I Thought I Could Do My Own Resume… Until I Couldn't

When I left the Army, I thought updating my resume would be easy.

After all, I had spent years as a military paralegal. I had leadership experience, handled complex legal matters, supervised Soldiers, and managed responsibilities that most people don't encounter until much later in their careers.

Then I sat down to write my civilian resume.

I quickly realized something I hadn't expected—I knew what I had done, but I didn't know how to translate it into language that civilian employers would immediately understand.

Like many veterans, I spent hours rewriting, reformatting, and second-guessing every bullet point. I was trying to tell my story, but I was speaking a different language than the people reading it.

That's when I reached out to Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit that provides free career coaching and resume assistance for U.S. veterans. Working with them helped me see my experience from a completely different perspective. They didn't change what I had accomplished—they helped me explain it in a way that resonated with civilian employers.

That experience taught me something I still carry with me today: sometimes the hardest resume to write is your own.

Since then, I've spent years refining that skill—not only for myself, but for veterans, transitioning service members, and professionals from all kinds of backgrounds. One of my favorite parts of what I do is helping people identify strengths they've overlooked and present their experience with confidence.

Why Generic Resumes Rarely Get Interviews

One of the biggest mistakes I see is sending the same resume to every job.

A generic resume often:

• Focuses on duties instead of accomplishments.

• Misses important keywords from the job posting.

• Uses language that doesn't connect with the employer.

• Doesn't highlight the experience that's most relevant to the position.

Your resume isn't just a list of where you've worked. It's your introduction before you ever get the chance to interview.

Every Career Has a Story

Whether you're transitioning out of the military, changing careers, or simply looking for your next opportunity, your experience has value. Sometimes it just needs to be translated into language that tells your story clearly.

I know that because I've been there myself.

Today, helping others navigate that process is one of the most rewarding parts of owning McLamb Consulting & Support. Watching someone's confidence grow as they realize just how much they have to offer never gets old.

If you're feeling stuck with your resume, don't assume your experience isn't enough. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective to turn a frustrating document into one that opens doors.