"Currently hold a Secret Security Clearance or higher"
or
"Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability to obtain a Security Clearance if one is not currently held. Current Ts/SCI Security Clearance is a plus."
If you're ex-DoD, you might meet that requirement. If you're an experienced security professional, you might have had a company pay for you to get security clearance along the way. But if your a transplant or new grad you're stuck.
This isn't just a requirement for DoD, which is one of the largest employer in my area, but also for private industry. For example we have a lot of Pharmaceuticals and High Tech companies that require security clearance as well.
The question I get from frustrated friends and students is how do I get clearance? My usual answer is find a company to sponsor you, as it isn't cheap. But this morning I found a handbook that explains how to obtain, keep and re-activate (if you had it and let it lapse) security clearance. You're still better off finding a company sponsor but this will give you an idea of the process.
This Security Clearance Handbook 2010 (pdf) was assembled by the University of Fairfax. I would go into more detail about the contents of the handbook, but then would would be the point of linking to it. This handbook should answer most of the questions you have about security clearance.
If you have experience obtaining, maintaining, or re-activiating your security clearance and you would like to share your experience, please post in the comments.
