Remote interviews are becoming increasingly common in the personnel vetting process, and I recently experienced it firsthand when I received a call from a background investigator conducting a reference interview remotely as part of a colleague’s security clearance investigation.
For years, security clearance interviews were almost always conducted face-to-face. Whether investigators were meeting with references, employers, neighbors, or the clearance applicant themselves, the traditional image of the “investigator at your door” was standard operating procedure. But like many industries, personnel vetting has evolved. Today, remote and telephone interviews are playing a growing role in the federal background investigation process.
That shift is also creating hiring opportunities across the national security sector. CACI, one of the federal government’s major investigative contractors, is currently hiring entry-level background investigators to support its Virtual Investigations Operations Center in Tampa, Florida. The role supports remote investigative operations that help agencies complete security clearance investigations efficiently while maintaining federal standards.
Why Remote Interviews Are Becoming More Common
The federal government continues working through high volumes of background investigations while balancing speed, efficiency, and security. Remote interviews allow investigators to connect with references and applicants more quickly, especially when geographic distance or scheduling challenges make in-person meetings difficult.
Telephone and virtual interviews also help investigators reach individuals who may otherwise be unavailable during traditional working hours. For applicants and references alike, the convenience factor can be significant.
However, remote interviews come with tradeoffs.
ClearanceJobs contributor Marko Hakamaa previously outlined both the benefits and drawbacks of telephone interviews in the security clearance process. He noted that phone interviews can be more convenient and flexible for both parties, but they can also make it harder for investigators to evaluate nonverbal communication and establish rapport.
As Marko Hakamaa explained in discussing telephone versus in-person interviews:
“The downside to telephone interviews is that you lose the ability to observe body language, facial expressions, and the overall demeanor of the person being interviewed.”
At the same time, he emphasized that telephone interviews can help investigators complete cases faster and reduce delays when scheduling in-person meetings would otherwise take weeks.
Contributors on this ClearanceJobsBlog thread discussed their concerns:
“Well, CACI is making it official, opening a call center to complete investigations. There are so many concerns with this, and I don’t understand how anyone thinks this is a good idea. There are enough times when sources do not want to talk to us in this new remote environment because they think we are scamming, now they really won’t talk to an investigator when they can hear dozens of other voices in the background. Not to mention, you can keep a subject interview private in a call center. I doubt each investigator will have an office because they will not be cost effective for CACI….Is this a model for centers across the country? How will in person attempts be handled?”
What Applicants Should Expect After Submitting Their Forms
Once an applicant submits their SF-86 or other required security clearance paperwork, the investigative phase begins. Depending on the level of clearance and the specifics of the case, investigators may contact employers, coworkers, neighbors, friends, and listed references.
A recent ClearanceJobs article about meeting with a security clearance investigator highlighted several important points applicants should remember:
- Investigators are verifying the accuracy and completeness of the information submitted.
- Interviews are designed to clarify issues, not necessarily indicate a problem with the clearance application.
- Applicants should be honest, direct, and prepared to discuss topics ranging from foreign contacts to financial history or prior drug use.
- The process can involve both scheduled and unscheduled outreach to references.
Importantly, not every interview today happens face-to-face. Some references may receive a phone call, while others may participate through virtual meeting platforms or other remote communication methods.
The Human Side of Remote Investigations
Even though technology is changing how interviews happen, the core purpose of the investigation remains the same: gathering accurate information to assess trustworthiness and reliability for access to classified information.
For many references, receiving a call from an investigator can still feel unexpected or even intimidating. But investigators are trained professionals following standardized federal procedures. Remote interviews are simply another tool being used to modernize the process while meeting operational demands.
Verify Your Investigator
As remote interviews become more common, applicants and references should remember that it is always appropriate to verify the identity of a background investigator.
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) provides official guidance and resources that allow individuals to confirm investigator credentials if they have concerns about legitimacy or potential scams.
You can verify your investigator through DCSA here:
https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Vetting/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Verify-Your-Investigator/
Whether interviews happen in person, over the phone, or virtually, the mission of the security clearance process remains unchanged: ensuring that individuals entrusted with national security responsibilities meet the standards required to protect classified information.
