Dependent job opportunities abound at the "Lik"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tiffany Colburn
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Getting a job on base is a lot like getting a job in the states you need to know where to start and who to talk to.

"Current job openings are listed in our resource room, (Airman and Family and Readiness Center), and we are constantly working with agencies both on and off base who are seeking to recruit military dependents for employment both in Turkey and stateside," said Kimberly Krohn, 39th Mission Support Squadron community readiness consultant.

Filling out job applications can be frustrating, but luckily there are numerous resources on base that can help.

"We have many resources including sample resumes and cover letters, Web links to programs like spouses to teachers and virtual assistant careers, resume writing tools and links, resource books, and many other support tools," said Ms. Krohn. "In our resource room, there are links to a lot of common job search Web sites, as well as an overview of employment options at Incirlik on each desktop."

At the AFRC job seekers can receive one-on-one assistance when searching for employment.

"When a dependent comes into our office, we talk about their employment goals, paid or volunteer, while they are at Incirlik, then determine together what resources we have available to service them during their time in Turkey," said Ms. Krohn. "We can work individually with each dependent to help them tailor their resume to the position they desire."

There are many steps to finding a job that you might not even realize.

"Usually the first step is helping a dependent understand the qualifications for a position, because we often find people spend a lot of time applying for positions they are not qualified for and this is very frustrating when they find out they spent a lot of time with no positive results," said Ms. Krohn. "Many are not familiar with how to create a resume using the 'key words' that are often required to be considered qualified for a job. Often this is one of the most important steps to helping empower a dependent to get the job they seek."

The AFRC also offers job fairs and a monthly Transition Assistance Program when the time comes for active duty members to seek civilian employment.

"Usually the TAP workshop focuses on military members preparing for separation or retirement from the military, but spouses are always welcome and encouraged to attend as they can get a lot of valuable information about identifying their career goals, determining their transferable skills, preparing a resume, developing a job search network, interviewing and salary negotiation," said Ms. Krohn.

There are many jobs available through Army Air Force Exchange Service, Services (Non-Appropriated Funds), Contracting, VBR, Air Force Personnel Center (Appropriated Funds), Family Child Care, and MANTECH.

"It's important to remember that not everyone is eligible for every job on base. We try to stress the importance of reading the job announcements so dependents are not applying for positions that they are not eligible for," said Ms. Krohn.

Per the Status of Forces Agreement, only dependents that are American citizens or dependents that are citizens of North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries are eligible to apply for employment with some agencies. In other cases, dependents don't have to be American citizens, but do need to have access to the base. Local hire positions through appropriated funds jobs may only be open to dependents of military, Department of Defense, or contract personnel assigned under official orders to the base.

"Ironically, right now, there are two positions available in the Airman and Family Readiness Center, so we encourage dependents to check the www.usajobs.com or, https://ww2.afpc.randolph.af.mil/resweb/search_by_country_nlo.asp, Web sites for more information," said Mrs. Krohn. "Other positions that are open right now on base are historian, human resources officer, recreation tech, secretary, caterer, school age program assistance, recreation aid, supply technician, and child development program assistant. Family Child Care is always in need of home daycare providers and new opportunities come open nearly every day through one or more of the employment sources at Incirlik."

There are many jobs around base and the AFRC should be the first stop for trying to find a job.

The AFRC can also assist those preparing to return to the states or another overseas assignment find employment.

For more information, call the AFRC at 676-6755.