Military CV Example & Writing Guide

Whether you're setting sail with the Royal New Zealand Navy, marching with the New Zealand Army, or soaring through the skies with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, a well-crafted CV is your ticket to embark on an extraordinary career defending our homeland.

With expert military CV examples, top tips and a professional online CV builder, we make it easier than ever to launch your career in the New Zealand Defence Force. 

How to write a military CV:

To create a powerful first impression, be sure to include these key sections in your CV header:

• The header
• The personal statement
• The employment history section
• The skills section
• The education section

Additionally, to help stand out to NZDF recruiters, keep these top tips in mind:

1. Highlight your work ethic by highlighting experiences demonstrating your physical fitness, mental resilience, and commitment to teamwork, whether gained through sports, volunteer work, or leadership roles.
2. Focus on skills that align with the NZDF's mission, such as navigation, survival skills, first aid, cultural awareness, or proficiency in Te Reo Māori.
3. Choose a clean, professional, well-organised CV format that highlights your most relevant qualifications.
4. Use numbers and specific examples to illustrate your impact. For example, "Navigated a team of four through rugged terrain for 15 kilometres.”

Choose a CV format that highlights your potential

The reverse chronological CV format, showcasing your most recent experiences first, is a powerful tool to highlight career progression and relevant skills to the NZDF. This CV format lets recruiters quickly grasp your experience and ensure it aligns with their needs.

However, if your work history is less directly related to the military, a functional or combination CV can prioritise your transferable skills and leadership qualities, making your profile more appealing to recruiters.

Provide your contact information

In the header of your CV, include clear, professional contact details, including: 

• Full Name & Job Title: Include your full name and the specific role you are seeking within the NZDF (e.g., "Private," "Officer Cadet," "Pilot").
• Email Address: Ensure your email address is professional and includes your first and last name.
• Contact Number: Provide a phone number with a professional voicemail message.
• Location: Indicate your current city and region, and specify your willingness to relocate if applicable.
• Links to professional websites: Include links to professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, if they showcase relevant skills or experiences.

Craft an engaging personal statement

In the personal statement section of your CV, it’s essential to showcase your potential as a valuable asset to the NZDF. Use this section to demonstrate your alignment with the NZDF’s values and mission.

In a few concise sentences, highlight relevant experiences, skills, and qualities that make you a strong candidate for service. Focus on your physical fitness, mental resilience, adaptability, teamwork abilities, and any specialised skills or qualifications that would be beneficial to the NZDF.

For example: “Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, adapt to challenging situations, and solve problems creatively.”

Looking for extra help to craft your military CV? Don’t forget to check out our related CV examples, including our engineering CV example, civil engineer CV example and security guard CV example. 

You can also check out our adaptable military CV examples below:

Highlight your work experience

In the employment history section of your CV, be sure to use strong action verbs and concise bullet points to showcase your practical contributions and accomplishments in previous roles.

Detail the specific tasks you executed and the outcomes you achieved, emphasising relevant skills, adaptability, and problem-solving capabilities.

Quantify your impact using concrete data and metrics to demonstrate the tangible value you provided to your previous employers or teams.

For example, instead of simply stating:

• Conducted regular equipment maintenance
• Rectified mechanical malfunctions
• Supported team members in complex operations

You could rephrase these statements as:

• Conducted preventative maintenance on 30+ vehicles/aircraft per month, increasing operational readiness by 15%.
• Repaired 10+ critical electrical systems under field conditions, minimising downtime by 20%.
• Led a team of 5 in completing a high-priority engineering project two weeks ahead of schedule, resulting in a commendation from senior leadership.

By incorporating quantifiable data, you effectively demonstrate your value as a skilled and experienced professional, positioning yourself as a strong candidate for the NZDF.

Include essential service skills

In the skills section of your military CV, it's essential to tailor your skills to the specific role requirements by meticulously reviewing the position description.

Aligning your skills section with the job description ensures you highlight your most relevant expertise and qualifications, capturing the attention of NZDF recruiters.

Consider the following skills list when crafting your application:

Highlight your specialised technical expertise and hard skills (e.g., proficiency in military communication systems, expertise in field medical protocols) and relevant soft skills (e.g., adaptability to diverse operational environments, collaboration under pressure, resourcefulness in challenging situations) to distinguish yourself as a prime candidate for the job role. 

Detail your education & relevant certifications

In the education section of your military CV, focus on highlighting relevant educational qualifications and certifications. 

Remember that the specific courses and training you list should depend on the service branch (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force) and the specific role you're applying for. 

These can include:

• Formal Education: Include details about any relevant degrees, diplomas, or certifications from institutions, such as engineering, medical, or technical qualifications.
   
• NZDF Qualifications: List any courses, programs, or qualifications you have earned through the NZDF or other military institutions, including course names, dates attended, and any distinctions received. 
   
• Specialised Training: Detail any specialised training you have completed relevant to the NZDF role you're applying for, such as New Zealand Army combat medical training, survival courses, such as the Outdoor Education Bushcraft & Navigation course, or relevant leadership development programs.

Select an engaging and appropriate CV design 

Lastly, when crafting your CV for an NZDF role, aim for a concise, one-page CV format that prioritises relevant details such as your military training, operational experience, and specialised skills.

Opt for a simple or professional CV template that is well-structured and organised, effectively showcasing your most relevant qualifications and capabilities.

Accelerate your NZDF career with a refined CV crafted using our innovative online CV builder.

It's now simpler than ever to showcase your military training, operational expertise, and specialised skills with a tailored CV and professional templates that help you stand out to recruiters.