How to Gain Security Clearances for Government Jobs
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The hottest sectors of the government job market right now have anything to do with advancing security and fighting terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security, specifically Customs and Border Patrol and the Transportation Safety Authority, are actively recruiting at the moment. most of these positions require at least a background investigation. some require higher-level security clearances.
The investigation process is long and expensive, and the bill goes to the government agency (or contractor) who sponsors the candidate. this creates two disadvantages for people who do not yet have a clearance: It will take longer to bring an uncleared candidate onboard, and it will cost the hiring organization more money to sponsor an uncleared candidate. for this reason, candidates with active clearances often have a strong advantage in a tight job market.
Job-seekers without an active clearance often think they can pay for their own background investigation and security clearance. this is not possible. Only the sponsoring agency can pay for a security clearance. this makes sense: if the applicant were footing the bill for the clearance, the investigator would see the applicant as the “client”, instead of the government.
There are several levels of background checks and clearances.
Background Checks
Routine background checks are becoming more and more common in all industries. this involves a simple check to look for major credit issues or a criminal record. Applicants must also pass a urine screen for illegal drug use. these background checks are often performed by third-party contractors who check for particular issues and report back to the hiring institution. these investigations are relatively low-stress (as long as you pass) and non-invasive.
Government Security Clearances
Obtaining a government security clearance can be slightly more complicated, but is well worth it in the long run.
There are three basic levels of security clearance: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. The more sensitive the information is the candidate will have access to, the higher the level of clearance required for the job and the more extensive the investigative process is. also, simply having a Top Secret clearance does not grant you access to all Top Secret information-rather, you must get specific authorizations for particular information that you need in order to perform your job.
Security Clearance Process
The clearance process does not begin until you sign a conditional offer of employment. According to the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency’s Director of Recruitment, Brandi Lowe, after the initial paperwork, there is an initial round of questions followed by an investigation. The questions will depend on the level of clearance required, but in general, investigators will ask about prior employment, family members, residency in foreign countries, drug use, and credit issues. In this interview, it is absolutely essential to be as open and honest as possible: investigators will find out about any information the applicant tries to gloss over. It is better if the applicant brings it forward right from the beginning.
Polygraph Testing
For particularly sensitive information, candidates may have to undergo a polygraph examination. The candidate must be connected to a polygraph machine, which measures fluctuations in heart rate and other biological “tells” that could indicate lying. most people do not enjoy being wired to a machine, discussing sensitive information with total strangers, especially when they know their career depends on it.
The first “layer” of polygraph is simply a matter of verifying the answers to the extensive list of questions you have provided for your background check. It covers all the same material: relationships with foreign nationals, excessive debts, drug use, a desire to hurt the U.S., and things of that nature.
Lifestyle Polygraphy
The Lifestyle Polygraph is not required for all positions, but its purpose is to dig out any skeletons in your closet that some spy could potentially use to blackmail you should you ever be placed in a position of public trust with access to very sensitive information. Investigators will ask about drug use, alcohol abuse, gambling habits, homosexuality, soliciting prostitutes, having affairs, you name it. these are not easy things to talk about, and many people become angry and offended during the process.
Best Advice
Although you can’t buy their own clearance, there are some things you can do to improve your odds of obtaining one:
- Think carefully about your actions and your friends. What seems like harmless fun today can lead to employment problems later in life.
- Stay away from all illegal substances.
- Never drink and drive.
- Maintain a good credit rating by paying bills on time (especially student loans). be sure to change your address when you move so you never lose track of bills.
- Be as open as possible during the investigation process.
