News + Career Advice
Stay current on security-cleared job search tips, trends, and news.
Outsourced vs. Internal FSO: Control, Cost, and Accountability
An outsourced FSO service does not automatically replace the contractor employee whom the senior management official must appoint in writing as facility security officer. For a cleared employer, the buying decision starts with who owns the work, because outside help can supply ex… more
Favorable Adjudication: What It Confirms and What It Does Not Grant
A favorable adjudication is a positive decision on the trust determination being evaluated. For classified work, favorable national security eligibility does not by itself authorize access: the appropriate eligibility, a signed nondisclosure agreement, and need-to-know remain nec… more
Shyness as an Interview Weakness: Answer Without Undercutting Collaboration
Use shyness as an interview weakness only when you can name a specific work behavior, explain how you changed it, and show recent collaboration. “I am shy” leaves the interviewer to guess whether you can brief a customer, ask for help, or challenge a flawed assumption. Descri… more
Unknown Relative Details on the SF-86: How to Document a Good-Faith Effort
If you do not know a relative’s birthplace when completing the SF-86, report the information you know and make reasonable efforts to obtain the missing details. DCSA’s eApp guide gives that instruction for relatives. A missing birthplace does not make a required relative disa… more
Reporting a Physical Worksite That Differs From Your Employer Address
If your physical work address differed from your employer’s address, the SF-86 asks you to provide the location where you actually worked. Keep the employer’s identity and address in the employer fields. A client site, branch office, or remote home office can belong in the se… more