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Tip #36: “Save Your Research”
When you are up for a security clearance, you will be asked to dig up all sorts of information on past residences, jobs, references, and more. Save all of this because no clearance lasts forever, and you might need to fill out the very long application again one day. Why repeat the time-consuming research into your own past when you can save it?
Tip #37: “Don’t Lie”
An investigator will verify everything you say on the paperwork (and at your interview), so don’t lie. One of the things they’re looking for is honesty, not a perfect life. If you have made a mistake, admit it. As is often the case, the cover up is what can sink you.
Tip #38: “They’re Worth Money”
Depending on who you ask, a security clearance can be worth $10k-$20k a year in salary. You do not pay the cost of getting one, your employer does, and you are not beholden to them for this, though they may not like it if you leave shortly after getting it. But leaving can be an option, considering that another company might give you a lot more money to do the same job, now that you have the clearance. If you’re thinking this isn’t loyal, no company is loyal to their staff, so why should you be to them?
Tip #39: “Companies Need to Hold Them”
Your employer, or client if you are a consultant, needs to “hold” our clearance. This means it’s been transferred to them and being kept “active.” Your job requires it, basically. Sometimes you have a Top Secret clearance when the job only needs a Secret, so you must ask if they can “hold” the higher clearance. Also, when you leave, you have two years for another employer/client to “hold” your clearance or it lapses. Sometimes companies lie that they have taken it over when they didn’t bother with the paperwork and you end up losing your clearance due to their incompetence.
Tip #40: “You Can Get Them Back”
A clearance that goes inactive (because you aren’t using it) can be reinstated with a little paperwork by your employer/client. You just need to tell a new company that it’s inactive, how long ago it was last active, and they’ll take care of it, if they’re willing. By contrast, if your clearance has expired (they only last so long), you will need to start the process over, but it’s far faster than the first time because you have already been awarded one in the past.