What job preference do military spouses get?

I'm curious about the job market overseas for military families. Do military spouses receive any job preference when seeking employment? How does the process work, and what should we know to improve our chances?

Military spouses indeed do get some preferences when looking for employment, primarily within the federal government. The U.S. government has established the Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Program, where military spouses are given preferential treatment in the hiring process for certain Department of Defense civilian jobs.

This priority is applied in several ways:

1. If a military spouse is qualified for a position, they may be referred to a hiring manager ahead of other applicants,

2. The MSP can also provide priority placement in Department of Defense schools overseas,

3. They can help with reinstatement to a previous position after a period of absence due to a spouse's military obligations.

However, remember that although the MSP Program provides preference, it does not guarantee job placement.

To improve your chances, you should:

- Keep your resume and job skills up-to-date,

- Express mobility and flexibility, as these are critical factors for military family employment,

- Register for the MSP Program as soon as your military spouse receives orders for the new duty station.

Since every situation is different, I would recommend you also connect with a career counselor or career center that specializes in military spouse employment. They can provide advice and resources tailored specifically to your circumstances. Furthermore, lean on the various military spouse networks and communities which can offer advice, job leads, and shared experiences.