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Four Insights for Cleared Candidates Considering Ultra I&C
If you’re looking for a job in the cleared community, you won’t want to miss the latest episode of the Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How podcast. This episode features our conversation with DaVontte Archie, Talent Acquisition and HR Partner at Ultra Intelligence & Communications (Ultra I&C).
With over ten years of in-house recruiting experience, DaVontte shares valuable intel to help you navigate the security-cleared job market. Get the inside scoop on life at Ultra I&C and prepare for your next cleared career move with four highlights from the episode.
🎧 You can also listen to the episode and find full show notes here!
1. The Art of Following Up After Interviews
One of the standout recommendations DaVontte shared is the importance of following up after interviews, a practice he believes has faded over time. He stated, “Interview follow-up has died,” highlighting how many candidates skip this crucial step due to the fast-paced nature of job applications today. He advocates for sending a personalized thank-you note that shows your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and summarizes key points from your conversation.
Follow-up not only reinforces your interest in the position but also gives you a chance to clarify any points you may have felt less confident about during the interview. DaVontte explained, “It helps you stand out as a candidate that took the time to respect this person’s time and acknowledge what we discussed.”
So, if you’re going to invest the time and effort in securing an interview, make sure you’re also investing time in following up. It’s a small gesture that can yield significant dividends and potentially elevate your chances of landing the job.
2. Diverse Career Opportunities at Ultra I&C
If you’re wondering whether your skills are a fit for Ultra I&C, DaVontte provided a comprehensive overview of the diverse roles they are looking to fill. From software engineers to data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and systems engineers, there’s no shortage of opportunities. He mentioned, “We are engineers at our core,” indicating that technical roles are the backbone of the company.
DaVontte also pointed out that the challenges currently faced in recruitment, especially in cybersecurity, make these positions particularly valuable. He noted cybersecurity roles are the most difficult to recruit for, underlining the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in this arena.
For cleared job seekers, this presents a fantastic opportunity! If you have a background in engineering, data analysis, or cybersecurity, you might find a rewarding career at Ultra I&C. Plus, with the company expanding its presence in areas like Huntsville, Alabama, there are likely to be even more roles opening up in the coming months.
3. Flexible Work Culture
In today’s job market, having flexible work arrangements is more important than ever. DaVontte shared details about Ultra I&C’s approach to work-life balance. He explained that their core hours are from 9 AM to 3 PM local time, and most positions follow a Monday through Thursday schedule, with half days on Fridays. This kind of flexibility allows employees to craft a work routine that fits their personal lives, making it easier to manage family commitments or other responsibilities.
This flexibility isn’t just a perk; it’s a testament to the company’s understanding of employee needs. DaVontte shared that their leadership is very accessible, explaining that employees at Ultra I&C have the chance to discuss their needs openly. This creates a comfortable working atmosphere where conversations about flexibility can happen without hesitation.
4. Embracing Failure as a Learning Experience
One of the most poignant moments in the podcast was DaVontte’s discussion about the company’s approach to failure. “Failure is OK,” he quoted the CEO, reinforcing that the culture at Ultra I&C encourages innovation through a willingness to try new things, even if they don’t always work out. “We need to fail fast, learn fast, break things, and do that beyond the rate of our adversaries,” he elaborated.
DaVontte’s insights into the importance of learning from failure resonate not just in terms of company culture; they also serve as a powerful lesson for job seekers. Embracing a growth mindset—where challenges and setbacks are viewed as opportunities for learning—can enable you to navigate your career path more effectively.
Listen to the Episode
If you’re ready to boost your cleared job search and learn even more about the opportunities within Ultra I&C, be sure to check out the full podcast episode.
