For many careers, it’s necessary to have a Security Clearance. In order to obtain one, you have to have a background investigation. It’s a long and tedious process and many times it can be made longer by not having a full understanding of what is needed to aid the investigation. I interviewed Special Investigator Katie E., who has been conducting background checks for over five years. She had these tips on how to help the process along:
1. Read the Instructions – Katie mentions that, “When it comes to completing the security questionnaire, either the SF-86 or SF-85P,” people often don’t read the instructions and omit requested information, like residences, employment activities, arrests, mental health treatment, and financial actions.
2. Provide Accurate Information – Another issue Katie sees often are people “providing incorrect contact information for references or listing people who don’t know why they are listed. Example: Listing a friend from California for your residence in Virginia when that person has never been there.”
3. Cooperate With Your Investigator – Katie says that “another problem is not responding to your investigator in a timely manner, either to set up the interview or follow up with requested information from the interview after going over the security questionnaire. This generally happens when the individual did not fill out the questionnaire correctly and additions and corrections need to be made.”
According to Katie, “These things happen daily and it’s extra obstacles the investigator has to correct before the fieldwork begins in the background investigation. Lack of cooperation or poor attention to detail can add weeks to the background investigation.”
