Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience for the most seasoned worker. The process can be especially challenging for military spouses who also have to deal with frequent moves and finding a job wherever the military moves them. Here are five tips to help you excel at your next job interview.
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Be Prepared
This is your opportunity to make a great first impression. Research the company and highlight what you can bring to the position. Practice answering common interview questions and have a couple of questions ready showing you have put the work in ahead of time. Arrive early and dress for success. Have your references and a copy of your resume ready.
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Anticipate Tough Questions
This could be the most important part of your preparation. It is up to you how and if you want to disclose your status as a military spouse. Your marital status is unlikely to come up in a job interview, but you may hear, “So, I see you move around a lot.”
Think about the ways your experience as a military spouse has helped you succeed. Military spouses are hardworking, resilient and adaptable. Match your specific talents to what the potential employer is looking for, and highlight those during your interview.
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Analyze the Interview
As soon as you can, write down your impressions of the interview. What went well? What could you improve on? Were there any surprises? Interviewing is a skill, and practice makes perfect. And remember, you’re interviewing them, too. You’re likely striving to land a job that you’re qualified for but also gives you room to grow and develop your skill set.
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Follow Up
Send out a thank-you email or handwritten note soon after the interview. Reference a part of the interview you felt went particularly well. Reach out a few weeks later to express your interest in the position and inquire about the status of the hiring process.
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Network
Job hunting and interviewing is not an easy process! Reach out to your professional contacts and the resources on your installation. Let them know what kind of a position you’re looking for. Keep working at it, and don’t give up.
Remember, you are not alone in your job search! There are many organizations that provide support to military spouse job seekers. For more information and help, visit Military OneSource, and Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
Are you ready to join the mission?
MilSpouse Money Mission® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!
Join the mission to lead your family to a stronger financial future. Get started, here! Connect with us on social media and share this post.
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Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience for the most seasoned worker. The process can be especially challenging for military spouses who also have to deal with frequent moves and finding a job wherever the military moves them. Here are five tips to help you excel at your next job interview.
-
Be Prepared
This is your opportunity to make a great first impression. Research the company and highlight what you can bring to the position. Practice answering common interview questions and have a couple of questions ready showing you have put the work in ahead of time. Arrive early and dress for success. Have your references and a copy of your resume ready.
-
Anticipate Tough Questions
This could be the most important part of your preparation. It is up to you how and if you want to disclose your status as a military spouse. Your marital status is unlikely to come up in a job interview, but you may hear, “So, I see you move around a lot.”
Think about the ways your experience as a military spouse has helped you succeed. Military spouses are hardworking, resilient and adaptable. Match your specific talents to what the potential employer is looking for, and highlight those during your interview.
-
Analyze the Interview
As soon as you can, write down your impressions of the interview. What went well? What could you improve on? Were there any surprises? Interviewing is a skill, and practice makes perfect. And remember, you’re interviewing them, too. You’re likely striving to land a job that you’re qualified for but also gives you room to grow and develop your skill set.
-
Follow Up
Send out a thank-you email or handwritten note soon after the interview. Reference a part of the interview you felt went particularly well. Reach out a few weeks later to express your interest in the position and inquire about the status of the hiring process.
-
Network
Job hunting and interviewing is not an easy process! Reach out to your professional contacts and the resources on your installation. Let them know what kind of a position you’re looking for. Keep working at it, and don’t give up.
Remember, you are not alone in your job search! There are many organizations that provide support to military spouse job seekers. For more information and help, visit Military OneSource, and Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
Are you ready to join the mission?
MilSpouse Money Mission® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!
Join the mission to lead your family to a stronger financial future. Get started, here! Connect with us on social media and share this post.