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Why Hire MilSpouses?

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As the local unemployment numbers continue to be a record low rates and we all talk about the war for talent, unicorn candidates and the ridiculous salary expectations for some of the workforce, there is a pool of talent that is often overlooked…the Military Spouse (also known as: MilSpouse). MilSpouse employment can be a wonderful staffing source for your GovCon.

Why should you consider these folks?  Our initial response is why not?
Off the top of our heads:

• Change agents
Businesses change quite a bit and who better to understand and go with it than someone who is used used to packing up their stuff and moving to a completely new environment every few years?  These folks don’t scare away from change…they sometimes crave it. MilSpouse employment brings you employees that aren’t afraid to adapt as the changes come in, and in GovCon, those changes can come quickly.

• New Environments
MilSpouses go into completely new environments all the time.  They can adapt and mold to their new circumstances, quickly.  They don’t waste months trying to figure out the new clients or getting up to speed on new technology.  They immerse and they adapt. MilSpouse employment gives you this edge in your employees, knowing that they’re ready to adapt to whatever may come.

• “Figure it Out” mindset
Often MilSpouses are on their own while their spouse is serving.  They don’t know all the answers, but they can figure stuff out in a hurry.  This extends directly to their work.  We don’t hire folks who know everything…we hire folks who are smart enough to know where to get the information needed.

• Community
While a MilSpouse can absolutely figure it out, they also are great at adapting and relying on others in their community.  Need something done?  They will organize and support with precision.  There is nothing a group of MilSpouses can’t tackle.  This extends to their teamwork approach.  MilSpouses are unique in that they can be a rock star individual contributor, but also play quite nicely on a team.  Did we mention that they are adaptable? You’re essentially employing the knowledge of a small community of MilSpouses, as they’re quick to look outward for answers if they don’t have any themselves.

As you struggle to fill your team, ask yourself if you’ve overlooked one of the best sources of employees in the business.

And a quick note to MilSpouses out there – There are employers out there who value the above.  Not every job needs to be 40 hours a week, nor does it need to be done in person.  Don’t put your own career on hold because you feel there aren’t companies that understand your needs. MilSpouse employment is best when you work with employers who understand your value.  “MilSpouse” does not equal unemployed or even underemployed.  Know your value, keep your skillset up to date and seek employers who get it. MilSpouse employment is something we’d strongly recommend to our readers.

 

Military Spouses as Employees | Part 1

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The following is the first in a two-part piece discussing the challenges and strengths of being, hiring and working with military spouses.

 

Military Spouses are among the most dedicated groups in our nation. It is not easy to understand or imagine their struggle as one half of a highly dedicated and honorable partnership.

I recently watched a show about a military attachment where there was local unrest about a war. A military spouse (mil spouse) stood up to the protestors outside of a prominent military base, and asked why they weren’t supporting their troops?
The leader of the protestors asked something to the effect of “how do we know that the troops even support fighting this war.” The mil spouse responded, “how do we know you have a sense of honor?”

In that one question, she hit a very pertinent nail on its head.
Why do mil spouses make great employees?  Honor.
They have it and that same honor is instilled throughout their families. Honor is the backbone to many of the desired features of a “model” employee. From there you can include the characteristics of someone who is reliable, trustworthy and has a good work ethic. These are highly marketable and employable qualities.

Here’s the challenge for mil spouses:

  • They move constantly
  • They are readily tasked with rearing their children alone as a result of the active duty service member’s obligations

Here is a solution:

This challenge is surmountable! Do they have skills they can do from anywhere? Simply because they have a license in one state does not mean they are doomed when the PCS (permanent change in station) orders arrive. Consulting is a viable career option that adds schedule flexibility.

 

BOOST provides back-office support services such as accounting, bookkeeping, contracts, and recruiting. While our niche is GovCon, it can be learned by the “right” type of employee. One that is willing to work for the knowledge. Based on the criterion we search for, a mil spouse could be a fantastic addition.

For spouses lacking skills in back-office services, there are a variety of programs to assist with career advancement. A specific program that teaches GovCon back office skills may not readily exist there may be an opportunity for a non-profit to boost mil spouse employment.

*For Example See MyCAA at military.com that describes tuition assistance for spouses of
E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2 members.

If you would like more information regarding the opportunities for mil spouses as employees for BOOST or some of our trusted partners, please connect with us on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

 

 

 

*From https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/military-spouse-career-advancement-accounts-financial-aid.html