How to effectively display a security clearance on resume

What is security clearance?

Security clearance is a status granted by the U.S. federal government that allows individuals to gain access to classified information, systems, and facilities. A rigorous background check process is required to vet individuals for good character and sound judgement. Government-issued security clearances are tiered, and each tier has different criteria for issuance.

Types of security clearances

The federal government issues security clearances at three levels: (1)

• Confidential: Grants access to information that may cause damage to national security if leaked
• Secret: Grants access to information that could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to national security if leaked
• Top Secret: Grants access to information that could reasonably be expected to cause exceptional levels of damage to national security if leaked

Some officials with top secret clearance may also be granted sensitive compartmented information or special access program clearance, which allows access to certain intelligence information on a need-to-know basis. (2) 

Importance of security clearances

Security clearances are designed to protect national security. If certain classified and secret information were to fall into the wrong hands, it could potentially lead to serious harm to government officials, government systems, and even U.S. citizens. 

Security clearances are crucial for ensuring that individuals gaining access to this information are trustworthy and don’t have ties to bad actors. Additionally, security clearances ensure that candidates understand the gravity of their privilege and will handle the information they become privy to with extreme caution.

Deciding to include security clearance on your resume

There are a few things you need to consider when deciding whether it’s appropriate to list your security clearance on resumes.

When to list a security clearance on your resume

If security clearance is relevant to the job, you should list it on your resume. For example, it’s likely relevant if you’re using a federal resume to apply for a job in government or with the military. It can also be relevant for a private sector company that has government contracts. 

Additionally, you should check the security clearance section of government job descriptions. If a security clearance is listed there, you should definitely include your clearance on your resume.

Even when listing your security clearance, make sure to tailor the other information on your resume to the job you’re applying for. It’s essential to make it obvious that you meet the security and experience requirements, or your application may not move forward in the hiring process.

Factors to consider before including security clearance

Before including your security clearance on resumes, consider the level of clearance needed for the job and whether you meet that requirement. If you don’t, you should inquire about whether the agency or employer will accept applications from candidates with lower-level clearances. You should also consider the type of information you’ll be handling and whether your clearance is relevant to that.

How to determine which level you need

If you’re applying for a government or military job that requires a security clearance, the required level will likely be listed in the job description. For private-sector employers, it may not be. 

In these cases, consider the type of information you may be exposed to and whether your security clearance is relevant or would be on par with the level of information access you’ll need. If you don’t have the level of clearance you need, be honest about this during the application process.

How to specify the type of security clearance you have

In the absence of any special instructions included in the job description, you can simply specify the level of clearance (e.g., confidential) and the date it was issued. If you’re specifying security clearances in your summary or employment history sections, consider including related experience or training. Avoid disclosing classified details or sensitive information about projects you worked on or who you worked with.

Where to put security clearance on your resume

You have several options when it comes to deciding where and how to add security clearance to resumes.

In a resume summary: highlighting your clearance

Your resume summary appears at the top of the document. Including your clearance here ensures that a hiring manager knows right away whether you meet clearance criteria and whether your application warrants further review.

In your work experience section: showcasing your expertise

If you use a resume format with a separate section for listing relevant work experience, you can include information about where and for which position you were granted that clearance. This helps bring context to your training and expertise.

In an additional information section: providing context

You can adjust your resume and cover letter templates to create a separate section for your certifications or additional information. This will give you even more room to add more context about your training.

In employment history: showcasing your experience

You may decide to include your security clearance in the bullet points that describe the past roles you’ve held. This allows space to describe the job duties attached to that clearance.

Best practices for listing security clearance

When it comes to disclosing security clearance, resumes should follow these best practices as closely as possible:

• Do clearly and concisely disclose your security clearance level, the date you obtained it, and the date it expires
• Don’t disclose classified details about the nature of your work or your coworkers
• Do explain what your security clearance means for hiring managers who may not be familiar with it
• Do mention any relevant experience or training related to the security clearance
• Don’t exaggerate your security clearance so that it overshadows your expertise
• Do use italics to make the details of your clearance stand out

When displayed correctly in your resume and cover letter, your security clearance disclosure can set you apart as a valuable candidate.

Examples of effective security clearance listings

If you need help figuring out how to display your security clearance, consider the following resume examples showing how to include the information in different sections.

In the resume summary

In the work experience section

In the certifications or additional information section

In the employment history section

Though not many resume articles mention it, a well-written resume with security clearance information displayed clearly and prominently can give you an advantage in landing your dream job.

"Security clearances ensure that candidates understand the gravity of their privilege and will handle the information they become privy to with extreme caution."

Let employers know you’re qualified with effective security clearance disclosure

Security clearances are a necessary part of applying for government jobs. If you have one, use it to your advantage by adjusting your resume and cover letter examples to ensure this information is displayed in a clear and concise manner.

Though you may be hesitant about including it (and should only do so if it’s relevant to the job), having your security clearance on your resume speaks volumes about your character and qualifications. Even if it isn’t required for the position, it can get your resume noticed and may put you at the top of the “yes” pile.

Sources:

(1) American Public University: Security Clearance Information

(2) U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Security: Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Program