Getting a security clearance is super important if you want to work on sensitive stuff for the US government. It shows that you’re trustworthy and can keep national secrets safe. To get one, you go through a thorough check where investigators look into your background, actions, and whether you’re reliable.

Getting security clearance isn’t always a sure thing. The National Security Agency (NSA) turned down about 9.2% of applicants recently, which is the highest rejection rate among government agencies.

Security Clearance – Things to keep in mind

A security clearance evaluates your character and loyalty to the US. It’s done by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency using a comprehensive approach that looks at your entire background, much like how thorough background checks are done.

Yale University outlines three levels of security clearance:

Confidential – A possible threat to the country’s security

Secret – A substantial threat for the Country’s security

Top Secret – A high risk to the country’s security

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10 potential disqualifiers that can complicate your US Security Clearance

While not everyone in the US government needs a security clearance, certain roles demand it. This includes civilian and military staff, contractors, consultants, and grant recipients in agencies like the FBI and CIA. Here are ten factors that could affect your application for such positions.

1. Financial Troubles

Having a track record of not paying your bills on time can make you ineligible for a security clearance. It suggests you might not handle sensitive information responsibly, especially if you’re living beyond your means.

You can reduce the suspicious by:

• Problem was not under your control (divorce or a job loss)
• Taking help from government services for financial counseling
• Displaying facts that show you had arranged to pay debts

2. Foreign country influence

If you’ve spent a lot of time living, working, or doing business in another country, it might raise concerns that you could be influenced or manipulated by foreign governments. This could disqualify you for a security clearance.

To ease these concerns, you can:

• Revealing details about your foreign contacts and interests in the beginning
• Revealing and explaining that your ties will not cause any conflict

3. Doubts regarding Allegiance to the country

As per national security guidelines, if there’s any doubt about your loyalty to the United States—for instance, if you’re involved in terrorism or sedition activities—it could lead to disqualification. These actions threaten national security.

To address any concerns, it’s essential to:

• Mention that you were unaware of any anti-governmental issues
• You were involved with the group a long time ago
• Your involvement was only due to academic/ humanitarian purposes

4. Irrational sexual behavior

Participating in compulsive sexual behavior, even without facing legal consequences, can impact your application negatively. It suggests unreliability and susceptibility to manipulation.

To address concerns, it’s important to:

• The incident happened prior or during the teen days
• Approving the completion of any previous treatment program

5. Criminal or offensive records

If you have a history of criminal activity, it might lead to disqualification by the investigator. Engaging in unlawful behavior could raise doubts about your trustworthiness, decision-making, and commitment to following laws and regulations.

Certain government agencies might still consider hiring you even if you have minor, non-violent offenses that aren’t related to the job you’re applying for. Also, in many places, juvenile records are sealed or cleared automatically when you reach a certain age, like 18 or 21.

To address concerns, it’s important to:

• State that the crime was caused by your past influences
• The offense had happened a long time ago
• Providing evidence of your successful rehabilitation (maintaining employment and school)

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6. Not telling the truth during the security clearance review

If you give incorrect or deceptive details during your evaluation, refuse to meet with an investigator, decline a medical check-up, or reject a polygraph test, it could lead to disqualification by the government.

To alleviate concerns, it’s essential to:

• Alerting the investigator right-away
• Clearing that the issue was completely unintentional
• Mentioning clearly that you had concealed the details completely on the advice of the lawyer

7. Substance or alcohol abuse

If you’ve had issues like working while drunk or driving under the influence due to alcohol or substance abuse, it could lead to disqualification. This behavior suggests you might not be reliable or trustworthy enough for the job.

To ease concerns, you can:

• Providing proof of your unlikely relapse
• Registering yourself for a treatment program before you apply for a government job
• Mentioning that the alcohol or substance abuse happened a very long time ago

8. Psychological or behavioral issues

If you’ve had experiences involving self-harm, suicidal thoughts, violence, paranoia, or manipulative behavior, it might affect your application because these behaviors can impact your judgment and stability at work.

To alleviate concerns, you can:

• Prove that you can handle the situation by attending the therapy
• Showcasing that you followed your treatment plan correctly

9. Disclosing protected information

If you share confidential information with the media or people outside of work, it could lead to a denial of your security clearance. This suggests you can’t keep sensitive data safe, which is a big security concern.

To ease concerns, you can:

• Demonstrating that your behavior has changed after a security training
• The breach was caused due to an unclear instructions
• Clearing any possible doubt that the abuse was caused due to an accident which you had reported

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10. Using unauthorized information Technology

If you’ve been caught accessing computer systems without permission or tampering with data, it could lead to your application being denied. This behavior raises concerns about your trustworthiness and respect for rules.

To reassure investigators, you can:

• Mentioning that it was unplanned
• Get references from people who can assure your character as well as integrity
• You had acted as quickly as possible to correct the situation