Security Clearance Jobs are a competitive market, not only because of the limited pool of applicants, but because having clearance typically bumps the salary for a given position. Thus, within the job community, it’s highly recommended to mention your security clearance on your resume.
That information notwithstanding, there are simple and effective guidelines that should be considered when entering the private job market.
What Does Having Security Clearance Say About You?
Clearance can be difficult to obtain; depending on the level of clearance, it can be the result of months or sometimes even years of investigation, sponsorship, and other hoops. To an employer, that security clearance automatically brands you as trustworthy and discreet, as well as responsible. Hiring agents and recruiters sometimes adopt a hiring model that states “If they’re cleared, they are employable,” even if you don’t possess the requisite skill set for the position.
This can make it tempting to post cleared status all over your resume, but there are a few things employers encourage you to ponder first:
- Leaving “SECURITY CLEARANCE” emblazoned boldly on your resume can do a lot to damage the reputation for discretion. It’s much better to simply place it under skills, rather than aggrandizing it.
- Listing your level of clearance is never recommended. Simply disclosing that you have or are eligible for cleared status is enough. In particular, if you are posting on third-party job sites or databases, listing your security clearance is inadvisable. Save that information for the interview.
- Remember that being too open about your clearance status can make you the target of protest groups, blackmail attempts, or worse. This is why agency and contractor briefs often discourage employees from discussing their status, cleared or otherwise. Cleared status is a responsibility as well as a privilege.
What Advantages and Disadvantages Does Cleared Status Give a Potential Employee?
This question is asked regularly, and answers differ. Discretion is, of course, the most important trait for a person with security clearance, and acknowledging your status – hard won as it may be – is a tricky subject. Advice ranges from displaying it prominently to refusal to acknowledge it at all. The middle of the road response is this: if you are applying within a job market that typically does require clearances, you needn’t list it. Employers who like other aspects of your resume will contact you and inquire about your cleared status. If you are applying in fields where having a security clearance may be less important, or not a factor, it might be advisable to discreetly mention it on your resume. Most employers admit to being impressed by an individual with security clearance, after all.
Contacting security clearance jobs recruiters is a great way to clarify on this point. The recruiter will definitely inquire as to your status and then discreetly share that information with potential contractors or agencies on your behalf. This has a two-fold benefit: 1) it increases your chances of finding a good position, and 2) it rescues you from making difficult decisions regarding the disclosure of your security clearance.