Top Secret Clearance

Hey all,

So I've been seeing more and more jobs around me that are gov't jobs and they all say you need TS clearance and I'm curious how do I go about getting it? - I presume there is a lengthy process and probably have to go thru HLS, but not sure....

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brownwrap

It is really catch 22. You are not going to get one, unless you need one. Most companies I talked to, wouldn't continue the conversation once they found out I didn't have one. Even though I had previously held one in the past. Luckily I found a spot that was desperate. They brought me on and I had an interim in about a month. As I said previously I had one working on a Navy contract, and had some level of clearance for the 17 years I worked for NASA. When you start the background process, there is a web site you go to and fill in your info. When I went there for my last job, all of the info I had listed while working for NASA was there. A company usually doesn't want to pay for all of this.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Basically you get that clearance by getting a job that requires it. If you don't have a job that requires it, you won't get that clearance on your own. It can also be a rather lengthy process for everything to come back and get even an interim clearance. When I got a govt contract, it required a secret clearance, and took about 6 weeks to get that, and a couple of months later I finally got the full clearance. Of course, after I left that job it basically expired because I never had a position since that required one.

Working for the government is a completely different creature than working in the private sector. Sure, you can have that job stability (as long as you are employed by the govt) but it's a different pace and one that takes adjustment if you are one who enjoys doing alot and having alot of work to do. If you enjoy downtime, well, it's perfect for you. (Granted, it will depend on your role as some are definitely not slow paced, but many seem to be in my experience.)

MeanDrunkR2D2

Oh yea, and they aren't cheap at all, which is why many contractors/employers that need people with them want someone with a current TS or other clearance. They take time, are very deep, and if you have ANY skeletons, there is a good chance they will find it.

Burnsie

Like others have said, the biggest hurdle is finding a job that will sponsor you for the process. In reality, they aren't that expensive, the time invested is the biggest issue. Why should the company wait for you to go through the process if someone comes along with an active clearance?

As long as you have a squeaky clean criminal, driving and financial history, you shouldn't have a problem. Start applying and find someone that is interested in having you. You might get lucky.

B

Edit: And have fun digging up the information they need from the last 7-10 years of your life!

MeanDrunkR2D2

Yea, that is alot of information they ask for and it's a very time consuming process on everyone's end.

brownwrap

We had a guy that was hired without a clearance. Until he received one, he was worthless. Within weeks of being hired, he filed for bankruptcy. He took Security+ twice. Still no clearance. Like I said, had my interim in about 30 days. Then she started on Solaris. Failed the first test twice, then Oracle put in a classroom participation requirement. Still no clearance, finally he was let go. This is what companies are up against. And you as an employee, MUST keep up your certs.

shodown

in 2008 I would be all about the clearance however now in 2015 I feel that the normal market is pretty much paying what the cleared market is paying. I know currenlty I make more than I did when I was in the cleared space and when I get a few hits the salary is not even worth the hassle as its at most 3K more and majority of the time its less than what I see on the open market.

NOC-Ninja

The company pays for it if they really want you. Although, some companies wants guys that have clearance since 1. it cost a lot of $$$ 2. it takes time to get cleared.

I have a secret and it cost them $10,000

apollookc

Have a look here. Also try this link to have an idea of the depth of the background check they do for denied security clearance cases (put in the keyword "DUI, bankruptcy, child support, adult websites etc." to name a few). You'll be speechless!

Xavor

They go back 10 years or to your 18th birthday, whichever is shorter. You have to list every place you lived and worked in that timeframe and list 3 references that knew you at each. If you move a lot, it's hell filling out the SF-86. There are some websites which list all the items in greater detail.

TS clearances can take at least 6 months to a year or more to complete. Expect it to be close to 8 months on average.

If you want a job that requires this, my advice is to go to job fairs at colleges. Corporations have paths for new graduates to be hired and put into the pipeline for a clearance. You can work at your regular job in the interim while waiting on the clearance.

Secret is easier, but to move up to TS you have to get re-investigated and that's where companies balk as well. For example, I know a guy who get applications with just a TS and he won't deal with it because it does not have SCI as well. However, if it's a new grad, they'll give them a shot. It's completely random.

Lastly, you have Sec + which is very important in the field. A lot of companies struggle to get their staff to finish that certification, and many contracts are going to DOD 8570 which requires certain staff to hold Sec +, CISSP, or the alternates from SANS and CompTIA. Not all companies will honor the others though. Think of it as explaining to HR what a Juniper cert is when their application lists CCNA.

Burnsie

Xavor's suggestion of heading to college career fair is probably the best route to take. Patience will be the greatest skill needed, when working through the process. Also, a good route to take is through staffing firms. Generally, they are a little more open to people needed renewals or initial investigations. The faster they get you working, the sooner they get their split. Just my two cents.

These sources will also help a little: The Guide to Filling Out Your SF-86 - Security Clearance Jobs Forum https://stepp.dss.mil/courseware/SF86_2010/index.htm

B

MrAgent

Companies do not pay for the clearances, the government does.
See source below.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Get a Security Clearance?

kiki162

TS clearances can take a lot longer than 6-8 months depending on the person, and on the backlog. If you have a really clean history (i.e.: employment, finances, etc.) then yeah 6-8. If you have personal issues such as divorce, and other things like you can't pay your bills on time, or if you associate yourself with questionable ppl, then that may take a little longer. You have to get into a company that one has an interest in you, and two is willing to sponsor you.

Another thing you need to factor is that there are a LOT of ppl with clearances that not much skills behind them. Maybe ppl get hired just because of that and nothing else. Same with GS-Civ positions, if you are prior mil or current GS, then you get preference.

The site that apollookc linked to DOHA is a well known site. And yes...all that stuff is real on there.

brownwrap

Another thing you need to factor is that there are a LOT of ppl with clearances that not much skills behind them. Maybe ppl get hired just because of that and nothing else. Same with GS-Civ positions, if you are prior mil or current GS, then you get preference.

I don't know where you have worked, but in the places I've worked with clearances you better have it together. First off, certifications are required. So if I follow your premise the certification don't mean anything. I currently work at a location with 140+ virtualized machines, Netapp, EMC, and a Cray. We don't have people here without skills. Either you know how to support the equipment, or you will be shown the door.