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Make the Right Moves in a Shifting Market With Tips From Celestar
Ready to secure your next cleared job and stand out from the crowd? Jacquelyn Weber, Senior Recruiting Manager at Celestar Holdings, knows what it takes to get hired—and she tells all in a recent episode of our Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How podcast.
From crafting a resume that works to navigating a market that’s flipped in favor of employers, her top job search tips are crucial for any cleared professional—whether you’re fresh from the military or eyeing your next cleared career move.
We’ve distilled her top five job search strategies from the episode. Read on to learn how to polish your approach and boost your chances of landing that next opportunity. You can also listen to the full episode here to get the complete scoop on Celestar and learn more from Jacquelyn.
1. Your Resume Needs to Tell the Whole Story
First up, Jacquelyn stressed the importance of a standout resume. When recruiters sift through large volumes of resumes, missing details can sink your chances. She noted, “I see a lot of resumes every single day, and one of the things that I tend to run into more often than not is that people don’t have information on their resumes. They leave things off, like their clearance level.” Jacquelyn explained that new recruiters breaking into the industry may not always know how to fill in the blanks, so give them the info they need up front.
That means including your security clearance, and relevant training and certifications with dates. But keep it tight. Jacquelyn warned, “You definitely don’t want to have a 10-page resume—a lot of recruiters won’t even look at it.” Aim for one or two pages that pack a punch, highlighting what makes you a qualified candidate. A complete, concise resume is your first step to getting noticed in a crowded market.
2. Stick Around for a While
Stability matters in the cleared job market, and Jacquelyn shared some cautionary words about job hopping. She said, “If you’re jumping from contract to contract, that’s not going to look good, because what that says to the company, as well as the client, is that you’re not someone who’s going to stay.” It’s costly for companies to bring people on board, so they want to invest in people who’ll stick around.
Her advice? Try to stay in a role for at least a couple of years to signal your reliability. Of course, contracts can end or shift hands. If that’s your story, clarify it on your resume or in an interview—something like, “Stayed with this contract for two years until it was re-competed.” In today’s market, where employers hold more cards, showing you’re in it for the long haul can set you apart from the pack.
3. Know Your Clearance Status
For transitioning military folks especially, Jacquelyn had a critical tip: Confirm your clearance status before you start applying. She shared an example of meeting an active-duty gentleman at a job fair who was getting ready to retire. She suggested they verify his clearance, as she’s seen issues arise in the past. Sure enough, his clearance was not active due to an administrative oversight.
So as you prepare to transition, contact your FSO (Facility Security Officer) to verify your clearance is good to go. Jacquelyn’s seen too many surprises where clearances have needed to be re-adjudicated, so don’t skip this step. A quick chat now ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running when you land an offer, avoiding setbacks.
4. Look Beyond the Paycheck
On another note, Jacquelyn encouraged job seekers to think bigger than salary. “It’s not always just about how much money you’re making or the title of the position,” she said. Benefits and culture can make a job worth taking, even if the pay isn’t your dream number.
When evaluating opportunities, consider the full package: Are the benefits solid? Is there growth potential? Does the team vibe feel right? In a competitive market, you might not snag top dollar right away, but a role with a supportive culture and a path upward can pay off long term.
5. Humble Yourself and Be Flexible
The job market has shifted, and Jacquelyn pointed out a big change: “It’s taken a turn with government jobs/people being furloughed. It’s more in the employer’s hands now, because there’s so many people out there looking for jobs.” With more candidates competing, you might need to adjust your expectations to stay in the game.
She urged, “Humble yourself a little bit.” Flexibility is key: Maybe you take an on-site role instead of holding out for remote, or start in a junior position with room to grow. So stay open to opportunities that might not check every box but still move you forward. Being adaptable will give you an edge.
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear more? Check out the full episode here for Jacquelyn’s complete take.
