You have completed your SF-86 or eApp and you are waiting to be interviewed in the next step of the investigative process in order to obtain your security clearance. This next step in the clearance process is very important to your ultimate security clearance adjudication. Therefore, it is important to go in as prepared as possible. The interview process will usually occur a short time following the submission and review of your completed security clearance materials.
Security clearance investigators will review and confirm the information that the individual has supplied in the security clearance submission. For instance, the investigator may speak with former supervisors, neighbors, co-workers, in addition to references to get a full background of the individual seeking the clearance prior to the interview. The investigator assigned to the case may also check with law enforcement agencies in areas where an individual has lived and will have reviewed other important background information (example: credit reports). When this review is complete, the investigator will then generally contact an individual for their personal interview.
Preparation for the Interview
It is important for an individual to prepare for their interview with the investigator. As mentioned above, the investigator will have reviewed the individual’s clearance forms prior to the interview and will have identified any significant areas of concern prior to the meeting.
Preparation for the subject interview, as to any areas of potential concern, is a must. For instance, if there is a recent arrest on your record, the individual should be prepared to fully explain the incident to the investigator and to provide the relevant details. Another example is when the individual has had an alcohol-related offense. In that type of situation, the individual should go into the interview fully prepared to discuss the incident and what steps the person has taken to avoid the issue from happening again. Another example is when you have been previously terminated from employment, you should be prepared to discuss what happened.
One note, if something is incorrect or needs to be updated from the time you submitted your security clearance forms, it is important to tell the investigator before they ask you about it. It is far better to volunteer information than it is for it to be uncovered by the investigator.
The Subject Interview
The interview stage itself tends to last usually 1.5 to 3 hours, although different cases can result in varying times for the interview process. Most times, there is just one investigator assigned for the personal interview, but there can be two investigators in some cases. The interview can occur in person, by telephone or by video teleconference (e.g. MS Teams).
It is recommended that an individual at least review their SF-86 /eAPP application for the questions that might be discussed. An investigator will generally go over an individual’s security materials thoroughly and will generally be prepared. It is also critical for you to also be prepared, in advance, to address the most likely areas of concern. It is also important to be as responsive as possible on the areas of concern raised by an investigator during the interview. This is not the time for an individual to be defensive or to refuse to answer an investigator’s questions. Doing so may delay the individual’s ability to obtain a security clearance (at best) and in some situations may result in the ultimate denial of a security clearance application.
Follow Up Interviews or Questions
When finished with the first interview, many times investigators may have follow up questions. They may ask these follow up interview questions by telephone or in person. We generally advise clients to be responsive to such requests and to attempt to provide investigators enough information to conclude their investigation successfully. Once the investigation is completed, the investigator will then send it security clearance adjudicators for review. If there are issues later on, most agencies will provide copies of the investigative interviews during the clearance appeals process.
Final Thoughts
When undergoing your background investigation for your security clearance, it is very important to be prepared for the interview stage of the process. It can make the difference between obtaining and being denied your security clearance or facing other issues. If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer.
This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Although the information is believed to be accurate as of the publication date, no guarantee or warranty is offered or implied. Laws, regulations and government policies are always subject to change, and the information provided herein may not provide a complete or current analysis of the topic or other pertinent considerations. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
