From Volunteer to Career: 3 Tips to Unlock the Potential of Giving Back

Military life is an adventure filled with relocations, new environments, and unique challenges. As a military spouse, you know all too well the hurdles of finding stable employment amidst the frequent moves. But what if I told you there’s a powerful tool at your disposal that can help you not only secure a job but also build a fulfilling career? That tool is volunteering and here are three reasons why.

1. Skill Development

Volunteering allows you to develop and refine skills that are highly valued by employers. Whether you’re organizing events for your child’s school, managing social media for scouts, or coaching youth sports, these experiences translate directly into marketable job skills. Volunteer work can hold just as much weight on a professional resume as paid experience. The organizational, communication, and leadership skills you gain are invaluable in any career field.

2. Networking Opportunities

Volunteering puts you in touch with a diverse group of people. Sometimes, the organization you are volunteering for is hiring, and other times, you find out about open positions through networking. These connections can lead to job opportunities, professional references, and mentorship. Don’t forget to tell everyone you meet that you’re job searching, you never know who might have the perfect lead for you.

3. Filling Employment Gaps

Frequent relocations can often lead to gaps in your employment history. Volunteering is a great way to bridge these gaps, demonstrating to potential employers that you’re proactive and dedicated, even during periods of formal unemployment. Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) are constantly seeking help due to the regular movement of families in and out of installations. This provides ongoing opportunities for you to get involved and make a meaningful contribution.

Having volunteered since my children were toddlers, I've personally seen how networking through volunteering can lead to numerous employment opportunities. Volunteering is a powerful way for military spouses to build their resumes, expand their networks, and explore new career paths. It’s a strategic move that not only benefits your community but also significantly enhances your employability. So, why wait? Start volunteering today and unlock new opportunities for your future!

Janine Spurrier is a Transition Specialist with the Serving Spouses Team at Hire Heroes USA. She has been a military spouse for over 10 years and knows firsthand the struggles of searching for employment and the barriers that come along with each PCS. She has most recently taken a few years off to live overseas, travel, and raise her family while creating a dynamic home environment for their two boys. Janine has experience as a Recruiter and an HR Assistant which have helped her guide her clients in the process of networking and standing out to recruiters and potential employers. She has a passion for learning and serving others and truly values an organization that empowers the military community.

The post From Volunteer to Career: 3 Tips to Unlock the Potential of Giving Back appeared first on Hire Heroes USA and is written by Janine Spurrier.

Mastering Professionalism in Your Job Search: Key Strategies for Success

In the competitive job market, every detail is crucial, and maintaining professionalism is key to enhancing your personal brand. As a career coach and prior recruiter, I've witnessed the transformative impact that professional communication can have on securing job opportunities. Let's explore key aspects, from email addresses and voicemails to LinkedIn activity, that can elevate your professionalism and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Email Address:

Your email address is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. Ditch the whimsical or outdated handles and opt for a straightforward, professional email address. A combination of your first and last name is a timeless choice. This small adjustment sets the tone for a polished and business-ready image.

Voicemail:

When employers call, your voicemail should exude professionalism. Craft a concise and clear greeting that includes your name, a polite message, and an invitation for the caller to leave a detailed message. Avoid using personalized ringtones or humorous voicemail recordings – you want to project reliability and seriousness about your job search. Avoid picking up the phone for unknown numbers if you're not prepared to take a call. Nothing looks worse than a flustered potential candidate answering and claiming to be busy. You never know if it's a future employer calling.

LinkedIn Activity:

LinkedIn has become a powerhouse for professional networking and job searches. Future employers are likely to review your LinkedIn profile to gain insights into your professional persona. Keep your profile updated with a professional photo, a succinct headline, and a comprehensive summary that highlights your skills and accomplishments. Engage in meaningful interactions within your industry by sharing relevant articles, commenting on posts, and connecting with professionals in your field. This demonstrates your active participation in the professional community and reinforces your commitment to ongoing learning and networking.

Mindful Engagement:

Be mindful of your interactions on LinkedIn and avoid engaging in controversial or unprofessional discussions. Remember that employers may scrutinize your activity to gauge your personality and values. Share content that aligns with your professional interests and showcases your expertise.

In conclusion, professionalism is a powerful asset in your job search toolkit. Paying attention to the details of your email, voicemail, and LinkedIn activity can set you apart and create a lasting impression on potential employers. By presenting a polished and business-ready image, you not only increase your chances of landing a job but also establish yourself as a professional in your field.

Janine Spurrier is a Transition Specialist with the Serving Spouses Team at Hire Heroes USA. She has been a military spouse for over 10 years and knows firsthand the struggles of searching for employment and the barriers that come along with each PCS. She has most recently taken a few years off to live overseas, travel, and raise her family while creating a dynamic home environment for their two boys. Janine has experience as a Recruiter and an HR Assistant which have helped her guide her clients in the process of networking and standing out to recruiters and potential employers. She has a passion for learning and serving others and truly values an organization that empowers the military community.

The post Mastering Professionalism in Your Job Search: Key Strategies for Success appeared first on Hire Heroes USA and is written by Janine Spurrier.

PCS Season is Here: Tips to Get Your Job Search Going

We are a few months into summer, a time characterized by warm weather, vacations, and creating family memories. However, for military spouses, this season also marks the peak Permanent Change of Station (PCS) period. For military spouses, this time can be particularly challenging when it comes to job searching. It adds an extra layer of complexity as it requires spouses to balance the demands of their family’s relocation, which include finding housing, settling children into new schools and pursuing new employment opportunities. Here are some practical tips and strategies to help military spouses effectively organize their time during the PCS season while navigating the job search process.

Leverage Military Resources and Networks:

Military spouse programs, such as Hire Heroes USA, Hiring our Heroes (HOH), the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) and Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO), offer a wealth of resources tailored to supporting military spouses in their job search endeavors. These programs provide access to job boards, resume assistance, career counseling, and networking opportunities specifically designed for military spouses. Don’t be shy when it comes to networking and always remember to communicate professionally. Immerse yourself in online forums where you'll find a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can provide insights and potentially lead to professional prospects.

Seek Remote or Flexible Opportunities:

Consider exploring remote work or flexible opportunities that can accommodate the summer months and your frequent relocations. This approach allows you to maintain work-life balance while leveraging technology to stay connected with your employer and colleagues. Do your research to find Military Spouse Friendly organizations, and a cultural fit for who you are as a person and a professional. Additionally, if you have a strong relationship with your current employer, presenting a well-thought-out plan for remote work could demonstrate your commitment and dedication, increasing the chances of successfully negotiating a remote work arrangement.

Practice Self-Care:

Don’t forget to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Manage stress by incorporating some physical activity into your day whether it be exercise, meditation or quality time with those who uplift you. Explore on-post activities and camps for children. This not only gives them a chance to have fun and make new friends, but also provides you with some quality time to focus on getting organized. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to staying focused and motivated throughout the job search process.

 While the job search may demand your time and effort, remember that you are not alone in this journey. There are a plethora of tools and resources at your disposal. Break away from your hesitations and ask for help when needed. In addition to the support from your community and network, Military One Source offers free counseling services for military spouses and their families, providing you with a confidential space to address challenges you may be facing.

Janine is a Transition Specialist with the Serving Spouses Team at Hire Heroes USA.  Hire Heroes USA provides free job search assistance to U.S. military members, veterans and their spouses, and we help companies connect with opportunities to hire them. We have a proven track record of success helping over 75,000 veterans and military spouses get hired since the company was founded. The services never expire. Sign up today at www.hireheroesusa.org.

The post PCS Season is Here: Tips to Get Your Job Search Going appeared first on Hire Heroes USA and is written by Janine Spurrier.