Employment

No matter where you are, job hunting is hard work and usually a full-time job in itself. The high cost of living in Hawaii, as well as company downsizing, has created a great demand for jobs. Consequently, the job market is very competitive. The state's current unemployment rate is available at the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website.

Positions in the service industry are usually available to support travel and tourism, and this Hawaii's largest industry. Typically salary rates are approximately 20% less than the average position in the continental U.S.  The Hawaii minimum wage is $14 per hour. 

Nonappropriated funds positions are available on Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter. In addition, the Marine Corps Base at Kaneohe Bay and Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam also offer NAF positions. NAF positions are posted on the USAJOBS website. JBPHH positions and MCB Hawaii positions are also posted online.

Most positions are located in Honolulu. However, the majority of the population resides in outlying areas and commute to town. Traffic is always a problem. Options are to leave early, take the bus or carpool.

If you need to start working right away, consider registering for work at the Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relation's Workforce Development Division. Local offices are found throughout the state. You can find more information on the Hawaii State Department of Labor website. The Hawaii State Department of Labor posts jobs on the HireNet Hawaii website.

A staffing temporary employment agency can also help in finding a job.

As tourism continues to be an important part of our economy, positions such as retail salespersons and tour guides require foreign language skills. Outdoor jobs are available year-round, since the weather is always warm in Hawaii.

Civilian Personnel Advisory Center

The Civilian Personnel Advisory Center can offer helpful information on the priority placement program, veterans preference and other matters relating to launching or transferring your federal career. The Civilian Personnel Advisory Center can be contacted at 808-656-1459. 

Employment Readiness Program

The Employment Readiness Program offers information and referral services and assistance to military spouses, active-duty military, retired military, active guard and reserve, Department of Defense civilians and all immediate family members in the areas of employment, training and volunteer opportunities. The services are designed to give you the competitive edge necessary to secure employment and advance your career.

ERP services include:

• Up-to-date information on local, national and international employment opportunities, job market trends and education information, and volunteer resources
• Workshops and seminars on self-assessment and career exploration, resume writing, interviewing techniques, dressing for success, networking and entrepreneurship
• Resume reviews and assistance
• Career counseling and individual career assessments
• Career fairs and other hiring events
• Teen/youth employment information
• Computers with internet access, resume-writing software and typing tutorials
• One-on-one counseling and workshops to help you get started include:
  • Employment Orientation
  • Resume Writing Workshop
  • 10 Steps to a Federal Job
  • Networking and Interviewing

The first step in your job search is for you to attend an employment orientation. Employment orientations are held at the Schofield Barracks Army Community Service. You will receive information on federal, state, private sector and staffing agencies. You will also receive information on installation contractors and NAF job opportunities. Reference materials, job listings, computers, web tours and more will be available for use.

For one-on-one assistance, an appointment must be made. The hours of operation for the ERP are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please contact us at the Schofield Barracks ACS at 808-787-4227 or DSN 315-437-4227.

Remember to carry your employment history including your resume, addresses of personal and professional references, letters of recommendation, school transcripts, certificates, licenses, orders and marriage license with you.

If you are transitioning from the military to a civilian career, the Transition Assistance Program is there to help guide you through the journey. The Hawaii TAP Center is located at the Soldier Support Center on Schofield Barracks at the intersection of Ayers Street and Waianae Avenue in Building 750. Contact SFL TAP at 808-655-1028 or DSN 315-455-1028.

My Career Advancement Account is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with financial assistance for licenses, certifications or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field. For information on MyCAA, visit the MyCAA website.

If you quit your job because of your spouse's permanent change of station orders, you may be entitled to unemployment benefits while looking for a new job. Call your state's unemployment compensation department to determine if the state you are leaving considers military PCS orders eligibility for unemployment compensation; many states do not. Go to the HireNet Hawaii website for detailed information on eligibility for unemployment and instructions on how to apply.

The job market is very competitive here. Most positions are located in Honolulu and the majority of the population resides in outlying areas and commute to town. Traffic is always a problem. Upon arrival, consider registering for work at the Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relation's Workforce Development Division. Local offices are found throughout the state.