Translating Technical Language on Career Documents

Some of us work in fields that involve the use of highly technical language- technology, medical, science, and numerous others. While it is important to provide industry-specific terms within your career documents (resume, cover letter, etc.), it is also important to "translate" some of the jargon into terms that the average person can understand. This is especially important for members of the U.S. military to translate military terminology when they are seeking to transition to civilian employment. 

The following is an excellent example from an article written about transitioning from military to civilian employment:

"Start by translating job positions such as 'Company Commander' into “Operations Manager.” Spell out all abbreviations and acronyms and translate their importance. Translate OJT and military schools into the real meaning behind the school. If you attended the NERS (Navy Enlisted Recruiter School), show it on your résumé as an in-depth, three-week sales training course. Your rank is important, but what’s more important is the relative rank. If you supervised five people as an E-5, say that! Most civilians don’t supervise five people until they have many years’ experience. Did you make E-5 on your first try? If so, say that and indicate that only 20 percent of those in your field make E-5 on their first try. This shows superior performance relative to your peers and is a good indication of future success."


http://www.gijobs.com/military-experience-to-civilian-terms.aspx