How Military Spouses Can Overcome Unemployment: 8 Tips | FlexJobs

Unemployment and the military spouse are often like bread and butter; they go together. Frequent moves, separations, remote locations, and the demands of the military lifestyle can easily take a toll on how quickly a military spouse can find and maintain employment.

Unfortunately, frequent moves make them look like job-hoppers, and despite being equipped with great work ethics, military spouses are rarely in a position long enough to be promoted. These two items on a resume can make a military spouse look like an unattractive candidate within the candidate pool.

Overcoming Military Spouse Unemployment

Luckily, there are benefits offered and proactive measures that can be taken to assist in combatting unemployment. In addition to official programs and benefits, spouses can also be proactive in tackling unemployment rates through focus and creativity.

— Negotiate Remote Work Accommodations

If you have a role that you feel could be done remotely, it’s time to dust off your presentation skills and put the suggestion before your manager and HR department. Just because it hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t. Take the time to dial out your proposals, such as defining your tasks and collaboration needs, and showcase how they can be accommodated remotely and how you’ll still be an active force on the team.

— Work on a Degree or Certification

Ensure that you’re the most competitive job applicant with up-to-date certifications, or consider pursuing a degree you’ve been eyeing. For example, suppose you’re a virtual assistant. You could work on your inbound marketing certifications from HubSpot, expanding your knowledge and marketability.

— Embrace Volunteer Opportunities

Beef up your resume and hands-on experience by volunteering with organizations that allow you to flex your muscles while contributing to the greater good. You’ll be building your professional network simultaneously as you’re getting on-the-job experience. It also boosts your resume, as volunteer experience will fill gaps in your employment history and make you much more attractive to recruiters.

— Utilize Military Resources

Ensure that you’re using every possible resource available to you online and on base. Take advantage of resume reviews and mock interviewing to assist with interviewing skills on base. Fully utilize all of the current programs and initiatives, such as Joining Forces, Blue Star Families, and the Military Spouse Mentor program from eMentor.

— Continue to Network

Regularly dedicate time to your networking efforts, both within the military community as well as through professional organizations. You never know who might know someone who has a job opening.

Follow best networking practices by doing more than just showing up. Be fully engaged within networking groups that relate to your career field. LinkedIn is an excellent place to begin. Did you know that, as a military spouse, you’re eligible for a free year of LinkedIn premium? You can claim it through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) network.

— Be Confident in Your Transferable Skills

As a military spouse, you’ve showcased highly sought-after skills repeatedly. You’re adaptable, organized, an excellent project manager, a warm communicator, etc. Brainstorm the soft skills that are in high demand and then practice discussing them concisely and professionally.

— Consider Freelance Work

Join the 48% of military spouses who are self-employed. Whether you’re passionate about offering a service or a product, you can find success by embracing resources, such as membership within the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs. Even if your goal is to work for a traditional company, freelance work can help you build your resume in a flexible format while you’re gaining the skills that make you irresistible to recruiters.

— Pursue a Portable Career

You can find a remote role in almost every field nowadays. Consider taking your career with you when you find a position that lets you work from anywhere. An excellent place to start is the FlexJobs database. We know you’ve got a lot on your plate, so we do the heavy research for you. We’re real people vetting the jobs to ensure you have a scam-free job search. And the best news? As a military spouse, you’re eligible to claim a free year-long membership through SECO.

Own Your Career Path

Even though there are some significant obstacles that you don’t have any control over, that shouldn’t stop you from having a clear development path with goals laid out along the way. This ensures that you’ll be presenting a clear personal brand throughout all of your profiles and interactions. For example, if you have a goal to be a freelance bookkeeper, your LinkedIn profile, resume, and cover letter should all support that.

While it may be an uphill battle, unemployment for the military spouse can be lowered through a range of personal activities and focused planning. Your plan might make some detours, but you’ll gain back a feeling of control if you seek creative ways to get back on course toward your goals.