Monster.com and The Pivot Network Team Up To #FindBetter Ways To Help Transitioning Military Vets…My Exclusive Visit To The Take Part Live Taping

I will also add, as spouses we need to imply a wholleeeeee lot of patience, and be incredibly mindful. The process of finding a job can be difficult, and we should not make transitioning spouses feel like that there is something wrong with them for this. The stigma is already harsh enough as is, without that feeling of being failures follow into the home. So, with that being said, be PATIENT. Be KIND.  Sometimes, it can be hard, especially when the house note is looming ahead, and the bills just seem to be endless, and you are not quite sure of your future. You just want your spouse to get something, anything, and sometimes this can cause tension in the household. (Guilty party of one right here. lol.) It’s important for you to remember, that while you the non military spouse may have had the benefit of being out in the civilian sector for several years, your spouse has not. Instead of being all “so didyagetanoffer, didya get an offer yet?” Try to work on other tasks, and try to provide an encouraging, and lighthearted environment in the process. Believe me, this will save your spouse’s sanity, AND yours!

One of the best moments of my experience, was my one on one interview with T. Mcleary. He emphasized the importance of family, and how we contribute much more to this transition process than we usually understand. It is us, which empower our service members to get the first step completed. He also suggested that we create timelines for transition tasks. For instance, what industry is our service member most interested in working? It’s important to set goals and tasks within the household. Keeping the momentum going is important, as it very easy to get overwhelmed, and stagnant. Mcleary, during our interview also had a lot of other great advice:

–Career Fairs are usually not going to get you a job. However, they are hands down the best way to practice your skills, such as networking and interviewing.

–Practice, Practice, Practice. This is something that Mcleary emphasized during and after the training, so I think its best that we use this advice, and he’s absolutely right. Your resume if your first impression, but your interview is also where the magic works. What I mean by that is, you only get one shot to make that impression, and it’s important that you keep things as smooth as possible. So that means use your friends, and family! Conduct practice interviews at home! As a business owner and employer myself, while credentials on a resume will grab my attention, a strong interview will seal the deal. My best interviews have been with those candidates who were well educated about my business, the industry, and exuded confidence, as well as independence. Most of us as employers are looking for people who are self starters, to be blunt; we want people that we don’t have to babysit. This means someone who takes initiative, and has the knowledge and experience in the industry to get things done.

–Find a mentor, preferably one that has been exactly where you are. I can actually definitely attest to the power of a mentor. My husband’s mentor was a fellow that was a retired Army Vet, who has been in my husband’s particular industry for over 30 years. He was literally like a living thesaurus for all things active and transition related. His knowledge and experience in the Military really helped my husband, and gave him a bit of leg up on the competition as he was receiving advise from someone who had been there done that, and had the accolades and secured job position to show for it.

All in all, the process does not have to difficult but it can be.  I think what it all comes down to is this: you are your best salesman. There are jobs out there, but you and how you prepare for your transition, will ultimately decide how you will receive employment. So get started! Read a book, do not be scared to ask questions, follow up, be aggressive, and make sure people remember you! Also, definitely visit Military.com for more info on steps, and how you can become the best transitioning member you can be!

IT is VERY important to not think this, as it really sets up our men and women up for failure. As a family member especially, it’s important for you to not sugarcoat this as well.

Michaela Stephens is a military wife, writer and swim instructor currently residing in the D.C. area.

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