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JBLM Unlimited

Search tools for job seekers

The JBLM Unlimited website is easy to use. Photo courtesy of jblmunlimited.com

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One of the most challenging things about getting out of the military is figuring out what to do afterward. For servicemembers, their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), might make the decision easy. For instance, air traffic controllers will more than likely continue that occupation in the civilian sector. But what about military specific careers that don't really translate? And what about spouses? They often don't have a chance to develop careers because they relocate every few years. What if you really just don't know what you want to do?

The plight of transitioning servicemembers has led to a myriad of job-seeking sites. One of the newest has a local twist - JBLM Unlimited (www.jblmunlimited.com) provides search tools that allow job seekers to find local employment with more than 700 companies who are specifically and actively looking for veterans and spouses.

The site is part of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL TAP), which provides pre-separation counseling, transition and employment assistance to active-duty, Guard and Reserve Soldiers, Airmen and Department of the Army Civilians preparing to leave the military and their family members.

The website is easy to use, and there are several ways to search. Clicking on the "jobs" tab will lead users to a list of all available jobs (127 were listed on a recent search). Users can also narrow the list based on the category and type of occupation desired.

While most of the jobs are located in the JBLM/Tacoma area, not all are. For instance, Class A drivers are needed in Fresno, and a computer programming job is open in Nevada.

Best of all, these employers already know the applicants have a military background, so there won't be that awkward moment during the interview when they ask why you have moved so often and left so many jobs. Moreover, they understand the value of hiring a veteran or spouse.

Another fantastic resource for veterans and spouses in the JBLM area is the program's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JBLMUnlimited). New jobs are posted several times a day, and since it's on social media, it comes straight to your news feed.

In one 24-hour period recently, for example, jobs were posted for a veterinary technician, warehouse shipper, human resources specialist, nurse and more. The page is open to everyone, and no military affiliation is required.

In addition to posting a plethora of available work opportunities, the Facebook page also posts information about upcoming job fairs, recruiting events, veteran and spouse networking events and tips for successfully finding work. It is a great resource for anyone needing a job and makes the search easy - perhaps the perfect job will appear on your news feed one morning.

In the meantime, check out the website frequently, polish up your resumé and print out several copies on high-quality paper. Make sure your interview skills are up to par and your interview suit is ready to go. The perfect job is out there waiting for you - now go log on and find it.

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