Question:
In my job search I frequently hit
jobs that require security clearance.
All very good jobs: Ada, embedded...
The only condition I fail on is clearance.
From the other threads on the subject I
gather that I can't get clearance on my own,
Interested company should apply.
But in the last year I didn't see a single
ad from government contractors that would
make clearance itself -- everyone wants it
ready-to-go.
So how people having clearances now got them
in the first place? Was situation different
in bubble times?
When I apply to these positions recruiters
respond instantaneously which tells me
that the area is pretty competitive.
But they often get pissed when find that I
don't have clearance: "Wasn't it marked clearly
enough in the job ad?"
So how do I get about getting the clearance
if all companies expect me to have it already?
Answer:
The following three-part article should answer your questions...
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa120901a.htm
Security Clearance Secrets
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa120901b.htm
Security Clearance Secrets
"What About these Companies that Advertise to Hire People With
Clearances?
If you already have a valid security clearance, that's a valuable
commodity for government contractors whose employees require a
security clearance. Processing security clearances cost money, and
requires time (sometimes several months). The average cost to process
a SECRET clearance can run from several hundred dollars to $3,000,
depending upon individual factors. The average cost to process a TOP
SECRET clearance is between $3,000 and about $15,000, depending upon
individual factors.
The government pays the cost of clearances for military personnel and
civilian government employees. The law requires that contractors pay
most of the costs of obtaining clearances for their employees. That's
why contractors quite often advertise to try and find employees who
already hold a valid clearance. It saves them several thousands of
dollars. Additionally, it saves them time, as they don't have to wait
for months for the new employee to obtain a clearance, and begin to do
the job they were hired for.
You cannot simply request a clearance for yourself and offer to pay
for it. To obtain a clearance you have to have a job which requires
one (either by being in the military, or a government civilian job, or
a contractor job).
However, there is no reason why you should not apply for these jobs.
If it comes down to a choice between you and a candidate who already
has a clearance, the contractor will probably choose the other
candidate (saving thousands of dollars in the process). However, if
the contractor can't find anyone else who already holds a clearance,
they may decide to hire you anyway, and pay for your clearance
process."
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa120901c.htm
Security Clearance Secrets
