One of the backlog mitigations measures implemented in order to reduce the number of pending investigations was the approval to implement VTC or telephonic interviews for some Enhanced Subject Interviews (ESIs) or Special Interviews (SPINs) that would need to be conducted in the course of applying for a security clearance.
An ESI is generally a requirement for a Top Secret security clearance or a Secret clearance where Special Access Program (SAP) access is required. The ability to conduct those interviews via phone or video was a major boost during COVID, where restrictions made any in-person meetings more complex. In many cases, a phone or VTC interview may be more common than meeting with an investigator in person. The idea is it saves both the investigator and applicant time, while still addressing issues that need to be discussed directly.
Unfortunately, some people don’t know how to talk on the phone. A recent complaint from background investigators is applicants taking the phone interview process to a new level of casual. The reality is some applicants may not know what they’re getting into – or maybe they just don’t care. Either way, here are five considerations for a phone or VTC subject interview.
1. Act like it’s in person.
Follow the same advice as if you were being interviewed in-person. Be on time (be ready for the call/have your phone), bring a copy of your SF-86, and be prepared.
2. Don’t be a time stuffer.
Okay, this is me – I underestimate how long all activities will take and am therefore late for every appointment in my life. Don’t let this be you when it’s time for an interview with a background investigator. If you’re working the SCIF life, the reality is you may need to time the interview around your work schedule – be up front with the investigator about your time constraints, how much time you have, and how much time it will really take. Don’t squeeze the interview in between two other important meetings – give yourself a buffer.
3. Don’t interview and drive.
This was a specific complaint from several background investigators – applicants who now felt the need to conduct their ESIs while driving. In one case, it wasn’t until the interviewer asked about car noise that he admitted to LYING about being in the car earlier in the interview. Bad move. It is perfectly within the rights of the background investigator to ask if you’re in your car when they call, and to postpone the interview if that’s the case. We get it, you have a long commute and you like to multi-task. But your ESI is not the time.
4. Watch what you wear.
Interviews may be conducted via phone or VTC. You should obviously know which one applies to you and be ready accordingly. One applicant recently conducted the interview in a bathrobe. Which was awkward for everyone. Especially when it came time for the sexual behavior questions (if it were me, I would have been forced to ask if the individual ever worked in the bathrobe…). We get it – a security clearance interview isn’t a job interview. But you should take the process as seriously as if it work. No, the investigator doesn’t make the determination. Yes, they can write in their notes that you weren’t properly dressed.
5. Don’t Multitask.
The benefit of the in-person interview is that if you’re sitting across from someone you’re not going to be tempted to do something different while you’re talking – like do the dishes or watch your kids. Background investigators overall report the phone interview format can cause some individuals to treat it like a check-in with their mom – not like it’s a vetting call for a critical national security position.
It’s true – the background investigator isn’t the one making the clearance determination. But it’s also true that a background investigator plays an absolutely critical role in your ability to obtain a security clearance. Treat the investigator, their time, and your interview – it whatever format it happens – with every ounce of respect you can.
