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Using AI in Your Security-Cleared Job Search and Workplace
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how professionals approach job search and workplace productivity. From crafting resumes to streamlining processes, AI offers powerful tools to boost efficiency. For security-cleared professionals, however, the priority remains safeguarding sensitive information in all settings, whether using AI or traditional means. Ensure the same rigorous precautions you use to prevent sharing classified details in resumes, emails, or conversations are applied when using AI tools as well.
If you’re considering using AI in your security-cleared job search or workplace, follow these steps to ensure you leverage the technology safely while upholding your obligations as a security clearance holder.
AI: Just Another Tool to Handle with Care
For cleared professionals, maintaining a security clearance means adhering to strict protocols for handling sensitive information. This responsibility doesn’t change when using AI tools like chatbots, resume builders, or workflow automation platforms.
Just as you wouldn’t include classified details in a resume sent to a civilian employer, you must not enter sensitive data into AI systems. Inputting classified, proprietary, or sensitive data into an unsecured AI tool could violate Adjudicative Guideline K (Handling Protected Information), which addresses the mishandling of sensitive data.
Exercise caution and avoid sharing sensitive information in AI tools, even when it feels like private brainstorming, as these platforms often retain or process data in ways that risk unintended exposure. OpenAI’s consumer-grade ChatGPT is not certified for handling classified or legally protected data (like ITAR, HIPAA, CJIS, etc.). In cleared environments, where even minor breaches can compromise organizational or national security, maintaining constant vigilance is critical.
Using AI in Your Security-Cleared Job Search
When searching for a new role as a security-cleared professional, AI can help create polished application materials, but again, you must prioritize security.
Using resources like ChatGPT can improve your resume and cover letters, but be cautious about what you input and include in the final versions you distribute to employers. Regardless of your use of AI, it’s smart to conduct your own pre-publication review to ensure no classified or sensitive information is inadvertently disclosed.
If you do opt to use AI tools in the creation or modification of your job search marketing materials, always review AI-generated content for accuracy, as it may include exaggerated claims or make errors.
As Kara Waters of JT4 shared in a recent podcast episode, “Proofread it afterward. I’ve seen wonky, robotic things. AI isn’t perfect—it can use the wrong job title or mess up dates. You can’t rely on it to do everything. It’s a refining tool to make things easier, not to do the job for you.”
Responsible AI Practices in Cleared Workplaces
AI can enhance productivity in the workplace, but it must align with your organization’s security protocols and policies. In the cleared community, AI use in the workplace varies widely. Someone at headquarters in an HR position may have more flexibility and freedom to use AI tools than someone working in a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility).
Technical recruiter, Ashley Owens, shared in a podcast episode that, “On the government contractor side, depending on what role you have, you can use ChatGPT. However, if you are an employee who has a CAC card reader on your computer, that’s a pretty telltale sign that I would not recommend downloading this on your work device…You need to be mindful of OpSec and what you’re adding on to that device.”
“I have seen some faux pas where certain individuals have tried to rewrite, for example, SOPs,” added Owens. “And they provided ChatGPT with all the information to revise that SOP. However, it was in a classified environment—that’s not recommended!”
Regardless of your role, consult your organization’s security guidelines before using AI in the workplace. Unauthorized AI use, even without sharing sensitive data, may violate protocols.
Steps for Safe AI Use
To use AI responsibly while upholding your security obligations, follow these steps:
- Check Organizational Policies: Confirm whether AI use is permitted and identify approved tools with your manager, FSO, or security team.
- Protect Sensitive Data: Never input classified, proprietary, or client-related information into AI platforms, just as you wouldn’t in public documents.
- Scrutinize Outputs: Review AI-generated content for accuracy and compliance.
- Be Transparent: Report AI use to your supervisor or security team when required to maintain trust and accountability.
- Stay Informed: Seek training or briefings on AI risks, such as data retention, to align with evolving security standards.
Your FSO is a great resource to help you clarify rules about handling sensitive data. If you’re unsure about an AI tool’s safety, consult your security officer before proceeding to protect yourself and your employer. And always verify with your organization’s policies or chain of command to ensure compliance.
Balancing AI’s Benefits with Operational Security
AI offers opportunities to enhance job search and workplace efficiency, but it doesn’t alter the core responsibilities of cleared professionals. Your commitment to protecting sensitive information and following policies remains paramount. By applying the same caution to AI as you do to other tools, you can leverage its benefits while upholding the trust and integrity expected of you. As the National Cybersecurity Alliance advises, don’t enter information into AI tools that you wouldn’t share in a press release or post publicly. Stay vigilant, consult your organization, and maintain high ethical standards.
