Interviewing Tips for Military Spouses

Preparation

Knowing how best to approach an interview can require lots of preparation, especially if you've just moved. Use these interview tips to help you get ready:

• Research the company and come up with solid questions to ask. Try "What is your employee performance evaluation system?" instead of "How much vacation time will I get?"
• Review your resume and note a significant accomplishment at each job.
• Figure out what type of interview this will be: one-on-one, panel, telephone or virtual.
• Gather your references' contact information. Reach out to your personal or professional references, verify their availability and let them know about the job you've applied for.
• Assemble a folder with your resume, list of questions, references' contact info and required documents.
• Plan your wardrobe. When in doubt, keep it classic and covered up, and avoid excessive jewelry, makeup, perfume or cologne.

Interview Questions

You can't anticipate all the questions you may be asked in an interview, but you can practice your answers to some common ones. It helps to consider how to respond gracefully to questions that will put you on the spot about being a military spouse.

Ask someone to help you practice answering the following questions:

• Describe your professional history. List each work assignment and company, then your most important responsibility at each place. If it's a long list, consider grouping the jobs by type instead of listing each one individually.
• Why did you leave your last job? You can say you left because of your spouse's career transfer, or you could say that the last job didn't fit your current career goals. Remember, the interview is about you, not your family life.
• What does your spouse do? You shouldn't be asked this, but if you are, you can choose to say your spouse is in the military or give your spouse's job title. If the interviewer follows up by asking how long you'll be in the area, you can honestly say that you expect it will be for at least a few years, or as long as this tour of duty.
• Where do you see yourself in five years? Explain that you see yourself in a position with more responsibility or with a new level of education. You don't have to tie your goals to this company, but make it seem as if you'd be the kind of person they'd like to keep around for five years.
• What salary are you prepared to accept? Research the average salary for the position in this area; it may be different from the last place you lived.

Once the interviewer is done asking questions, it's your turn. Use your prepared list if necessary, and ask any questions you thought of during the interview.

After the interview

Sometimes you'll walk away knowing you aced it, and other times you'll walk away thinking it didn't go that well. Regardless, remember that the interview process is valuable to your career, and don't forget these post-interview tips:

• Write down your impressions. Make note of which questions tripped you up, any additional questions you thought of later, and your overall impression of the company's culture.
• Write a thank-you note. No matter how the interview went, an email or a handwritten note to say you enjoyed meeting them and to affirm your interest in the job can cement a good impression.
• Follow up. After an appropriate amount of time has passed, call to ask about the position and where the hiring process stands.

Sometimes you move to a new place and the job market isn't all that hot (especially at some of the military's more remote installations). Refer to the Military Spouse Employment Partnership for help finding employers who are looking to hire military spouses, and seek no-cost career counseling through Spouse Education and Career Opportunities to get you started on a job search even before you move.