ASSISTANCE FOR JOB HUNTING SPOUSES
1. IDENTIFY OBJECTIVES:
What are your priorities, both personal and professional?
2. THINK
POSITIVELY: The more positive you can be about the move to a new location and
the opportunities it presents, the more likely it will be that you will find a
satisfying position in the shortest amount of time.
3. EVALUATE YOUR
STRENGTHS: It is a good idea to call on family members and long time friends to
ask for an honest recounting of your strengths and weaknesses.
4.
NETWORK, OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL YOUR RESOURCES: Although it may seem as if you
are on a lonely mission, your best resources may be close at hand.
* YOUR
SPOUSE
* YOUR PRESENT BOSS
* PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, CLUBS,
ORGANIZATIONS
* EVERYONE YOU MEET (bankers, stewardesses, realtor)
*
PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD IN YOUR COMMUNITY
5. SELL YOURSELF EFFECTIVELY: You
must understand the positive benefits of your product (yourself) and present
them enthusiastically.
* PREPARE A PERSUASIVE RESUME
* SEND AN
EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER
* INTERVIEW IMPRESSIVELY
* FOLLOW UP
ENTHUSIASTICALLY
6. AGENCIES AND HEADHUNTERS: Depending on the service
and the fee, these firms can help to write resumes and assist in locating
jobs. Most reputable placement services are employer paid for the
location of the candidates. They generally fall into three
catagories:
* EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT RECRUITERS
* EMPLOYMENT
AGENCIES
* TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
7. FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER AND
CIVILIAN PERSONNEL OFFICE: On the installation, there are several valuable
resources to assist in perfecting your job hunting skills and referring you to
possible jobs. For more information, contact the Air Force Reserve
Family Support Center at 504-678-3417, Louisiana Air National Guard at
504-391-8505, Navy Family Support at 504-678-2647.
Military spouse
preference provides priority in the employment selection process for military
spouses who are relocating as a result of their military spouse's PCS.