Starting a new career in the United States as a foreign-born military spouse comes with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Relocating due to military orders often means navigating a new job market while balancing family and military life. However, with the right resources, skills, and strategies, you can thrive in your career journey. This blog will cover essential tips for getting employed, sharpening your skills, and gaining an edge in the U.S. job market as an immigrant military spouse.

Understand Your Work Eligibility and Legal Documentation

Before you start applying for jobs, it’s essential to ensure that you have the proper legal documentation to work in the U.S. As a foreign-born military spouse, you may need to apply for specific work authorization:

-Employment Authorization Document (EAD): If you are in the U.S. on a spousal visa, you may need to apply for an EAD (Form I-765) to be legally employed. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization 

– *Social Security Number (SSN): To work in the U.S., you must have a valid Social Security Number. If you don’t already have one, you can apply for it at the Social Security office or through U.S. immigration when you apply for your visa.Request Social Security number for the first time 

Leverage Military Spouse Employment Resources

As a military spouse, there are several organizations and programs designed to help you find employment and start a career:

-Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP): MSEP connects military spouses with employers who are committed to hiring and retaining military spouses. You can create a profile on their platform to search for jobs tailored to your skills and military life. Military Spouse Employment Partnership 

-Hiring Our Heroes: A program by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Hiring Our Heroes helps military spouses find meaningful careers by offering job fairs, networking events, and mentoring programs. Military Spouse Fellowships – Hiring Our Heroes 

-USAJOBS for Military Spouses: The federal government provides hiring preferences for military spouses through the Military Spouse Noncompetitive Appointment Authority. This can be a great pathway into federal employment. Military spouses 

Networking: Build Connections to Boost Opportunities

Networking is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities in the U.S., and as a military spouse, you have access to unique networks:

– Military Spouse Professional Networks (MSPN): These are local, industry-specific, and virtual networking groups designed for military spouses to connect with employers, mentors, and each other. Military Spouse Professional Network – Hiring Our Heroes

 – LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking in the U.S. Make sure to create or update your LinkedIn profile, showcasing your unique experiences as a military spouse and any additional language skills or international experience you may have. You can also connect with other military spouses and join LinkedIn groups that cater to military families.

Sharpen Your Skills and Stay Competitive in the Job Market

To stay competitive in the U.S. job market, it’s important to continuously update your skills. There are many free or affordable courses and programs designed for military spouses to help you stand out.

– Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA): This program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for military spouses pursuing associate degrees, certifications, or licenses in high-demand career fields. If you’re looking to upskill or reskill, MyCAA is a great resource. MyCAA Scholarship 

– Coursera, edX, and Udemy: These platforms offer a wide variety of free or low-cost online courses in fields like business, IT, healthcare, and education. You can take these courses to gain certifications or skills that are relevant to your desired career path. Some of these platforms even have military discounts.

– LinkedIn Learning: Free access to LinkedIn Learning is available for military spouses through the **Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program**. Courses range from software development to project management, leadership, and business strategy. LinkedIn Premium for Military Spouses | MySECO 

 Popular Certifications That Can Give You an Edge:

– Project Management Professional (PMP): Project management skills are in high demand across industries. The PMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), can make your resume stand out. You can find courses to prepare for the exam on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.

– Google Certificates: Google offers various professional certificates in high-growth fields such as Data Analytics, IT Support, and UX Design. These are available through Coursera and can be completed in a few months.

Tailor Your Resume and Application

When applying for jobs in the U.S., it’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position. Here are some tips:

Customize for Each Job: Use keywords from the job description in your resume to show that your skills align with what the employer is looking for.

Highlight Volunteer Work: If you’ve had periods where you weren’t employed due to relocations, highlight any volunteer work, community involvement, or continuing education that shows you’ve been actively developing skills.

U.S. Resume Format: U.S. resumes are typically one page (unless you have extensive experience), and you do not include personal details like a photo, marital status, or age. Ensure that your resume follows the standard U.S. format to avoid it being overlooked.

https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/article/resume-writing-examples-and-templates 

Consider Remote Work

Remote work has become increasingly popular in the U.S., and it can be a great option for military spouses who move frequently. Many companies offer fully remote positions, which allow you to maintain job stability no matter where you are stationed. 

Seek Out Mentorship and Coaching

Having a mentor or career coach can make a huge difference in navigating the U.S. job market. Here are some mentorship resources for military spouses:

American Corporate Partners (ACP): ACP connects military spouses with corporate mentors to help them navigate career changes and job searches. American Corporate Partners 

Military OneSource SECO Career Coaching: SECO offers free career coaching for military spouses, including resume reviews, career assessments, and interview prep.

Remember that your resilience, adaptability, and global experience as a military spouse are valuable assets. By leveraging these strengths, sharpening your skills, and using the available resources, you can confidently navigate the U.S. job market and achieve your career goals.

Other resources:

https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/article/how-to-transfer-a-degree-qualification-from-another-country