News + Career Advice
Stay current on security-cleared job search tips, trends, and news.
SSBI vs. SCI: An Investigation Name and an Access Category
SSBI names a background investigation; SCI names Sensitive Compartmented Information, a category of intelligence information subject to special access controls. In the SSBI vs. SCI comparison, an investigation can support an eligibility decision, but it does not itself grant comp… more
Security Clearance Checks: What Investigators Review and What Employers See
Security clearance checks review your life history through records, supplied information, and interviews; they extend beyond a routine employment check. What investigators check for a security clearance is different from what a recruiter needs to confirm. Prepare accurate records… more
What Security Clearance Means on a Job Posting Before You Apply
Security clearance on a job posting identifies a security requirement associated with the position, but the surrounding words determine whether you need existing eligibility or may undergo processing. Read “required,” “preferred,” and “ability to obtain” differently. … more
Security Clearance Explained: Eligibility, Access, and the Job That Connects Them
A security clearance is a government determination concerning eligibility for classified access; it is not permission to view every classified file. To understand what a security clearance is, separate the investigation that gathers information, the decision about eligibility, an… more
CIA Contractor vs. Federal Employee: Workplace Status and Hiring Path
A CIA contractor, in an ordinary company job supporting the Agency, is employed by a private business rather than appointed as a CIA federal employee. The customer may be CIA; the offer, pay, and employment benefits come through the company. Start by identifying the employer name… more