Job hunting as a military spouse or partner is a unique activity in and of itself. Orders can change at the last minute, you may be moving down a few markets, you may even have to reevaluate your career choices. Here are three things no one will tell you when you’re job hunting as a military spouse.
1. Be transparent. If you have a good relationship with your current employer, and you don’t think transparency will risk your job, then tell your boss what’s going on. It’s likely he or she will sympathize with your situation and if he or she considers you an asset to the company, could be more flexible in allowing you time off to interview or act as a reference.
On the flipside, when interviewing for a new job, be transparent about your situation. Sure this may not be a permanent move, but don’t focus on the longevity of this hypothetical job. Showcase your strengths and the difference you can make during your time with the company.
2. Go the extra mile. When I found out my husband got orders to a market that wasn’t even on the DMA list, I thought if I wanted to keep doing what I love (marketing, advertising, public relations) I didn’t have a lot of options and I better go the extra mile. While that meant spending countless lunch hours (and dollars) at FedEx Kinkos running off the portfolio to beat all portfolios. That made a difference and I credit that with helping me to land a job at the very best PR agency in town, where market size didn’t end up mattering so much.
3. Be realistic. While I was interviewing at the best PR agency in town, I was also filling out applications to answer phones at a weekly newspaper. I knew that if I wanted to set my sights high, I also had to keep my feet on the ground.
Photo by: SOCIALisBETTER
