Top 5 Tips to Keep Your Job Search Active During Summer PCS Season

How to Keep Your Job Search Active During Summer PCS Season

Summer PCS season brings a wave of transitions: relocation logistics, kids out of school, and the emotional weight of starting fresh. Despite the chaos, your career goals don’t have to take a back seat.

With the right tools and strategies, military spouses can continue job hunting effectively—and even gain a competitive edge.

1. Build a Flexible Strategy Around Your Move

Relocation may feel like a full-time job, but your career deserves space too. Here’s how to stay on track:

 Develop a PCS-specific job search plan: Build in blocks of time pre- and post-move to
search and apply. Staying consistent helps maintain momentum, even during busy
weeks.

 Use portable tools: Store copies of your resume, key job links, and cover letter
templates in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) so they’re accessible wherever you are.

 Set realistic goals: If applying to five jobs a week isn’t feasible during your move, scale
your efforts and prioritize quality applications.

2. Embrace Virtual Networking Opportunities

In-person meetups may be on hold during your move, but virtual networking is always open:

 Attend virtual career fairs like the Hire Heroes USA Virtual Career Fair happening on
June 5.

 Use LinkedIn effectively: Comment on posts and reconnect with past colleagues. Not
sure how? Watch our webinar,”Leveraging LinkedIn: Networking Tools and Tips.”

 Join military spouse Facebook or LinkedIn groups focused on career support.

3. Look Into Remote Job Options

Remote work has become more mainstream, offering stability through relocations:

 Filter job searches with keywords like “remote,” “telework,” or “work from home.” Use
websites like FlexJobs and We Work Remotely.

 Check out the Hire Heroes USA Direct Placement Program for vetted employer
connections and job matching.

 Highlight your adaptability and remote work skills in your resume and interviews by
following the tips in our Remote Work Success Guide.

4. Use Summer to Upskill with Free Training

Whether you are between jobs or just have a lighter schedule, use this time to gain certifications and knowledge:

 Take advantage of free Coursera courses offered through Hire Heroes USA.

 Consider certifications in fields like IT, HR, and Project Management. Many
programs are free or discounted for military spouses.

 Update your resume with new skills and coursework.

5. Refresh Your LinkedIn and Resume

Before applying or networking, make sure your professional brand is current:

 Revise your LinkedIn headline to reflect your career goals—not just your current role.

 Add a professional photo and background image that reflects your personality and
industry.

 Watch our video:”LinkedIn Optimization for Military Spouses.”

Closing Thoughts

You don’t have to put your career on hold during the summer PCS season. With digital tools, flexible planning, and access to virtual resources, your job search can stay active, even when life is on the move.

Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your next opportunity.

Action Items

 Log in to your MyTrak account to access job search videos, handouts, and register for
virtual events.
 Register for the June 5 Virtual Career Fair to connect with employers seeking military
spouses.
 Need help tailoring your resume? Check out our Resume Tailoring Guide.

*Not a Hire Heroes USA client yet? Register HERE to access personalized one-on-one career support.

Written by: Amanda Browne

Amanda is a Transition Specialist with the Serving Spouses Team at Hire Heroes USA. She is a
Florida native and graduate of Florida Southern College, where she met her husband Jeff, an
active-duty Army officer. Since 2012, military life has taken her family across the globe.

Embracing the flexibility of remote learning, she earned her Master of Business Administration from Washington State University. Her professional background includes roles as a virtual assistant, university academic advisor, and financial aid advisor.

Amanda’s passion for supporting transitioning service members and military spouses was solidified during her time as a Transition Counselor for the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in South Korea. She currently calls Fort Irwin, California, home.