Spouses Making Connections during a PCS
Searching for a job? Don’t know which installation is the next destination? It’s not impossible to learn the location of your next Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, but it’s certainly not easy.
Check out four strategies to connect in advance:
1. Network online. The internet is the easiest way to stay connected and find relevant information on jobs and employment. Update profiles on Indeed or USAjobs and fill out their resume builder. Use LinkedIn. If using LinkedIn for networking, remember to keep profiles up to date. Join Marine for Life Network (it’s also for spouses).
2. Network locally. Find people who have experienced and understand life in the military at the new location. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but chances are you have a few mutual friends who might be able to help. Check out the MCCS website for installation resources, as a great starting place. Search for jobs both on and off base. Search for websites geared toward spouses and families of Marines. Don’t overlook the MCCS job portal, where on-base jobs are posted for every Marine Corps installation.
3. Contact Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) which is located aboard every Marine Corps installation and can assist in securing a new job. They are aware of area businesses hiring on and around Marine Corps installations. Don’t know what the next ideal job is? Take a skills or career assessment FREE of charge! Assistance is also available to update or build a resume. Contact your gaining command FMEAP office for more information!
4. Check out the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) (https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/ ) job portal. This is another valuable resource to search for jobs. It provides a digital recruiting platform, offering direct access to job-seeking military spouses. It supports all military spouses (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard). With nearly 600 companies actively seeking military spouses around the world, search for vacancies in and around your new destination and possibilities of remote opportunities.
Stay motivated. Check out the local Family Member Employment Assistance Program for a variety of workshops such as resume writing and skills assessments. All these services are FREE of charge and can make any PCS a little less complicated.