Questions for Navy Spouses with Civilian Jobs on Base

[ohwhere]

A question to all the Navy Spouses. Have any of you applied for and been hired for jobs on base using USA Gov jobs? Can you tell us about your experience with the whole process and if it helped you to get hired having extra points as a spouse or is it still very competitive because there are so many veterans out there you are competing with? As soon as my husband gets his first duty station I'm really hoping to get a civilian office job in the system. I applied for a year with no luck but am hoping being a spouse will help this time around. I have a BA in liberal Studies and will have an AA in Office Admin by the time he finishes C school so I'm really hoping this gets my foot in the door for an entry level position. I would love to hear your stories and words of advice. Even those of you working on base such as in the MWR, childcare or anything like that I would love to hear your advice.

 

Thanks :-)

[beachmom76]

Great question! I have been helping military spouses and veterans find jobs for the last 12 years. Spouse hiring is difficult, at best. Spousal preference can be tricky, especially in locations where there are a lot of veterans applying for the same positions. Add to that the number of spouses who are vying for those positions and the competition gets pretty stiff.

Spouses don't get extra points like veterans do; hiring managers MAY choose to offer spouses priority placement, which tips the scales in favor of the spouse if they are equal in skills to other applicants. Check the job announcements carefully under "Who May Apply" to see if the job is open to those who fall under "special hiring authorities." You will be required to submit a copy of your husband's orders and other documentation to verify eligibility.

There is a two-year window to apply and be hired when you are moving under PCS orders.Be sure to call the number listed on the right side of the screen to find out when that two-year clock starts. Some locations have interpreted it to mean two years from the date you transfer (which makes sense), others read that as two years from the date the orders are cut. If the Sailor negotiates orders early (say, 6-9 months before transfer), you need to start your job search before you move.

MWR is a great way to access the system. You may have an opportunity later on to transfer into the federal system without having to worry about the two year time limit for military spouses. MWR also offers preferences to spouses and seems to be an faster way to get hired.

I encourage all military spouses to apply for federal employment; but please do not make this your only avenue! With the sequester, there is a hiring freeze and rumors are swirling that there may be a RIF (reduction in force) coming soon. Your Fleet and Family Support Center offers classes on finding federal jobs as well as other job search related topics. Contact the FFSC nearest you for a schedule of their workshops.I always tell job-seekers that applying for federal employment is something you do while you have a job. If you want to begin working right away, find a private-sector position as you continue to pursue federal employment.

Something else to consider is looking for work with a company that provides services to the military commmunity. I have been working for two different contractors for the last 12 years. One provides the contract staff for the Fleet and Family Support Centers, the other ran the Navy's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). We have moved five times in that period, but I have always had a job with one company or the other.

Best of luck to you! If you have any other questions about finding work, don't hesitate to ask!

[ohwhere]

WOW thank you so much beachmom76 that was very helpful information. As soon as we find out my husband's orders I will have a better idea of my resources. I just might be hitting you up with more questions in the next few months. Truly thanks  a bunch.

:-)

[beachmom76]

You're welcome.  Don't hesitate to contact me when you know where you are going. I can connect you with the Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) manager at the FFSC at your base. These folks are great sources of information about the local job market and can help you tailor your resume to the jobs you are seeking.

Good luck!

[Mia the US Navy wife]

Good evening Dear beachmom76,

I've been also interested in the above-mentioned subject matter.  My husband got his first PCS orders to San Diego, CA.  I am not sure when i am going to follow, but hopefully soon.  I am not sure how all of this works, so maybe with your ample knowledge, i learn more about it.  Let me ask you first, he included me on his DEERS when in BC, GL, IL, i already have a DOD Card and health insurance through him.  Today he graduated from HM A Corpsmen School in San Antonio, TX.  He got his orders yesterday and do not know, when he has to report there.  I hope for some short time off.  I did not spent or see him, since BC.  I did not attend his graduation ceremony today, i am very, very sad about it, but we could not afford.  I am not working and he is only E3.  Do you have any idea when his BHA starts?  I did not get any money from him either, since he had none.  So with the help of my family i survived, but now i am ready to join my husband to start a new life.  He said, once he goes there he will be receiving orientation training.  I wonder how long it will take, or could take for him, to be ready for me to move to San Diego?  I wonder whether he had to reiterate before receiving the orders that i am his dependent, therefore the orders should be issued with accompanied or it does not matter, since i was already included during his BC, DEERS?  Another matter is that i am also interested in taking advantage of getting a Govt job under my husband's active duty service.  Would you please clarify what the MWR stands for and what is the difference for applying under the Govt website and MWR?   How do MWR facilitates spouses with faster way to get hired???   Would you please contact me with the Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) manager at the FFSC in San Diego, CA base?  It seems as you are a very resourceful person to ask questions, after all, you're a veteran in comparison to me, this is my first time.  Have you been to San Diego, CA?  Do you know anything about the area, housing etc....????  Take care and God Bless for all of your help, in Solidarity, m.

[ohwhere]

Marika,

MWR is a place on site of most bases that would have jobs that aren't apart of the USA.Gov jobs so they are easier to get hired for but because it's on base it does put you in the system for working as a civilian on base so when or if you apply for a job through www.usa.gov jobs you might have a better chance of being hired. I forgot what the MWR stands for but they have jobs on base like working in the computer lounge, or serving food in the food service area, or some have daycare centers that are on base but not ran by usa.gov type jobs. You will get better answers once you are in San Diego and can go into the FERP office and speak with others face to face. I'm from CA about an hour above San Diego and it really is a wonderful place to live. I don't have any advice about areas to live. But really most areas aren't too bad out there. What you really need to figure out is the base your husband will be at and traffic in the direction from where you live. You know you can live in temporary housing for a little while before actually getting a place so you can ask questions about traffic when you go to look at places close by. I think the Navy will pay for a hotel for 5 days or something like that. I'm sure the housing office would be very helpful with that. You really lucked out San Diego is amazing and I wouldn't mind getting stationed there at all. You know you can send a message to beachmom76 by clicking on her name and requesting to be her friend. She's been very helpful and I'm sure she could give you some numbers to call.

[Mia the US Navy wife]

Thank you very much "ohwher".  Where are you, Los Angeles area or Pendelton?   I really appreciate your advice and hopefully we can meet, once i am there.  I do not plan on rushing to stay in temporary housing, i'll wait until we have a permanent abode.  I'll follow your advice and reach out to beachmom76 for further assistance.  Take care and God Bless You.  Let's stay in touch, in Solidarity, m.