militarymoms

Remember that old military recruiting ad?  If you’re a military mom, you’ve probably had the experience of moving to a new duty station and looking for work.  I’ve endured several interviews in which the first question asked wasn’t about me at all, but about my husband’s job.  “So, are you folks military?”

It’s not a friendly question at all, because it translates to, “So, why should I hire you when you’re going to move?”  There is no easy way to answer this question.  You can lie (bad idea), or you can act ashamed of your husband’s dedication to  his country and military career (embarrassing).  What I’ve done, always, is prepare my answer ahead of time.

I usually answer with something like, “Yes, he is.  We’ve just moved here, and we’re hoping to stay for a second tour.  My research shows that (percentage) of all (husband’s Navy career path) jobs are located within 25 miles of (big military base in area), and he is already looking at follow-on tours here.”  So far, it’s worked well.  Of course, I do the research - chances are, local employers already know the statistics I plan to quote.

It’s true that some employers can’t be persuaded to hire military spouses, even though we make great employees.  We’re flexible.  We adapt well to new situations.  We’re creative - just look at what we can do with a tiny house and beige walls!  We are loyal and dedicated - we have to be, just to survive this life.  Most importantly, we know how to be team players.  We can help newcomers and we aren’t afraid to ask for help ourselves.

If you’re looking for a job at your new duty station this summer, bear these thoughts in mind, and plan ahead for your interview.  Get some of Martin Yate’s great books.  Think through the answers to those tough questions.  Find out what the company you’d like to work for really does - Google its name or look at its corporate website.

Hold your head high when The Question comes.  Be prepared with a professional answer, and you’ll do just fine.

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