Suppose you see a job in which you would seem like the perfect candidate. Applying without further research could land you in a location that doesn’t suit you or work for an employer with a bad reputation. Such information you should gather include:

[Linkedin Group]

1. Experience and knowledge: Do you have enough relevant experience and/or knowledge to (1) prepare you for the job, (2) make a good candidate, and (3) allow you to succeed at the job? Many overseas security companies require two years of experience in security, anti-terrorism, investigation and interview, and/or intelligence work. A fitting background might include military or police experience. Furthermore, although many jobs require at least a high school diploma, most would prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field or enough real-world experience to account for the formal education.

2. Security clearance: Most overseas contracts require a security clearance, although not all. Before applying, find out whether a security clearance is necessary and what level of security clearance is required. Do you have a current security clearance? Have you had one in the past and it just needs to be updated? Is there anything that would make you ineligible or cause difficulty in obtaining a clearance?

3. Physical requirements: Are you physically fit enough to complete your daily job duties? Physical requirements can also include the ability to wear required equipment such as helmets and vests. Can you withstand carrying heavy loads? Are you able to stand for extended periods of time? This is extremely important information to gather prior to applying should you have physical limitations.

4. Daily job duties: Is this a job in which the day-to-day tasks will suit you, be a challenge to enable growth, and add to your resume?

5. Job expectations: Do the expectations match the daily job duties and responsibilities? Or are the expectations too high that they are unrealistic or too low that they won’t allow you to grow?

6. Pay range: Is the compensation fair for the responsibilities and expectations?

7. Location: Is this a dangerous location and are you willing to take that risk? Or is it in a location that doesn’t quite interest you or might be a problem?

8. Employer: What is the reputation of the employer? How long do contractors stay with the employer (as this could be an indication of problems)? What is the mission and culture of the employer?

9. Length of Contract: How long are you willing to work overseas? Are you willing to be away from family and home? Can you make the necessary preparations to ensure your family is taken care of while you are away?

Looking for a military contract job overseas? Subscribe here

Start your overseas job search →

Once the security package is received by the Office of Personnel Security and Suitability, it will be reviewed for completeness, and the information will be formally entered into a case management system. National agency record checks and scanned fingerprint checks are then conducted. A case manager will direct the background investigation to cover key events and contacts from the individual’s past and present history.

A critical step in the background investigation is the face-to-face interview the individual will have with a DS investigator. This interview usually occurs within a few weeks of an individual submitting a complete security clearance package.

DS investigators are located in the United States and overseas. These investigators verify the information an individual has supplied in his or her security package, such as where he or she has lived, gone to school, and worked. Investigators talk to current and former neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and classmates, as well as to the references an individual provided. Investigators also contact law enforcement agencies in each of the places an individual has lived, worked, or attended school.

Once the investigators have completed a report, highly trained security clearance adjudicators will weigh the results against existing adjudicative guidelines for security clearances.

Most individuals will be granted a security clearance, although complicating factors or derogatory findings may delay a decision or result in a denial of security clearance.

THE INTERIM SECURITY CLEARANCE

In exceptional circumstances, the hiring office may request an interim security clearance. The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability may be able to grant an interim security clearance within a few weeks after the individual has submitted a complete security package. Final clearances usually are processed and adjudicated in less than 90 days.

THE PERIODIC RE-INVESTIGATION

Security clearances are subject to periodic reinvestigation every 5 years. The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability notifies the individual when it is time for their reinvestigation. The individual will submit an updated security package and another background investigation will be conducted. The investigation will again cover key aspects of the individual’s life but will start from one’s previous background investigation.