Today our episode of the Security Clerance Careers Podcast focuses on navigating ClearanceJobs.com as a job seeker. We have Brent, ClearanceJobs Manager of Client Success who runs our candidate how-to webinars. This is an engaging, informative episode that highlights both practical tips and strategic insights for cleared professionals navigating ClearanceJobs.com, ultimately getting you on the phone with a recruiter which can be pretty difficult nowadays in such a saturated candidate market.

How to Create a ClearanceJobs Profile That Gets Noticed

If you’re a cleared professional looking for your next career move—or just want to keep your options open—ClearanceJobs is the top platform for connecting with employers in the defense, intelligence, and government sectors. But before recruiters can find you, you need a standout profile. Here’s how to build one that does more than just exist—it gets results.

Step 1: Sign Up and Verify Your Clearance

Start by visiting ClearanceJobs.com and selecting Join Now. You’ll be prompted to enter basic personal information, including your email, name, and password.

Clearance Requirement: Only individuals with an active or current U.S. government security clearance are eligible to join. You’ll need to specify your clearance level (e.g., Secret, TS/SCI, etc.) and indicate whether it is active or expired.

Step 2: Complete Your Professional Profile

Once you’ve registered and logged in, you’ll be taken to your profile dashboard. Treat this like your personal marketing space—it’s your chance to showcase your expertise to potential employers.

• Headline: Use a clear and specific title like “TS/SCI-Cleared Cybersecurity Analyst | 10+ Years DoD Experience.”

• Summary: Write a compelling overview of who you are, what you specialize in, and what kind of roles you’re looking for.

• Work History: Include detailed job descriptions that highlight your cleared work. Use metrics when possible (e.g., “led a team of 10 in deploying secure networks for Navy operations”).

• Certifications and Education: Don’t skip over your certifications (e.g., CISSP, PMP) and security training.

Step 3: Add Keywords Strategically

Recruiters search ClearanceJobs using keywords. Integrate job-specific and clearance-related terms naturally into your profile, especially in the summary, skills, and experience sections.

Use the language of job listings that interest you to align your profile with recruiter search habits.

Step 4: Upload or Build a Resume

You can upload a resume in Word or PDF format, or use the built-in resume builder. Either way, make sure it complements—not duplicates—your profile content. Focus on accomplishments, not just duties.

Step 5: Set Your Preferences and Visibility

You can control who sees your profile and how you’re contacted.

• Job Preferences: Choose roles, industries, and locations that fit your goals.

• Profile Visibility: Make your profile visible to employers, or limit it to specific recruiters or companies.

• Communication Settings: Decide how often and where you want to receive job alerts and recruiter messages.

Step 6: Keep It Updated

Your profile is a living document. Update it regularly with new skills, roles, or certifications. Recruiters are far more likely to contact candidates with recent activity.

Set a reminder to review your profile monthly—even small tweaks keep your status fresh.

Step 7: Engage With the Platform

Use features like:

• Cleared Network: Connect with other cleared recruiters and hiring managers through the pulse feed

• Company Research: Follow employer prfiles that interest you and engage with their status updates.

• News & Advice: Stay current with trends and hiring tips on the ClearanceJobsBlog or FedWork.Net

Your ClearanceJobs profile is more than just a resume—it’s your gateway to career opportunities in the secure world of government contracting. Take the time to make it complete, keyword-rich, and regularly updated, and you’ll be well on your way to your next cleared role.