LinkedIn Tips for Military Spouses: Career Growth & Networking Guide
- Jetta Allen
- Jul 1
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 19
Getting Started with LinkedIn for Military Spouses
Military spouses are some of the most resourceful, adaptable, and determined people in the workforce. Yet, frequent moves, employment gaps, and career restarts can make professional growth feel like an uphill climb. That’s where LinkedIn becomes a game-changer.
I’ve only been using LinkedIn for less than a year, but I’ve already seen so many benefits, and you can too. Whether you're currently job searching, managing a portable career, or just thinking about what's next, investing time in your LinkedIn profile can open doors you didn’t know were there.
How to Set Up Your LinkedIn Account (Yes, You’ve Got This!)
If LinkedIn feels a little intimidating, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—setting up your account is easier than you think, and I promise it’s worth the effort. Whether you're launching a new career, maintaining momentum through a PCS, or exploring remote opportunities, your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool that grows with you.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Sign Up Head to linkedin.com and create an account using an email address you check regularly. If possible, use a professional-sounding email (think: your name, not your gamer tag). You'll add basic info like your name, current location, and whether you’re job hunting or just looking to network.
2. Upload a Profile Photo No need for a studio session—just a clear, friendly headshot in good lighting. Bonus points if you’re dressed in something that feels like you but also says, “I’m ready for this opportunity.”
3. Write Your Headline Your headline is that little line under your name—and it’s prime real estate! Instead of just listing your last job title, consider something that reflects your goals and skills.
For example: “Military Spouse | Project Manager | Passionate About Remote Work & Community Building”
4. Craft a Strong “About” Section Think of this as your elevator pitch. What are you good at? What lights you up? How have your experiences as a military spouse made you stronger, more adaptable, and ready for anything? Speak from the heart—you’re more qualified than you may realize.
5. Add Experience (Yes, Volunteer Work Counts!) You don’t need a traditional job history to make this section shine. Add volunteer work, freelance gigs, side projects, or remote roles you’ve taken on between moves. Highlight your contributions, responsibilities, and wins—because they matter.
Not sure how to frame your volunteer experience professionally? You’re not alone. Check out this helpful guide on how volunteering in Korea can boost your resume and help fill career gaps with real impact.
6. Include Skills and Ask for Endorsements List the things you’re great at—whether that’s Excel spreadsheets, creative writing, event planning, or social media strategy. Then reach out to past coworkers, classmates, or fellow volunteers to endorse those skills. (And don’t be shy about endorsing theirs, too!)
7. Customize Your URL Once your profile is set up, edit your LinkedIn URL to something simple and professional—like www.linkedin.com/in/yourname. It makes sharing your profile way easier on a resume, email signature, or digital business card.
8. Start Connecting and Exploring Follow companies you love, join groups for military spouses and remote workers, and start connecting with people you know (and want to know). LinkedIn is more than just a job board—it’s a place to tell your story, build community, and grow your network one click at a time.
Build Career Visibility on LinkedIn as a Military Spouse
With a polished profile, recruiters and hiring managers can find you—even if you’re not actively applying. This is especially important when you’re navigating PCS season or balancing flexible roles.
Why LinkedIn Matters for Military Spouses: Your Network Travels With You
Every time you move, LinkedIn helps you maintain and grow your network. Staying connected to colleagues, mentors, or fellow spouses allows you to stay updated and tap into professional communities, no matter where you’re stationed.
How to Tell Your Military Spouse Career Story on LinkedIn
Military spouses often have unconventional work histories, career changes, gaps, volunteer work, short-term or long-term non-profit projects, and remote gigs. LinkedIn lets you write your own narrative.
A strong "About" section lets you explain your journey in your own words. You can tailor the material you want to share to your current audience, interests, or potential career pursuits. Users can share others' posts as well, showing potential employers your worldview and ability to collaborate. Lastly, it’s just so much more dynamic than a black and white resume!
LinkedIn Resources for Military Spouses
From military spouse hiring initiatives to remote job boards and nonprofits that understand military spouse life, there are programs and recruiters on LinkedIn looking for talent just like yours. Many organizations have created tools and guides to help spouses get started. You don’t have to do this alone. This list of resources is just the tip of the iceburg:
Top LinkedIn Tips for Military Spouses
“Being a military spouse gives you unique strengths—adaptability, resilience, and wide-reaching networks.”— Hiring Our Heroes
Military spouses face a unique set of career challenges, but also possess incredible strengths that make them stand out in the professional world. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for showcasing those strengths, building connections, and opening doors to new opportunities.
Whether you're PCS-ing to a new duty station, restarting your career, or building a portable business, these how-to LinkedIn tips from military spouse experts will help you level up your professional presence.
1. Turn Your Story into a Strength
Tip: Use storytelling to highlight your journey, not hide it. Julie Provost (via My Military Benefits) shares how to transform gaps in employment into a narrative of resilience. Her advice? "Turn the patchwork into a quilt." Showcase volunteer roles, list remote or freelance work, and share project links. Also, don’t forget—you may be eligible for 1 free year of LinkedIn Premium through the DoD’s SECO program.
2. Polish Your Profile Like a Pro
Tip: Think of your LinkedIn profile as your personal brand. In a fantastic guide from Hire Heroes USA, Kelly Grivner-Kelly walks you through the basics:
Choose a clean, professional photo
Craft a compelling headline and summary
Highlight your volunteer work and PCS-related experience
Join relevant groups and start engaging
3. Leverage LinkedIn’s Military Spouse Resources
Tip: Take advantage of what’s already available to you. Daniel Savage (via Military Spouse Magazine) offers targeted advice, including:
Update your location/job preferences before a PCS
Follow companies you're interested in to track job opportunities
Tap into LinkedIn Learning to upskill during transitions
Join military spouse networking groups to stay connected and inspired
Bonus Resource
Want even more actionable tips? Check out Hiring Our Heroes' article: How Military Spouses Use LinkedIn. From real-life success stories to profile-building insights, it’s a must-read!
Free LinkedIn Premium Through SECO as a Military Spouse
Military spouses are eligible for a free one-year subscription to LinkedIn Premium through the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program, in partnership with LinkedIn. Even better, you can reapply for another free year after each permanent change of station (PCS). LinkedIn Premium gives you access to tools like InMail messaging, advanced job insights, and LinkedIn Learning courses, helping you stay competitive and connected. No matter where the military sends you.
Apply through the MySECO portal: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/
Final Thoughts
Military life doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch every few years. With LinkedIn, you can build a portable, powerful professional identity—one that moves with you and grows with you. Start connecting, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to tell your story. You’ve earned it.
LinkedIn isn’t just for corporate climbers or tech professionals—it’s for you, too. Whether you’re looking to stay connected, land your next role, or just figure out what’s next, LinkedIn is one of the most important tools military spouses can add to their career toolkit.
Have you used LinkedIn to support your career journey as a military spouse? Share your tips or questions in the comments!
Related Reads for Military Spouses Navigating Careers
Looking to dive deeper into military spouse employment, personal development, and building a fulfilling career overseas? Here are a few more inspiring and informative reads from United on the RoK Magazine:
From Career Gaps to Community Impact: The Value of Volunteering in Korea Discover how volunteering can help you gain skills, build confidence, and fill resume gaps while stationed abroad.
What Employers Look for in Employees: Keys to Employment Success Understand the qualities and soft skills that hiring managers prioritize—and how to highlight them on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Federal Employment for Military Spouses Learn how to tap into federal job opportunities and understand the benefits of programs like the Military Spouse Preference (MSP).
Unemployed and Abroad: My Path to Healing, Growth, and Self-Discovery A deeply personal journey about navigating unemployment overseas and turning that chapter into one of empowerment and transformation.
Resources to Help You Succeed on LinkedIn and Beyond
Military OneSource – Spouse Education & Career Opportunities (SECO) A comprehensive DoD-sponsored platform offering career coaching, resume support, and LinkedIn guidance for military spouses.
LinkedIn Military & Veterans Program Military spouses are eligible for one year of free LinkedIn Premium—this is a game-changer for networking, job applications, and access to LinkedIn Learning courses.
Hiring Our Heroes – Military Spouse Programs An initiative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that helps military spouses find meaningful employment—including LinkedIn training and fellowship programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About LinkedIn for Military Spouses
Why should military spouses use LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for military spouses to build professional networks, find remote jobs, and maintain career continuity during PCS moves. It helps showcase both traditional work and volunteer experience in one dynamic profile.
I haven’t had a paid job recently. What should I include on my profile?
Highlight your volunteer work, certifications, remote training, and soft skills. Many military spouses use roles in FRGs, non-profits, or community organizations to demonstrate leadership and adaptability—skills employers value.
How can I explain frequent job changes or employment gaps on LinkedIn?
Use your About section to share your story and resilience as a military spouse. In your experience section, focus on transferable skills and accomplishments rather than timelines.
What should my LinkedIn headline say if I’m currently unemployed or looking for remote work?
Avoid “unemployed.” Instead, use phrases like “Remote-Ready Project Coordinator” or “Military Spouse | HR Professional | Actively Seeking Remote Opportunities.”
Should I connect with people I don’t know on LinkedIn?
Yes—with purpose. Connect with professionals in your industry, military spouse support networks, hiring managers, and recruiters. Add a short note to explain your reason for connecting.
How often should I update or post on LinkedIn?
Posting once or twice a month helps you stay visible. Share career updates, volunteer highlights, or articles relevant to your interests. You can also engage by commenting on others’ posts.
Can LinkedIn really help me find a remote job?
Absolutely! Use filters in the LinkedIn job search to find remote-friendly roles. Update your location to reflect where you're authorized to work and specify remote preferences in your profile.
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