Employment

The National Capital Region has an abundant and varied job market with plentiful opportunities in areas such as Department of Defense contracting, association and nonprofit management, health care, education, retail sales and, of course, federal employment. A significant number of these jobs are located inside the Beltway, where commutes are shorter but housing costs higher. While D.C., Alexandria, Arlington and Crystal City offer the highest concentration of government and defense-affiliated opportunities, there are several suburban corporate centers around the Beltway that offer ample employment options as well. Examples of these beyond-the-Beltway commercial centers include Reston, Tysons Corner, Silver Spring and Bethesda.

The area has not seen the same drastic unemployment crisis that other regions have. Those persons seeking entry level, middle or upper management positions will find no shortage of job openings. However, the region has a highly skilled work force, so competing for your dream job requires patience and flexible expectations. There are many local staffing agencies that offer temporary positions and this route provides more immediate income while pursuing your long-term career objectives.

A large presence of DOD agencies and military installations are located in the D.C. area. These organizations offer federal employment opportunities, most of which are posted on usajobs.gov. However, it is important to note that many departments (Army, Navy, Defense Logistic Agency, FBI) require resumes to be built and submitted through their own individual websites.

Non-appropriated fund positions exist in a wide variety of areas that support soldiers and their families. Positions may be found in child development, food and beverage management (clubs), bowling, recreation, hotels and billeting and clerical and administrative. NAF programs offer many benefits and extend hiring preference to eligible military family members. NAF opportunities exist at all DOD installations around the region, so include those sites in your search.

Employment Readiness Program services are not currently being offered at Fort Myer but are being carried out by the Employment Readiness Program Manager at Fort Belvoir.  They can be reached at 571-231-7001 or 571-231-7013.

The Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service (provided by ERP Fort Belvoir) provides counseling and assistance with job skills assessment, resume writing, federal applications and navigating the local job market. The program also offers a local job board, a computer, a printer and fax access for job-hunting purposes.

In addition, job search strategies seminars are held at ACS to educate job seekers on local employment options, both federal and private sector, and provide an overview of employment search services. To schedule an appointment, call ERP Fort Belvoir at 571-231-7001 or 571-231-7013.

The Arlington Employment Center, a career one-stop center, is located nearby and is easily accessible via the Metro. It is highly recommended that job seekers employ a multi-resourced approach to their search. The more agencies and contacts you utilize, the more powerful your job search network will be.

Depending on the jobs targeted, especially in the federal sector, it is important to carry several documents with you that may be required when applying for jobs. For example, prior federal employees will need a copy of their last SF-50, which is essential for military spouses who wish to enroll in the Department of Defense’s Priority Placement Program. Other necessary documents may include your marriage license and permanent change of station orders (to determine eligibility for spouse preference), resume, college transcripts, performance appraisals, certificates, licenses and Social Security card.

Separating or retiring members are encouraged to register with the Army Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in 209 McNair Road Fort Myer, VA 22211. TAP offers a wide range of employment assistance services along with benefits counseling to transitioning Soldiers. Contact TAP for more information at 703-696-0973.

MyCAA

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

Higher education institutions are plentiful in the region and job seekers would be wise to consider expanding their skill set through additional training and/or college courses if their job search is moving slowly. The Education Center, Bldg. 417, Sheridan Avenue, offers information about tuition assistance programs and several local colleges and universities have offices that offer classes on the installation. 

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) has offices in several Northern Virginia locations and offers resources and help for finding jobs—the VEC is also the agency to visit if filing for unemployment compensation.  However, unless you have worked in Virginia in the last 18 months or have just returned from a federal position overseas, you will likely need to file in the state where you were last employed (see VEC website for details).