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DoD Priority Placement Program for Military Spouses

Julie Provost

Priority Placement for Military Spouses (PPP) with DoD Program

A federal program exists to help military spouses with priority placement for federal jobs.  Learn more about the DoD Priority Placement Program for Military Spouses (PPP).

As a military spouse, a move to a new duty station may be in your future. How will this move affect your job options? Many military spouses seek federal employment because it can offer career stability that remains intact during relocations. However, the federal job path might not be the right choice for every working military spouse.

What Is the DOD Priority Placement Program?

The Priority Placement Program for Military Spouses enables military spouses to be given preference for federal jobs within CONUS.

Some don’t understand the relationship between the Priority Placement Program and Military Spouse Preference. The PPP is a DoD program designed to support civilian employees who are adversely affected by workforce changes.

Within this framework, Military Spouse Preference (MSP) is a specific provision that grants employment preference to military spouses. When you, as a military spouse, apply for a federal job and claim your preference, you are essentially leveraging the administrative vehicle of the PPP to gain priority consideration.

How the Military Spouse Preference Works

Military spouse preference doesn’t guarantee a job, but it increases your chances of being hired for the right job. The PPP gives priority to the best-qualified military spouse hiring over other best-qualified job applicants.

How to Take Advantage of the PPP Benefit

You need to take some basic steps to benefit from the military spouse preference.

1. Be sure that you fit the preference category.

• • Spouse of an active-duty service member, including Coast Guard or full-time National Guard
  • Moving to a new duty station with your spouse
  • Were married before your spouse’s reporting date
  • Applying for a federal job within commuting distance of a new duty station
  • One of the best-qualified candidates for the job you want

2. Register for the DOD Priority Placement Program.

Contact your local Civilian Personnel Office (CPO) to register no earlier than 30 days before your spouse’s reporting date.  You can also contact your CPO anytime after relocating. To register, you must present your marriage certificate and a copy of your spouse’s PCS orders.

Other documents that may be needed

• • copy of your SP-50
  • a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, if you’re a current or former federal employee
  • copy of your DD214, if you’re a former service member

3. Be sure you’re qualified for your desired job, and be ready to prove it.

In order to qualify for the military spouse preference, you must be well-qualified for your desired job. You must also be able to prove your qualifications to the computer that scans the applications. Here are some tips for submitting your best application:

• • Read the job announcements and included questionnaires carefully. When reviewing the job posting, pay special attention to keywords and phrases.
  • Give yourself enough time to write a well-written resume and cover letter and complete the application process. The Resume Builder on USAjobs.gov is a good resource for crafting a strong federal resume.
  • Be clear, specific, and accurate with the information you submit. Work history should include salary, the number of hours worked per week, and references. If you have a degree, you must upload your transcript as proof.
  • Ensure that your resume accurately reflects your qualifications, so you will be rated at the appropriate General Schedule (GS) level. The GS rating will help determine your level of qualification.

4. Use your available employment resources to help you through the process.

Job seekers may find the federal employment process complicated, but policies are subject to change. For example, a law was signed in 2016 to simplify the hiring process for military spouses. As a result, changes are coming.

Fortunately, military spouses have access to numerous free resources to assist them in their job search. Take advantage of resources such as Military OneSource to find your installation’s civilian personnel office or human resources office, or your installation’s Employment Readiness Program at your Family Support Center.

 

 

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