Getting Security Clearance: Speed Up the Application Process
I don’t know if there’s something in the water or what.
But lately I’ve been hearing from people in the military and state department who are struggling or frustrated right now.
For example, one state department employee got a pay cut because the hardship assignment she was assigned to was suddenly switched to non-hardship.
A military couple I know is serving overseas and their son is temporarily living with grandparents. They are tired of this arrangement and are looking for different employment but aren’t sure what to do right now.
Plenty of other military people I’ve talked to seem burned out and wondering if their experience would help or hinder them in getting work outside the military.
Then there are the military spouses who have a hard time getting a career going because they have no control over where they live and have to move often.
5 Tips for Faster Clearance
No matter what your situation is right now, a security clearance will help, so today I want to share with you some tips for speeding up the process for getting a clearance:
- 1. Practice filling out the SF 86 form on paper before filling it out online. It will save a ton of time.
- 2. List all short term employment, residences, education and other seemingly unimportant info, because it’s all important.
- 3. If you were fired from a job, be honest and explain why you were fired.
- 4. Study a copy of your credit report and make sure the info is accurate. Take steps to remove inaccurate info and prepare explanations for the negative items.
- 5. Accurately list all your previous employers, including correct and complete addresses and zip codes. Even a wrong zip code can result in weeks or months of delays because it will go to the wrong investigative office.
Thanks For Reading,
I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions.
Dan Anderson
MilitaryBases.com