When you hear the title “Military Spouse,” what images or words come to mind? Personally, when I think of a being titled with “Military Spouse” it’s a mixed bag of emotions. That title instantly makes me think of my husband’s career, and I swell up with pride in his service, leadership, and dedication. I also think of the sacrifices made on my end and, depending on the day, this can give me a feeling of longing, wondering where I would be if I didn’t have to start over at yet another duty station. How different could my life be if the title carried the same weight as the title of “Veteran”?
It can be hard to claim the title “Military Spouse” with pride, especially when it seems like it stamps you with a big red flag to employers. The good news is that employers are starting to reverse their thinking. No longer seeing military spouses as just a temporary option, but seeing the value they can bring to a company, no matter the length of time in the position.
What’s in a name?
With the lifestyle we lead, “Military Spouse” automatically gives us soft skills that employers and hiring managers look for in employees. Sometimes it is hard to see those in ourselves because we're so focused on everything, and everyone, else.
People Skills
The military is the most diverse entity in the US. Families within the military have the advantage of interacting with a vast array of cultures and worldviews just by interacting with their peers. Those families who are fortunate enough to have an overseas assignment also have the experience of international community, bringing invaluable experiences of cultural diversity and communication into their everyday lives.
Understanding different cultures and points of view bring a much-needed perspective to employers and can bridge many communication gaps within the workforce.
Leadership Skills
“Leadership” and “military” seem like synonymous terms, but I never really thought it would translate to “military spouse” as well. With everything the military lifestyle throws our way, just navigating our lives takes an enormous amount of skill.
Those last-minute plans that change our trajectory show how adaptable we are. In fact, there’s a motto we live by that proves our adaptability and flexibility: “Semper Gumby.” Always be flexible! With this adaptability, spouses have to be decisive and come up with new plans on-the-fly. With deployments in our lives, and spouses running the household solely, military spouses are skilled with problem-solving and ingenuity.
Organizational Skills
If you’ve survived even just one PCS (Permanent Change of Station) you’re a highly skilled and organized individual. A PCS move, especially overseas, is a massive project with a lot of logistics that require oversight. From the data management of everyone’s records, to the follow-through of every phase, military spouses have project management experience and are highly organized.
Service Skills
Military Spouses are inherently equipped with hearts of servitude. Just by being married to their service member, they sacrifice for the greater good of service to the country. Military spouses are also heavily involved with their communities and volunteer their time and talents around them. This selflessness is invaluable in the workplace because the “others over self” mentality promotes the overall well-being of all employees, the workplace, their customers, and their overall mission.
These are all soft skills that are highly valued and necessary, but it’s hard to show that you possess them. Some resumes include a skills section, which is a great place to list them, but your interview will be the best place to show you have these skills.
Written by: Zaneta Padilla, Marketing Content Coordinator
Get in touch with your Employment Specialist today for help showcasing your skills.
It can be hard to claim the title “Military Spouse” with pride, especially when it seems like it stamps you with a big red flag to employers. The good news is that employers are starting to reverse their thinking. No longer seeing military spouses as just a temporary option, but seeing the value they can bring to a company, no matter the length of time in the position.
What’s in a name?
With the lifestyle we lead, “Military Spouse” automatically gives us soft skills that employers and hiring managers look for in employees. Sometimes it is hard to see those in ourselves because we're so focused on everything, and everyone, else.
People Skills
The military is the most diverse entity in the US. Families within the military have the advantage of interacting with a vast array of cultures and worldviews just by interacting with their peers. Those families who are fortunate enough to have an overseas assignment also have the experience of international community, bringing invaluable experiences of cultural diversity and communication into their everyday lives.
Understanding different cultures and points of view bring a much-needed perspective to employers and can bridge many communication gaps within the workforce.
Leadership Skills
“Leadership” and “military” seem like synonymous terms, but I never really thought it would translate to “military spouse” as well. With everything the military lifestyle throws our way, just navigating our lives takes an enormous amount of skill.
Those last-minute plans that change our trajectory show how adaptable we are. In fact, there’s a motto we live by that proves our adaptability and flexibility: “Semper Gumby.” Always be flexible! With this adaptability, spouses have to be decisive and come up with new plans on-the-fly. With deployments in our lives, and spouses running the household solely, military spouses are skilled with problem-solving and ingenuity.
Organizational Skills
If you’ve survived even just one PCS (Permanent Change of Station) you’re a highly skilled and organized individual. A PCS move, especially overseas, is a massive project with a lot of logistics that require oversight. From the data management of everyone’s records, to the follow-through of every phase, military spouses have project management experience and are highly organized.
Service Skills
Military Spouses are inherently equipped with hearts of servitude. Just by being married to their service member, they sacrifice for the greater good of service to the country. Military spouses are also heavily involved with their communities and volunteer their time and talents around them. This selflessness is invaluable in the workplace because the “others over self” mentality promotes the overall well-being of all employees, the workplace, their customers, and their overall mission.
These are all soft skills that are highly valued and necessary, but it’s hard to show that you possess them. Some resumes include a skills section, which is a great place to list them, but your interview will be the best place to show you have these skills.
Written by: Zaneta Padilla, Marketing Content Coordinator
Get in touch with your Employment Specialist today for help showcasing your skills.
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