Quick Summary: To effectively list your security clearance on your resume, create a dedicated section, clearly state the clearance level and issuing agency, and mention the investigation date if relevant. This ensures recruiters and hiring managers can quickly identify your eligibility for sensitive positions.
Landing a job that requires a security clearance can feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to presenting that crucial information on your resume. Many job seekers, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals, wonder about the best way to showcase this valuable asset. It’s a common point of confusion, but the good news is, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few clear steps, you can make sure your security clearance stands out, opening doors to exciting career opportunities. Let’s break down exactly how to do it, making your resume work harder for you.
Why Listing Your Security Clearance Matters
Your security clearance is more than just a line item; it’s a testament to your trustworthiness and eligibility for roles that involve sensitive information or national security. For many government contractors, federal agencies, and defense-related companies, a security clearance is a non-negotiable requirement.
When you list your security clearance correctly, you:
- Attract the Right Opportunities: Recruiters specifically search for candidates with clearances. Highlighting yours immediately signals you meet a key qualification.
- Save Time: You won’t be filtered out early in the process due to an unstated or poorly presented clearance.
- Demonstrate Eligibility: It shows you’ve passed rigorous background checks, which is a significant trust factor.
- Increase Your Value: In certain fields, a clearance can make you a more competitive and sought-after candidate.
The U.S. government categorizes security clearances into different levels, each requiring a different depth of background investigation. Understanding these levels is key to accurately representing your clearance.
Understanding Security Clearance Levels
Before you can list your clearance, it’s important to know what it is. The U.S. government has established several levels of security clearances, each associated with a specific type of background investigation. The most common levels are:
- Confidential: Protects national security information that, if improperly disclosed, could cause damage to national security. Requires a National Agency Check (NAC) or NACLC.
- Secret: Protects national security information that, if improperly disclosed, could cause serious damage to national security. Requires a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
- Top Secret: Protects national security information that, if improperly disclosed, could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. Requires an SSBI with expanded scope and periodic reinvestigations.
There are also Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and other specialized clearances, often referred to as “accesses” or “ichés” (pronounced “e-che”), which are granted based on the need to access specific intelligence information. These are typically granted on top of a Top Secret clearance.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on security clearance processes and levels, you can refer to official government resources:
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) – Personnel Security
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – Background Investigations
Where to List Your Security Clearance on Your Resume
The placement of your security clearance information is crucial for visibility. Here are the most effective locations:
1. Contact Information Section
This is often the most straightforward and recommended place. It’s highly visible and immediately informs the reader of your eligibility.
Example:
John Doe
(123) 456-7890 | john.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Security Clearance: Top Secret (SCI Eligible)
2. Dedicated Skills or Qualifications Section
If you have a strong skills section, you can add your clearance here. This is particularly effective if you have a broad range of technical or professional skills to list.
Example:
Skills:
- Project Management
- Agile Methodologies
- Risk Assessment
- Security Clearance: Secret
- Data Analysis
- Client Relationship Management
3. Summary or Objective Section
While less common, you can subtly weave your clearance into your resume summary or objective if it directly supports your career goals and the target job. Use this sparingly and only if it flows naturally.
Example (Summary):
Highly motivated cybersecurity professional with 5+ years of experience in network security and threat analysis. Proven ability to implement robust security protocols and manage complex systems. Possess a Secret security clearance and seeking to leverage expertise in a challenging role with a forward-thinking organization.
4. Separate “Clearance” Section
For individuals with extensive clearance history or multiple clearances, a dedicated “Security Clearance” section might be beneficial. This keeps the information organized and easy to find.
Example:
Security Clearance
- Clearance Level: Top Secret
- Investigation Type: Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
- Investigation Date: January 2022
- Issuing Agency: Department of Defense
- Eligibility: SCI, Q Clearance
How to Phrase Your Security Clearance
Clarity and conciseness are key. Here are the best ways to phrase your clearance:
Essential Information to Include
- Clearance Level: Always state the specific level (e.g., Confidential, Secret, Top Secret).
- Eligibility (Optional but Recommended): If you are eligible for SCI or other specific accesses, mention it (e.g., “SCI Eligible,” “TS/SCI”).
- Issuing Agency (Optional): Sometimes helpful, especially if applying to a specific agency (e.g., “Issued by the Department of Defense”).
- Investigation Type (Optional): Can add context, especially for higher levels (e.g., “SSBI,” “NACLC”).
- Investigation Date/Last Reinvestigation Date (Optional): Can be useful if your clearance is current or recently reinvestigated. Be cautious if it’s very old.
Examples of Effective Phrasing
- Simple & Direct: Security Clearance: Secret
- With Eligibility: Security Clearance: Top Secret (SCI Eligible)
- More Detail: Active Top Secret Clearance (SCI adjudicated)
- With Investigation Details: Secret Clearance, SSBI completed 2023
- For SCI: TS/SCI Clearance
What to Avoid:
- Your actual clearance access number or specific details: This is sensitive information and should never be put on a resume.
- Vague terms: Avoid phrases like “Cleared” or “Has clearance” without specifying the level.
- Outdated information: If your clearance has expired or been inactive for a long time, it might be better to omit it unless the job specifically asks for past clearances.
When to List Your Security Clearance
The decision of when to list your security clearance depends on the job you’re applying for and your current situation.
Applying for Jobs Requiring a Clearance
If the job posting explicitly states that a security clearance is required or preferred, you should absolutely include it on your resume. This is your primary opportunity to demonstrate you meet a critical qualification.
Applying for Government Contractor or Federal Positions
Even if a clearance isn’t explicitly mentioned, if you’re applying to roles within government agencies or with companies that primarily work with the government, it’s generally a good idea to list your clearance. These employers often have roles that require clearances, and yours can make you a more attractive candidate.
When Your Clearance is Active and Current
It’s most beneficial to list your clearance when it is current and has been maintained through periodic reinvestigations. If your clearance has lapsed or been inactive for a significant period, consider whether it’s still an advantage to list it, or if it might raise questions.
If Your Clearance is No Longer Active
If your clearance is no longer active, you have a few options:
- State it as “Previous” or “Expired”: You can list it with a note like “Previous Top Secret Clearance (Lapsed 2020)” or “Secret Clearance (Expired 2021).” This shows you have experience with the process and held a clearance, which can still be valuable.
- Omit it: If the job doesn’t require a clearance, or if the lapse is very long, you might choose to leave it off to avoid potential questions or concerns.
- Focus on transferable skills: Emphasize the skills and experience gained while holding the clearance.
What If You Don’t Have a Clearance Yet?
If you don’t currently hold a security clearance but are applying for jobs where one is required, you can still position yourself effectively:
- Express Willingness to Obtain One: Include a statement in your resume summary or cover letter indicating your willingness and eligibility to obtain a security clearance.
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on experiences that demonstrate trustworthiness, reliability, adherence to rules, and handling of sensitive information (even if not classified). This could include roles with strict confidentiality agreements, background checks, or regulatory compliance.
- Research Eligibility: Understand the general eligibility requirements for obtaining a clearance. Factors like citizenship, foreign ties, financial history, and criminal record can impact your ability to obtain one. The U.S. State Department provides general information on citizenship requirements, which are often a prerequisite.
Example Statement:
“Eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearance and willing to undergo required background investigations.”
Table: Common Security Clearance Phrasing Compared
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best way to phrase your clearance:
| Phasing Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Clearance: Secret | Clear, concise, directly states level. | Doesn’t mention eligibility for further accesses. | Most general applications requiring a Secret clearance. |
| Top Secret (SCI Eligible) | Clearly states high-level clearance and potential for SCI. | Slightly longer. | Jobs requiring TS or TS/SCI, or where SCI is a plus. |
| Active TS/SCI Clearance | Concise, indicates current high-level clearance and SCI access. | Assumes the reader knows what TS/SCI means. | Highly specialized roles in intelligence or defense. |
| Secret Clearance, SSBI Completed 2023 | Provides investigation detail and recency. | More detailed, might be unnecessary for some roles. | When the investigation type or date is relevant or asked for. |
| Previous Secret Clearance (Lapsed) | Honest about past clearance, shows experience. | Might raise questions about current eligibility. | When you held a clearance but it’s no longer active. |
Tips for Maximizing Your Clearance Listing
Beyond just stating it, here are some extra tips to make your security clearance information work even harder:
- Tailor to the Job Description: If the job specifically asks for “Top Secret Clearance,” make sure your resume clearly states “Top Secret Clearance.” If it asks for “SCI Eligible,” ensure you include that.
- Use Keywords: Many applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords. Ensure your clearance level is present as text, not just an image.
- Be Honest and Accurate: Never exaggerate or lie about your clearance status. The background check process is thorough, and any discrepancies will be caught.
- Consider Your Audience: If you’re applying to a federal agency, they might be more familiar with specific investigation types (like SSBI). If applying to a contractor, a simpler “Top Secret” might suffice.
- Don’t Overemphasize: While important, your clearance is one piece of your qualifications. Ensure the rest of your resume highlights your skills, experience, and achievements effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it always necessary to list my security clearance on my resume?
It’s highly recommended if the job requires it or if you’re applying for roles in government or defense industries. For other industries, it might not be relevant.
2. Can I list my security clearance in my skills section?
Yes, the skills section is a common and effective place to list your security clearance alongside other relevant skills.
3. What if my clearance is very old? Should I still list it?
If it’s significantly outdated, it might be best to omit it or clearly state it as “Previous” or “Expired.” Focus on skills gained. Check the job requirements; some roles may consider past clearances.
4. Should I include the specific investigation details like the polygraph type?
Generally, no. Stick to the clearance level (Confidential, Secret, Top Secret) and eligibility (SCI). Specific investigation details are usually not needed on a resume and could be considered sensitive.
5. What if I’m eligible for a clearance but don’t have one yet?
You can state “Eligible for Security Clearance” or “Willing to obtain a security clearance” in your resume summary or a dedicated section. This signals your intent and potential.
6. How do I phrase my clearance if I have multiple accesses (e.g., TS/SCI)?
You can list it concisely as “TS/SCI Clearance” or “Top Secret/SCI.” If you have different levels or types of accesses, you might consider a dedicated section for clarity.
Conclusion
Presenting your security clearance on your resume doesn’t have to be a mystery. By understanding the different levels, choosing the right placement, and using clear, concise language, you can effectively showcase this valuable qualification. Remember to always be accurate and tailor your resume to the specific jobs you’re applying for. Whether you have an active clearance or are working towards one, presenting this information strategically will significantly enhance your job search, helping you connect with the opportunities that matter most.