2. Don’t Rely on a Spork
You know what I am talking about-the infamous spork. The multi-use, half fork, half spoon utensil. Sporks are great for versatility but if you have a soup or a steak dinner, the spork just doesn’t cut it. Don’t trick yourself into thinking that a single approach to a job search is the best way either. Networking and job searching require tailored interactions in order to be sincere and effective. A generic resume will have the same effect as your spork, so keep that in mind when you are deciding whether to spend the time tailoring it for your next job opportunity. Milspouses usually have varied experiences so tailoring is especially important. Tailoring takes time and effort but pays off. Leave the spork behind; use a fork when a fork is best.
3. Gear Up
Yes, we all know that we need a great resume that highlights our unique qualifications in a very compelling manner. Do you know that you need much more than a resume to be successful? Employers are looking at candidates on LinkedIn®, scouring social media sites, and considering other information including simple correspondence. Work on your interviewing skills, get moving on LinkedIn®, and consider preparing a portfolio of your work to quickly communicate your work style and support your qualifications. Stand out by doing more than what is expected. Take it upon yourself to prepare stellar documents to support your qualifications and blow the socks off your potential employer by going above and beyond. There are many resources and professionals out there who can assist you in this area. Find the right provider for you.
4. Recruit
Remember the rising athlete? Did they make it to the top all on their own? No. We need our support team as well. This is a tough road. We are likely to encounter many more challenges than successes. Do you have someone who will step in to pick you up and push you back on track when you are feeling weary? Do you have mentors who know your journey and provide insight and guidance when times are tough? Do you have someone who will remind you that “you can do this”? Make sure you have your support system in place because the hard road is difficult to endure for even the strongest.
5. Forget Autopilot
Similar to the spork, don’t cruise through your job search or manage your career on autopilot. The traditional methods simply don’t work for milspouses, or even the common professional anymore! We must break new ground, be creative and bold, to capture the attention of employers and convince them that we are the ones to pick.
If you are going through a transition stage, take advantage of unemployment programs and use the transition period to reevaluate your career plans and goals. Adjust for the market conditions in your new location and prepare for the unknown markets you will encounter in your future.
We must engage with what we are doing and when something isn’t working, change it! If you are encountering challenges that are milspouse specific then get engaged with the conversation so together we can change it. Autopilot is out.
