Photo from Canva
In this article:
The secret is definitely out: military spouses are a workforce to be reckoned with. We’re educated and motivated, not to mention flexible. So why does it seem employment resources are hard to come by? One reason is that there are so many helpful options, that it can be difficult to sort through.
Although this is a good problem, it’s hard to begin when you’re stressed about starting a new career or finding a job. So MilitaryByOwner has assembled a thorough guide of the most inclusive and information-filled information about federal agencies, nonprofits, remote work, and traditional companies that want to train and hire the military spouse community.
Photo from Canva
Federal Programs for Military Spouse Employment
Don’t be tempted to pay private companies to run job searches for you. Many of the following programs are funded because they are used regularly by military spouses for support. If the audience isn’t there, these free resources dry up. Military spouses have the largest spotlight on them they’ve ever had, so don’t waste precious opportunities for help.
Spouse Education Career Opportunities (SECO)
Created by the Department of Defense, SECO remains a top option for exploring a new career or education. The SECO website is packed with information about career exploration, training and licensing, employment readiness, and networking. SECO is an all-encompassing resource, making it an excellent first step to beginning a career search.
Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)
MSEP resides under SECO but focuses on matching military spouses with companies interested in hiring them specifically. At its job site portal, MSEP features popular corporation partners such as Amazon, Hilton, and Microsoft. In addition, MSEP has teamed up with LinkedIn to make networking easier.
Military Branch Resources
Each branch of service offers its versions of spousal employment help, virtually or on an installation. You can find branch programs in their associated community services buildings, but all spouses of all branches are welcomed. Resources include job counseling, résumé advice, guidance for applying for federal jobs, and interview techniques. In addition, look for workshops that include topics such as job searches and career planning.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Hiring Our Heroes is a program under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s affiliate, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which supplies military spouses support for job hunting. They offer opportunities to attend both virtual and local hiring fairs and résumé services to update skills, employment, and volunteer histories.
Photo from Canva
Nonprofit Programs for Military Spouse Employment
These programs help military spouses prepare for employment, whether they need resume help, job placement, or upskilling guidance.
Military Officers Association of America schedules several free military spouse symposia throughout the country each year. With their partner, Hiring Our Heroes, they conduct a full day of information for career-oriented spouses. Workshops include résumé writing, working outside the home, networking, LinkedIn strategies, and transitioning into life beyond the military.
The Rosie Network was founded by military spouses to promote military-owned businesses. Business profiles are featured online and marketed for visibility to those searching to hire military family-owned companies. Additionally, The Rosie Network, along with partners, offers entrepreneurial support and mentoring.
Military Spouse Jobs pinpoints their efforts for military spouses and their search for career success through employment readiness training and job placement activities. The option to upload résumés for a review by an employment recruiter specialized in interpreting military spouse experiences is available.
If you’re interested in working in the non-profit sector, follow these military family advocate groups' job openings and career pages.
Photo from Canva
Military Friendly Employers and Remote Work
Remote Work for Military Spouses
The rest of the world found out what military spouses already knew: remote work is a powerful way to find job opportunities you love while supporting your family and servicemember. In fact, this niche military spouse employment industry expanded exponentially thanks to these military and veteran-founded companies that specialize in hiring military spouses.
Companies Hiring Military Spouses
Traditional companies have also stepped up their military spouse hiring game. If you want to expand your options, these companies tout military spouse-friendly hiring practices.
If you want to check out more military spouse-friendly employers, check this year's Military Friendly Employers list.
After reading through a few of the websites, you’ll see some cross-pollination of groups working together. Organizations are going out of their way to make a difference in military spouses’ lives by providing amazing opportunities without fees. So the chances that you have skills employers need and want are in your favor!
By Dawn M. Smith
1.jpg)
back to top