Employment

Anne Arundel County's 14,695 businesses employ 254,774 workers. An estimated 360 of these businesses have 100 or more employees. Key private sector employers include: Northrop Grumman, Anne Arundel Health Systems and Univ of MD Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Southwest Airlines, Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Booz Allen Hamilton. Key government employers include the Defense Information Systems Agency, National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort George G. Meade, and the U.S. Naval Academy. 

Howard County is home to thousands of businesses of all sizes from corporate headquarters to businesses where the dining room table serves as the desk and conference table. The County Executive and other leaders encourage an “innovation economy,” with support for technological and other start-up businesses provided through the Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship and it’s Howard Tech Council at the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Howard County's proximity to Fort Meade and the area’s evolving cyber security industry will continue to accelerate the local economic growth and stability. Government contractors are moving in to the area to take advantage of opportunities, and vendors and service providers are benefitting from their activity here. 

To prepare for your employment search, hand-carry the following important papers with you rather than including them in your household goods shipment:

• Resumes
• Position Descriptions
• Performance Appraisals or Evaluations
• Official School Transcripts
• Standard Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
• DA Form 5433-R (Verification of Overseas Employment for Noncompetitive Appointment Under EO12721 and Executive Order)
• Copy of Civilian LES
• Copy of Spouse's Orders
• Standard Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action supporting Leave Without Pay)

The ACS Employment Readiness Program provides job search assistance via individual career counseling, interviewing and resume workshops, and computer classes which assists with career goals. In conjunction with partners the program hosts job fairs with local companies on a regular basis.

The Fort Meade Transition Assistance Program is available to all eligible transitioning soldiers, veterans and family members. The program provides education, training, and counseling necessary to be career-ready for civilian life. The program helps soldiers make informed decisions through career and employment assistance and benefits counseling. TAP can be reached at 301-677-9871.

MyCAA

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

Unemployment insurance is a program paid for by employers and your tax dollars when you're working. If you lose your job and it's not your fault, you could qualify for these short-term benefits. These benefits can support you while you're looking for another job. You should file for Unemployment Benefits right away! There is no reason to feel guilty or embarrassed about filing for unemployment benefits. These are benefits that your taxes helped to pay for when you were working.

Qualifying for Unemployment Benefits

If you are a military spouse and are relocating due to your Service Members PCS, you may qualify for unemployment. Find out more information.

Applying for Benefits --You apply for unemployment benefits at your local state unemployment agency. Your weekly benefit check depends on what state you live in and how much money you made while you were working.

Anne Arundel County has a broad employment base, though many residents commute to work in Baltimore and Washington. There are several large federal institutions, including the National Security Agency, the Naval Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard.  Unemployment rate 3.6%. Median household income $ 89,031.

Helpful Links

• Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program
• Maryland Workforce Exchange (jobs website)