The struggle is real.
As a military spouse, finding employment can be a serious challenge. The military family lifestyle is something that employers are often hesitant to embrace, as it can seem unstable, unavailable and ever changing.
And sometimes, it is - but it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.
Spouses who can juggle PCS, deployment, children and securing the home front often don’t realize that those challenges build an exceptional set of skills that also make them excellent employees.
“Feel empowered, not hindered, by your military lifestyle,” said Kim Morton of Hiring Our Heroes. “It’s giving you a set of skills that a lot of civilians don’t have. It’s something that should be emphasized, not hidden.”
Hiring Our Heroes was formed in March 2011, after the U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Foundation took notice of the high rate of veteran unemployment. The program’s success grew and so did the foundation’s attention towards another struggling demographic: military spouses.
A 2012 study by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics showed that the employment rate of military spouses was only 26 percent. In January 2012, after noticing a significant lack of military spouse participation in their job fairs, Hiring our Heroes stepped up again and began hosting military spouse specific events.
Since then, more than 1,700 businesses have vowed to hire a staggering 585,000 members of the veteran and military spouse community. Hiring our Heroes job fairs have helped more than 385,000 veterans and military spouses secure employment.
The foundation built on that success and created the Military Spouse Employer Partnership (https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil) to work hand in hand with participating companies and help them understand the military spouse culture and the unique skill set that military spouses possess.
The gap between military and civilian was lessened. But the process only works, Morton said, if military spouses reciprocate and be the professionals that the foundation touted them as.
And for a job fair, that means being prepared.
Prior to attending, it is best to research the companies that will be there. It shows you have taken initiative and are well-prepared to speak to the representatives.
Also, show up to a job fair in the same clothes you would wear to a job interview, Morton said. She stressed that dressing nicely shows that you care enough to look presentable, and also reflects an understanding of the culture of the companies in attendance.
Morton explained that while a chronological resume is the style job seekers often use, military spouses professional experiences are best outlined in a way that lists your skills and strengths, rather than simply lists your prior employment sequentially.
A good resume is significant. However, Morton stressed that it may not be enough to get you the job. You need to know your brand, own it and market it. It is important to have a firm grasp on professional and personal skills, background and strengths.
“Have your elevator pitch ready,” Morton said.
There is a small window of opportunity to make a great impression, so practice your best “I’m-so-awesome-you-should-hire-me-today!” speech ahead of time.
