Employment

Hampton Roads, with an unemployment rate around  2.9%, possesses a broad and competitive job market within the military, municipalities, financial institutions, retail and service industries. Employment opportunities on Naval Station Norfolk include Morale, Welfare and Recreation, nonappropriated fund, Navy Exchange and the commissary.

A few of Hampton Roads' major employers are:

• Various public school districts
• Bank of America
• GEICO
• Norfolk Southern Corp.
• Sentara Health Systems
• United Services Automobile Association
• Portsmouth Marine Terminal
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard
• Moon Engineering

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

While Virginia's minimum wage is $9.50, here is a list of examples of current wages in the area:

• Clerical: $12.95-$14.21/hour. Bilingual skills, advanced computer skills and/or certification may command a higher hourly rate.
• Unskilled labor: $9-50-$11.00
• Teachers: $51,418 and $67,994/year, median is $45,332
• Professional: $60,000-plus

The Fleet and Family Support Center's Norfolk Family Employment Readiness Program can assist all eligible family members with their job search and career planning. Our Career Development Resource Center provides up-to-date job vacancy announcement drop box, local college information and computers to assist in your job search.

Once a month, FFSC Norfolk 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.

Navigating Federal Employment System

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.

Another workshop offered by FFSC is Career Planning, which is a three-hour self-assessment 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 757-444-2102 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 are transferring with the service member, don't forget to bring your Standard Form-50.

21st Century My Navy Career Options (formerly CONSEP) is a two-day class for individuals who are in their first enlistment or in mid-career . This workshop will provide insight into various aspects of managing a career financially, professionally and personally. 

To sign up for this class, you will need to contact your command career counselor or Fleet and Family Support Center Career Development Resource Center.

Transition Assistance Program

This is a three-day department of defense workshop with mandatory components for military members who are retiring or considering leaving the military and making the transition to the civilian sector. This will include Pre-Separation, Managing Your Transition, MOC Crosswalk, and Financial Planning for Transition on Mondays, VA Benefits brief on Tuesdays, and DOL Employment Fundamentals on Wednesdays. 

The 2-Day Tracks are as follows: The Department of Labor Employment Fundamentals and 2-Day Tracks: DOL Vocational Training and DOL Employment Workshops along with the MY Entrepreneurship Track provided by the Small Business Administration are being offered virtually for the Hampton Roads area with our local instructors. 

Spouses are welcome to attend as space permits. All classes are held Monday, 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Registration is Monday at 6:30 a.m. See your command career counselor for a quota and workshop requirements to attend Transition Assistance Program. For additional information, call (757) 444-3522/6089 or fax (757) 444-6095.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program

For information on MyCAA as well as Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit MilitaryOneSource.

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 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. Employment opportunities on NS Norfolk include Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Non Appropriated Funds (NAF), Navy Exchange and the Commissary. Unemployment Rate 4.5% as per Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median Household Income is $93,497.00 as per census.gov.