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

Amanda Browne
Latest posts by Amanda Browne (see all)
    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’re 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

    Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity

    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

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

    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, along with her husband Jeff, their two children, and their spirited Chiweenie.