The U.S. economy is seeing more than 400,000 new jobs each month so far in 2022, according to one of the latest updates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For a military member and spouse, the job hunt can be one of the most stressful things you do in civilian life. We’ve gathered some helpful intel to make that process as seamless as possible.
Perfect Your Resume
There’s a fine line between making your resume stand out and conforming to the norms employers expect to streamline the hiring process. Translating your military experience into skills that will add value in the private sector workplace is critical for employers to identify the value of your service to their organization. As a former military candidate, your experience brings you many of the most marketable qualities potential employers desire. Here are some examples:
- Leadership
- Strong work ethic
- Discipline
- Integrity
- Discretion
- Respect for superiors
- Reliability
- Resourcefulness
- The ability to work as part of a team
Check out our blog on resume writing for even more tips!
Write a Great Cover Letter
A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials. A great cover letter lets you speak directly about how your skills and experience align with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also lets you hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.
Master a Virtual Interview
A virtual interview is an interview that takes place remotely, sometimes over the phone, but often using technology like video conferencing and other online communication platforms. Virtual interviews are usually conducted much the same way as face-to-face interviews. Virtual communication requires special considerations and adjustments due to the limited ability to read body language and facial expressions.
Thank Your Interviewer
Thanking the recruiter or hiring manager is a common courtesy that employers not only notice, they pretty much expect. If you meet with an actual person online or in person, get their email address to send a thank you email within 24 hours. Be sure to reiterate the points you made in your interview that you think went well! You can also include more examples of your work that you hadn’t shared before but realized during the interview would be helpful.
Follow Up (even when you think it’s excessive)
It’s essential to ask about the hiring timeframe during your interview, so you can reference it when you follow up. Most employers take longer than they expect, so chances are you won’t hear about the job within their projected timeframe. Sadly, fewer and fewer companies let you know if they’ve filled the position with someone who isn’t you. So, it’s appropriate to send a casual email checking in to see if there are any updates a couple of weeks after your interview.
Utilize a Transition Coach
A coach is someone on your side looking out for you but does not have skin in the game. Your spouse loves you, but this is also a stressful process for them. You might want to reach out to a friend or former colleague in the field you are applying or hire a professional career coach. You will know you have found the right guide when they have the information you need most, ask you questions that make you think, and provide hard truths when you need to hear them.
Bottom Line
The job market is opening up at a rapid pace and there are plenty of opportunities, especially for those willing to be flexible in where they go looking for their next position. Finding ways to strengthen your network and presenting yourself in the most professional way can give you a big leg up on the competition.
GoVA Inc. began in 2019 when our CEO and founder, Phil Jawny realized he had the opportunity to give back to the military community. Our mission is simple; we are devoted to being a trusted and credible resource for all military community members.
You served for us. Let us work for you.
