Having security clearance on your resume is a big deal, and the details should be clearly outlined for recruiters to see. You can add the information to different resume sections depending on your preference.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is a security clearance?
- Types of security clearances
- How to list security clearances on your resume (with examples)
What is a security clearance?
A security clearance is a status given to employees working in organizations or government departments where confidentiality is paramount.
The role of security clearance is to protect government or trade secrets and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Some jobs that require confidentiality include military, information technology, engineering, and even some contractor jobs.
What types of security clearances are there?
A simple way to classify security clearances is by levels of confidentiality. There are currently three levels: confidential, secret, and top secret.
- Confidential — This is the basic level of security clearance and the easiest to obtain. If the information is disclosed, it is likely to cause a risk to national security. It is reinvestigated every 15 years.
- Secret — Secret is a middle-level security clearance status. If the information is disclosed, it is likely to cause a serious risk to national security. It is reinvestigated every 10 years.
- Top secret — This classification is one of the highest security clearance statuses. If the information is disclosed, it is likely to cause severe risk to national security. It is reinvestigated every five years.
How to list security clearance on your resume (with examples)
You can list security clearance on different sections of your resume depending on your preference. Here are three ways how to go about it:
List security clearance in the resume header, in your professional headline
This is where you list your security clearance upfront in the headline to make the recruiter know that your job is all about confidentiality.
Example: Contract Manager with Top Secret Security Clearance
Add security clearance level to your job description
In the job description section where you list your roles, you can add security clearance details. To make the details stand out, you can list them in a different font like italics.
Example:
Senior product developer, engineering
- Promoted from product developer to senior product developer with senior security clearance.
- Designed new and existing products in the market through research.
- Involved in research, prototyping, and planning of new products.
List security clearance in the summary section
In the summary section, you can write a few sentences or bullet points with information on your security clearance details. It looks like a quick snapshot of your professional work, but at the same time, it indicates your security clearance status.
Example:
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATION
- Software developer with expertise in developing and modifying existing code
- Active role in designing end-user application
- Granted CONFIDENTIAL status in developing project plans, identifying new technologies, and maintaining software systems.
Takeaways
You should clearly state security clearance details on your resume within roles and explain the level of clearance.
Remember:
- Make the details visible. List the security clearance details in a different font or use bold or italics
- Be precise. Do not bluff or use many words to explain.
- Make sure that the security clearance details go with your role.
These tips will help you properly show security clearance details on your resume. You can also check out Enhancv’s resume builder page to create a professional resume.
Make one that's truly you.
