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How to Find Candidates with Security Clearance

Cleared professionals can be some of the toughest candidates to recruit. Getting a security clearance is a long process, and once it’s secured, it has to be regularly maintained. These factors, along with a few others, make it challenging to fill critical roles with cleared talent.

So, what exactly makes hiring cleared talent difficult, and how can you overcome these hurdles?

Let’s dive in.

1. Limited Talent Pool

One of the main challenges in recruiting cleared professionals is the limited talent pool.

The pool of candidates with security clearances is significantly smaller than the general workforce, which makes it harder to find people who meet both the job requirements and clearance needs.

Plus, obtaining a security clearance requires rigorous background checks, a process that can take months or even years. Once secured, clearances need periodic renewals and ongoing updates to stay active, and some professionals may fall out of eligibility if they aren’t able to maintain their clearance.

Ways to Overcome This Challenge

  • Encourage current cleared employees to refer qualified colleagues or friends within their networks.
  • Consider sponsoring candidates who are eligible but need clearance. This approach requires investment but can help you build a more loyal and committed workforce.


2. Most Cleared Candidates are Passive Candidates

Cleared professionals are in high demand, and with fewer candidates in the overall talent pool, many are already employed. This means that some of the best potential candidates are passive candidates, and attracting them requires a more proactive approach.

Ways to Overcome This Challenge

  • Because much of the cleared talent pool already has jobs, you should be prepared to offer competitive compensation and benefits to make your offers more attractive.
  • Passive candidates often respond to roles that offer growth or advancement they may not have in their current position. Emphasize career growth and professional development in your outreach!

3. Cleared Talent is Harder to Reach

Finally, cleared talent is just harder to reach than candidates who don’t need security clearances. Why?

Many cleared professionals work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), high-security spaces designed to protect against electronic surveillance and data leaks. Because of the strict security measures in these facilities, employees are typically prohibited from bringing in their personal devices, like cell phones or tablets. This can make it challenging for recruiters to connect with potential candidates during regular business hours.

Ways to Overcome This Challenge

  • If you’re having trouble attracting cleared talent, consider focusing more on veterans in your hiring approach. Veterans are often strong candidates for cleared positions, since many either hold or have previously held security clearances during their service. They’re already accustomed to working in secure environments and may have transferable clearances or be eligible for reinstatement.
  • Staffing agencies that recruit cleared talent have established networks and understand the unique requirements and challenges of hiring these professionals. Insight Global is an industry-leading government staffing agency. We can help bridge your cleared talent gaps by leveraging our connections and expertise to find suitable candidates who are otherwise hard to reach.

How Will You Recruit Your Next Cleared Employee?

Recruiting cleared professionals can be tricky, but by understanding the challenges and applying targeted strategies—tapping into veteran networks, partnering with a specialized staffing agency like Insight Global, and adapting proactive outreach methods—you can improve your chances of connecting with top cleared talent!

Need to Hire?

Connect with Insight Global today. We can quickly find, screen, and interview cleared candidates for you. Questions? Call us toll-free: 855-485-8853