Essential Job-Seeking Tips for Military Spouses before a PCS Move

By Valarie R. Austin, June 4th, 2024, 11:00 AM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

As a military spouse, you know the drill: every few years, the call comes, and it's time to pack up and move. While a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) brings excitement and new opportunities, it also poses significant challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining a stable career. Frequent relocations, which occur every two to four years, often within the continental U.S. (CONUS) or outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS), can lead to inconsistent employment, career gaps, and reliance on unpaid volunteer work. But fear not! With the right strategies, you can turn these challenges into opportunities and secure the employment you deserve.

Game-Changing Tips for Job-Seeking Military Spouses

Stay Resume-Ready

o Keep your resume current and tailor it for each job application.
o Identify and integrate key words or phrases from job postings that highlight the desired skills and qualifications.
o Ditch the generic resumes. Customize your resume to demonstrate that you possess the required skills, knowledge, and qualifications for specific job postings.
o According to Select Software Reviews, nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies and 70% of large companies use Applicant Tracking System software that parses out required key words and phrases within resumes.
o Use professional titles for your paid or volunteer work based on industry standards.

Maximize LinkedIn

o Maintain a polished LinkedIn profile, which serves as a digital resume detailing your positions, education, and skills.
o Leverage LinkedIn to access company profiles, job searches, and research human resources or recruiters' profiles.
o Military spouses can benefit from a free year of LinkedIn Premium – make the most of it!

Consider Government Job Options

o Look into remote work possibilities when applying for government jobs.
o Research and apply to military/veteran spouse-friendly companies.
o Highlight your military spouse status on your resume to take advantage of federal hiring preferences.

Embrace Flexibility and Resources

o Be open to temporary job opportunities.
o Make the most of on post/bases resources, such as the installation's Relocation Assistance Program and your military sponsor for additional support and guidance.
o Network with friends, family and colleagues; attend job fairs, and industry conferences.

Harness Online Job Search Platforms

o Use online resources like specific company websites, USAJobs.gov, Indeed.com, etc., to apply for jobs from any location.

Tap Into Specialized Support Networks

o Utilize resources like Military OneSource; Hiring Our Heroes; the Military Spouse Employment Partnership; and your state’s Department of Labor, Workforce Development & Adult Learning Services Office.
o These organizations offer career counseling, job listings, and networking opportunities specifically tailored for military spouses.

Call to Action

Transitioning your career during a PCS move doesn't have to be daunting. By staying proactive with your resume, leveraging LinkedIn, exploring government job options, remaining flexible, utilizing available resources, and tapping into specialized support networks, you can turn relocation challenges into career opportunities. Networking and online job platforms can open doors to new possibilities, no matter where you are headed. Are you about to PCS? Don't wait! Start implementing these tips today to ensure a smoother transition and a successful job search. Update your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and explore the wealth of resources available to you. Your next great career opportunity is just around the corner -- take the first step now. Happy job hunting, and have a great, meaningful summer!

 

Valarie R. Austin is a successful keynote speaker and the author of “The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons.” She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college readiness. She also conducts career and college workshops/training sessions for high school students, parents and transitioning military members. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. (Article 1 of 3, summer 2024)