A new survey conducted by the Military Officers Association of America and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University reveals a staggering statistic about female military spouses: 90% of spouses of active duty service members are underemployed. This means that those who are able to find employment – despite their 30% greater unemployment rate compared to their civilian counterparts – accept positions that they are overqualified for. As a result, female military spouses make an average of 38% less total income than female civilian spouses.

 

These statistics reveal a noticeable unemployment and income gap between military and civilian spouses. According to a 2012 American Community Survey (ACS) the income and unemployment gaps are not a result of choice. In fact, 55% of respondents indicated that work was a necessity, while 90% indicated they had a desire to work. So what factors are affecting military spouses? According to surveys, factors include moving to locations with limited opportunities, negative employer perceptions, and the inability to align skills and education with job opportunities, among others.

 

Hire Heroes USA understands the obstacles that military spouses face in today’s civilian workforce. That’s why we are here to help. Not only do we assist transitioning service members and veterans in their career transition, but we also work one-on-one with military spouses. We help spouses create a polished, professional resume that reflects their educational and professional achievements to help them understand the significant value that they bring to a company. Next, we coach them in interviewing and job searching to ensure that they have the skills necessary to locate and obtain meaningful opportunities. We are dedicated to assisting the 85% of military spouses that indicated that, in general, it is difficult to get hired. Even more important, we have been successful at doing so. Check out a military spouse success story and spread the word about our free services!