Category: military spouse

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Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot Program

Career Accelerator Program for Military Spouses

We all know military service members tend to move every 2-4 years. This makes finding the right career and the right job difficult for the military spouse. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the military spouse unemployment rate is as high as 22%. The DoD has now introduced a new program called the Military Spouse Career Accelerator program to help military spouses find jobs.

What Is the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program?

The Military Spouse Career Accelerator program provides spouses of currently serving members of the military paid fellowships at civilian employers across various industries and locations. 

The program is open to spouses of the following military members: 

  • Army
  • Navy
  • Marine Corps
  • Air Force
  • Space Force
  • Reserve
  • National Guard

The DoD’s Taking Care of Our People Directive

This program addresses the DoD’s Taking Care of Our People directive, which expands spousal employment. In addition, the program supports the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) programs, whose overall goal is to provide the tools, resources, and information in order to help spouses in finding meaningful career opportunities. 

“The department has partnered with Hiring Our Heroes to provide robust and meaningful fellowship placement that could lead to full-time employment. Military spouses have made it clear that meaningful employment is essential to their quality of life. We hope this program provides them a strong start to solid employment opportunities,” stated Patricia Montes Barron, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy. 

According to Military Times, more than 800 spouses have already started applying, and 500 of them have completed the process. 25 employers have also registered to participate in the program. As you can see, the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot program is off to a good start. 

How Does the Career Accelerator Program Work?

The program is 12 weeks long and free for both employers and military spouses. A military spouse will be placed with host companies that match their location and work experience as well as other factors. The spouses will receive in-person or professional training and mentoring.

The program will run for three years, and applications will be accepted throughout the length of the program. There will be new opportunities each month.

When Does This Program Start?

The program has started, and January 2023 is the first month.

Can You Get a Long-term Job from the Program?

Yes, spouses who excel in the program may be invited to join the host company. If you do a good job, the company can keep you on as a direct hire. It is, however, not a guarantee that you will be hired.

How Do I Apply for the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program?

To apply for the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot program, head over to MySECO. When you apply, they will determine your eligibility, and if you are eligible, you will be able to move forward. If you are not accepted, you will be connected with a SECO career coach to become career ready.

What Is In It for Employers?

Employers who sign up for this program benefit from having early access to a diverse, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. It is a free opportunity for them to connect directly to military spouses and gain recognition opportunities through promotional activities and social media engagement. Employers will also be able to find new individuals to add to their company.

 

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When Do You Start Getting Vacation Days?

Your Employment Questions Answered: When Do You Start Getting Vacation Days?

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are lmiliooking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be. 

Finding a job with paid vacation and holidays is super important. You will need to take days off during the year, and knowing you won’t lose out on pay is a big deal. Some companies offer you PTO right away, others make you wait 30-60 days, and others can make you wait a year. It just depends on the company. This question is about when companies start giving employees these benefits. 

Question: What do most companies do when it comes to PTO?

I work for a company that doesn’t offer any holiday pay or vacation days until you have worked there for a full year. Is that normal? What do most companies do?

Answer: What do most companies do when it comes to PTO?

When it comes to what a company offers and when you receive the benefits, it just depends on the company or even the career field. There are many different ways to do things. Here are a few examples.

  • Some companies give PTO immediately.
  • Some companies make you wait a year for vacation days but give you holiday pay right away. 
  • Some companies don’t offer PTO at all.
  • Some companies offer PTO after 30-60 days.
  • Some companies make you wait a year before any paid time off. 

As you can see, there are different options for different types of benefits. It might be frustrating to have to wait a year, but for the right job, it can be worth it. 

Know that different companies make different choices when it comes to PTO and when they offer it. Companies may or may not also offer unlimited PTO. Unlimited PTO can be a good benefit for some. Companies can also put a limit on PTO days. Some PTO is use or lose during the year. Some PTO can be rolled over. 

Don’t companies have to give you at least holiday pay? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they do not:

“The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require payment for time not worked, such as vacations or holidays (federal or otherwise). These benefits are generally a matter of agreement between an employer and an employee (or the employee’s representative).”

The best thing to do going forward is to make sure you know what benefits a company will be offering you and if they align with what you are looking for. 

If you are currently looking for a job, or want to start that process, visit our Recruiting and Staffing Profile Page on Career Recon. These companies and organizations can help you with your job search, and your journey to find the right job. Here are a couple of examples.

  • Insight Global is good for veterans transitioning out of active duty and military spouses. They offer an IG University which includes one-on-one mentoring, classroom training, group discussions, and more.
  • Military Hiring Accelerator is good for veterans and military spouses. Their goal is to help you create a roadmap to your new job, prepare you for interviews, network for you, and talk to companies about the value you can bring to them. 

 

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Finding a Job With a Gap in Your Resume

Your Employment Questions Answered: Finding a Job With a Gap in Your Resume

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be. 

When you are a military spouse, particularly with children, you may find gaps in your resume. This can be frustrating because even if you do have the education, you may be up against a wall when it comes to finding a job when you are ready to go back into the workforce. You may feel like no one wants to hire you because of a gap or that you won’t ever be able to find a way back in. The good news is that you can in fact find a job using the right resources. This question is all about that. 

Question: I have a gap in my resume and can’t find a job, what can I do?

I am feeling pretty hopeless when it comes to finding a job. I have a master’s degree in accounting which I would have thought made me pretty marketable but I feel like that isn’t even helping me. I haven’t worked in 10 years because I decided to stay home with my kids. My last volunteer position was four years ago so I don’t even have that to work for me. I am also studying for my CPA exams. I have applied to a ton of places and am still not able to find a job. I am losing hope and wonder what is wrong with me. What can I do?

Answer: I have a gap in my resume and can’t find a job, what can I do?

It sounds like you are having a difficult time finding a job. First of all, remember that your self-worth is not tied to how easily you can find a job. You have spent the last 10 years with your family and that isn’t a bad thing. The right job is out there and we want to give you some resources to help you find it. Also, know that you’re not the on;y one in this same boat. Other military spouses have put their careers on the back burner and there are organizations to help you get back into the workforce. 

Here are some resources to help:

Remember, sometimes it does take time to find the right job. Don’t give up. Take your CPA exam. And look for opportunities to further your career. 

 

 

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Nervous Before an Interview? Any Tips?

Your Employment Questions Answered: Nervous Before an Interview? Any Tips?

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be. 

While you may be confident in your abilities, job experience, and education, you can still feel nervous before a job interview. You will need to walk into an unfamiliar setting and give your best first impression. You may have a lot at stake and think the job you are going for would be perfect for you and your lifestyle. You can have a lot riding on the interview. All of this can make you nervous, but what can you do about it to prepare?

Question: Nervous Before an Interview? Any Tips?

I am a nurse with several degrees, BSN, MSN, and RNC. I have a wealth of experience from my time in the clinic, to bedsides, to vaccination clinics. I am fluent in teaching and charge nursing and have spent a lot of time in women’s and infant care. I was able to get an interview for an assistant nurse manager position. During my career, I have also found myself in different leadership roles. I have spoken at the local school board meetings and am involved in the PTA and I love problem-solving. I am also very social and yet I am super nervous about this interview. Do you have any tips to help? 

Answer: Nervous Before an Interview? Any Tips?

Going to a job interview can be nerve-wracking for anyone. Even the most prepared person out there. Here are some things to keep in mind for a smoother interview experience.

  • Remember, you do have a lot to offer. Don’t sell yourself short. You not only have the education, but you also have the experience and the skills. 
  • Go in with confidence in yourself and your abilities. That will show in the interview.
  • Practice the interview with a friend or a family member. Go over possible questions and prepare yourself for what you may be asked at the interview. Practice will help with nervousness. 
  • Go in prepared to talk about what your strengths are and what you can bring to the position.
  • Figure out what might trip you up. What are you most nervous about? What can you go over before the interview to help with this nervousness?
  • Know the job you are applying for. Understand the position and the company. This will help build that confidence going into the interview.

You should also check out these articles on Career Recon to help you prepare for your interview:

You can also find our database of Recruiting & Staffing Profiles for companies that offer interview prep. Here are two of them:

Parker + Lynch

Parker + Lynch is best for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses looking for an executive-type job. They provide free career counseling, offer resume coaching,  interview prep, and access to online training modules. 

Military Hiring Accelerator

Military Hiring Accelerator is great for military spouses and veterans. They can help you create a roadmap to your new job, prepare you for interviews, network for you, and more. 

These two companies would be a great place to start when looking for companies to help with interviewing or for looking for a job in general. 

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Can You Take Your Kids to a Job Fair?

Your Employment Questions Answered: Can You Take Your Kids to a Job Fair?

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be. 

Trying to find a new job can be overwhelming. When you have kids, getting out to job fairs and interviewing can be challenging. As a military spouse, you may have more trouble having your spouse help you out and some of that could be last minute. There might be times when you do have to take your kids with you even when it isn’t ideal. The question is, is a job fair an okay place to take children? 

Question: Can I take my kids with me to a job fair?

I signed up for a Hiring Our Heroes job fair at my local duty station. I was planning to attend during my husband’s lunch break but it didn’t work out. I don’t have any childcare and no one to watch my kids. I was debating on if I should attend the job fair anyway. I would have my toddlers in a stroller. I know this isn’t ideal but the only other option is to skip it. I would hate to do that because I have been job searching for a while now and want to find something remote. 

Answer: Can I take my kids with me to a job fair?

This is a difficult choice to make. Many would say that if you genuinely can’t find anyone to watch your kids, you should skip the job fair. Job fairs are not a place for children. If you did bring them, you could encounter some difficulties. 

  • Will you be able to focus on the potential employer and have professional conversations with your kids there? 
  • What will you do if they need you while you are in the middle of a conversation?
  • With the goal of the event to make connections, you are giving potential employers a first impression. Will you be able to do that well with the kids?
  • Some companies would not look fondly at someone bringing their kids with them. It could mean that you don’t get a callback. 
  • While it might seem unfair, this world isn’t 100% child-friendly, and that can come up when looking for a job. 

On the other hand, you may be surprised and connect with companies that don’t have a problem with your kids. In today’s world, children are more a part of the workplace, especially in a remote setting.

If You Decide to Take Your Child to the Job Fair

If you did bring your children, you could still benefit and end up with a job offer. Keep in mind that:

  • A future employer could see you as hustling regardless of your circumstances, and make things work when they are not ideal. 
  • Going will give you an idea of what to expect at a fair like this.
  • You could still make connections and find places you want to work at.
  • You will learn about opportunities you could pursue later when you don’t have your children with you.

In the end, you will have to make the decision about bringing your children to the job fair based on the pros and cons. Here are some additional resources to help with the childcare issue, as well as what to expect at a job fair.

Go in with a professional mindset and good luck with your job search.

 

 

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Military Spouse Employment Guide: Prepare Your Mind

Step-by-Step Guide to Employment: Military Spouse Community – Prepare Your Mind

When it is time to start the job search process, it’s important to be prepared. Not only in the specifics of what you will need to do but also in your mind. You will want to prepare yourself for a future career; figuring out what life in a chosen career would look like, especially during military life. You want to know what you should do to prepare, and what type of personality each career path might require. Preparing yourself before you start a job is a good way to start off on the right foot.

One of the best ways to do so is by listening to others who are working in the same type of job or listening to people who have been through the process. While you can talk to people in your own life, you can also find this information online with podcasts and videos. There is a lot of information out there about the job process, and easy to listen to on a daily basis. 

Podcasts to Assist Military Spouses

Drop and Give Me 20

Drop and Give Me 20 is a podcast for military entrepreneurs. They focus on the real stories and challenges that entrepreneurs experience. 

SO Unbecoming with Jamie Muskopf

SO Unbecoming with Jamie Muskopf shares conversations with military significant others who talk about how they are navigating the traditional workforce as well as actionable strategies. 

The Spouse Angle

The Spouse Angle is a podcast that breaks down the news for military spouses and their families. They host interviews with all types of military and military spouse-related people. 

The InDependent Spouse Podcast

The InDependent Spouse Podcast is a fun and informative podcast for all military spouses, partners, and other halves. 

Virtforce

Virtforce has a podcast for active duty military spouses with topics about work, finding work, and all things employment.  For more info on Virtforce, please visit their profile.

Smarter Career Moves Podcast

The Smarter Career Moves Podcast is to inspire and guide job seekers to help find a new job, write their resume, and other employment-related topics. 

Creative People Podcast

The Creative People podcast is a conversation with all different types of creatives. 

Being Boss

Being Boss focuses on different topics such as entrepreneur mindsets, work-life balance, and more. 

Ask Nurse Alice 

The Ask Nurse Alice podcast is by Nurse Alice Benjamin, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, FNP-C. She gives no-nonsense advice about nursing, and interviews top health experts, celebrity guests, and frontline nurses. 

The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast

The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast is all about classrooms, apps, and teaching ideas with a full-time teacher, Vicki Davis. She interviews teachers and educators from around the world. 

Videos to Assist Military Spouses

You can visit our Exclusive Video Series on Career Recon. There are videos on military transition, interview and resume tips, career advice, and beyond. Other companies have also produced videos on these types of topics. 

Take notes when listening and watching, and reach out and ask questions if the podcast has a platform to do so. You will be able to learn a lot about what life will be like once you start your career, and how the process will go to get there from listening to other people. 

 

 

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Military Spouse Employment Guide: What Type of Work Should You Do?

Step-By-Step Employment Guide: What Type of Work Should Military Spouses Do?

As you start your job-finding journey, you will need to decide on what type of job you will be looking for. There are a few different options. You can choose between being a W2 employee, or a 1099 independent contractor. You also need to decide if you want to work full-time or part-time. There are pros and cons to all of these choices.

W2 Employee

A W2 employee is a salaried or hourly employee. They are not business owners, and they work for the company. They receive benefits and work based on a schedule that is created by the employer in most cases. There are certain laws that will need to be followed, and the company will withhold social security, medicare, and taxes for the paycheck. The company will provide all the tools and supplies you would need, such as a laptop.

Pros: More security, and more long-term stability. You can receive benefits and certain protections.

Cons: You will have more regulations about the work you do. You won’t have as much say in when you work. You have less flexibility overall.

Companies who can help you find W2 jobs:

  • Hire Heroes – they help veterans and military spouses get hired in many different fields. They offer personalized career coaching, expert mentoring, and job sourcing.
  • Integrity Staffing Solutions – they are a staffing agency that places people into open positions in different fields around the country, including remote jobs.

1099 Independent Contractor

A 1099 independent contractor provides certain services to a company. They differ in how and where they work and what tools they use to get the job done. Employers don’t take out anything from their paychecks and they are not eligible for employee benefits. They are their own boss and work for themselves.

Pros: You have a lot more freedom as a 1099 contractor. You don’t have a traditional boss and you have the ability to contract with multiple companies. You can more easily work remotely as a 1099. As a military spouse, this can be a way to find that flexible job you are looking for.

Cons: You don’t have the safety net you might have as an employee. Your job is more temporary and you won’t be offered any benefits. You will have to make sure you save money from each paycheck to pay your taxes as no employer will not be taking the money out for you.

Companies who can help you find 1099 jobs:

  • Freelance US LLC – they offer services for military spouses that are designed to accommodate the military lifestyle. They can help you find jobs in graphic design, writing, programming, business tasks, video, audio, and photo.
  • Virtual Gal Friday – while they are not specific to the military they provide work-from-home opportunities that are more accommodating to work-life balance than a traditional job.

Full-Time Status Employment

Working full-time would be working 30-40 hours, usually five days a week. Many people want to work full-time.

Pros: Working at full-time status can give you better benefits, give you higher pay, and make for more stability when it comes to your career.

Cons: Working at full-time status can mean less flexibility with your schedule. There is a higher chance of burnout since you are working more hours.

Companies who can help you find full-time jobs:

  • Avant Healthcare – this company is for military spouses working in healthcare.
  • American Corporate Partners – this company works with veterans, active duty, and military spouses. They offer a mentoring program and links to jobs with their partner companies.

Part-Time Status Employment

Working part-time is usually working less than 30 hours a week. Finding a part-time job can be good for those looking for more flexibility.

Pros: Working at part-time status can be great for work-life balance. You have more free time during the week and can focus on other parts of your life in a way you can’t if you work full-time. It might even be easier to find a job if you are flexible in the hours you can work.

Cons: Working at part-time status means fewer benefits in most cases. You usually have to work a certain amount of hours to qualify for them. You also may be seen as more expendable than a full-time employee would be. If you are not there as much as your co-workers then it can also be difficult to navigate.

Companies who can help you find part-time jobs:

  • TrueBlue – this company is for service members, veterans, and military spouses looking for a more physical type of job.
  • BreakLine – this company is for veterans and their spouses looking for jobs in the technology field.

As you can see, there are different options based on what works for your lifestyle, your industry, and your goals.

 

 

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Military Spouse Employment: The Portability Factor

Step by Step Guide to Employment: Portable Jobs for Military Spouses

According to the 2021 Military Family Lifestyle Survey Comprehensive Report by Blue Star Families the military spouse unemployment rate is 4 to 6 times the national average. It can be difficult for military spouses to find the right job and to be able to do so at every duty station they move to. Overall, military spouses can struggle to find employment.

Military spouses wanting to find a new job can be hit with struggles that their civilian friends don’t have to deal with. When someone becomes a military spouse, they enter a whole new world. There will be many moves, maybe even every two to three years. Their spouse’s schedule will be all over the place and there could be times when they aren’t home. This can make for a harder environment when it comes to finding a career and maintaining one.

The military spouse unemployment rate is 4 to 6 times the national average according to a military family lifestyle survey

This is why so many military spouses want to look for jobs that are more portable. Jobs they can take from duty station to duty station or where they will know that the likelihood of finding a job when they move will be high. As you are just starting the process of finding employment, now is a good time to figure out how you feel about portable jobs.

Is a portable job right for you?

Ask yourself if a portable job is the right choice for your own career path.

Not every industry works well with portable jobs. Some career paths will mean that you won’t be able to easily find a new job at each duty station. You might have to get more creative about your career. However, other industries do have a lot of portable jobs that can be a good fit.

Going for a remote job can be a good option too. Because of Covid, many companies have switched to remote work, even if they never had before. They have realized that they can make at-home jobs work for the company and their employees. This can be a good option because your job can literally come with you without much interruption.

Examples of Portable Jobs

Medical Billing and Coding

With medical billing and coding, you would work to ensure that people are billed correctly, keep invoices organized, and make sure bills are paid on time. With the coding part, you would be working to assign codes to medical actions. In order to work in this type of job, you would need a certificate. This job can also be done remotely.

Please visit CollegeRecon for training or education options for medical billing and coding.  You can find schools such as Central Ohio Technical College which offers programs for medical billing and coding.

Customer Service

In this type of job, you would work for a company and help customers via phone, email, and/or chat. You would handle customer complaints and provide other assistance. There are many companies such as Amazon and Verizon where you can work from home. You would need a high school diploma.

Search for agencies specializing in Customer Service jobs for veterans and military spouses using CareerRecon.

Pharmacy Tech

As a pharmacy tech, you would help in the process of preparing prescription medicine for customers. This does require specialized training but it is everywhere and you should easily be able to find a job in this field.

Please visit CollegeRecon for training or education options for pharmacy technicians.  You can find schools such as Concorde Career College which offers programs for pharmacy techs.

​​Bookkeeper or Accountant

A bookkeeper would handle the day-to-day tasks of recording financial transactions. An accountant would handle the financial and tax data for a business. You would need an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree to work as a bookkeeper, and a bachelor’s degree to be an accountant. These types of jobs can easily be remote and are available in most locations.

Search for agencies specializing in Accounting positions for veterans and military spouses using CareerRecon.  Or visit CollegeRecon for training or education options for accounting online.

There are many other options for portable jobs, from running a home business to freelancing, or working in the service industry. Take your time trying to figure out what direction you want to go in and what that would look like when it comes to finding a job.

 

>> Find agencies specializing in placing military spouses with CareerRecon’s Search Tool

 

 

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Military Spouses: Childcare and Going Out of Town

Your Employment Questions Answered: Childcare and Going Out of Town

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives that we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be.

Childcare can be a big issue for military spouses. Their service member could be deployed or working long hours, and they might need to make serious decisions between work and their children. This isn’t going to be easy. Sometimes there is no easy answer and sacrifices are going to have to be made. Luckily there are some resources out there, both civilian and military that can help.

Question: Should I skip my work trip for my son’s attendance award?

My job is having a work retreat and my husband is deployed. My son is only in kindergarten. My friend is able to watch him for three days but won’t be able to take him to school. This means he will have to miss three days of school and will lose his perfect attendance. I could stay home, but I have already missed a retreat and attendance is strongly encouraged. I don’t know what to do. Is my son’s perfect attendance worth more than my work trip? How do I decide which has priority?

Answer:

Having to choose between your child and your work can be difficult. You don’t want to have to pick one over the other, but in some cases, you might have to. In this case, the work trip should be your priority. You missed out on the last one but now you can go to this one and it sounds like it would be important that you do so. You do have someone who can watch your child and keep them safe which is the most important thing.

As far as his attendance goes, while missing school isn’t ideal, doing so at his age won’t be the end of the world. You can even talk with the teacher about getting some independent work for him to do while he isn’t at school. While earning a perfect attendance award might be fun, earning one, especially at age 5 isn’t totally realistic. During the school year there could be days he would need to miss for illness or even when your spouse returns from a deployment. Risking your job for that type of award wouldn’t be worth it.

Just like your service member spouse, your career is important and it provides for your family. There is nothing wrong with that. Your job is important too.

Childcare Options for Military Spouses

If you really don’t want him to miss school there might be a few options for you or for any childcare needs in the future.

YMCA School Partnerships

Check and see if his school has a YMCA partnership. If they do, they might be able to offer transportation before and after school. Not sure if it is possible for your caregiver to drop or pick up your child earlier before school or later after but that could be an option too.  For more info, please go here.

Care.com

With Care.com, you can find a caregiver to take your son to and from school. He could still stay with your friend but they would take care of transportation. Please make sure to also check out the Care.com military discount.  For more info on the Care.com program, please go here.

Hourly Care at the CDC

While this might not help in this current situation, most military installations offer hourly care through the CDC (Child Development Center). This is great if you need someone to watch your child for a few hours during school breaks or even after school. In some cases, you might get free hours if your spouse is deployed.  For more info on the Care.com program, please go here.

As you can see you do have a few options when it comes to planning work trips around you and your son’s schedule. Hopefully, you will be able to find something that will work.

 

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Finding Internships or Volunteer Work

Your Employment Questions Answered: How to Find Internships or Volunteer Work

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives that we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be.

When you don’t have a ton of experience in the field you want to go into, you can struggle to find the right job. While finding a job does take time, there are things you can do while waiting for the right one. Finding a good internship or volunteer work is a great way to gain more experience and to keep working while trying to find the right job.

Question: Can you tell me how to find internships or possibly volunteer opportunities?

I have been searching for a job since I graduated from college a couple of years ago. I haven’t been able to find an in-person job. I was thinking about contacting a company about doing an unpaid internship or volunteer position to help me gain some experience and to help with my non-recent work history. Is this a good idea? How do I go about looking for jobs like that?

Answer:

Looking for internships or volunteer work to gain experience can be a really great idea. There are different wants you can do this, and also figure out the best way to look for the right job. Here are some suggestions:

1. MWR Job Fairs

Check and see what MWR Job Fairs are going on at your duty station. They happen all over the US and could be a starting point for getting a job locally. They have in-person and virtual job fairs.

RELATED:

2. Your University Alumni Career Services Center

This can be a good place to explore local internships and jobs, research jobs, and get help with things such as your resume, cover letter, or job searching techniques.

3. Career Recon

At Career Recon, we can help you in many different ways. We offer job fair listings, both in-person and virtual. We also have a big selection of Recruiting and Staffing Profiles to look at. Here you might be able to find some resources to help you find what you are looking for. Here are three of them that help military spouses.

  • VirtForce – they work with military spouses, veterans, and transitioning service members. They offer a wide range of services and opportunities to help spouses get hired.
  • Veterati – they work with service members, veterans, and military spouses. At Veterati you can choose your own mentor who will help you with the process of looking for a job. They will help you stand out as an applicant.
  • Military Spouse Jobs – they offer job recruiting services to military spouses, family members, and caregivers. They can help you find a job, and offer career exploration, and employment training.

4. Flexjobs

Through SECO which is through Military OneSource, you can get a free year-long membership. At Flexjobs you can find flexible, hybrid, and remote jobs.

5. Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes is a great place to go when looking for a job. They offer so many great programs. They also have a volunteer section and are always looking for people to volunteer in a variety of different fields.

6. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

This organization is also always looking for volunteers. Check out their volunteer page for more information.

7. Temp Agencies

Temp agencies are a great way to find seasonal and temporary work that might be what you are looking for. They can provide you with work day-by-day or more long-term jobs. They work with a variety of companies and can be a great solution when you are looking for jobs to help you with your work experience.

As you can see there are many options of places that can help you find an internship, volunteer work, or help you find the type of work you are looking for.

 

 

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