Yahoo Finance How and Where to Network as a Military Spouse
In honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 6, we recognize the spouses who support our service members in countless ways every day. Due to the challenges inherent in being married to someone in the military -- from deployments to frequent moves -- spouses are often the leader in a family and even a community. As a result, they are in a position to lead and manage in a third area: the workplace.
If you've found employers are hesitant to hire you, get out there and network. Networking is something you likely do often as a military spouse already. It may just be that you need to reframe how you think about events and let yourself be open to opportunity should it come your way. In order to accomplish this, you'll need to think about how to introduce yourself, putting yourself and your career goals first.
[See: 21 Things Hiring Managers Wish You Knew.]
Promote your professional side ... immediately. When you're first meeting someone, the conversation tends to focus on your military affiliation and family. Don't be afraid to immediately talk about your professional side and tell the person about the job you want. Get business cards and hand them out; even if you don't have a formal title, choose whatever term best describes your expertise, whether it's "consultant," "attorney," "teacher" or something else.
Online groups. On Facebook, you can find a whole host of groups in the city or country you live in, including social, recreational and professional groups. These can be a great way to meet people and to inquire about professional opportunities. LinkedIn is also a valuable tool you should be using. Search for alumni groups associated with your schools, and within those, people who work in your field or the one in which you're interested. Reach out to ask questions about their path and learn useful information on how to advance your career.
Events. There are a lot of professional networking events out there that are hugely beneficial. You can join a professional organization in your field, which may have a local chapter that hosts events. Your local chamber of commerce may do the same. You can search Meetup.org and join local groups of interest, either professional or personal. These will get you off the Internet and meeting people in person, which is priceless. Don't forget about other events where you should be ready to talk about yourself professionally -- even a child's birthday party is a prime networking opportunity!
[See: 10 Ways Social Media Can Help You Land a Job.]
Volunteering. Volunteer work gives you the opportunity to practice in your field and meet a lot of different people who may be able to help you. Even when you volunteer at your child's school, you will likely meet a large number of people in a variety of fields. The bonus to volunteering is that it gives you valuable experience that is directly transferable to paid roles, and it is great for your resume.
Sport groups. If you enjoy activities like running, hiking, cycling, yoga and dance, seek out those opportunities. You never know who you will meet and how they can help you. It's much easier to start a professional conversation in a relaxed environment where people are doing what they love.
International outlets. If you're overseas, many of the options above still apply. Here are some additional avenues that are worth checking out.
-- American Chamber of Commerce -- the chambers in other countries consist of local and multinational enterprises doing business in that country. They host events where you can meet other members and potentially find out about career opportunities.
-- International women's groups -- while most are socially oriented, you meet a lot of expatriate women who can share information with you about the local market. You may be able to do a presentation on a topic related to your area of expertise.
-- InterNations -- this is a social group, but they host professional networking events. You may meet people socially who can help you professionally.
[See: The 8 Stages of a Winning Job Search.]
Take advantage of online and in-person opportunities to network. When people meet you and learn about you as a professional, opportunities may arise unexpectedly. If you're only applying to jobs on the Internet and getting negative responses from employers not understanding the value you offer, get out there and meet people.
When you meet someone you connect with well and would like to keep in touch, ask for their contact information and follow up within a few days while their memory is still fresh. Relationships require nurturing, so you should continue to follow up over time. You may be surprised at what comes of your connections down the road.
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