Is a TS/SCI an Instant Job Offer?

Landing a job in cybersecurity is challenging on its own—but doing it in the cleared space without prior experience: That’s another level. But does a TS/SCI mean an instant job offer, even if you don’t have cyber experience?

Enchilada writes:

I recently separated AD after a stint of about ten years, in a career unrelated to cybersecurity.

I have a TS/SCI, bachelor’s in cyber, and Sec+. No experience.

Every time I ask anywhere, I get people on two vastly different sides of the fence.

On one side I hear “Yeah you’re golden, recruiters will be looking to snatch you up”.

On the other, “Claw your way up the ladder with helpdesk somewhere, cyber is not an entry level field.” (which I get, not knocking the advice)

Then I hear/read experiences of people snatching up great jobs just with Sec+ and a clearance. No experience. Obviously, most of those are in an ‘it’s who you know’ situation. I don’t know anyone.

Anyways, I’ve tossed around many resumes over the past couple of months and heard zero response, so obviously I’m going about this the wrong way.

Thoughts?

How to Make Yourself Marketable in the Cleared Cybersecurity World with No Experience

Here’s how you can make yourself marketable even without direct experience.

1. Get Certified

If you want to be taken seriously, start with certifications that validate your knowledge:

• CompTIA Security+ – Often required for DoD 8570 roles.
• CompTIA Network+, CySA+, or CASP+ – Show a progression of your technical skill set.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – For offensive security roles.
• (ISC)² SSCP or CISSP (with endorsement) – Great for long-term credibility.

Certs give you a way to stand out even if you lack real-world experience.

2. Leverage Any Related Experience

Worked help desk? Done IT support for a small business? Those are transferable skills. Even customer service roles that involved troubleshooting tech issues can help demonstrate your problem-solving mindset and communication skills—both critical in cybersecurity.

3. Build a Lab and Show It Off

Create a home lab using tools like VirtualBox, Kali Linux, or TryHackMe. Document what you’re learning on GitHub or a blog. Recruiters and hiring managers love to see that you’re putting in effort outside of work.

4. Network Like Your Clearance Depends on It

Because sometimes—it does. Join groups like:

• AFCEA, INSA, InfraGard, or Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
• Attend job fairs specific to cleared talent (like ClearanceJobs events)

Cybersecurity in the cleared space is small—word of mouth matters.

5. Start in a Cleared Help Desk or SOC Analyst Role

Many pros get their start in entry-level cleared roles like a Tier 1 Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, IT Technician, or System Administrator. Once you’re inside and demonstrating value, promotions and transitions into cyber roles happen faster.

6. Apply to Proposal-Based Roles or Contingent Offers

When contractors bid on new government work, they often hire based on your resume, even if the contract hasn’t started. Look for postings labeled “contingent on contract award” and apply—even if you’re just starting out.

7. Be Honest—but Position Yourself Well

You might not have direct cybersecurity experience, but:

• Do you know basic networking?
• Have you studied threat actors or learned about the NIST framework?
• Can you talk about cybersecurity trends?

Frame your story around your willingness to learn, discipline, and trustworthiness—three things that matter immensely in cleared environments.

entry-JOBS cyber THAT don’t require experience

Here’s a list of cybersecurity jobs that typically don’t require prior experience, especially if you’ve got certs, motivation, and the ability to obtain (or already hold) a security clearance. These roles are often used as stepping stones into more advanced positions:

1. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst – Tier 1

2. IT Help Desk / Desktop Support (Cleared)

3. Cybersecurity Technician / Junior Analyst

4. Information Assurance (IA) Assistant / Support

5. Incident Response Assistant

6. GRC Analyst (Governance, Risk, Compliance) – Entry Level

7. Vulnerability Management Assistant

8. Cybersecurity Proposal Support

SOMETIMES, YOU DON’T NECESSARILY NEED EXPERIENCE

Breaking into the cleared cybersecurity space with no experience isn’t easy—but it’s absolutely possible. Invest in certs, build skills at home, make connections, and keep showing up. Once you’re in, you’ll realize that the community rewards consistency, curiosity, and character above all else.

And remember: the government may not always require experience—but they do require trust. Lead with that. The reality is if you find the right company and the right opportunity, there may be additional opportunities for upskilling and reskilling based on your clearance –