Volunteer Experience on your Resume

Being a military wife volunteer can pay big résumé dividends

by Teresa Sullivan

Gone are the days when a military wives went hat in hand into a job interview, not telling a prospective employer that she was a military wife for fear of not being hired. Some companies are now realizing that military wives are better educated in general than their civilian counterparts; that they show more loyalty when they land a job; and that the lessons learned from their lifestyle afford them the problem-solving and flexibility skills that are a winning combination in the workplace. In short, and not surprisingly, military wives make excellent employees.

Patty Barron, deputy director for government relations at the National Military Family Association, has this advice for a wife looking to find a job, change a job or move into a new field: “Don’t sell yourself short.” The challenges faced by a spouse who is attempting to etch out a career while being “married to the military” definitely teach that person “how to think outside the box,” said Barron.

Knowing that you have a lot to offer is one thing; communicating it to a prospective employer is another. Barron emphasizes taking full advantage of your command’s version of the Employment Readiness Program. This program can be a great asset in translating your experience and skills into a strong résumé. 

When writing that résumé, keep track of your volunteer work and the hours you have devoted to it. Many volunteer jobs, especially those through Army Family Team Building and similar organizations, have written job descriptions on file. Ask for those job descriptions when creating or updating your résumé. Remember, it is important to account for everything you have done, whether you’ve been paid for it or not.

Don’t get discouraged, advises Barron. If you worked at a local paper at your last assignment, for example, but the paper at your new duty station is not hiring, offer to volunteer 5 hours per week at the post’s public-affairs office. “Do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door,” said Barron. Give yourself the opportunity to showcase your talents and show what you are capable of. You just might land yourself a better-paying government contract job.

Follow your passion. Take advantage of any classes available, either on the base or at the local college, to add to your expertise. It is important to keep your job skills current. Likewise, strengthen your weaknesses. If computer skills are holding you back from applying for a job you would otherwise love, use the resources available to conquer that fear. Being able to list Microsoft Access, Excel or PowerPoint computer skills on your résumé is always a plus, and these skills are vital if you are applying for any administrative position.

Another surefire way to build work experience is through temp agencies. These agencies not only give you the opportunity to sample different positions in a short amount of time, but also give the companies you work for the opportunity to audition you for a more permanent position.

Don’t overlook your participation in clubs. Did you plan any events as an office holder in a spouses’ club? What about the children’s Christmas party or the “Hail and Farewell” formal that your committee pulled off without a hitch? All these skills have a direct crossover to event-planning projects in the workplace that you have prepared yourself to master.