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How to Exorcise the Skeletons in Your Closet During a Cleared Job Search

Are you worried about any skeletons in your closet—those career hiccups and haunting details you’d rather keep under wraps? Things like job hopping, employment gaps, or less than stellar references can feel like lingering shadows over your security-cleared job search.

But don’t let these obstacles stop your job search dead in its tracks. With a bit of courage and the right strategies in hand, you can bring these skeletons into the light and keep those career ghosts at bay!

Explaining (and Proactively Avoiding) Frequent Job Changes

Job-hopping is often seen as a red flag to employers. It costs time and money to hire and onboard employees. Once a company brings you into the fold and invests in you, they want to know you’ll stick around for a while.

However, due to the nature of government contracting, it’s not unusual to have short stints if you’re moving to a new employer but staying on the same contract. Or perhaps you got hired towards the end of a contract, and the employer didn’t have enough work to move you to something else after completion. Whatever the situation, be proactive on your cleared resume by clarifying your employment history to present it in a favorable light and avoid assumptions from recruiters or hiring managers.

Hannah Nyberg, People and Culture Manager at BlackSky shared a useful tip in a recent Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How podcast episode. If you’ve changed employers but stayed on the same contract, Hannah suggests you make that clear on your resume by putting in parenthesis something like:

(company X previously, company Z continued contract)

“In short, explain it on your resume,” suggests Hannah. “It does make a few eyebrows raise and a few questions happen, because we want longevity with our employees. So being explicit will definitely help candidates avoid any additional questions.”

If you’re currently in a new role that you’re unsure of, think through your options before deciding to leave and making it another short stint on your resume. Jennie Sikes, Director of Talent Acquisition & Management at Golden Key Group (GKG), shared on our podcast how Maslow’s hierarchy and the need for a roof over your head and food on the table might make you take a job that you question later.

“But you have to ask, did you give yourself enough time to truly acclimate,” emphasizes Jennie. “Have you given yourself the true grace period to acclimate? Now, if you have, that’s when you call your recruiter.”

“You still have a relationship with your recruiter, and your recruiter has been your advocate from the start,” adds Jennie. “So if this is not the best match, let’s talk about some other opportunities that you may not even know about yet because they haven’t even hit the job board. So give yourself the grace to acclimate, number one. And number two, reach out to your recruiter. We’re here to help.”

Addressing Employment Gaps

While frequent job changes can raise questions, employment gaps also tend to draw attention. Instead of letting these gaps become stumbling blocks, approach them proactively by clarifying your situation and demonstrating your readiness to re-enter the workforce. Here’s a timeline to help you address employment gaps based on their length and maintain a strong candidacy as you move forward:

• Out of Work for Less than Three Months: For shorter gaps, focus on providing a straightforward answer when asked about the gap. Actively networking and seeking new employment is an appropriate answer.

• Out of Work for Three to Six Months: At this stage, adding a one-line explanation on your resume can help to clarify the gap. For instance, if you were handling family responsibilities or medical issues, it’s helpful to mention this and, if applicable, note that these issues are resolved. This communicates that you’re ready to take on a new role and hit the ground running.

• Out of Work for Six to Nine Months: For longer gaps, it’s essential to demonstrate how you’ve stayed engaged in your field. Highlight any classes, certifications, volunteer work, or consulting projects you undertook to maintain or improve your skills. Not only does this show initiative, but it also reassures potential employers of your commitment to professional growth.

Networking becomes increasingly important with longer gaps, as a referral can ease concerns about your time away more effectively than a cold application. When discussing the gap, focus on your proactive efforts to stay industry-ready and emphasize your eagerness to contribute in a new role.

Avoiding Negative References

While you don’t get to control what past employers say, you do get to decide who you ask to speak on your behalf—so be strategic when choosing your references. If you had a difficult relationship with a previous manager or coworker, they’re likely not the best choice. Opt for people who know your work, understand your strengths, and can speak positively about your character and skills.

Before listing anyone, ask for their permission. Brief them on the role you’re applying for and let them know what qualities you’d like them to highlight. This heads-up ensures they’re prepared and aware of what’s relevant, which leaves a stronger impression. A call from a recruiter can be unexpected, so a reference who’s ready to discuss your background meaningfully will be a huge asset. You’ll also avoid situations where your reference may not fully remember who you are—a situation that can leave doubts in a hiring manager’s mind.

When leaving a job, try to leave on good terms and avoid burning bridges, even if the fit wasn’t ideal. Your approach during your departure can influence how you’re remembered and whether they’ll be supportive of you in the future. Express gratitude for the experience and, if possible, keep up a positive professional relationship.

If a recruiter mentions a concern that surfaced during a reference check, take it as an opportunity to clarify rather than react defensively. Acknowledge the feedback, and provide additional context where relevant. If the concern was due to a misunderstanding, your openness and willingness to address it will show that you’re transparent and professional.

Getting Ahead of Clearance Issues Before They Haunt You

Maintaining your security clearance is crucial for a cleared career, and understanding your obligations is the first step. As a clearance holder, you must be diligent about self-reporting specific events, such as foreign travel or legal issues, to ensure compliance.

Timing is also vital. For transitioning military personnel, knowing your clearance status is essential, as you typically have only two years to reactivate your clearance after leaving the service before having to start from scratch. Similarly, civilians with clearances need to strategically time their job searches to avoid losing their sponsor right before their clearance lapses. Failing to manage these timing issues can lead to complications, including the risk of loss of jurisdiction.

Loss of jurisdiction can arise during career transitions if you leave a job while an investigation is pending. Tony Kuhn, Managing Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, explained in a special podcast episode, “If you get caught up in some type of investigation with your current sponsor, and then you leave that sponsor while there’s an open investigation, meaning you quit your job or you get fired while there’s an open investigation, you go into a loss of jurisdiction. It’s very difficult to get out of that because everybody that’s potentially going to pick you up for a job and sponsor you for a security clearance sees that you’re flagged in the system.”

The same principle applies when transitioning out of the military. “The military is no different,” continues Tony. “If you are caught up in something in the military right before you transition out…there’s a really good chance you’re going to be flagged by the security officer.”

Taking control of your clearance status and understanding these obligations will help ensure you maintain a successful cleared career.

Confronting Your Fears Throughout Your Job Search

Whether you’re facing skeletons of the job-hopping variety, employment gaps, or anything else that haunts your cleared job search prospects, here’s how to approach your interviews with confidence:

• Be Honest and Concise: Honesty is key, but avoid over-explaining small issues, which can make them seem larger. Offer straightforward answers and pivot back to why you’re a strong candidate.
• Use Positive Framing: When discussing challenges, frame your responses positively. For instance, say, “Although I left the role earlier than planned, I’m grateful for what I learned about XYZ, which has improved my approach in future positions.”
• Practice Your Responses: Anticipate questions about your work history and practice genuine yet professional responses. Preparation helps you stay calm and collected, even when faced with unexpected inquiries.
• Mention Personal Development: If you’ve experienced personal growth, share this with interviewers. Overcoming challenges through training, coaching, or mentoring reflects positively on your character.
• Close with Confidence: Reiterate your excitement about the role and your confidence in your ability to succeed. A strong closing statement helps keep the conversation future-focused.

By taking a proactive and positive approach, you can exorcise your job search ghouls and move forward toward your next cleared career opportunity!