INSIDE THE 
NEWS + ADVICE
Unlock Your Next Cleared Role with Advice from Bcore’s CEO
Looking to land your next cleared role or take your career to new heights? In a recent podcast episode of Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How, Chad Kim, CEO of Bcore, shares practical advice drawn from his extensive experience in the intelligence community. With a knack for building high-performing teams and a passion for empowering talent, Chad offers a fresh take on what it takes to succeed in today’s cleared job market.
Let’s break down four standout takeaways from his conversation to sharpen your job search and fuel your professional growth. Dive into the highlights below, and catch the full episode here for even more from Chad’s leadership playbook.
1. Apply with Intention
When asked for his go-to advice for job seekers, Chad encouraged candidates to be more intentional about what they want when applying for jobs. He further explained, “Once you know what you’re looking for in a role, then you can actually start asking questions.”
To put this into practice, take time to research positions and companies before applying. Tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase how your experience matches the role—whether it’s software development, AI, or intelligence analysis, areas Chad noted as key for Bcore.
He emphasized strategic fit, saying, “It’s not about just placing somebody—it’s also the other side of that coin: I want Bcore to offer future candidates something they’re missing as well.” Intentionality shows hiring managers you’re serious and engaged, helping you stand out.
2. Network and Ask to Meet Your Future Team
Networking is a cornerstone of a successful job search in the cleared market and Chad urged listeners to “build your network.” Adding, “Most of our talent acquisition comes through referrals,” revealing a common trend in the industry.
Beyond building connections, Chad also offered a proactive tip for the interview stage: “Ask to meet other people who are going to be on your future team.” He stressed, “That network piece, the culture, and vibe of a company, matters. It’s one thing to have a great role on-site, but another to have a company that actually supports growth and provides opportunities beyond that current position. If I were a candidate, I’d be damn sure I’m asking those questions to see what’s in it for me.”
3. Prioritize a Strong Say-Do Ratio
A key theme from Chad’s discussion is the “say-do ratio”—the consistency between promises and actions. He highlighted its importance in leadership and company culture at Bcore, stating, “Your say-to-do ratio has to be so on point. If you’re going to say something, you better execute.” Chad tied this to how his team operates, and how it builds trust and accountability across the organization.
For job seekers, this concept underscores what employers like Bcore prioritize: reliability. While he didn’t frame it as direct advice for candidates, the principle applies—showing you can follow through builds credibility. In your job search, this might look like delivering on small commitments, such as submitting requested materials on time or arriving prepared for interviews. In the intelligence community, where Bcore operates, dependability is essential, and a leader’s emphasis on a strong say-do ratio signals what hiring managers value in potential team members.
4. View Your Career as a Journey, Not a Path
Chad offered a refreshing perspective on career development, encouraging flexibility over rigidity. When talking about careers, Chad said, “It’s not a path, it’s a journey.” At Bcore, this translates to mission mobility, where team members rotate across projects to gain new skills, but the broader lesson applies to any cleared professional.
Chad elaborated, “I don’t want people locked into a single project or mission set forever—I want them rotating on these tours of duty where they’re learning new problem sets.” Use this approach to seek opportunities that enhance your tradecraft and adaptability, positioning you for long-term growth in a dynamic field.
Listen to the Full Episode
Whether you’re targeting a role at Bcore or elsewhere, applying these principles can elevate your job search and overall career growth. For the full discussion, listen to the episode here.
