SILVERDALE, Wash. –
Each year, more than 200,000 active-duty service members take off their uniforms and begin the journey of transitioning from military service to a civilian life. For many Sailors, that shift can be daunting, filled by uncertainty about employment opportunities, financial stability, and how to translate years of military experience into the civilian workforce.
At Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB), Command Outreach and Recruitment Program Manager Jillyan Langdon is working to ease that transition. With over 11 years of recruiting expertise, Langdon launched TRFB’s recruitment and outreach program in 2023, creating hands-on resume-writing workshops designed specifically for Sailors preparing to enter the civilian job market.
“I offer transitioning Sailors advice and tips on how to craft effective resumes,” said Langdon. “Many Sailors wonder what to include in their resumes or how to describe their Navy roles in a way that civilian employers will understand. My job is to help them bridge that gap.”
The resume workshops, which accommodate up to 24 participants, cover everything from formatting and keyword optimization to tailoring descriptions of military duties into language that resonates with civilian hiring managers. Langdon also provides personalized feedback before and after each session, ensuring Sailors leave with a resume that highlights their unique strengths.
Senior Chief Sonar Technician Submarine Matthew Goodson, who is preparing to retire after nearly 20 years of service, recently attended a resume-writing workshop. With aspirations to work in the technology field and entrepreneurship, he found the workshop invaluable.
“I think these workshops help a lot,” said Goodson. “It helped me focus on what my resume should highlight. I enjoy the fact that she's willing to look at resumes before the workshop and also provide feedback post-training to improve your resume quality.”
As thousands of Sailors transition annually, TRFB’s initiatives underscore the Navy’s growing emphasis on career readiness and long-term success beyond military service. For Langdon, it’s about more than teaching resume skills, but rather helping Sailors launch into their next mission with purpose and clarity.
“I think these workshops helps to build camaraderie,” Langdon said. “It’s not just a ‘get out and good luck’ type feeling. I want to invest my time and expertise to help Sailors feel more prepared and valued. My biggest hope is that they know I’m on their side and here to help.”
Langdon also hosts workshops that are open to TRFB’s federal civilian employees, providing tools and insights to support their career development and advancement. TRFB Employees interested in registering for a resume-writing workshop can register online through Waypoints.