Look at what people are searching, and you will spot some trends. Google does this all the time. The more people searching on any given topic, the higher they rank an item – or the faster they autofill your search words. But search terms also highlight what ways the winds are blowing for cleared jobs. An easy way to spot the trends for 2021 and project jobs in the next year is to take a peak at what candidates are searching.
Top 10 Cleared Job Search Terms in 2021
While cleared candidates are similar to other job seekers everywhere, they are unique in that their search zeroes in on using their skills in support of national security. And that security clearance opens up opportunities, but at the same time, it gives a little more focus.
While there were over 2.3 million views on job search terms for the year, this list was compiled from the terms that trended towards the top for candidates looking through over 60,000 job postings on ClearanceJobs. Some terms consistently rose to the top more than the rest.
1. Languages
While the term “linguist” was lower on the search ranking, actual languages and country names dominated the search terms. Terms like Arabic, Japan, Russian, German, Chinese, and Korean were throughout the list with Arabic getting the most views. Cleared candidates were really searching for ways to put their language skills to use in national security, and their searches were specific to their language or country of interest.
2. Intelligence/Intel Analyst
Intel, intelligence, as well as, intel analyst still ranked highly among job seekers in 2021. Cleared candidates have an eye on supporting the intelligence field. Searches for HUMINT and SIGINT also ranked up there.
3. Cyber or Cybersecurity
Not surprisingly, the terms cyber or cybersecurity are high on the search list. Given the needs for more cybersecurity candidates, it may seem surprising that the number isn’t even higher. However, the terms for specific jobs within the cyber field continue to be more specific and have diverse wording.
4. Trade Jobs
Whether it’s an electrician, HVAC, or welder, the cleared trade jobs are available, and there are candidates interesting in landing them. While some trade jobs are more facilities support, many require trade school training, along with a security clearance. And candidates are out there looking for them this past year.
5. Logistics
Someone has to keep the COVID-19 vaccines going to the right places, as well as, all of the other pieces of the supply chain in the defense industrial base. And that means, there are plenty of jobs for cleared candidates in the logistics field.
6. Security
Whether candidates are simply searching for jobs that require a security clearance or positions that focus on physical security, both are important in national security. And the search term “security” can provide a diverse set of options to sift through as candidates hone in on the work they want to be doing.
7. IT
Like cybersecurity, the jobs supporting IT are varied, but the search term “IT” consistently rises to the top for cleared job seekers. Whether candidates want to do network support or work on the help desk, the broad interest in IT remains high. A well-rounded candidate with technical experience may choose a broader search term in order to find ways to move up the career ladder.
8. Remote
Not surprisingly, remote or remote work continues to be a top search term – even for cleared candidates. While many in national security will never have the luxury of 100% remote work, given their job, client, and clearance level, the number of remote options are still growing. However, it does depend on the client. Some leaders consistently struggle to make remote work a feasible option. But the reality is that candidates are searching for the opportunities, so both clients and contractors will need to find ways to offer the flexibility that the workforce is increasingly demanding.
9. Analyst
Whether the work is in cybersecurity, project management, or intelligence, the search term “analyst” is a common option for cleared candidates. Looking for an analyst role in general can pull in a variety of options for candidates, giving a broad view of the job landscape. Since employers all offer different job titles, a broader job search term approach can sometimes be the ticket to finding the next opportunity.
10. Space Force
Another year goes by, and Space Force is still that one service that everyone is still interested in supporting. Some people may never go to space, but they can still feel closer to childhood dreams with a Space Force job. Time will tell how long cleared candidates will continue to specifically search for a job with Space Force.
Jobs in 2022
While not everything stays the same in the cleared industry, change is often slow. It’s fair to expect candidates in 2022 to be approaching their job searches in the same manner with similar search terms. Of course, a few years ago, no one was searching for Space Force and remote work was a long shot. So, sometimes, you never know what a year will bring and the changes that will be ushered into the job landscape.
