JOBS: How to Get a U.S. Security Clearance

Many people think that they can go and get their own security clearance. This is far from correct.  In fact, only the federal government can grant someone a security clearance.  To get a security clearance the applicant must work for a government agency or contractor and conduct business that justifies granting him or her access to highly sensitive information.

Okay so suppose you’ve come across a job that looks like a good fit but requires a United States of America security clearance.  Now suppose you do not have one.  Now you may think that you can just apply for the clearance and in no time the job will be yours, but the process isn’t quite that simple.

You cannot obtain a security clearance for yourself. Your current or prospective employer has to do this for you. Since the process is costly and time-consuming, organizations won’t do it unless it’s absolutely essential. Make sure you obtain the  following information so that you are ready to apply for the jobs you seek.

What’s a Security Clearance?

A security clearance issued from the U. S. Government is used to confirm an applicant’s trustworthiness and reliability before providing access to national security information.

There are three basic levels of security classification:

• Confidential: This clearance refers to material which, if improperly disclosed, could be reasonably expected to cause some measurable damage to national security. The vast majority of military personnel are given this very basic level of clearance. It must be reinvestigated every 15 years.
• Secret: Unauthorized disclosure of the information this clearance covers could be expected to cause grave damage to national security. This level gets reinvestigated every 10 years.
• Top Secret: Individuals with this clearance have access to information or material that could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if it was released without authorization. This level needs to be reinvestigated every five years.

Who Needs a Security Clearance?

If your job requires access to classified government documents or if you work in a government-secured facility, you must have a security clearance.

Hourly positions that may require a security clearance include  computer-support personnel, security officers, librarians, secretaries, and system administrators who have access to classified documents or systems.

Obtaining a Security Clearance

It can take up to two years to obtain a security clearance due to the high number of background checks already in progress. The process varies by federal agency and is constantly being tweaked based on current threats. Here is how it works:

1. Applicants must go through the application phase, which involves verification of US citizenship, fingerprinting and completion of the Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86).
2. The Defense Security Service conducts thorough background checks.
3. Last is the adjudication phase, during which findings from the investigation are reviewed and evaluated based on 13 factors determined by the Department of Defense. Examples of these factors include criminal and personal conduct, substance abuse and any mental disorders.
4. Clearance is granted or denied when this part of the process has been completed.

Things to Consider

“The process of getting a secureity clearance can be intrusive,” says John Vogel, Senior Recruiting Director at HireVeterans.com, a job board for U.S. Veterans.  The procedure may include polygraphs, discussions with neighbors, family members and even interviews in which very personal questions are asked.

Moreover, Vogel suggests that you find out from the Human Resources department where you seek to work on what the disqualifiers are before you quit your current job. “You don’t want to quit a good job only to find out that you are not eligible for clearance because you have relatives that live in another country,” Vogel says.

Avoid Online Scams

Experts warn job seekers about recruiting firms, attorneys or other companies that promise to obtain a security clearance for you or “preapprove” you for a security clearance — for a fee. They are scams.  Only the U.S. Government can approve you.

Stick Your Foot in the Door

If you are serious about obtaining a position for which a security clearance is a must, start in a nonclassified job. Put in your time and let your manager know that you are interested in moving up to a classified position.

A Guide to Security Clearance

• How to Get a Security Clearance
• Power Up Your Earning Potential
• Obtaining a Security Clearance
• The Benefits of having a Security Clearance
• 3 Levels of Clearance
• Do NOT Let Your Security Clearance Expire
• Background Investigation FAQs