ClearanceJobs is a vital platform – for clearance holders, contractors, and federal agencies. From news about the security clearance process to industry updates, we aim to keep you informed and sometimes, entertained. As we look back on the last year, it’s helpful to pull back the curtain a little and reflect on what is being searched on Google and how ClearanceJobs is contributing. Assessing Google Search Trends offers insights into the interests of those trying to navigate the cleared world. For job seekers and employers, a peek at search trends can offer a bit of a barometer on the shifting landscape and priorities.
Top 10 ClearanceJobs Google Search Trends Terms
At ClearanceJobs, we look at actual clicks and impressions. Both views give a good insight into what is interesting to our readers.
1. Pornhub
We’ve written a few times about this site and what clearance holders need to watch. Clearance holders are both wary of issues with the company, as well as any negative reflections on them for using the site.
2. Defense Contractors
Defense contractors are always in the news – from job openings to contract wins. Candidates are always wanting to be in the know when it comes to who’s who and top contractors in the industry.
3. Porn
Clearance holders have a lot of question on this topic. Sexual conduct is an adjudicative guideline, and unfortunately with more workers spending at least some of their days remote, more questions come into play about how what you do off the clock can affect your day job – or if you accidentally slip up and blend the two.
4. TS/SCI
There are three basic levels of security clearance – Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. The Top Secret Clearance and the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI) specifically garners more questions and interest. Some of that is due to confusion about what actually constitutes a TS/SCI clearance. Other questions come from those who may be at a lower clearance level wondering how they can get that coveted TS/SCI.
5. SF-86
The long form that clearance applicants have to fill out to obtain a clearance brings up a lot of questions – and sometimes confusion. We’re here and happy to answer all of those questions.
6. Newja Ali
Conflict with Israel and Hamas this year brought up a new security clearance concern, when The Daily Wire reported that the Department of Homeland Security had employed a vocal anti-Israel, pro-Hamas, former spokeswoman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
7. National Security Agency (NSA)
The NSA has been vocal this year about their hiring needs. They kickstarted 2023 with an aggressive hiring campaign – a noticeable effort for a government agency. The hiring spree isn’t over, and as the calendar turns to 2024, the NSA notes its efforts to hire and retain cleared talent continue.
8. Oppenheimer
The story of Robert Oppenheimer went viral this past year, sparking interest in how he lost his security clearance and much more recent efforts to exonerate his name and reinstate his clearance. Oppenheimer offers a stark history lesson about what can happen when the security clearance process becomes politicized – and when due process isn’t offered.
9. Temu
As this app has spiked in popularity and as questions about the threat of China continue to persist, it’s not surprising that our article on the safety of this app for clearance holders struck a chord. It’s not just TikTok that security clearance holders should be wary of, but every app asking for personal data and particularly those with a connection to China.
10. eQip
While the SF-86 garners a lot of questions, the online platform also gets the searches, particularly as it prepares to head off into the sunset and make way for a new security clearance application process – eApp. The application process has it’s trials, and this tool is sometimes one of them for clearance applicants.
Find Your Competitive Advantage
Paying attention to search trends is important for both job seekers and employers. Where there’s insight, there’s a competitive advantage. Search trends show pain points, areas of confusion, and opportunities for both candidates and employers to be informed. Fortunately however you search, ClearanceJobs has answers to just about any clearance question.
