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.
