We have one advantage now as military spouses that did not exist in the past. Many of us in the past found ourselves having to hide the fact that we were military spouses. We had to be extra creative to explain our spotty resumes. Thankfully, that has changed. Companies are now used to people changing jobs frequently. It’s become the norm in the civilian world too. In fact, the average American will change jobs eleven times in a forty-year career. There is no longer such a stigma about having a resume with lots of different jobs listed. Remember to turn all that experience into a benefit for your new employer. Sell yourself!

“I’d basically say, ‘Lucky you, I bring a unique set of skills to town,’” says Army wife and meeting planning professional Lynn Edwards. After all, you bring a wide experience of seeing how other businesses run things, often bringing in new ideas that can help an operation. You bring the strength of flexibility and being able to deal with change, not a common skill but a necessary one in today’s business world. You’ve most likely learned to work with individuals from all levels of society and from different states and countries. People skills like that are key to any position. Recognize and sell the value you bring.

As Coast Guard spouse and nursing professional Elaine Wilhelm-Hass says, “At first, I lamented that I’d always be the ‘new RN,’ working all the weekends and holidays—but here’s a secret! The new kid from out of state is often perceived as more clever or desirable than existing employees. I capitalized on that.”

Marine Corps spouse and educator Cydnee Gentry carries a portfolio with performance appraisals and letters of recommendation from previous duty stations, including any certificates of recognition or accomplishment for volunteer positions.

By the way, don’t underestimate the skills and experience you’ve gained from your volunteer positions. Kathie heard one friend say disparagingly of herself “I haven’t had a paid job in so long—I don’t know how marketable I am.” This came from a woman who is as professionally polished and organized as any paid professional Kathie’s ever worked with and who has successfully run large programs and organizations of volunteers. But that attitude of “lesser than” can hurt you in an interview. As Kathie points out from her years as a corporate personnel manager, “It’s essential to appear enthusiastic and self-confident in an interview.” Recognize the value of the skills you have and practice if necessary to sell them effectively in an interview.

On a similar note, Air Force spouse and educator Peggy Frede says, “In interviews, be up front about your transient lifestyle. Turn it into a plus. I emphasize the wide range of subjects I’ve taught as well as the range of ages. I point out the varied perspectives and input I can provide from that wide experience at other locations.”

As Richard Bolles, author of the classic What Color is Your Parachute? says, “When people change jobs frequently, their learning curve accelerates. They get the chance to learn more—and in less time. If I have one job for two years, and I get bounced out of it, or I decide to leave and go to a new place, I have to start learning new stuff—a whole new set of skills that I didn’t need in my last job. This makes me a more valuable employee, wherever I go.” Based on that, military spouses have to be some of the most valuable employees anywhere! Be aware of that and sell yourself accordingly.

Here’s a partial list of the benefits military spouses bring to their employers:
• ability to deal with change/flexibility,
• ability to learn quickly,
• ability to work with people from all walks of life,
• ideas and experiences from many other companies and organizations,
• strong people skills, and
• global experience and familiarity with international customs.

Excerpted with permission from Help! I’m a Military Spouse — I Want a Life Too! How to Craft a Life for You as You Move with the Military by Kathie Hightower & Holly Scherer.