As I'm sure some of you can remember, I struggled to find a job when we first got to Germany. Prior to our arrival, I had been told (incorrectly) by many people that I would have no problem finding a job on base and there were many job opportunities available. When I got to Germany, I discovered many of these statements were not correct. There weren't many jobs open for spouses. It made me feel discouraged and I struggled to find work. Emma has had experience working to help other military spouses with their struggles to find work. Here are her thoughts on this topic.
4 Job Myths
Military Spouses Should Never Believe
As a military spouse, you’ve got one of the hardest jobs of all. Sometimes
it doesn't seem fair that in addition to being your spouse's biggest
cheerleader, being mom and dad during
deployments, and managing move after move you now face yet another challenge of
finding employment. To make this process a bit easier, here are four
common myths about finding a job as a military spouse and the truth behind the
myth.
MYTH 1:
There aren't any programs that help military spouses find a job, or even
give any special treatment.
TRUTH: Just like the
programs for active duty military that assist in finding a job, there are programs out there just for you, the
military spouse. The Department of Defense started the Military Spouse Preference, which gives
you preferential treatment when you are PCSing. This resource helps you
get a leg up in a job market that you are unfamiliar with, and it can even
assist you in updating your resume or honing your interview skills.
MYTH 2:
Temporary jobs are a dead end for me.
TRUTH: Temporary jobs
can help pay the bills while you look for something more permanent, and a
temporary job may even turn into a more permanent position itself.
Working in a temporary job gives you the opportunity to prove yourself to
your employer. Once your employer sees you as a dedicated, hard working
individual you are more likely to be hired on a more permanent basis.
Additionally, a temporary job can be a great introduction to the company and a
way to find a permanent job that really compliments your skills and education.
MYTH 3: A
cover letter is not necessary and is a waste of time.
TRUTH: A cover letter
is one of the only ways that you are able to express your personality
and explain how you fit the job requirements. A cover letter gives you
a chance to express yourself and let your prospective employer see your
communication skills. You should always include a cover letter with your
application or resume unless the employer specifically says not to include it.
MYTH 4:
Applying to jobs takes forever
TRUTH: Several years
ago, applying for a job meant getting in the car and driving all over town
asking for applications. Today, we have the benefit of the Internet, and
applying for a job has never been easier!
Many tech-savvy Fortune 500 companies allow for the posting of open
positions, and applicant’s application and supporting documents to be uploaded
right to their website by using a platform provided by JIBE, a mobile recruiting specialist company. Another benefit to
this is your ability to keep a pulse on the job market in the area you will be
moving to even before getting there.
While getting a new job is not easy, you don't have to do it alone. Many companies realize that you are a unique and dedicated individual and are looking for your skill set. You can do this, and now that you know the truth behind some of the most common myths, you're all set to shine in your new job wherever you may be or go.
Things I wish I would have known back in the day! Thanks for sharing Emma!
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