Scan the IT employment ads, and you'll see lots of openings with government contractors. The problem is, many of these positions require high-level security clearance because the job requires access to sensitive information.
So how do you go about obtaining security clearance? Unfortunately, individuals aren't allowed to apply on their own behalf. The request must come from an employer, according to a frequently asked questions file from the Defense Security Services (www.dss.mil/aboutdss/faq.htm#invgeneral). As an agency of the Department of Defense, the DSS conducts security investigations on behalf of the Defense Department and 21 other government agencies.
Employers may also submit a worker for clearance if the person has been formally offered a job and will come aboard in the near future. Washington Technology, a publication for government systems integrators, reports that firms such as defense technology vendor Northrop Gumman and IT services company McDonald Bradley, will hire noncleared personnel and provide training while candidates go through the clearance process (www.paul-tittle.com/pt/presskit/it%20talent%20war.html).
The bad news, though, is that you'll be in for a long wait. Caseloads have grown since Sept. 11, and the clearance process takes about six to 18 months, according to a series of articles in Washington Technology.
Writer Gail Repsher Emery has assembled one of the best sources of information about obtaining clearance that I was able to find online.
First, check out the article " The long and winding road: More contractors face delays as the demand for security clearances increases; agencies work to control backlogs. " You'll find it at www.washingtontechnology.com/news/16_24/cover/17995-1.html
To find out what's involved in getting clearance, go to www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27050-2002Mar27.html
And for information about what investigators are looking for, check out www.washingtontechnology.com/news/16_24/cover/17995-2.html
Good luck.
* It's not too late
The Network Professional Association is still looking for a few top-notch techies for its inaugural Awards for Professionalism. If you know someone who deserves to be honored at NetWorld+Interop, go to the NPA Awards page at:
www.npa.org/media/announce.htm
But do it quick - the deadline is April 25.
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Amy Schurr is an editor for Network World's Management Strategies and Features sections. If you have any career topics you'd like her to cover or want to comment on this newsletter, you can reach her at aschurr@nww.com.
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