Squared Away’s Post

📣 Today, I feel compelled to address a matter that weighs heavily on my mind. Were you aware that the unemployment rate for military spouses stands at a staggering 21%, significantly surpassing the overall unemployment rate of 6.3%? What's disheartening is that this rate has shown no statistical improvement from 2015 to 2021. ⚓️Many military spouses, including myself, boast exceptional qualifications. However, even when fortunate enough to secure a position, we are often undervalued in terms of compensation. To compound matters, those stationed overseas are frequently overlooked for employment opportunities. Observing fellow military spouses endure financial strain and hardship due to a lack of employment options is both frustrating and disheartening, impacting not only individuals but entire families. 🌐 Despite claims by many employers and organizations to prioritize service members and spouses, the reality often falls short. Where's the concrete data and genuine policies for military spouses? Workshops, mentorship programs, and job fairs have yielded no meaningful connections. Resume classes help but aren't enough. We need authentic opportunities, improved education, and partnerships with organizations committed to recognizing, hiring, and fairly compensating military spouses. 💪 It's time for real change, bridging the gap and creating opportunities for military spouses who contribute immensely to supporting our service members. Let's ensure our homes are command-ready because, for service members, it starts in the home. . . . #MilitarySpouseEmployment #ombudsman #usnavy #militaryspouses #uscongress #militarywife #usmilitary #militaryoverseas #ussenate #houseofrepresentatives #elections2024 #SupportOurTroops #TimeForChange #womeninternationalmonth #remotework

Supporting veterans and active duty employees is not just a civic duty but also an opportunity for companies to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace. * Recruitment and Hiring: Translate military skills to civilian applications and actively recruit veterans during job fairs or through veterans’ organizations. Remind recruiters and interview panels that potential candidates with a military background may not have continuous civilian work (resume gaps) but they were gaining valuable skills while serving our country. * Workplace Culture: Educate staff about military service and bridge the gap between civilian and veteran employees. Consider developing a component of a paid family leave program that allows employees to take paid leave immediately before, during and after their own or their partners military deployment. This allows families to prepare for rebalancing family life while their family member is on active duty. Remind employees that Employee Assustance programs are available to support employees who are active, veterans or members of military families. * Employee Resource Groups: Don’t make the mistake of solely establishing a Veterans Resource Group and calling it a day. Go beyond performative gestures for our military coworkers. Don’t forget that you likely have active duty members in your workforce and family members of veterans and military members. Look at this as an opportunity to develop a whole support system for employees with military experience and their families. Consider establishing an ERG that includes active military, veterans and allies. Remember to solicit their input on how best to recruit and retain employees with military backgrounds. * Flexible Deployment Schedules: Offer flexible work schedules or leave policies for active duty service members who may be called to serve. Extend that flexibility to partners who may have to rebalance family responsibilities in their partners absence. #VeteransSupport #DiversityandInclusion #EmployeeEngagement #EmployeeResourceGroups #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #ActiveDuty #Veterans #Military #MilitaryFamily

I was obviously the product being sold.   I had partnered with a military transition firm who specialized in Junior Military Officer placements. This firm advertised themselves as exclusive, and because of this, I didn't have an issue completing their extensive application and interview process. To me, the reward for weathering this storm was earned entry into their top-tier corporate placement program.   An exclusive placement program that unfortunately began their work by trying to convince me to:   1. Accept career roles well outside of my preferences.   2. Remove all geographic restrictions making me mobile across the U.S.   3. Attend multi-day conventions with a strict rule the employer list was never to be revealed.   4. And not to worry about salary requirements until the program had been fully completed.   I proudly walked away.   Military separation partnerships, JMO or otherwise, shouldn't look or feel like this.   At MRC Group, we focus on your individual career preferences, readiness, and development. We help you obtain a career that you want, and where you want it. We won't disappear once you've signed your offer letter, and most importantly, we never earn a placement fee from your job acceptance.    Our service is to you and you alone. It's just that simple with us.   #MilitaryTransition #CareerAdvice #NewBeginnings   ---------------------   Sharing weekly insights designed to fuel your career advancement - Follow Michael Chadwick & Mission Ready Consulting Group.   Ready to take the next step? Visit https://lnkd.in/gkB7XKu2 to schedule your free personalized consultation.

Everyone in our military community has a "SUPERPOWER" through Mentorship. American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a powerful tool in your toolbox. Whether you're a Military Spouse deciding on which career or business plan to embark on, a Student Veteran who is looking to be competitive upon graduation or a transitioning Service Member who is focused on gaining insight into their intended industry. Getting a Mentor helps you to gain focus and chart a path based on information not emotions and hearsay.

Are you a military veteran seeking employment or know someone who is? I found this great article that provides valuable tips on how organizations can prioritize military hires. Share this resource with those who can benefit from it! #VeteranEmployment #CareerAdvice

NEW NATIONWIDE DIVERSE ROLES AVAILABLE 📝 🔎 Registering with Veterans Job Board UK offers several key benefits: Tailored Job Opportunities The platform is designed to match the unique skills and experiences of military personnel. Job listings are carefully curated, increasing the chances of finding roles that align with your competencies and background. Veteran-Friendly Employers Many employers on the platform actively seek to hire veterans, recognizing the discipline, leadership, and diverse skillsets they bring. You'll connect with organisations that truly value your experience. Understanding Veteran Needs As a veteran-run business, we understand the unique challenges faced by service leavers and veterans. Our staff and services are specifically designed to offer personalised and effective job search support. Continuous Learning and Development We provide access to information on further education, training programs, and certification courses that enhance employability and career growth in civilian sectors. Bridging the Skills Gap Our platform helps veterans translate their military skills into terms that civilian employers understand and value, making you more competitive in the job market. REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/eeHuqy6A

Filtering and viewing Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) HQ job openings on the USAJOBS site can be overwhelming. It's like any other skill or system you try to master. It takes practice. Don't give up. There are a couple of Tip Sheets pinned at the top of my profile that might help. You may be more comfortable with the LinkedIn job board. That's perfectly okay. Our openings (even the #NavyCYP ones) are listed on the U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) LinkedIn page. There are 500+ active job openings. 👉Fifty-six were posted in the past 24 hours. 👉5 are internships in the Pacific Northwest 👉400+ are entry-level 👉75 are Mid-Senior Level 👉3 are Director Level There are opportunities at the installation, region, and headquarters levels. (There is even an opening located in Italy). Do you still think there aren't career options in federal service? #hiring #federaljobs #careers #jobpostings https://lnkd.in/e_yrppew

Transitioning from military service to a civilian workplace is a complex journey. Veterans face a variety of obstacles, including: - Lack of experience in the civilian workforce. - Limited access to education and training resources. - Limited understanding of how to navigate the job market. - Lack of social support networks that can help veterans find employment opportunities. The transition can be especially difficult for veterans who have been out of the workforce for an extended period or who are returning to a job market that has changed dramatically since they last worked. If you’re a veteran looking for civilian employment, you have a wealth of skills, experiences, and qualities that make you highly valuable in the workforce—and with the right support and resources, you can overcome obstacles and find success in your new career.

Are you a military veteran seeking employment or know someone who is? This article provides valuable tips on how organizations can prioritize military hires. Share this resource with those who can benefit from it! #VeteranEmployment #CareerAdvice

🌎 When I returned to the States from an overseas assignment, I was confident that securing employment would be straightforward. After all, how hard could it be? 👉🏽 I had actively maintained my professional skillset, acquired new ones, facilitated workshops for senior NATO military leaders, and even launched the first-ever local newsletter and guide for U.S. military spouses and newcomers based in Belgium. 👍🏼 😩 But I was wrong. Big time. Despite being an experienced business professional, career services expert, and college graduate, I struggled to find work in my field. Living near five military bases and attending every job fair in the area didn’t seem to make a difference. I felt deeply discouraged. I had always been successful in securing employment before, so what had changed? I was a military spouse. As a newly married military spouse with an established career and reputation BACK HOME, I knew the local area, had a solid professional and personal network, and was comfortable navigating the job market. Yet, I found myself starting over again (and again) in unfamiliar territory. 😃 After months of job searching and networking, I finally landed a job at a local military spouse-friendly staffing firm. It wasn’t my dream job, and it certainly wasn’t one of my favorites, but I gained invaluable skills and a newfound appreciation for those in the recruiting industry. These experiences significantly contributed to my success as a professional résumé writer and consultant. ♥️ 🇺🇸 The challenges military spouses face in finding stable employment have broader economic implications, affecting not only their families' financial stability but also contributing to stress and mental health issues. According to the Military Times, the economic cost to the U.S. from military spouse unemployment and underemployment is estimated at around $1 billion annually. Additionally, the stress of managing frequent moves, deployments, and career disruptions can take a significant toll on the mental health of military families. 💡 These challenges underscore the need for ongoing support and innovative solutions to help military spouses overcome the unique obstacles they face. I'm here to listen, support, and serve. Let's work together to continue to build solutions and provide ongoing support. #milspouse #militaryspouse #military #veterans