Interviews are stressful. But as a military spouse, when your future employer turns and asks you to, “Tell me about yourself,” you might be left wondering just how much to share.
You don’t want to lie to a potential employer. But you’re unsure whether to disclose that you’re a military spouse. It’s no secret getting and maintaining a job as a military spouse comes with complications.
Military spouses face many challenges during the hiring process. Frequent moves and unpredictable schedules add to the complications during this process. It’s hard to know how much to say.
Here are some things to know when interviewing as a military spouse:
Your potential employer legally cannot ask if you are married or a military spouse.
However, they may ask questions such as, “What brought you to this area?” or “How long do you see yourself living here?” Protect yourself. But be honest during your interview. Always try to portray what others can see as negative, positively. Highlight the best parts of you, your work ethic, and your personality.
Your potential employer may ask about resume gaps.
If you have resume gaps, you can expect your potential employer to question them. Career pauses because of moves, spouse’s employment, short-term employment, or child-rearing are normal. However, as a military spouse, these challenges may require some explanation. During these pauses, be sure to share the things that you did. Whether volunteering or helping out in other ways, these traits can easily transfer to a prospective job.
Seek out companies that seek to hire military spouses.
Many companies have a military veteran and/or spouse initiative and are seen as “military-hiring-friendly.” This is a great place to start when looking for employment.
As frustrating as the challenges might seem, interviewing as a military spouse isn’t all bad. Highlight the many aspects of your character that make you an asset to your potential new company.
Military spouses are flexible.
When military spouses agreed to be tied to their significant other, they also agreed to be incredibly flexible. And luckily enough for your potential employer, this is a selling point.
No matter what job you’re interviewing for, flexibility in the workplace is an asset. And who better portrays flexibility than military spouses?
Military spouses meet a wide range of people from various backgrounds.
Military spouses don’t spook when meeting someone new. They are the definition of a chameleon when it comes to being friendly to strangers or making people feel welcome. Regardless of what your new job entails, you’re likely interacting with different people from all walks of life. A tremendous asset to your new company as a military spouse is that you’re used to meeting new people. So be sure to sell that feature!
Military spouses often have nontraditional employment or vast experience through volunteering.
Military spouses take on various roles. Often, this looks like volunteering their time or filling roles as needed. This is an asset that can set them apart from other potential employees. Be sure to include this information in your resume and interview.
Applying to a new job is stressful enough, and finding employment as a military spouse has some added challenges. Instead of worrying about the negative connotations hiring a military spouse may have, focus on everything you bring to the table—you are loyal, adaptable, and strong. Chances are, being a military spouse has taught you to problem solve, go with the flow, and treat everyone like the unique people they are.
Know what your potential employer can and can’t inquire about. But don’t forget, you are unique. So be sure your potential employer knows you being a military spouse adds value to their company!