Sometimes the biggest setbacks in a cleared job search come down to the smallest details. Stephanie Holman, a technical recruiter at Metronome, shared a reminder that’s both simple and game-changing: know the clearance requirement before you hit “apply.”
Her number one reason for rejecting applications in the cleared space? Security clearance level. It’s not personal. It’s about whether the applicant meets the baseline requirement for the role, and that usually includes a specific clearance level. If the posting says “Active Secret Clearance Required,” that means you must already hold that clearance at the time of application. On the other hand, if it says “Must be willing to obtain a Secret Clearance,” you’re in luck. You can apply without already holding one.
It may seem like a small nuance, but it can save job seekers hours of wasted effort (and a lot of frustration). Recruiters want to see you succeed, but they also need to quickly sort out candidates who meet contract requirements. Paying close attention to clearance language ensures you’re putting energy into opportunities where you’ll actually be considered.
Layoffs: Corpus Christi Army Depot
Colonel Kevin Consedine, the commanding officer at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, confirmed to KRIS 6 News that 166 workers will be let go at the end of September, but emphasized that those losses are tied to federal contracts expiring rather than broader workforce reductions. Consedine also noted that staffing levels at the depot must match the workload, and while future cuts are always a possibility, the depot cannot verify the union’s warning that as many as 600 federal employees could be impacted.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents both civilian contractors and federal employees at the depot, paints a more concerning picture. The union says up to 200 contractors already received termination notices and warns that hundreds more federal positions could be on the line. With more than 2,500 workers, CCAD plays a critical role in maintaining the Army’s rotary-wing aircraft and contributes over \$1.6 billion annually to the South Texas economy. The IAM cautions that significant layoffs could weaken military readiness and send shockwaves through the surrounding community.
Hiring: ICE
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is in the middle of one of the largest hiring pushes in its history, following a $75 billion boost in funding. The agency says it has already received more than 100,000 applications in under two weeks, with plans to add 10,000 officers to its ranks by 2029. To reach those numbers, ICE is offering unprecedented incentives—starting salaries near $90,000, signing bonuses up to $50,000, student loan forgiveness, and expanded retirement benefits. The effort comes as immigrant detention has surged to a modern record of 60,000 people in ICE custody.
To widen its recruiting pool, ICE has lifted its age restrictions and is targeting both retired federal agents and active local law enforcement. The agency argues retirees bring valuable experience and can quickly fill administrative and intelligence roles that don’t require frontline duty. While the initiative is already drawing interest, former officials caution it may take several years before the agency’s expanded workforce is fully felt on the ground.
Cleared Employer at Work: ManTech
Justin Dilligard, a Technical Recruiter at ManTech, is leading a major recruiting push for the Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE) program. He’s on the hunt for top talent to fill roles like Network Engineers, Software Engineers, RF Engineers, and Project Managers. His pro-tip for candidates? Don’t sell yourself short! He advises highlighting all relevant certifications and IT systems experience to make your resume shine. Ready to connect? You can reach him directly on ClearanceJobs via DM or at Justin.Dilligard@MANTECH.com. Check out all NCTE careers at MANTECH.com/careers.
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Opportunity to Watch
Accenture is making a major move to expand its cybersecurity footprint in the Asia-Pacific region with its acquisition of CyberCX, one of the largest privately-owned cybersecurity providers in Australia and New Zealand. With roughly 1,400 cybersecurity professionals and a suite of AI-powered platforms, CyberCX brings deep regional expertise and strong relationships across both government and critical infrastructure sectors. This marks Accenture’s largest cybersecurity acquisition to date and underscores the company’s push to strengthen resilience for clients navigating increasingly complex cyber threats and regulatory demands.
Founded in Melbourne in 2019, CyberCX has quickly become a dominant player in the region, offering services that range from offensive security and managed detection and response to crisis management and cyber physical security. By bringing CyberCX into its global operations, Accenture is bolstering its ability to help clients address pressing gaps in AI and data security—an issue highlighted in its own recent report showing most Australian organizations remain underprepared for securing AI-driven systems. With the acquisition, Accenture not only gains critical talent and regional reach but also strengthens its partnerships with major cybersecurity firms like Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike, positioning itself as a key security integrator across Asia Pacific.
