You Don’t Have to Fit in a Box to Have a Career in National Security

There’s an idea that some people have about the cleared space: if you want to work in national security, you’re supposed to fit into a certain box. There’s a traditional path. A traditional résumé. A certain kind of background that makes you look like you “belong” in the room. After our recent conversation with Jessie Levin from the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF) on the Security Clearance Careers Podcast, we walked away thinking we need to throw that box out entirely. Because national security doesn’t just need one type of person. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Security Clearance Insecurity covers a timely issue facing the cleared workforce. Lindy Kyzer talks with Mike Flanders, founder of SudoTouch, about the technology gap slowing SCI nomination processing and how automation can help security offices keep pace with Trusted Workforce 2.0's shift to continuous vetting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every year, the ClearanceJobs Cleared Recruiting Survey provides a snapshot of what’s really happening inside the cleared hiring market. But behind every chart and percentage are recruiters navigating an increasingly complex mix of technology, compensation pressures, hard-to-fill roles, and changing candidate expectations.In a recent podcast conversation, we sat down with Jill Hamilton, who manages the Cleared Recruiting Survey, to go behind the numbers and discuss what stood out in the 2026 results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recruiters have more technology than ever—sourcing platforms, applicant tracking systems, automation and AI. So why do they still spend so much time on administrative work?It’s an interesting question for someone who has experienced recruiting technology from both sides: first as a talent acquisition leader and now as someone helping organizations rethink that experience with AgileATS.The bigger question is simple: Are we building technology around the way recruiters actually work—or asking recruiters to work around their technology? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you think about high-paying jobs in the cleared community, it’s easy to jump straight to software engineering, cloud computing, or other highly technical careers.But coding isn’t the only path to a lucrative cleared career.Across the national security workforce, employers need professionals who can analyze intelligence, manage programs, design training, communicate across languages, understand military operations, conduct research, and even bring creative ideas to life.If you have an active security clearance and the right combination of experience, education, and specialized skills, there are plenty of career paths worth exploring. Here are 12 cleared roles that demonstrate just how diverse the six-figure job market can be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Success can be measured in a lot of ways—titles, accomplishments, awards, or years of experience. But making a difference is something bigger. It’s about the impact you leave on the people, organizations, and communities around you.That idea is at the heart of the Difference Maker Top 100, a list created by Trish to recognize individuals whose work and leadership are creating meaningful change.In a recent conversation with Trish, we went behind the scenes of the Difference Maker Top 100 to learn why she created the list, what makes someone a true difference maker, and why taking the time to recognize impactful people matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While our audience knows ClearanceJobs, they may not know the person behind DHI Group (parent company of ClearanceJobs and Dice.com). Art Zeile, CEO, has had an incredible career—from serving in the Air Force to building multiple technology companies and now leading DHI. We sat down with Art for a wide-ranging discussion about the experiences that shaped his career, the lessons he carried forward from military service, his early exposure to the Pentagon, the realities of building technology companies, and what he sees ahead for the national security hiring market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes, getting a recruiter on the phone isn't about luck. It's about making it easy for them to see you're the right candidate to call. Tune in to this episode where Director of People Operations, Jessica Reynolds, shares insider tips about a recruiter's day to day and how to best get them on the phone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever stared at a blank screen wondering how to update your resume, write a cover letter, or prepare for an interview, you're not alone. ChatGPT can help eliminate the blank-page effect and speed up your job search—as long as you're using it as a starting point, not a substitute for your own experience.Here are 10 prompts to help you work smarter throughout your job search. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Side hustles can be a lifeline when you're between contracts—but for cleared professionals, choosing the right one matters. Whether your contract ended unexpectedly or you're waiting for your next opportunity, earning extra income doesn't have to put your security clearance or future career at risk.The good news? Having a side hustle isn't a red flag. In fact, many cleared professionals take on temporary work while searching for their next role. The key is ensuring your work is legal, doesn't create a conflict of interest, and is properly reported when required. As always, be honest about outside employment during the security clearance process and report all taxable income. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.