There is a big difference between being denied a security clearance and an agency denying you suitability. Your next steps in your job search will also look a bit different:
A question that we’ve seen on the ClearanceJobsBlog goes along the lines of:
I applied for a position with the FBI but received an email notification that I didn’t meet the suitability requirements. No reasons were listed. I was in process for a TS/SCI, but the letter indicated it was a suitability, not a security clearance denial. What does this mean for my career prospects and the pending clearance application?
In short, yes you have options, no you do not get the TS/SCI (at this moment), and what you need to do is laid out next.
WHAT IS SUITABILITY DENIAL?
A suitability determination is the agency’s judgment on if you’re the correct fit (or suitable) for the employer you’re applying to… in this case, an appropriate candidate for the FBI. This is different from a security clearance determination or denial – i.e. you could be suitable for a position that doesn’t require a clearance.
In many cases, we see suitability denials when a contingent or formal offer is rescinded after an SF-86 is submitted. Through the application process with the FBI, you may be told that you’re a perfect fit for the role. However, after seeing information you provide on your SF-86, they may find that you are not suitable for the agency.
The road to obtaining a security clearance and a cleared career isn’t completely blocked, though. Besides not being hired by the FBI for that specific role, suitability denial generally means you are not able to re-apply to the same agency for a certain timeframe. Just because you are denied by one agency doesn’t mean you can’t immediately apply to another.
Sean Bigley, security clearance attorney says, “That means that except for unusually egregious situations – where the matter is reported…for debarment of the individual from federal service – suitability and fitness cases are viewed more as a human resources consideration than a national security concern.”
NO suitability? WHAT CAN YOU DO NEXT IN YOUR JOB SEARCH
But there is an essential step you should take before throwing out applications to other agencies. It’s important to understand why you were denied suitability with the FBI, as it will come up with other agencies (though law enforcement agencies do tend have more denials of employment).
Dig into your background (Were you perhaps terminated from employment? Are there charges you are unaware of?) and specifically those delinquent situations in the past. Has time been your friend since those took place? Are they bigger than you’re letting off? Are there other mitigating steps you could take?
We would recommend consulting a security clearance attorney or consultant to help you answer these questions if the answer doesn’t become obvious to you. And don’t forget, that while they may not provide you with a response, you may be able to get a response from the agency if you connect with the right contact. They don’t owe you an answer on why you were denied suitability, but if they can give it to you, it will save you time and effort in future applications.
