In an interview with CNBC, Lockheed Martin’s COO predicted the U.S. is at the beginning of a 3-to-5-year boom for defense spending. That means more government contracts—and more competition for cleared professionals. For recruiters, it’s no longer enough to just post a job and wait.

Recruiters Are Becoming Marketers

In today’s defense hiring market, recruiters are expected to build brand awareness, nurture talent pipelines, and provide an engaging candidate experience. And the best way to do that? Go where the candidates are—and speak their language.

Why ClearanceJobs Live Works

ClearanceJobs Live, a built-in tool within the ClearanceJobs platform, allows recruiters to host live video sessions tailored to cleared candidates. Recruiters like Tony Martinez and Tommy Weinert are using it to connect with job seekers in real-time—covering topics like ghost jobs, resume mistakes, and interview tips.

Martinez admits he was initially hesitant. “It completely got me out of my comfort zone,” he said in an interview at Connect West. “But it’s led to actual interviews and offers. The return on time is huge.”

The Power of Live Content

Live video creates something static job postings can’t: trust. Candidates get a real-time sense of the recruiter, the company, and what the opportunity looks like. It also helps filter serious applicants, saving hours in the hiring process.

“You’re not just filling roles,” said Weinert. “You’re building a brand that candidates want to come back to.”

How to Start Thinking Like a Marketer

  • Promote your sessions in advance. Give candidates a reason to show up—tease topics, speakers, or giveaways.
  • Be real. You don’t need to be perfect on camera. Authenticity is more valuable than polish.
  • Focus on value. Use your live time to answer real candidate questions and offer practical insights.
  • Track results. Use analytics to measure views, engagement, and conversions to hires.

The Future Is Live—and Personalized

As defense priorities shift and budgets grow, the competition for cleared professionals will only intensify. Tools like ClearanceJobs Live empower recruiters to cut through the noise, build real connections, and win talent in a crowded market.

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Phoebe Wells is the Public Relations & Partnerships Marketing Manager at ClearanceJobs and loves every aspect of her role. Creating content and working with the CJ team to connect cleared candidates with employers is incredibly rewarding, as the work ClearanceJobs does ultimately supports the mission of the U.S. As the daughter of a veteran and former cleared worker, she knows the sacrifices security and defense professionals make. She is honored to assist them in leveling up their careers. Plus, she gets to work from home in the Adirondack Mountains with her partner and two huskies!