Prepare Your New Hires for Their Clearance Interviews

We all know how long the security clearance application process can take. Taking time to prepare your new hires for their clearance application and background investigator interview can significantly reduce their clearance approval time. For example, tell your candidates going through a security clearance process that they should focus on honesty and straightforwardness rather than trying to impress the background investigator. Explain that the clearance process is distinct from a job interview, so providing accurate information related to trustworthiness is more critical than impressing with stories or high-profile references. Over-explaining or justifying career choices can lead to unnecessary complications.

Suggestions for Government Contractors:
1. Train on Honesty: Emphasize that transparency is key, but you don’t need to overshare.
2. Avoid Over-Preparation: Reinforce that rehearsed answers or trying to impress the investigator could raise suspicion. Instead, keep answers clear and factual.
3. Address Red Flags: Encourage candidates to be upfront about potential issues like financial troubles, foreign contacts, or past legal problems, explaining any mitigating factors.
4. Provide a Checklist: Ensure new hires gather necessary documents.
5. Offer Pre-Clearance Support: Designate a point of contact in your company for questions.