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Mission Family: Employers do want military spouses

What should you say if, during a job interview, a potential employer asks whether you are a military spouse?

It’s illegal to ask, though the employer may not realize it. But think about why that employer is asking. Is he worried that you’ll move away in a couple of years? Or is he interested in hiring a military spouse?

There’s no doubt some employers still discriminate against military spouses. In the Defense Department’s 2008 survey of active-duty spouses, 8 percent said one reason they hadn’t been looking for work was because employers appear to be biased against military spouses.

But some employers see an advantage to hiring a military spouse. Some see it “as a sign of being responsible, of loyalty and commitment, an employee with a solid foundation,” said John Challenger, chief executive officer of the Chicago-based consulting firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, which helps companies find jobs for employees who have been laid off.

For example, employers with the nonprofit Military Spouse Corporate Career Network are looking specifically for military spouses and pay MSCCN for military spouse applicants, said Deborah Kloeppel, president and chief executive officer. There is no charge to the spouses.

Another 31 employers seek out military spouses through the Army Spouse Employment Partnership. Visit www.myarmyonesource.com and click on “Family Programs and Services.” Go to “Family Programs,” then click on “Employment Readiness.” Any military spouse — not just Army spouses — can access the site.

If you are asked the question in an interview, tell the truth, Challenger says.

“You have to handle it carefully. Employers may feel like you’re stonewalling, and a lot of employers may not know the law,” he said.

Turn that question around with positive reasons for hiring you, such as, “Yes, I may be here for just [two, three or four more] years, but I’m going to give you the very best I can give during that time.”

Civilians often change jobs, too, so length of time in the job is not as much of an issue as it once was, Challenger said.

“On the average, military spouses can stay in jobs as long as civilians,” Kloeppel said.

Kloeppel suggests telling an employer that if you do move, you hope you can take the job with you and work from home or at a branch office near your next duty station.

“I’d tell an employer that military life is structured and disciplined and creates structure and discipline for spouses,” Kloeppel said. “I’d say, ‘I’m better, faster, more organized, and it makes me a better performer. I don’t have time for office politics and standing at the water cooler.’”

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For information on other Internet sites and job boards linking military spouses to employers, visit /www.milspouse.org and msjs.americasjobexchange.com/.

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Karen Jowers is the wife of a retired service member. E-mail kjowers@militarytimes.com.