Employment

Hampton Roads, with a 4.7% unemployment rate, possesses a broad and competitive job market within the military, municipalities, financial institutions, retail and service industries.

Employment opportunities on base include Morale Welfare and Recreation, Non Appropriated Funds, Navy Exchange and the Commissary.

A few of Hampton Roads' major employers are:

• The various public school districts
• Bank of America
• GEICO
• Norfolk Southern Corp.
• Sentara Health Systems
• Portsmouth Marine Terminal
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Many telemarketing companies and call centers for major companies call Hampton Roads home.

Virginia's minimum wage is $11.00. Some examples of current wages in the area are:

• Clerical: $12.80 - $18.19/hour. Bilingual skills, advanced computer skills and/or certification may command higher hourly rate.
• Unskilled Labor: 9.50- $17.24
• Teachers: $27,400 - $89,000/year, median is $63,990
• Professional (White collar): $61,825
• Average annual wage in Hampton Roads: $56,163

The Fleet and Family Support Center's (FFSC) Oceana's Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) can assist all eligible family members with their job search and career planning. Our Career Development Resource Center (CDRC) provides up to date local college information and computers to assist in your job search. 

Once a month, FFSC Oceana offers ‘Career Week' which consists of the following employment classes:

Effective Resume Writing -- These days, only a top-notch resume will get you an interview. Learn how to market your skills, knowledge, accomplishments, and experience with an impressive resume. This single-session workshop includes tips on translating military terminology.

Federal Job Application Process -- In this single-session workshop gain the advantage in your job search with the federal government by learning how to find vacancies and job listings, complete the application process, and how to understand standard qualifications and testing requirements.

Interviewing Techniques -- Want to feel more confident at your next job interview? This  workshop teaches you how! Topics include positive answers to difficult questions, dressing for success, and the importance of body language and positive attitude. Interview follow-up and salary negotiations are also discussed.

Job Search Strategies -- Learn more about the crucial steps in the job search process. This workshop covers everything from assessing the hidden job market to finding a job long-distance, as well as job searching on the Internet. Many of the resources and services available to job seekers are also discussed, including major employers in the Hampton Roads area and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).

Job Network -- This monthly one-hour employer panel of three human resource personnel gives you the opportunity to ask local and national employers what they like to see on resumes and how to prepare for interviews.  Find out about open positions, their application process, and what benefits are available.  Transitioners, separatees, and military family members are invited to attend.

Career Planning - This three hour self-assessment workshop is designed to help you make career choices based on life goals, personal skills, abilities, preferences and work values.

Employment Specialists are available to provide individual consultations and Mock Interviews. Call 757-433-2912 for an appointment.

To start your job search off on the right foot, remember to hand-carry all your employment records and information, references, resumes, federal resumes, transcripts, certificates and licenses. If you are civil service and you transferring with the service member, don't forget to bring your SF-50. 

1st Term CONSEP is a four-day class for individuals who are in their first enlistment. This workshop will provide insight into various aspects of managing a career - financially, professionally, and personally. 

Mid-Career CONSEP is a four-day class designed to assist mid-career Sailors (E-4 to E-6 with 6-12 years of service) with career change.

To sign up for any of these classes, you will need to contact your command career counselor.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

This is a three-day mandatory DOD workshop for retiring or separating military members making the transition to the civilian sector. The workshop provides instruction on skills identification, resume preparation, interview techniques, and veterans' entitlements. Transition Track is a two-day program.  Speak to your Navy Career Transition Counselor  to ask if it is a requirement for you.

Uniform of the day is required. No cost orders if command required. Spouses are welcome to attend as space permits.

TAP classes are held Monday - Wednesday 0730 - 1600. Transition Track classes are held 0730 - 1600, Thursday-Friday. Registration is Monday at 0700. See your command career counselor for a quota and workshop requirements to attend Transition Assistance Program (TAP). For additional information, call 757-444-3522/6089 or Fax 757-444-6095.

MyCAA

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

Most military spouses are eligible to file an unemployment claim in Virginia as long as you meet the required 680 hours of covered employment. For information and questions regarding filing your first claim, contact the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) at 866-832-2363. For a complete listing of the documents and information you will need in order to file a claim, visit their website.

Keep in mind you may be initially considered ineligible for unemployment benefits and may have to file an appeal because you left your job voluntarily to accompany your service member. This is normal and most military spouses win the appeal.

Hampton Roads possesses a broad and competitive job market within the military, municipalities, financial institutions, retail and service industries. Unemployment Rate 3%. Median Household Income $69,329.