There are plenty of employers who just don’t get it. They don’t get military life. And they certainly don’t get military spouses.
Which is simply a shame for them – and me. Take one look at the varied work experience listed on my resume, and it’s obvious that I’m a valuable candidate for their current job position. In addition to my many talents and skills, I’m resourceful and resilient – two things military spouses everywhere can add to their resumes.
Ultimately, however, many companies shy away from hiring a military spouse for fear that they’ll have a difficult time retaining him or her since the likeliness of a move might happen sooner than later.
Thankfully, there are many employers that totally get military life. The second the word “military spouse” leaves the lips, the employer is intrigued. They know the unique skill set I’ll bring to the table, and immediately get that I – and my entire family – understand what it means to be dedicated to something bigger than ourselves.
So just how do I know I’m interviewing with an employer who gets military life?
I listen carefully in the interview process for the following things.
Questions about what I think
When I hear those four little words, “what do you think?” my professional heart goes pitter patter. Like most professional military spouses, I have years of experience with several different employers. I always have an opinion on how to improve or expand a project based on my professional experiences.
I look to see that the interviewer is interested in finding out how I would handle a situation, and that he or she is genuinely interested in my professional opinion. Because, let’s face it, military spouses aren’t the type to follow status quo. We are the ones who push the limits and have the determination to follow through on innovative ideas.
Mentions flextime
The mention of “flextime” will cause an outburst of angels to sing inside the heads of working military spouses.
To balance the demands of military life with employer needs, flextime isn’t an option; it’s a requirement for working military spouses. Every good military-friendly workplace understands that flextime allows military spouses’ professional and personal lives to work in tandem. Which, of course, ultimately benefits both of us.
A willingness to discuss work-from-home options
When PCS orders drop, please don’t force me to choose between the job I love and the love I have for my spouse. A PCS for a working military spouse used to mean a job resignation was in order and a new job search would be taking place. But it’s not that way anymore.
More and more employers allow employees to work remotely. This is a win-win for the employer and the working military spouse. Employers keep their valuable employee and working military spouses are able to build a portable career.
When I hear even one of these three things from a company I’m interviewing with, I exhale a sigh of relief because they get it. They get me.
You know who else gets it? Health Net Federal Services.
Health Net recently opened a brand-new state-of-the-art regional office in Tampa, FL., and is looking to hire military spouses and veterans to fill more than 500 positions related to customer service and appointing operations.
Who is Health Net?
Health Net Federal Services — partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs — to provide high-quality, cost-effective health care services to veterans nationwide. Health Net selected the location of its new regional office based on its proximity to the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.
What do they want with me?
Pretty much everything! Health Net is looking to hire dedicated employees with superior customer service skills who want to help veterans. Within that group, Health Net is targeting military spouses. This is what they told me about you guys — my readers:
“…you have an honorable and disciplined work ethic, and share a common understanding of serving or being in a family with those who have served.”
—Health Net on veterans and wounded warriors, their spouses and family members
What does Health Net offer military spouses?
Anytime an employer is seeking out military spouses and veterans for jobs, they are doing it because they want a piece of the awesomeness that military spouses have to offer. If you come to work for Health Net, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of veterans – the very people you love the most.
As an added bonus, you’ll have access to a first-class gym, cafeteria, and an on-site daycare center. Sound like a place you’d like to work? Come on – take a virtual tour of the Tampa facility here.
Are you a working military spouse stationed at MacDill Air Force Base or Air Station Clearwater interested in working at one of the largest health care companies? Browse Health Net’s job listings today.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of HealthNet Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of HealthNet Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.
