Fort Belvoir  Military and Family Support Center

Job Hunting in National Capital Region

The job market in the National Capital Region is very competitive. Income and education levels are high. With its wide range of businesses, the area offers a multitude of employment possibilities to new residents. Individuals with experience or training in such diverse fields as space science, engineering, accounting, law, medicine, retail, service industries, or non-profit associations will find themselves at home here. There is a high turnover of clerical and office support personnel and food service workers.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate for DC/MD/VA reflects the economic climate and is hovering around 5.9%.

Federal Civilian Employment for Spouses

If you are the spouse of any active duty military (including Coast Guard) and relocating to his/her new duty station, you are entitled to spouse employment preference as long as you are among the best qualified for the position. You must have entered into marriage with the military sponsor prior to his/her reporting date to the new duty station and be on Leave Without Pay (LWOP) from the federal government. Spouse preference begins 30 days prior to the reporting date and continues throughout the tour until the spouse accepts or declines such a position. Information regarding spouse preference and employment opportunities for spouses is provided in the weekly ERP orientation/job search registration.

ACS Employment Readiness Program

The ACS Employment Readiness Program (ERP) is very proactive at Fort Belvoir. The program has a wide range of offerings to include: a job bank that includes over 700 local companies, direct resume referral to potential employers, individual career counseling, certificate-based courses (i.e. Medical Office Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Computer Training, and Medical Terminology), job search skills training and career testing. The ERP also offers a resource room with computers, High Speed Internet connection, a fax machine and copier where applicants can work on their resumes and job search. The ERP also holds a weekly orientation/job search registration every Tuesday at 12:45. Contact our Employment Readiness Program Manager at 571-231-7013

For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry:  school transcripts, updated resume or federal application, professional certificates, awards or honors, and letter(s) of recommendation/appreciation.

MyCAA

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

The job market in the National Capital Region is very competitive. Income and education levels are high. With its wide range of businesses, the area offers a multitude of employment possibilities to new residents. Unemployment Rate 5.1%. Median household income: $65,772.