Crafting an award-winning résumé is a must for job-seekers, and it’s an achievable goal for everyone. So is becoming more comfortable in a networking setting – events and webinars where you can build genuine relationships with the people you meet.

Want a quick résumé review and a chance to sharpen your networking skills? Bring your résumé along Oct. 4 to MOAA’s networking event at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va. Register today and join MOAA experts, industry leaders, military-friendly companies, and more like-minded professionals at 6:30 p.m. for a free night of networking (or arrive early for a 5:30 p.m. pre-event panel).

Whether you’re joining us Oct. 4 or planning for a future career fair, interview, or networking session, keep these tips in mind.

Résumé Musts

• Keep It Simple: Readability is key. Start with allowing enough white space by using 1-inch margins.
  
  
• Keep It Short: Two pages or less, designed to keep the attention of hiring managers and others who may look at each application for about seven seconds.
  
  
• Tighten Your Language: Review your text to trim around the edges. Some examples: Say “led” instead of “responsible for,” and use “describe” instead of “provide a description.”
  
  
• Target Your Materials: Don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all application. Focus on the needs of your desired employer or industry.
  
  
• Be Specific: Cite your accomplishments using key metrics – the “so what.” Add details for context: “Led an eight-person team managing the relocation of 3,500 personnel and IT equipment valued at $75 million to a new headquarters,” or “Developed and successfully executed a master schedule of 7,090 tasks in 11 months to accomplish the move.”
  
  
• Paint the Full Picture: A networking résumé focuses on knowledge, training, and specific skills, but it also highlights initiatives, accomplishments, efforts, and performance.

[RELATED: More Transition and Career Resources From MOAA]

Networking Musts

• Work the Room: During the event, meet as many people as possible.
  
  
• Be Engaged: Hold a professional conversation, and ask questions that show you're genuinely interested in that conversation.
  
  
• Practice Effective Communication: Actively listen and use keywords, tone, and body language to your advantage.
  
  
• Ease Into It: It’s often easy to start with people you know.
  
  
• Do Your Homework: Identify industries, sectors, and companies of interest.
  
  
• Know What You Want to Know: Develop key questions not easily answered by a simple Internet search. These can be open-ended (about company culture, or what it takes to succeed at the business) or more specific (about required skills, salary ranges), or what to stress on your résumé. They can also be personal – “What is something you wish you knew at the start of your career?” or “Who else should I meet with about careers in this industry?”

New to networking? Check out a recording of MOAA’s recent Career Workshop webinar … then come on out and practice those networking skills at MOAA’s annual signature networking event!

Need more résumé and networking resources? Visit MOAA.org/Careers, or join our LinkedIn Career Networking Group of more than 46,000 industry professionals and career-focused participants.

MOAA Career Transition events – like this one – that are free and open to everyone in the military, veteran, and military spouse community are funded by The MOAA Foundation and our generous donors: Humana Military, Association Member Benefits Advisors, and Delta Dental.