Military Spouse Job Search: Resources & Support Guide

Military spouses can find success in their job search!

PCS, or Permanent Change of Station, is a phrase that military people know well. It’s a time of emotional upheaval, stress, and wonder about what comes next. Military spouses often loathe PCS because that means uprooting children and finding a new job.

Military spouses are frequently very well-educated and have relevant work experience. Yet many employers are reluctant to hire military spouses because of the uncertainty that comes with PCS orders and frequent job changes. Furthermore, military spouses are consistently underemployed, earning lower wages that can barely be put towards childcare. These challenges have some military families questioning job security and whether the hassle of finding a job is worth the effort in an already tough economy.

ZipJob is here to help you along your military spouse job search journey and wants to make sure you have the resources and support you need.

Military spouse job search reality

Almost half of military spouses indicate they desire to find a job, regardless of past or future PCS assignments. Of those who are looking for work, 89% have some college experience, 30% have a degree, and 15% have advanced degrees.

This makes military spouses highly qualified and skilled individuals who are eager to work and start using their skills in the market. Fortunately, employers are starting to see that and value the skills that military spouses bring to the workforce – skills like adaptability, competency, and diversity in experience. Employers have learned that when they dip into this talent pool, they benefit from having innovative and hard-working team members.

Military spouse job search strategies

To take advantage of this shift in employer mentality, you need to employ some strategy during your military spouse job search. There are a few things you want to focus on to get it right!

1. Build a strong resume

Your resume is how you introduce yourself to new employers, and it needs to make an impression! If you have employment gaps, it may benefit you to put “military spouse” on your resume; however, you should be prepared to respond to questions about PCS.

The main point of focus for your resume should be what you have to bring to the table to the new employer. They want you to prove that you’re the best fit for the role. That means your focus should be on how your skills and qualifications line up with their needs.

Expert Tip: Use strong, action-oriented language to quantify your achievements at every opportunity.

One of the really great things about being part of the military is there is no lack of resources available to you. Yes, they even have programs that can help you build your resume and perform your military spouse job search. MySECO (Spouse Education & Career Opportunities) is a great starting place.

2. Leverage your network

Whether you’re working through a military spouse job search or any other job search, networking is like your ace in the hole. Something like 90% of jobs are landed based on who you know. One of the great things about military life is the ease at which you can build strong connections with other people.

When you get through a PCS and settle into a new place, reach out to people you know (or have met during your move) to let them know that you’re ready to find gainful employment. If you haven’t built up a network you can rely on, then join some military spouse support groups or attend some job fairs to open employment doors.

3. Prepare for interviews

Just like any other job seeker, part of your military spouse job search should be getting ready for interviews. This means researching the entity you’re applying to and preparing some example answers to common interview questions.

A particular talking point you may want to keep in the back of your mind is how long you plan to be with the new job. Hiring managers who know you’re a military spouse will automatically assume your time with them will be short. You can help overcome any biases regarding the length of your tenure by bringing some numbers with you – the Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows that, on average, people in the general workforce stay at their job barely more than 4 years.

Expert Tip: Potential employers value soft skills – like adaptability, stress management, and creative problem-solving – just as much, if not more in some instances, than hard skills.

What do military spouses do for work?

The short answer is, “Pretty much anything they want to.” When you begin your military spouse job search, the first thing your brain will tell you is to go to an online job board and look for jobs that you’ve done in the past or something that your degree will support. However, that’s not the only path you have open to you.

Consider the following:

Look into remote work

The really great thing about adding remote work assignments to your military spouse job search is that if you land one of these types of positions, it can move with you during your next PCS. Since the pandemic, more and more companies are offering remote work. In fact, if you have a job before you begin the PCS process, ask them about the possibility of going remote and staying with them in your new location.

Start your own business

You may be able to hang up the military spouse job search forever if you can succeed as an entrepreneur. Starting your own business can involve anything from opening an Etsy or Shopify store to providing some service that can be done wherever you are. As of 2019, a report done by The White House found that around 25% of military spouses were already jumping on the entrepreneurial bandwagon because of the flexibility self-employment creates for their families.

Find a civilian job on base

Military bases are more than just a compound where active duty folks go do their thing. These bases are like little towns and have gas stations, grocery stores, and schools. While these businesses probably don’t pay top dollar for employees' salaries, it could be a good place to start when you reach a new location after PCS.

What other resources are available during a military spouse job search?

There are a lot of nonprofits and online resources that are dedicated to supporting military spouses who are looking for jobs, including organizations like the National Military Family Association. On top of that, the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network offers job boards and career counseling. Here are a few others:

Military Spouse Employment Program (MSEP): MSEP connects military spouses with employers committed to hiring them. Use this resource to find job listings and career support.
Government Jobs for Military Spouses: Federal employment offers a range of opportunities and often includes special hiring authorities for military spouses. Websites like USAJOBS can help you navigate these opportunities.
Military Spouse Employment Act: This act provides protection and support for military spouses seeking employment. Understanding your rights and the benefits available under this legislation can be empowering.

What sacrifices do military spouses make?

The most common sacrifice you’ll find yourself making during your military spouse job search is work-life balance. There are so many things to take care of as a military spouse, including managing household relocations to supporting your partner through deployments. These demands can make it challenging to balance a career with family life.

However, it’s critical to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Here are some ideas for keeping your own peace during your military spouse job search:

Set Boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and stick to them. Make time for yourself and your family outside of work.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge – things like exercising, reading, or spending time with friends.
Seek Support: When you need help, ask for it. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups and share responsibilities to lighten your load.
Stay Organized: Use planners or digital tools to manage your time effectively, ensuring you can meet both work and family commitments.

Military spouses can have a career

There are a few stigmas to overcome during your military spouse job search – like how long you’ll be at a new company. However, a little preparation and some strategy during your job search can help you successfully land a job that not only sustains your family but also keeps your career on track.

A great resume can really boost your confidence and help you succeed in your military job search. It all starts with a free review of your current resume. From there, we can work with you to help you get to where you need to be to start looking for new employment after PCS.