ADF spouses make great employees

The partners of Australia’s serving ADF members and veterans have a unique set of experiences and attributes that make them stand-out employees. They are resilient, adaptable, and have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. But military spouses often face obstacles when it comes to finding employment due to frequent moves, long partner deployments, and a lack of understanding about the military lifestyle amongst civilian employers. However, employers who recognise the value of hiring military spouses can benefit from their skills and experience.

If you’re a military spouse looking to make your next career move, the RSL Employment Program can help. Work with a career coach to review your paid and unpaid work experience and identify your strengths and skills for your CV. A coach will help to define your goals, refine your application and interview skills and work positively with you to achieve your career goals.

Without further ado, here are 8 reasons why ADF and veteran partners make sensational employees. To learn more about how you can integrate these skills and attributes into your resume, check out our article on CV tips for military spouses. 

Resilience

Military spouses are resilient by necessity. They have to be able to handle the stress and uncertainty that comes with frequent moves and deployments. This resilience translates into the workplace, where they’re able to handle pressure and bounce back from setbacks. Defence partners are also used to dealing with unexpected situations and finding creative solutions to problems, making them valuable assets to any team.

Adaptability

Defence partners are also highly adaptable. They’re able to adjust to new environments and cultures quickly, often with little notice. This adaptability means they can quickly learn new skills and integrate into new teams. They are also able to work well under pressure and can quickly pivot when circumstances change. This makes them ideal employees in fast-paced or dynamic work environments.

Communication Skills

Military spouses are used to communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. They have experience navigating language barriers and cultural differences, making them effective communicators in a variety of situations. They are also skilled at conveying complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, which is essential in many industries.

Problem-Solving Skills

Military spouses are experienced problem solvers. They are often responsible for managing the household and family during their spouse’s deployment, which requires excellent organisational and problem-solving skills. These skills are transferable to the workplace, where military spouses can analyse complex problems, develop effective solutions, and implement them in a timely manner.

Networking Skills

Military spouses are experts at networking. They often have to build new social and professional networks with each move, which means they’re comfortable reaching out to new people and making connections. This networking ability is a valuable asset in many industries, where it is essential to build relationships with clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Multitasking Skills

Defence partners are adept at multitasking. They juggle multiple responsibilities, such as managing the household, caring for children, and maintaining a career. They often do this with little support when their serving partner is away on deployment, or if they’ve relocated to a place where they don’t have an existing network. In the workplace, they use this experience to effectively manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, without sacrificing quality or attention to detail.

Cultural Competence

Defence partners have a unique perspective on cultural competence. They have experience living in different parts of the country and the world, and have interacted with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This experience gives them a deep understanding of cultural differences and an ability to navigate them effectively. In an increasingly globalised economy, this cultural competence is a valuable asset.

Flexibility

Military spouses are used to dealing with uncertainty and change. They are often called upon to adapt to new situations quickly and with little notice. This flexibility makes them ideal employees in industries that are subject to rapid change or disruption, such as technology or healthcare.

HOW THE RSL CAN HELP

If you’re a military spouse (current or former) who could use a hand in identifying the skills you’ve gained in paid and unpaid work, we can help. The RSL Employment Program is free for partners of current or ex-serving ADF members. With one-on-one support you will get support with all aspects of job hunting, including writing CVs and job applications, career navigation, accessing training pathways, and employer connections.

We know the sacrifices you’ve made in your own career to support that of your ADF partner, and we’re here to support you. Reach out to us today.

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