Frequently Asked Questions

The Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN) is the ultimate virtual career hub for military and Veteran spouses and partners. The MSEN understands your unique career challenges and is built to connect you with employers who value the experience and skills you bring to the table. 

Once registered, you can access the MSEN 24/7 to explore a multitude of employers, browse an extensive job board showcasing a wide range of hybrid, remote and in-person job opportunities, and connect directly with recruiters eager to meet a candidate like you!  

Wherever you are in your career journey, the MSEN empowers you with the tools, flexibility and support to reach your professional goals. 

To register, visit Military Spousal Employment Network and click the ‘Register Now’ button.

You can join the MSEN if you are a:

• Spouse or partner of an active CAF member (Regular force and Reserves)
• Spouse or partner of a fallen CAF member
• Spouse or partner of a Veteran

To register, visit Military Spousal Employment Network and click the ‘Register Now’ button.

Nope, joining the MSEN is completely free for eligible participants!  There’s no cost to participate, so you can dive into all the resources, job opportunities, and virtual events without any fees.  Just sign-up and start exploring!

To register, visit Military Spousal Employment Network and click the ‘Register Now’ button.

Absolutely! The MSEN isn’t just for active job seekers—it’s a powerful resource for anyone looking to stay connected and informed. Use it to:

• Explore employment opportunities at your own pace
• Get familiar with the job market in another or future location
• Keep an eye out for your next exciting career move

Whether you’re planning ahead, exploring options, or just curious, you’re welcome to join and make the most of everything the MSEN platform offers!

Currently, we have 40+ amazing employers offering 6500+ open roles across a wide range of industries.  And we’re just getting started!  

Our employer network is growing rapidly as we prioritize remote-friendly opportunities, jobs in military communities and French-language roles to meet the diverse needs of our community.  Check back often to see the new opportunities we’re adding! 

Jumping in is super easy! The MSEN platform is fully virtual, so you can access it from anywhere, anytime – 24/7.  Whether you’re looking to explore jobs, learn about employers, or prepare for that next big career move, everything is here for you at your fingertips.  We also regularly host virtual career fairs to help you connect with top employers and strengthen your professional network.  

Best of all, the MSEN is designed to be a self-directed resource, meaning you can use it however and whenever works best for you!

To register, visit Military Spousal Employment Network and click the ‘Register Now’ button.

Complete your profile: Take a few minutes to ensure your profile is complete and upload your resume to highlight your skills, education, and professional experience to employers - this is your chance to shine!

Explore Employer Booths: Dive into the virtual booths to discover a variety of organizations, learn about their mission and corporate cultures, and find the perfect fit for you.

Apply for jobs: Browse the job board and start applying for roles that match your experience and interest.

Want to take your job search to the next level?

• Set-up email alerts to stay ahead with new job postings.
• Sign up for our career development and coaching programs to polish your skills.
• Join our next virtual career fair to connect directly with recruiters and stand out! 

To learn more about upcoming events and programs, head over to our events page.  

Your next opportunity is waiting – let’s make it happen!

It’s important to keep your profile and resume up to date so employers don’t miss top talent like you!  Simply, click ‘Edit Profile’ under your name in the top-right corner of the screen.  From there, you can easily make updates to your profile and upload a current resume.  

If you hit a snag, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!  Start by refreshing your browser or by closing and reopening your browser, as that often does the trick.  

We’ve found that the MSEN works best in Edge or Chrome browsers and remember to turn off your VPN while participating in MSEN virtual career fairs.

Still need help? Our support team is just an email away and ready to assist! Reach out to [email protected] with a summary of your issue and we’ll work to get you back on track in no time. 

Our MSEN Proud Partners are posting new positions regularly. Check the job board frequently and use the job alert tool to set-up email notifications to stay updated on the latest opportunities.

Yes!  When you find a position of interest on the job board, click the job title to view the full description.  If you decide to apply, click the red ‘Apply’ button.  This will take you to the employer’s career page, where you can submit your application directly through their applicant tracking system.  

If you’re not ready to apply right away, you can save the job for later.  Simply select ‘Save this job’ to add it to your saved jobs.  To access these jobs later, click ‘My Saved Jobs’ at the top of the job board. 

Employers often list their ideal candidate profile, but you may still be considered if you demonstrate strong transferrable skills and/or relevant experience. Use your application to highlight how you meet the role’s needs.  

We encourage you to apply to any positions that interest you and align with your skills, experience and professional aspirations.  Submitting multiple applications can increase your chances of finding the right opportunity!

We support salary transparency for job seekers and strongly encourage employers to include salary details in all their job descriptions. However, legislation around salary disclosure varies by province, and employers may elect to follow the regulations of the job’s location.  As job postings are pulled directly from employers’ career pages, some job postings may not include salary information at this time.

Navigate to the ‘MSEN Employers’ tab, find the employer’s booth, and click ‘Contact Us.’  There, you will find the direct contact information for that employer. 

Yes, absolutely!  We’re committed to making our platform accessible to everyone. To explore the multitude of accessibility features, simply click the accessibility icon at the top of the page.  If you have any specific needs or additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] – we’re here to help!

We strive to offer a fully bilingual experience! Simply use the language toggle at the top of the page to select your language of your choice.

We also actively encourage MSEN employers to post resources and job openings in both English and French.  However, job postings are pulled directly from employers’ career pages, and practices around language vary by province and employer. As a result, and to ensure you never miss-out on any exciting opportunities, some roles may appear in English on the French side of the MSEN job board. 

Yes!  Our sister program, CareerCOACH+ offers virtual and confidential career coaching, connecting military spouses/partners directly to a professional career coach for tailored support with career transition, development, and employment pursuits.  Designed for military spouses/partners to assist with the disruption that can come with relocations, deployments and other aspects of military family lifestyle. 
CareerCOACH+ gives you the power, autonomy, and flexibility to shape your career development, regardless of your career history, your career goals, or geographical location. Participants will also gain access to a digital learning lab, a wealth of resources and tools, for self-paced learning opportunities.

Click here to learn more and start benefiting from professional career coaching today!

Note: CareerCOACH+ is centered around CAF Reconstitution and Retention efforts.  So, unfortunately, participation is currently limited to spouses/partners of active CAF members to address the challenges of the mobile military family lifestyle.  We invite you to explore the other employment support programs CFMWS offers by visiting our career development page.

Absolutely! During virtual career fairs, you can attend live employer spotlight sessions to learn more about our MSEN proud partners and the types of roles they are looking to fill. Each of our employer spotlight sessions include a live Q&A at the end.  If you still have questions for the employer or want to dive deeper into a specific role or the employer’s application process, you can book a live appointment with one of their recruiters.  You will have the option to hold your appointment via chat, audio call or video call. 

Outside of virtual events, you are welcome to connect with employers via email. Navigate to the ‘MSEN Employers’ tab, find the employer’s booth, and click ‘Contact Us.’  There, you will find the direct contact information for that employer.

We are committed to connecting military and Veteran Spouses with top-quality employers!  Each employer with the MSEN goes through a careful vetting process, where we consider several key factors to ensure they are a good fit.  

To highlight a few, we look at the organization’s reputation, industry and social practices, their commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, the types and number of roles they typically offer, whether they operate in or near military communities, and whether they offer remote opportunities or the ability to potentially transfer employed spouses/partners within Canada.  

We also prioritize employers with established connections to the military community or those who actively support it in other ways.  Additionally, we give special consideration to employers with programs or policies designed to address the unique needs and responsibilities of military and Veteran-connected employees.

This way, you can feel confident that you’re exploring opportunities with trusted employers who value your skills and experience. 

In order to match you with exciting opportunities, MSEN employers will be able to see:

• Your full name
• Your email address
• Your primary language (and any additional languages you choose to add)
• Your areas of expertise or interest
• Your preferred work location

If you want to make your profile really shine, you can also choose to include and share:

• Your highest level of education
• Any degrees, diplomas, certifications or accreditations you have obtained
• Your resume
• Your LinkedIn handle
• Your profile photo

Share what showcases your strengths and keeps you comfortable!

What won’t employers see? Your connection to the CAF community, your CF1 card number, or your current employment status – this information is just for us to better tailor the MSEN platform to meet your needs.  

Yes, you can! We’ve made it easy for you to control your visibility. If you deactivate your profile:

• Employers will no longer see your information.
• Your profile will be hidden from searches on the platform.

To deactivate your profile, simply:

1. Select ‘Edit Profile’ under your name in the top-right corner of the platform.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
3. Click the Deactivate Profile link.

And if you decide to come back later, reactivating your profile is quick and easy. You’re always in control!

We’d love to have you back! Simply email us at to [email protected] to request reactivation of your profile. Once reactivated, your information will be visible to potential employers again.

Don’t forget to update your profile details and resume to ensure they showcase your current skills, education, and professional experience—this is your chance to shine!

Your experience matters!  Sharing a testimonial helps inspire others on their career journey and shows potential employers the value of our MSEN community.  Plus, your feedback helps us secure and increase funding to keep improving and expanding our services.  Together, we can build a supportive network that helps everyone succeed!  

Ready to share your story?  Click here to submit your MSEN testimonial.

We also welcome your thoughts!  Provide feedback on the MSEN platform or virtual events here to help us continue enhancing your experience.

A virtual career fair on the Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN) offers military spouses of currently serving CAF members and Veterans the chance to connect one-on-one with MSEN employer partners. It's an opportunity to discuss employment needs, showcase skills, and make valuable connections. 

Connections can be made via chat, audio, and/or video and happen in increments of 10 minutes. This platform helps you shine bright and advance your career! 

• Spouses or partners of active CAF member (Regular force and Reserves) 
• Spouses or partners of fallen CAF member 
• Spouses or partners of Veterans 

The virtual career fair is a great avenue to connect with representatives from the participating organizations and learn about the various roles they are looking to fill, their hiring practices and organization culture. Think of it like a flash interview where you can showcase your experience and skills!

• Convenience: Participating from the comfort of your home or anywhere you have a secure internet connection provides convenience, eliminating the need for travel and saving both time and money.
• Broader reach: A virtual career fair also allows you to connect with a broader and more diverse pool of employers from across Canada, different sectors and industries, thereby increasing your chances of finding the right opportunity. 
• Efficient Networking: Connect with representatives from different sectors and industries, streamlining your job hunt. Maximize your appointment by preparing your “elevator speech” and showcasing your necessary skills for the roles you’re interested in applying.
• Inside Scoop: Having access to the list of participating employers enables you to research the employers ahead of time and make a strong impression.
• Cost Savings: Avoid expenses related to travel, accommodation, and other logistics, making the job search process more affordable.

Yes, you can! Our virtual career fairs are designed to be inclusive and informative for everyone, regardless of your current job search status. Each virtual career fair lasts on average 2 hours, giving you ample time to gather information, browse opportunities, and book your 10 minute appointments to discuss them further. You can also chat with representatives to get advice on how to best move forward.

If you are not currently seeking employment, we’d highly recommend attending the employer spotlights, where organizations present their mission, culture, and values. These sessions provide valuable insights and can help you understand different companies better.

Regardless of where you are in your career journey, you are always welcome at our events on the MSEN.
 

We strive to offer a fully bilingual experience and actively encourage MSEN employers partners to communicate in both English and French. However, the language of communication ultimately lies with the employer. 

Additionally, it is important to recognize that language practices can vary significantly by province and employer. 

There is no cost to participate in any of our virtual events and programs. Just sign in to the MSEN using your login and start exploring!

Oh, that’s never fun! You can click on “Forgot Password” option on the login pop up to receive a link in your inbox to reset your password. Be sure to check your spam or junk email as it sometimes lands there! 

Alternatively, if all else fails, you can email [email protected] and ask that your password to be reset. It will be important to mention the name associated with your profile so the team can best assist you. 

Our next virtual career fair is just around the corner – be sure to register!  To learn more about upcoming events and view a list of participating employers, head over to our events page.  We can’t wait to see you there!

You have several options to register for the virtual career fair.

• In the MSEN, you can click on the “Events” tab;
• You can visit CFMWS | Career Development | CFMWS
• If you receive our bi-weekly newsletter, virtual career fairs are always announced there. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive all the up-to-date information all of our events and programs 
• You can also follow us on Facebook where you can find all the latest information regarding all of our programs. 

But that's just the start! After you register, we'll send you an email a few days before the virtual career fair, reminding you to book your appointments. Need help with that? This FAQ sheet has all the details you need.

Preparing for the virtual career is a great idea! Ensure your profile is up to date, this way employers won't miss out on a star like you! 

To update your profile, click on your name on the upper right and click "Edit Profile".  Please note this may take a few seconds. Edit the appropriated fields as necessary. 

Don’t forget to upload your latest resume and add a profile photo to help ensure you get noticed. Once you’re done with your updates, click the “Save”.

Do your research and learn about the employers participating in the virtual career fair by visiting their booth in the “MSEN Employers” tab.

Yes, absolutely! We’re committed to making our platform accessible to everyone. To explore the multitude of accessibility features, simply click the accessibility icon at the top of the page. If you have any specific needs or additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] – we’re here to help! 

The number of employers varies and depends on the organization’s need at the time the event is being hosted.

Click on MSEN Employers tab. The employers participating in the event booth will be highlighted with a green border.  You can explore the different tabs within the booths, including the Message Boards. You can also schedule appointments with the reps.

Not seeing the green boarder? Don’t panic, the green borders generally come on a week before a virtual career fair so if you aren’t seeing them, that’s because MSEN employer partners aren’t quite ready to have you book appointments yet. You can always do your research on employers you are interested in and check closer to the virtual career fair date if they are participating! We will do our best to keep you updated on which employers participate after you’ve registered.  

You can either go to the employer booth to see their list of vacant jobs or click on the “Search Jobs” tab to access the job board and see all of vacant jobs for all MSEN employer partners.

The job board allows you to use a variety of filters; save jobs and apply to later; set job alerts; and see your past job applications, all in one spot.

If you require more information on the job board, head over to the MSEN FAQs.

After you’ve secured your spot by registering using the Eventbrite link, you’ll have to follow these next steps. 
To participate in the virtual career fair, you must first be registered for the Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN). 

The virtual career fair is appointment based only. To connect with an MSEN employer partner representatives during the event, you must book an appointment.

To book an appointment:

1. Go to the booth of the employer you would like to connect with and click on the “Book an appointment” widget.
2. A window will pop up allowing you to select the day you'd like to make your appointment on. Please note the default calendar is set in Eastern Time zone. The local time zones in the “Appointment Widget” is for your view only. All communication for your appointments will always be set to “Eastern Time Zone”. Select your preferred day then click "Select Time Slot."
3. Select the rep and time slot that works best for you. Confirm your day and time and then click "Review Booking."
4. A new window will appear confirming the details of your booking. If everything looks good, click "Confirm Booking".
5. Please note, you can only book one appointment with an employer. If you already have a booking scheduled with that organization, a message will prompt saying “You have already booked an appointment with this employer”. You can change your appointment time by simply cancelling your current appointment in your appointment widget and rebooking the new time.
6. You will receive an email confirmation of your confirmed booking. If you'd like, you can also add the booking to your personal calendar. This will ensure you get a reminder that your appointment is about to begin.
7. Once you have made your desired appointments, click the "Your Appointment Schedule" widget, to review your bookings. This is the bright green tab on the left of your screen.
8. Inside your appointment widget you will see all your booked appointments listed. On the day of the career fair, when it is time for your appointment, click on "Click here to Chat" to initiate the session.
9. A chat window will open between you and the rep. Information about the rep will be displayed on the right of the chat box. Reps often include information about the specific roles, language profiles or geographic locations they are recruiting for, so be sure to review. During your live chat you can choose to stick with text messaging, or you can move to an audio or video call by clicking on the phone icon. If you plan on doing a video call, be sure to check the view behind you as the platform does NOT offer the option to blur your background. It is of utmost importance that you hang up after each call to be able to start a new call in your next appointment.

Please note that appointments only become available a couple of days before the virtual career fair, so it is normal for you not to see the appointment booking option if we aren’t close to a virtual career fair date. 

While we encourage all candidates to book their appointments prior to the virtual career fair, you do have the opportunity to do so during the virtual career directly from the ‘Chat widget”. That means real time, instant bookings. Be sure to check your “Appointment widget” to ensure you don’t miss any appointments. 

Go to your browser’s settings and check Sound and Camera options there. Make sure to select the correct device on your system. Sometimes, these settings are using default devices that aren’t compatible so it’s a good idea to select the appropriate mic and camera.

Be sure to also refresh your browser, sometimes that does the trick. Lastly, the MSEN also works better on Edge or Chrome, so we suggest you open the network on one of those browsers. Be sure to turn off your VPN if you are connected to one; sometimes it can slow down the system.

Ensure you have a stable internet connection, close all unnecessary applications, and reduce the number of devices using the network.

The MSEN also works better on Edge or Chrome so we suggest you open the network on one of those browsers. Be sure to turn off your VPN if you are connected to one; sometimes it can slow down the system. 

Did you know that you can connect with the MSEN employers outside of the employer spotlight? Simply, choose the employer you want to connect with, click the “Contact Us” tab inside their respective booth and connect with them accordingly. 

We host virtual events throughout the year. They range from dedicated events for individual employers to multi-employer events.

Be sure to keep an eye out on our website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook to be kept in the loop.   

 For our latest offerings, Subscribe to our Newsletter, visit CFMWS | Employment for military spouses | CFMWS, or follow us on Facebook.

If you run into any issues, don't worry—we're here to help! Start by refreshing your browser or closing and reopening it, as that often resolves the problem. 

Still need assistance? A live agent will be available at the "Candidate Help Desk" during all virtual career fair to assist with any technical issues or questions. 

Alternatively, our support team is just an email away! Contact us at [email protected] with a summary of your issue, and we'll work to get you back on track in no time.

We’ve found that the MSEN works best when using Edge or Chrome browsers and remember to turn off your VPN while participating in MSEN events.

An employer spotlight is a 15-minute presentation where selected employers showcase their organization, discussing their mission, values, culture, and current staffing needs. Candidates can ask questions via the chat box, as the format is a Zoom webinar with participants' cameras and mics off. 

This session provides a great opportunity to learn about potential employers and engage with them directly.

You will learn valuable insights about the unique atmosphere and values that define participating organizations; culture; specific initiatives, events, or values that contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.

Additionally, organizations are encouraged to share in what ways they are a military-friendly work environment and how they can support the military-connected lifestyle. 

Yes, of course! You are welcome to join the employer spotlights if you are interested in learning more about various employers or at the gathering stage of your job search. 

You never know, you may find your dream job after attending a spotlight. 

Mainly, it can be helpful to: 

• Gather information about an employer’s culture, values, vision, and mission 
• Learn about ways employers support the military-connected community’s employment
• Make connections with the right people, for example recruiters and employer representatives!
• Ask questions! This is an excellent way to get your questions answered live.  

We strive to offer a fully bilingual experience and actively encourage MSEN employers to communicate in both English and French. However, the language of communication ultimately lies with the employer.

Additionally, it is important to recognize that language practices can vary significantly by province and employer.

• Spouse or partner of an active CAF member (Regular force and Reserves)
• Spouse or partner of a fallen CAF member
• Spouse or partner of a Veteran

Oh, that’s never fun! You can click on “Forgot Password” option on the login pop up to receive a link in your inbox to reset your password. Be sure to check your spam or junk email as it sometimes lands there! 

Alternatively, if all else fails, you can email [email protected] and ask that your password to be reset. It will be important to mention the name associated with your profile so the team can best assist you. 

There’s no cost to participate in any of our virtual events and programs. Just sign in to the MSEN using your login and start exploring!

The employer spotlight is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about the MSEN employer organization’s strength, values, culture, what makes their organization a great place to work, and what supports they provide for military spouses. It’s also a great avenue to connect with recruiters and address any questions you have.

You have several options to register for the virtual career fair.

• In the MSEN, you can click on the “Events” tab;
• You can visit our official site: CFMWS
• If you receive our bi-weekly newsletter, employer spotlights are always announced there. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive all the up-to-date information all of our events and programs 
• You can also follow us on Facebook where you can find all the latest information regarding all our programs. 

But that's just the start! After you register, we'll send you an email a few days before the employer spotlight, reminding you to book your appointments. Need help with that? The FAQ's have all the details you need. 

Preparing for employer spotlights is a great idea! Visit the Employer Spotlight tab to see the list of participating employers. Do your research and learn about the employers participating in the virtual career fair by visiting their booth in the “MSEN Employers” tab and come prepared with a list of questions to ask the presenter.

If you plan to speak with employers that also have representatives at the virtual career fair, ensure your profile and resume is up to date, this way employers won't miss out on a star like you!

To update your profile click on your name on the upper right and click "Edit Profile".  Please note this may take a few seconds. Edit the appropriated fields as necessary. 

Don’t forget to upload your latest resume and add a profile photo to help ensure you get noticed. Once you’re done with your updates, click the “Save."
 

The number of employers varies and depends on the organization’s need at the time the event is being hosted.

Employer spotlights happen frequently throughout the year. Employers participate in the event by expressing their interest in being featured in a spotlight. To see the list of participating employer partners and the schedule, click on the “Employer Spotlight” tab. 

To attend an employer spotlight, head to the MSEN on the day of the event and click on the “employer spotlights” tab.

The tab will open in a separate window, where you will find the schedule and a short bio about the presenters and organization.

From there you can join the session you are interested in. You will automatically be muted, and your camera will be turned off. Questions or comments can be asked in both official languages in the chat section. 
In terms of the yearly schedule, be sure to sign up for our newsletter where you’ll receive all the up-to-date information  or check our website frequently. 

You can also follow us on Facebook.

Did you know that you can connect with the MSEN employers outside of the employer spotlight? Simply, choose the employer you want to connect with, click the “Contact Us” tab inside their respective booth and connect with them accordingly.

We host virtual events throughout the year. They range from dedicated events for individual employers to multi-employer events. 

Be sure to keep an eye out on our website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook to be kept in the loop.   

For our latest offerings, subscribe to our Newsletter, visit CFMWS, and follow us on Facebook.

If you hit a snag, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Start by refreshing your browser or by closing and reopening your browser, as that often does the trick.  

If you can, connect with an MFS Admin staff using the chat function on zoom
Still need help? A live agent will be available throughout employer spotlight, in the "Help Desk" to assist you with any technical issues or questions.  

Alternatively, our support team is just an email away and ready to assist! Reach out to [email protected] with a summary of your issue and we’ll work to get you back on track in no time.  
 
We’ve found that the MSEN works best in Edge or Chrome browsers and remember to turn off your VPN while participating in MSEN events.

Yes, absolutely! We’re committed to making our platform accessible to everyone. To explore the multitude of accessibility features, simply click the accessibility icon at the top of the page. If you have any specific needs or additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] – we’re here to help!