Job Searching as a Military Spouse During a PCS

A PCS can derail a career, but there are more tools today than ever to keep it moving.

Start before you leave

As soon as you know the new location, research the local job market, commute times and major employers. If you work remotely now, ask your employer whether you can keep working from the new location, and check any tax or state law issues with your HR team.

Use free coaching

The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program is now called SpouseWorks. It offers free career coaching, resume reviews, interview practice and education planning by phone or video through Military OneSource. Coast Guard spouses are now eligible too.

Fund a portable credential

The former MyCAA program is now the SpouseWorks Scholarship. It provides up to $4,000 toward licenses, certifications, associate degrees and continuing education, and eligibility now covers spouses of service members in all ranks and pay grades on qualifying orders. Fields like health care, IT, project management and accounting tend to transfer well.

Protect your license

If you hold a professional license:

• Check whether your profession has an interstate licensure compact and whether both states are members.
• If not, a 2023 SCRA change generally lets a spouse's valid license be recognized in the new state for a similar scope of practice while on military orders.
• Your service can reimburse up to $1,000 in relicensing costs after a move across state lines.

Contact the new state's licensing board early, as paperwork still takes time.

Use military-friendly employers

• MSEP partner employers have pledged to hire military spouses, and many offer remote or transferable roles.
• Hiring Our Heroes runs fellowships and hiring events for spouses.
• Federal jobs: military spouse preference and a noncompetitive spouse hiring authority can help with DoD and other federal positions. Upload your sponsor's orders with USAJOBS applications.

Handle the resume gap

Frame moves honestly and briefly. Highlight volunteer leadership, freelance work and certifications. Employers that work with military spouses understand frequent moves.

Overseas moves

Status of forces agreements can restrict working on the local economy and sometimes remote work too. Ask the gaining family center before assuming you can continue a job.

Taxes

Under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, you may be able to keep your state of residence for tax purposes. Tell your new employer which state you are claiming, and use MilTax for free help.