5 steps for using the Military Spouse Employment Partnership to find jobs

For military spouses navigating the challenges of frequent relocations and employment gaps, finding meaningful work can be difficult. Fortunately, the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) is a powerful tool that connects military spouses with military-friendly employers who understand the unique challenges of military life.

In this guide, we will break down what MSEP is, how to use the MSEP portal, and how to maximize your job search to land meaningful employment.

MSEP is part of the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program. It’s designed to address the high unemployment rate among military spouses by connecting them with military-friendly employers. These employers are specifically committed to hiring military spouses and understand the complexities of military life, such as frequent relocations and employment gaps.

Since its inception in 2011, MSEP has partnered with hundreds of employers who have hired tens of thousands of military spouses. The program spans across various industries, offering jobs in areas like education, healthcare, technology, administration, and remote work.

How to Use the MSEP Portal: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to navigate the MSEP portal and start applying for military-friendly jobs:

Step 1: Create an Account on MySECO

Register for your account. You’ll need to confirm your military spouse status to access certain resources. This process might involve verifying your DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) information. Once your account is set up, you’ll have access to the full suite of MSEP resources.

Once you’re logged in, you can directly access the MSEP Job Search Tool. This tool allows you to search for military spouse-friendly jobs across a wide range of industries. Go to the homepage. Once on the MySECO portal, navigate to the MSEP section. Then, click on the “search jobs” button. This will take you to the MSEP Job Search Tool, where you can start browsing available jobs. Use filters such as job location, industry, and remote work opportunities to narrow down your search.

Step 3: Explore Military-Friendly Employers

MSEP partners with hundreds of companies that are committed to hiring military spouses. You can explore these employers directly through the MSEP portal. On the MSEP homepage, you’ll see a list of employer partners. Browse by industry or location. MSEP allows you to search for employers by industry or region, so you can focus on companies that match your career goals. After finding an employer of interest, you can visit their website directly from the MSEP portal to explore their job openings and learn more about their military spouse hiring initiatives.

Step 4: Build your resume with SECO

One of the most valuable features of MSEP is its integration with SECO, which offers resources to help you craft a competitive resume.

On the MySECO portal, you’ll find resources to help you create or refine your resume. This includes resume templates and tips on how to address employment gaps, highlight volunteer work, and showcase military spouse-specific skills. SECO provides a Resume Builder tool that walks you through the process of creating a polished, professional resume. SECO also offers on-demand resume reviews. You can upload your resume and receive personalized feedback from a career counselor.

Now that your resume is ready and you’ve identified employers or positions of interest, it’s time to apply.

Be sure to tailor your resume for each job, emphasizing the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Use the application instructions provided on the MSEP portal or the employer’s website to submit your materials. After applying, consider reaching out to the hiring manager or recruiter to express your continued interest in the position. This demonstrates initiative and helps keep your application top of mind.

To make the most of MSEP, consider the following strategies:

Leverage remote work opportunities. Many military spouses seek remote work due to the flexibility it provides. On the MSEP portal, you can filter your job search specifically for remote work opportunities. MSEP partners with employers who understand the unique needs of military families, making it easier to find remote roles.

Take advantage of SECO career coaching. In addition to job search tools, MSEP offers access to SECO career coaches who can help you with career planning, resume reviews, and interview practice. You can schedule one-on-one career counseling sessions by calling **800-342-9647** or using the **Live Chat** feature on the MySECO portal.

Explore licensing and certifications. If your profession requires state licenses or certifications, MSEP can guide you through the process of transferring those credentials to a new state. The **Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options** initiative is a great resource for spouses in licensed professions, such as healthcare or education.

Join MSEP webinars and events. MSEP hosts webinars and virtual job fairs that can help you connect directly with employers and learn more about the job market. Keep an eye on the MySECO events calendar for opportunities to participate in these events.

Build your network. Don’t forget the power of networking! Join professional military spouse groups and use LinkedIn to connect with other military spouses, employers, and industry professionals. Many MSEP partner employers are active on LinkedIn and look for candidates through these platforms.

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)  is a vital resource for military spouses looking to find meaningful employment despite the challenges of military life. By using the MSEP portal to connect with military-friendly employers, tailoring your resume through SECO resources, and maximizing the available support for remote work and certifications, you can overcome employment challenges and secure a career that moves with you.