Making it in the MilLife

More than 500 military spouses descended onto the San Diego Convention Center yesterday to learn, be inspired and get connected at the 2012 MOAA and Blue Star Families Military Spouse Symposium & Career Fair.

“This event was very informative and covered many topics that are hard to get answers to,” said one Navy spouse.

“It was beneficial to hear the many perspectives from the employer panel,” added a Marine Corps spouse.

The employer panel, “Five Things Employers Want You to Know,” featuring military spouse and CEO of the United Way of the Midlands, Karen Bricklemyer, was an inside look at how employers see military spouse job seekers. And it’s not what you think.

Employers want to know why there is a gap in employment, the panelists agreed, but it’s not the time out of the workforce that concerns them, it’s the why. And military service isn’t red flag.

“Be a super star,” said Bricklemyer. “Highlight your results, not just activities.”

“Be a dragnet for local connections as you move around,” said Pamela Green, vice president with the Society for Human Resource Management, who grew up in a military family. “Companies are growing globally and your travels are an asset.”

Facebook, diversity director, Sara Sperling stressed the use of social media. “Build connections on line. Employers are using social media to find or research employees,” she said.

“Even though they aren’t supposed to,” added Green, which drew a laugh from the crowd.

Spouses peppered the panelists with questions on everything from work-life balance to underemployment. Hearing their stories, Lorraine Field, human capital lead for TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the event’s signature sponsor, was wowed.

“That room was full of talent,” she said.

Following the symposium, spouses attended a career fair with more than 50 employers and took advantage of the opportunity to talk with local experts on employment, legislation and healthcare for military families in a special area called, “Capitol Hill Q&A.” MOAA also delivered its popular seminar, “The Dollars and ‘Sense’ of Working Outside the Home.”

Missed the event? Check out our favorite Do’s and Don’ts for military spouse job seekers that we picked up from the day:

• Do clean up your Facebook page. 89 percent of employers use social media.
• Don’t come in defeated to an interview. Build a relationship with the employer.
• Do lots of informational interviews. People hire people they know.
• Do demonstrate outcomes. Employers want to see results, not just activity.
• Don’t worry about paid experience. Highlight your great work – paid or not.

Sign up for the MOAA Spouse E-Newsletter to learn more and get the scoop on the next spouse symposium.

Thanks San Diego spouses for being such great hosts! Stay tuned for pics from the event!

It’s an election year. Stand up and be counted.  Exercise your right to vote no matter where you are stationed by voting absentee.

Who can vote absentee in local, State and Federal elections?

• U.S. citizen 18 years or older and
• Active Duty member of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marine, Public Health Service, NOAA
• Family member of the above or 
• A U.S. citizen residing outside the United States.

 The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers the following information:

• Submit a request ASAP to your home state.
•  Many states require annual request for absentee ballots.  Don’t assume your request is valid from last year. 
• Service members and family members should update home and e-mal addresses with the Federal Voting assistance Program to ensure you receive your ballot quickly.

 Have questions?  The Federal Voting Assistance Program has answers.