The security clearance process brings out a lot of applicant insecurities. Applicants wonder how they are perceived by colleagues, neighbors, and friends – and what those same folks will tell the background investigator about them.
Some of that interest is entirely normal; who wouldn’t want to know what others said about them in private? But much of the worry is also focused on the wrong issue: likeability.
My experience is that introverts are especially susceptible to these worries. They fear that their reserved nature is seen by others as being cold or unfriendly. Sometimes, they have trouble listing three “people who know you well” on their security clearance application because they don’t have three close relationships. As surprising as that may sound, I’ve seen it happen many times.
If any of this sounds like you, know that security clearance determinations aren’t a popularity contest. You can be the least popular employee in the workplace, but that doesn’t make you a national security risk. In that regard, applicants shouldn’t worry about whether they’re liked by others – unless there is an objective reason for the dislike that constitutes a security concern.
What does matter are issues like trustworthiness, reliability, and judgment. Don’t give people a reason to question those pillars of your character and you’ve already won half the battle.
The other half of the battle is less subjective but equally important. Investigators will query interviewees on any knowledge they may have regarding your criminal history, substance abuse, affiliations, foreign travel, psychological health, financial history, and other areas that may objectively raise security concerns.
- They’ll ask interviewees about any information that could be used against you for blackmail.
- They’ll ask interviewees if they have any reason to question your loyalty to the United States.
- And they’ll ask whether the interviewees recommend you for a security clearance.
The exact contour of questioning can vary across federal agencies and will depend, in part, on any specific issues in your background on which the government is seeking additional information (although the questions are supposed to be asked in such a way as not to alert interviewees to a concern). But that’s the general gist of information sought. Likeability for likeability’s sake is nowhere on the list.
No matter how often I tell people this, some applicants remain skeptical. If I had to guess why, it is that they are viewing the clearance process as a zero-sum game, much like the job application process. That’s the wrong way to think of it. Security clearance applicants are being judged against a set of objective criteria – the National Adjudicative Guidelines for Security Clearances – not compared to other applicants who may be more outgoing or popular.
So, while it’s fine if you’re a social butterfly or the life of the office party, it also bears no relevancy to the matter at hand. Don’t let an over-active mind convince you otherwise.
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 and government policies are 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.
