Cleared Careers: The Definitive Guide to US Security Clearance Jobs

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Did you hold a security clearance while serving in the military? A military security clearance can be a valuable asset when searching for a civilian job. Beyond the convenience for employers, a military security clearance speaks volumes about your character. Those who have passed a background check and have earned a military security clearance bring employers a potential track record of trustworthiness, reliability, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Applying for jobs with a security clearance may lead to specialized roles, greater career opportunities, and potentially higher earning potential. But there are a few things to know before looking for your first civilian clearance job. We examine the key points below.

Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Guide

One early mistake people make when transitioning out of the military is to start the process without defining their career focus. This helpful resource can give you the tools to begin planning to move from the military to civilian security clearance jobs before transitioning from the military to civilian life.

Security Clearance Employers

Many private companies need retired or separated military members with security clearances. Here is a select group of security clearance employers.

Security Clearance Levels and Federal Employment

Security clearances are typically approved following comprehensive background investigations. Having a security clearance of Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret allows the user to handle classified data up to a specified level, safeguarding national security interests.

The level of clearance directly corresponds to the sensitivity of the information and the need to know. Just because you have a security clearance doesn’t mean you automatically get access to classified information at your level. Learn more.

Security Clearances and TS/SCI Access

TS/SCI is not a clearance level but an extra classification layer. It applies to specific intelligence data or similarly controlled information. This access involves closely guarded secrets about how intelligence is gathered and analyzed and, as such, demands greater security than regular classified material.

To be considered for TS/SCI access, you first need a basic security clearance – Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret. Your job must require it, your supervisor must explain in writing why you need it, and a separate group will decide whether or not to grant access. Learn more.

Security Clearance Denial and Application Rejection

What can cause your security clearance application to be denied outright? What can force it to be sent back for “further development,” and what is the difference between them? These are important issues to keep in mind when you are beginning the process. Learn more.

Adjudicative Guidelines for Security Clearances

This is the information many truly need, as it answers the specific question, “What are the investigators looking for when they perform a security clearance background check?” Learn more.

Companies Hiring Veterans and Retired Service Members

A list of military-friendly employers and agencies that can help you focus your job search efforts after leaving military service. Learn more.

Security Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

If you haven’t applied for a security clearance before or it’s been several years since you had a background investigation, you likely have questions about the process. Do you need to know how long the process takes or what it involves? Are you curious how far back into your past the investigator will look? Learn more.

How Fraudulent Enlistment Hurts Your Security Clearance

Entering U.S. military service with a deception about your qualifications can ruin your chances of being approved for a military security clearance. Some lie to a military recruiter about having asthma, about past marijuana or ecstasy use, or even about their college credentials. Some are caught in the recruiting process, some slip the lie past the recruiter, and some even go entire military careers without getting caught. But if you have a deception in your past that a recruiter missed, it is entirely possible that it will surface during a new security clearance screening. Learn more.

The Power of Your Military Security Clearance

Many federal agencies, government contractors, and even private sector companies require employees to possess active security clearances to access classified data, secure facilities, or critical systems.

This creates a demand for professionals who have already been through the vetting process. Your existing clearance can significantly expedite the hiring timeline, saving employers considerable time and financial resources for sponsoring new clearance investigations.

In some instances, even an expired clearance within a specific timeframe (typically up to 24 months) can be reactivated, providing a substantial edge over candidates lacking prior clearance.

Video: How to Translate Your Military Experience

Showcasing Your Clearance for Civilian Employers

Effectively communicating the value of your military security clearance is paramount to your civilian job search success.

Research the policies regarding the transferability and reactivation of your specific clearance level. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) provides detailed information on these processes. Understanding the timeframe for reactivation can be a significant advantage in your job search.

Video: How to Convey Your Value to Employers

Prominently Feature Your Clearance

Clearly state your security clearance level (e.g., Confidential, Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) and its current status (active or inactive) on your resume, cover letters, and professional networking profiles like LinkedIn. This ensures that recruiters and hiring managers in relevant industries immediately recognize your valuable credential.

Learn more: Transferring a Security Clearance from Military to Civilian Employers

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letters

Don’t just list your military duties; translate your military experiences and the skills you developed into civilian-relevant terminology. Highlight your analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and adherence to strict protocols – all traits often associated with individuals holding security clearances.

Connect your specific military responsibilities to the requirements outlined in civilian job descriptions.

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Network Strategically

Actively engage in networking within industries that value security clearances. Attend job fairs specifically for veterans or those focused on defense and technology. Connect with recruiters who specialize in placing cleared professionals.

While your security clearance is a powerful asset, it may not be a direct substitute for all civilian qualifications.

Depending on your desired career path, you may need additional certifications, education, or specialized training to complement your military experience and clearance. Research the specific requirements of the jobs you are targeting and proactively address any identified skill gaps.

Video: Being Geographically Mobile in your Job Hunt

Essential Resources for Leveraging Your Military Security Clearance

To further assist you in your transition and job search, the following resources offer valuable information and support:

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA): Your primary source for comprehensive information regarding security clearances, background investigations, and clearance transfer or reactivation processes.

ClearanceJobs: A dedicated online platform connecting security-cleared professionals with a wide range of job opportunities across various industries.

USAJOBS: The official website for federal job openings, many of which require active security clearances. Explore opportunities within government agencies that align with your skills and clearance level.

Feds Hire Vets: A valuable resource from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management specifically designed to help veterans navigate the federal hiring process.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Office of Veterans Business Development: For veterans considering entrepreneurship, understand how your security clearance might be leveraged for government contracting opportunities.

Navigating Civilian Career Paths With Your Security Clearance

The career opportunities accessible with a military security clearance are vast and continue to expand across diverse industries. Your clearance can be a key differentiator in sectors such as:

  • Defense and Aerospace—Companies involved in the development, manufacturing, and maintenance of military equipment and systems heavily rely on cleared personnel for engineering, technical, and program management roles.
  • Intelligence Agencies — Federal agencies focused on national security and intelligence gathering require many cleared professionals for analysis, operations, and technical support.
  • Cybersecurity—With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, cleared individuals with IT and cybersecurity skills are in high demand to protect sensitive government and critical infrastructure systems.
  • Information Technology (IT)—Many IT roles within government and contracting organizations require security clearances for system administration, software development, and network management.
  • Government Contracting—A wide array of companies provide services to the federal government, and cleared professionals are needed in various capacities, from logistics and consulting to research and development.
  • Homeland Security—Agencies focused on protecting the nation from threats often require cleared individuals for law enforcement, border security, and emergency management roles.
  • Finance and Energy — Even within these sectors, certain roles dealing with sensitive financial data or critical infrastructure may require security clearances.
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