, we recommend that you limit yourself to about nine skills. However, there may be instances that you will need to highlight more. The MAPP career specialists can assist you with figuring out which applies to your situation. Also, refrain from exaggerating or fabricating skills.

Using ChatGPT:

• Framework for Prompt: “List the relevant skills from my experiences as an (job title) and (other job title) for an application to law enforcement.”
• Example: List the relevant skills from my experiences as an 11B Army Infantryman and an APSU student worker in the Military and Veterans Affairs Division for an application to law enforcement.
• Output: The output to this example is lengthy but provides a comprehensive list of relevant skills derived from the user’s experience as an 11B Army Infantryman and a student worker in the Military and Veterans Affairs Division at Austin Peay State University (APSU). These skills are tailored to demonstrate the user’s qualifications for a law enforcement application.

3. Professional Experience

Ethical Considerations: Always be truthful about your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Avoid the temptation to embellish job titles or achievements. The structure for this section should contain a paragraph describing your duties and responsibilities, followed by 3 – 5 accomplishment bullets.

Using ChatGPT: (Duties and Responsibilities)

Framework for Prompt: Create a paragraph describing the duties and responsibilities of a (job title) for a resume without exceeding 80 words. Example: Create a paragraph describing the duties and responsibilities of an 11B Army Infantryman for a resume without exceeding 80 words. Output: Served as an 11B Army Infantryman, executing combat missions, conducting reconnaissance, and ensuring security. Maintained and operated weaponry, performed tactical drills and prepared defensive positions. Conducted risk assessments, gathered intelligence, and developed strategic plans. Provided leadership and training to junior soldiers, fostering unit cohesion and readiness.

Using ChatGPT: (Achievement Bullets)

Framework for Prompt: Create applicable resume examples for achievement bullets for a (job title) transitioning into a (job title) position. Example: Create three applicable resume examples for achievement bullets for an 11B Army Infantryman transitioning into a Program Manager position.

Output:

“Certainly! Here are three tailored achievement bullets for an 11B Army Infantryman transitioning into a Program Manager position:

Leadership and Team Management:

Successfully led and managed a team of 12 soldiers through complex, high-pressure missions, resulting in a 95% mission success rate and a 20% increase in operational efficiency. This experience demonstrates my ability to effectively manage and motivate teams to achieve strategic objectives.

Project Planning and Execution:

Coordinated and executed a multi-phase training program for over 50 personnel, enhancing combat readiness and tactical proficiency by 30%. Developed detailed training schedules, managed resources, and ensured compliance with all safety protocols, showcasing my project management and organizational skills.

Process Improvement and Efficiency:

Implemented a new logistical strategy that reduced supply chain delays by 40%, significantly improving mission readiness and reducing operational costs. This initiative involved analyzing current processes, identifying bottlenecks, and developing innovative solutions, highlighting my capability in process improvement and strategic planning.

These examples emphasize the applicant’s ability to manage teams, plan and execute projects, and improve processes—key skills for a Program Manager.”

4. Skills

Ethical Considerations: Only list skills you genuinely possess and can demonstrate. Avoid listing irrelevant skills that do not add value to the position you are applying for.

Using ChatGPT:

• Framework for Prompt: I have been a (job title) and (job title). What applicable skills do I possess to apply for a career as a (job title)?
• Example: I have been an 11B and 92G. What applicable skills do I possess to apply for a career as a warehouse manager?
• Output: The output provides a detailed list of applicable skills derived from the user’s experience as an 11B Army Infantryman and 92G Army Culinary Specialist, tailored for a career as a warehouse manager. The skills are highlighted and described according to their applicability.

Best Practices for Using ChatGPT Ethically

Using ChatGPT ethically when writing a resume involves several best practices to ensure authenticity, accuracy, and integrity. Ensure all information is truthful and accurately reflects your experiences, skills, and qualifications, avoiding embellishment or fabrication. Maintain confidentiality by not sharing sensitive personal information and use the suggestions provided by ChatGPT as guidance, personalizing and tailoring the content to reflect your unique voice and experiences. Communicate your skills and achievements with specific examples and quantifiable metrics, and ensure the resume format meets the particular requirements of potential employers. Maintain a professional tone, avoid plagiarism by not copying content verbatim, and review and edit the resume thoroughly for errors or inconsistencies.

Consider cultural and contextual nuances, especially when applying for positions in different regions or industries. Be transparent about using AI tools if asked, highlighting that they were used for guidance and refinement. A practical approach is to consult ChatGPT for general advice on resume structure and best practices, seek specific bullet point suggestions, and customize and personalize these suggestions to reflect your experiences accurately.

It is essential to follow these guidelines to ensure you remain ethically sound. ChatGPT is an effective tool and should be used as such. Copying and pasting information from ChatGPT may leave you with information and skills you have yet to obtain and can lead to disastrous situations. Do not jeopardize your name or reputation by falsifying information on your resume. The system will assist you in crafting a resume that showcases your skills and experiences, helping you transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.

The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program

The MAPP provides all manners of career service to the military-affiliated students of Austin Peay State University. This population is estimated to be about one-third of its total student population.

In addition, the MAPP extends its services to all service members, veterans, military and veteran spouses, and military and veteran family members, regardless of their affiliation with Austin Peay State University.

Services can be provided virtually or in person under the MAPP. Let us know your needs, and we will tailor our services to meet them.

Austin Peay State University's commitment to our service members and veteran communities remains unmatched.

To take advantage of the services offered by the MAPP, contact us at:

Call or text: 931-221-7930

Email: mapp@apsu.edu

If you would like to donate to our program, visit http://give.apsu.edu/. Select Newton Military Family Resource Center Fund of Excellence. The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program falls within that category.

At Austin Peay, we proudly serve you during your academic career. We are invested in your success and have created a division dedicated to our Military-Affiliated Students and their families. The Military and Veterans Affairs Division comprises several offices and resource centers trained to help you fully utilize your education benefits. From offering condensed 8-week courses through the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell to getting career advice from our Military-Affiliated Professionals Program, we are ready to support your success.

Apply Now!

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