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If you have something that you no longer want or need, why not consider selling it online? Chances are that someone else is looking for it!

Frequent moves present many challenges to military spouses, especially when it comes to career progression.  In response to this problem, The Department of Defense (DoD) developed a program for spouses of active duty military members of the U.S. Armed Forces, who relocate to accompany their sponsor on a permanent change of station (PCS) move.  The program is called the MSPP.  (Military Spouse Preference Program)  The program gives these spouses priority in the employment selection process in order to reduce the impact of frequent relocations on spouses’ careers.

If you are interested in applying for a position with The Department of the Army, you can obtain an Online Job Application Kit which contains information to aid you in successfully completing your resume when applying for Department of Army employment opportunities.

There are many tools available to assist you in your job search.   Taking the time to seek them out may give you an edge against the competition.  Good Luck!

Are You Ready
For The Interview?
Arm Yourself With These Proven Job Interview Answers, Plus Learn How To "Package & Spin" Your Work Experience, Be More Likeable, Increase Your Confidence, Uncover The Interviewer's Hidden Needs, and Tell Them Exactly What They Want To Hear - So You Get Hired!
Click Here!

Be Proactive - Instead of simply searching your local newspaper for want ads, you may want to consider approaching the companies you are most interested in working for.  Call and find out who is responsible for hiring and then schedule an appointment to deliver a copy of your resume in person.  Ask for them to please keep you in mind when a position becomes available.  Leaving a resume prior to the announcement of a vacancy, may enable you to beat the crowd!  You know what they say, "Timing is Everything".

Your Resume - Your resume should be a brief overview of your career history with limited personal information.  Normally it should not be more than two pages long.  Since your resume will probably be the first thing any prospective employer will see, you should take care that it makes a good first impression.  Consider the following when preparing your resume:

• Cover Letter - Always include a cover letter expressing your interest in the specific company to whom you are applying.  Highlight accomplishments that make you the perfect fit for the position. A resume lacking this information makes many employers believe that you've simply included them in a mass mailing. Even if this is the case, you never want to convey it. Instead, the recipient needs to feel that you have contacted them because you see working for them as a golden opportunity and as the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition (well, you don't need to go overboard, but you know what I mean).

• Contact information - The two ways you are most likely to be contacted are via the phone or email.  Be sure the information you provide is accurate.  If you have some crazy email address, like Dullard@nolife.com, you may want to consider creating a new email address.  Also, if your phone plays music for the caller while they wait for the connection, be sure it isn't playing something like, "Gangsta Rap".  On the same note, if there is no answer and the call will go to a voicemail or answering machine, this is not the time for little Johnny's cute messages.  (As adorable as we think our kids are, this is just not the time) You should make it a point to record a professional sounding greeting and check for messages often.

• Education -   In addition to your educational background, add any relevant training you've had since graduation. Your participation in training seminars, workshops, or online classes shows that you're committed to professional growth

• Work Experience - It is essential to list more than your duties at previous jobs.  You need to be specific about your accomplishments and how you helped the employer to achieve their goals.  Use figures, statistics, and percentages whenever possible. When you can quantify your work, it demonstrates that you can get things done by providing concrete evidence of your successes. 

• Skills - If you have trouble with this part of the resume, I have a simple solution.  Do a search on Salary.com for your desired job.  See what skills that job requires.  You may not have all of them, but think about related skills you may have developed at a previous job or with a hobby.  You may be able to convert these skills to suit the needs of the new position.  For example, a Teacher who is transitioning to sales might find that organizational and interpersonal skills are desirable for salespeople. She could then highlight her experience giving daily group presentations, creating and launching educational programs, and building team morale.  Think carefully about your experience.  There are probably many skills you can transfer over.

• Extras - Be sure to include any awards or honors you have received that are relevant to the position for which you are applying.  Volunteer work could also be included.  For example, if you were involved in an FRG (Family Readiness Group) tell them about it!  Say more than just "member of an FRG".  Instead, be specific:

             - Assisted in planning a formal event for 500 people to include interviewing talent, hiring caterers, and designing a program.
             - Organized a fundraiser that successfully raised $1200.00 to benefit the families of soldiers serving overseas.
             - Compiled and electronically distributed a monthly newsletter for military families.

• Repair Resume Holes - Be truthful about any gaps in your resume but try to spin control it in a positive way.  Do not try to stretch employment dates to cover the gaps.  If you left the workforce to stay home with children or to further your education, say so.  Present it as a positive experience which armed you with new skills to reenter the workforce as a stronger player.

• Proofread - Make sure that you not only spell check the entire document, but have a friend proofread it as well.  Often times when we read the same thing again and again, we overlook simple mistakes.  Keep in mind, that the resume should be written in the third person.  Avoid the use of "I, "me", "my", "mine" and "our".  Also, use action words such as implemented, organized, accomplished, obtained, etc.

*If you have trouble putting together a professional looking resume, you may want to make use of a professional resume writing service.
 

The Interview - Congratulations, you've made it to the interview stage!     

• Research - The very first thing you should do is research the organization you are applying to.  Find out as much as you can about them, specifically the goals of the company.  Be prepared to tell them how you will be able to help them meet their business goals.

• Location - Prepare in advance, so you know EXACTLY where you are supposed to be going.  Use an online map program and print out directions to the interview location.  Leave early enough to allow for traffic, difficulties parking, or any other unexpected delays.  Plan to arrive at least ten to fifteen minutes early with an extra copy of your resume in hand.

• Dress for Success - Dress professionally for your interview even if the work environment is casual.  For women, it is generally most acceptable to wear a nice pair of pants or modest length skirt with coordinating blouse.  Don't overdo the jewelry, makeup or perfume.  If you have a lot of peircings  you may want to limit your jewelry to earrings only.  As for tattoos, you may be better off to cover them if possible.  People are likely to form an opinion of you based on your appearance, so it is better to stay on the conservative side.

• Avoid Distracters - Get rid of the chewing gum, turn off your cell phone and throw out your drink before you walk in the door.

• Be Friendly - From the moment you enter the premises be polite.  Greet the receptionist and anyone else you encounter in a friendly manner.  When you meet the interviewer(s), make eye contact, give a firm handshake and smile.

• Speak clearly - Don't mumble, use slang or speak too quickly.

• Body Language - Avoid crossing your arms and legs and do not slouch or lean back in your chair in a lazy fashion. Lean forward slightly to show you are interested.  Ensure you have good eye contact with the interviewer (be careful not to stare them down)and if there are multiple interviewers, never ignore one of them. Finally, try not to use hand gestures too much.

• Be honest - It is better to always tell the truth.  Liars tend to be caught.  Don't show frustration.  Avoid giving too much personal information.

*At the end of the interview, shake the interviewer's hand, and thank him/her for the opportunity to be considered for the job.   Ask when they expect to make a decision and whether they will let you know or if they prefer for you to follow up.
 

Follow Up - It is a good idea to send a thank you letter after the interview.  This gives you another chance to reiterate your interest in working for them and put your name back in their minds.  It could make all the difference in their final decision!