I’m often out in the wild at community events. I get to chat with many who either want to get a security clearance or wish they hadn’t let their clearance lapse. It’s common to job hop or leave the military and want to do something else for a while. But I get to talk with many candidates who wish they had found a way to keep their security clearance current.
I completely understand their predicament. I see their desire to get into national security, but without a security clearance, they feel like they can’t get their foot in the door. The good news is that there are companies out there willing and able to sponsor you for a security clearance. While there are many things that you can do to improve your odds, the biggest hurdle is finding a company willing to sponsor you.
Companies Willing to Sponsor Security Clearances
When it comes to finding your new employer who will get you a security clearance and set up in national security, you need two search terms on ClearanceJobs. Clearable and Willing to Sponsor are the key terms you want to use when you’re looking to get a job that will work with you to get the security clearance required for the contract.
The list of companies will change as new contracts roll out. But the reality is that not every company has the time or resources to sponsor candidates for a security clearance. While security clearance processing times have improved, if a new employee gets denied or can’t get an interim clearance, employers have to burn overhead if they don’t have unclassified work for the new recruit.
Larger corporations are somewhat at an advantage when it comes to sponsoring your clearance when they have other work that you can contribute to while you are playing the waiting game. However, many small and mid-sized organizations, as well as, staffing services can get you set up with a security clearance too. Currently, names like QinetiQ, IBM, AT&T, Varada Consulting, Intellibridge, and many more are hiring for candidates who are clearable. The jobs range from tech roles to communication specialists to construction. Opportunities change frequently with new contracts or even company acquisitions. The company that couldn’t sponsor you yesterday may have the means tomorrow under a new owner and additional contract opportunities.
Key to Getting into National Security
Getting where you want in life is all about figuring out the right steps. It can be easier to step into a national security role at a younger age. With less background to investigate, the odds can be higher and the timeline faster. However, don’t let that deter you if you’re not a Gen Zer. It’s important to line up your skills to the jobs you want and research which companies have openings.
In the meantime, make sure your finances are in order and any skeletons in your closet are removed. Right now, about 40% of the jobs advertised for clearable candidates are looking for a Secret clearance and 18% are for a Public Trust. You can get an employer to sponsor a Top Secret clearance; however, the timeline is typically longer. We often recommend going for a lower clearance level and then working your way up the ladder.
Remember. The goal of the security clearance process isn’t to find perfect people. It’s about finding honest and reliable candidates who are willing to support our country, keeping it safe. If that describes you, connecting with the right employer is the way to obtain your golden ticket.
