Navigating the Maze: Top 5 Security Clearance Job Sites for Your Career Ascent

Top 5 Security Clearance Job Sites for Job Seekers 🕵️‍♀️

Finding the right job can be challenging, but it becomes even more nuanced when your career path requires security and a more discrete search.  In this challenging job market, even for “cleared” professional getting the most exposure is what’s needed sometimes. 

Having a security clearance for several decades has been a “golden ticket” especially for folks with a high-level clearance with the usual additions… You know, SSBI, Poly, etc. 

However, it seems to have changed with the DOGE cuts, which have certainly added an unusual dynamic to the search even with most clearance levels and types.

Secondly, remote roles even for cleared professionals are now being scrutinized so this adds another layer of complexity.

In this post I hope to provide insight into the best sites for you to search for your next role in the cleared sector.

Navigating the numerous job boards and understanding which ones specifically cater to cleared professionals is crucial for a successful job search.

This post highlights five of the top security clearance job sites, explaining why they stand out and providing valuable insights for job seekers in this specialized field.

Please note that real-time website traffic and job counts fluctuate, so the figures provided are approximate based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

1. ClearanceJobs.com 🚀

Why it's a top site: ClearanceJobs is arguably the most well-known and comprehensive platform dedicated solely to security-cleared professionals.  IMO, it’s also the best platform for traffic and the “quality” of opportunities.

ClearanceJobs is the go-to niche marketplace for cleared talent.

Recruiters for DoD/intel contractors treat ClearanceJobs like LinkedIn for cleared people — meaning real cleared roles and recruiters who understand adjudication windows, polygraphs, and the paperwork game.

If you’re actively hunting cleared tech, intel, cyber, or program roles, this site will surface positions that rarely show up on big boards.

It boasts a vast database of jobs across various industries, including defense, intelligence, technology, and government contracting. The site's focus on clearances means that job seekers can be confident that the opportunities listed align with their qualifications.

Beyond job postings, ClearanceJobs offers valuable resources such as salary surveys, career advice articles, and virtual career fairs, making it a holistic platform for career development in the cleared community.

Their robust resume database allows cleared professionals to be easily discovered by recruiters actively seeking their specific skill sets and clearance levels.

Founded: 2002

Approximate Traffic: Over 1 million monthly visits.

Approximate Number of Jobs: Over 50,000.

2. ClearedJobs.Net  🏢

Why it's a top site: ClearedJob.net specializes in connecting professionals with government contracting opportunities, many of which require security clearances.  

This site, I have personally been for over 20 years, its been a go to and for me seemed to provide more “serious” traffic.

This site provides a targeted approach for individuals looking to work with or for the U.S. federal government and its various contractors. Its user-friendly interface and advanced search filters allow job seekers to narrow down their options based on clearance level, location, and specific skills.  If you want a foot in the recruiter door beyond clicking “apply,” this is a solid complement to ClearanceJobs.

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ClearedJobs.Net often features positions that might not be advertised on more general job boards, making it a valuable resource for those seeking niche roles within the government contracting sector. Their focus on this specific industry also means they attract recruiters who are actively looking for cleared talent within this domain.

Approximate Traffic: Estimates vary, but more modest traffic than ClearanceJobs.

Approximate Number of Jobs: Tens of thousands.                         

Check out my YouTube video on 3 Surprising Ways to get a Security Clearance.

https://youtu.be/bPBQVdHqvpU

3. Indeed.com (with targeted search) 🔍

I know I said “Indeed”.  Indeed, is well known for spam and clearly they post any and every job available with little scrutiny. 

However, it’s hard to ignore the traffic, so you have to be patient and weed thru the spam if you do go on the site. There are good government contract roles there if your patient.

Honestly, I do not go on Indeed anymore, its been a trash heap from my experience. How do I know?

I always use an “email” alias for each site, so I know what site the spam and few good leads are coming from.  (No, I do not want to buy life insurance, provide my SSN and DOB to a Prakesh on IP phone, become a funeral expense salesman or buy a junk hauling franchise!!)

My Advice is to setup aliases.

Example:   Job Search Site  to Email Alias for tracking purposes.

Why it can be a top site: While Indeed is a general job search engine, its sheer size and comprehensive reach make it an essential tool for security-cleared professionals.

By using specific keywords like "security clearance," "TS/SCI," or the names of government agencies, job seekers can effectively filter through the vast number of listings and identify relevant opportunities. Indeed's resume upload and application features streamline the job search process. Furthermore, many companies, including those hiring cleared individuals, post their jobs on Indeed to maximize visibility.

While not exclusively focused on clearances, Indeed’s breadth ensures a wide range of potential opportunities, especially when combined with targeted search terms and filters.

Approximate Traffic: Over 700 million monthly visits globally.

Approximate Number of Jobs (with clearance keywords): Tens of thousands (fluctuates significantly).

4. LinkedIn 💼

Why it's a top site: LinkedIn is a powerful professional networking platform that also serves as a significant job board. For security-cleared professionals, LinkedIn offers the unique advantage of connecting with recruiters and hiring managers directly.

Many companies actively search LinkedIn for candidates with specific clearance levels and skill sets. Job seekers can also join groups related to security clearances and government contracts to stay informed about new opportunities and industry trends. Building a strong professional profile on LinkedIn and actively engaging with relevant networks can significantly enhance a cleared individual's job search. The platform's emphasis on professional connections makes it invaluable for both finding jobs and staying connected within the cleared community.

Approximate Traffic: Over 774 million registered members globally, with significant job-seeking activity.

Approximate Number of Jobs (with clearance keywords): Tens of thousands (highly dynamic).

5. USAJOBS.gov 🇺🇸

Why it's a top site: For those seeking direct employment with the U.S. federal government, USAJOBS is the official website and a paramount resource. Many federal positions require security clearances, and USAJOBS is where these opportunities are exclusively listed.

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The site provides detailed information about government agencies, job requirements, and the application process. While navigating the federal application system can sometimes be intricate, USAJOBS is the definitive source for cleared individuals looking to serve in government roles. It offers unparalleled access to a wide array of positions across various government branches and locations, making it indispensable for those interested in public service.

Approximate Traffic: Tens of millions of monthly visits.

Approximate Number of Jobs (requiring clearance): Thousands (varies depending on agency hiring needs).

Why These Sites Provide a unique experience for Job Seekers:

These five platforms cater effectively to security-cleared job seekers for several key reasons:

• Targeted Audience: ClearanceJobs and Clearedjobs specifically focus on the cleared community and government contracting, ensuring that job seekers aren't sifting through irrelevant listings.
• Vast Job Databases: All five platforms, in their own way, offer access to a significant number of job opportunities relevant to cleared professionals.
• Advanced Filtering: They provide robust search filters that allow users to narrow down their search based on clearance level, location, job function, and other crucial criteria.
• Recruiter Presence: These sites attract recruiters who actively seek candidates with security clearances, increasing the likelihood of connecting with relevant hiring managers.
• Additional Resources: Many offer valuable resources like resume databases, career advice, salary information, and networking opportunities, supporting job seekers beyond just job postings.
• Direct Government Access: USAJOBS provides the exclusive gateway to federal government positions requiring clearances.
• Networking Opportunities: LinkedIn's professional networking capabilities allow cleared professionals to connect with industry peers and potential employers.

Conclusion:

Navigating the job market with a security clearance requires a strategic approach. By leveraging these top five job sites – ClearanceJobs, ClearedJobs.net, Indeed (with targeted searching), LinkedIn, and USAJOBS – cleared professionals can significantly enhance their job search efforts. Each platform offers unique advantages, and utilizing them in combination will provide the most comprehensive access to available opportunities and valuable career resources.

Remember to keep your profiles and resumes up-to-date and tailor your search strategies to your specific clearance level and career goals. Good luck with your job search! 🚀

Take the Official Certification and Distinguish yourself in the Federal Sector. The Certified Federal Cloud Solutions Architect (CFCSA)