John Garrett, Director of Talent Acquisition at Zel Technologies (ZelTech), expects significant growth in 2026 and shares that the company has plans for its own SCIF. John discusses ZelTech’s long-standing history in embedded design, systems development, and rapid prototyping for offensive and defensive capabilities, with work spanning Florida to upstate New York and Northern Virginia. He walks through typical clearance needs (primarily SCI and CI poly roles), why ZelTech is a natural fit for veterans, and how the upcoming SCIF will expand the company’s ability to support customers and sponsor clearances. Plus, hear John’s memorable hiring story about someone trying to use AI during an interview—and why authenticity always wins.

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/zeltech-in-growth-mode-with-a-new-scif

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This episode from our Military Monday webinar series features ClearedJobs.Net veteran and host Bob Wheeler and special guest, Cassondra VanVliet, HR Director at ITC Defense. They dive into what it takes to shift into a civilian career, from setting realistic salary expectations to crafting resumes and networking effectively. If you’re feeling stuck, surprised, or unsure about your military transition, this conversation is for you—and even if you’ve never served, the advice on salary, resumes, and standing out applies to every job seeker in today’s market.

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/expectations-vs-reality-truth-about-salary-resumes-and-getting-hired

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In this special episode, Bob Wheeler and Courtney Schwarten break down how cleared job seekers can use job boards like ClearedJobs.Net to do more than just apply for openings. From understanding how recruiters search the database to optimizing your resume and profile for visibility, you’ll learn how to make the platform work smarter for you. Tune in to discover practical strategies that help you get noticed by the right employers faster.

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/how-to-make-job-boards-work-for-you-podcast

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This show is brought to you by ClearedJobs.Net.

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From casual dates to messy divorces, your personal life can pose significant risks to your security clearance. Anthony Kuhn, Managing Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, shares expert insights on navigating these challenges in our special episode on love and security clearances.

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/love-and-security-clearances-implications-of-dating-to-divorce-podcast

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This show is brought to you by ClearedJobs.Net.

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Columbia Technology Partners (CTP) fosters a vibrant, competitive culture that blends professional growth with a fun, engaging workplace, shares Allen Scott, the Director of People & Culture. CTP seeks cleared professionals, particularly those with CISSP and ISSEP certifications, for roles in cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and systems engineering. The company supports continuous education with paid training and exams to fuel career advancement. Beyond work, CTP’s new office boasts 75-inch TVs, video game tournaments, cornhole, and regular happy hours, creating a welcoming environment where coworkers can connect. With opportunities in Maryland, Aberdeen, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, CTP offers prospective employees both challenging missions and a lively, supportive culture.

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/columbia-technology-partners-upskilling-from-certs-to-cornhole-podcast

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This special Bonus Episode of our podcast gives you the inside scoop on writing a cover letter that counts. A well-written cover letter is a useful weapon in your cleared job search arsenal. It can set you apart from other cleared candidates, and can make the difference when two candidates are close. Many recruiters dread cover letters because they’re essentially all the same, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Stand out from your competition with these tips!

• 2:33 Write your cover letter to the hiring manager, not “To Whom It May Concern.” Research and address a specific person.
• 3:10 A cover letter is not all about you—it’s about solving the hiring manager’s problems with your skills.
• 6:06 Skip the clichés—don’t claim to be “self-motivated” or a “team player.” Show results instead.

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-that-matters-podcast

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Elder Research stands out among government contractors by offering exceptional job stability, having only lost two employees due to contract changes in the last 30 years—a point of pride rooted in their strong commitment to long-term career growth. The company, which focuses on data science, AI, and machine learning, actively supports cleared contracts in the DoD, Intel, and federal civilian sectors, and is currently hiring data scientists, analysts, engineers, and other tech professionals. With a culture grounded in humility and loyalty, Elder Research evaluates candidates not just for the job at hand, but for a potential lifelong career with the organization, shares Charlie Miles, Talent Acquisition Director.

• 4:38 Seeking data scientists, data engineers, data analysts, as well as software engineers.
• 7:37 Elder tries to hire employees for the long term.
• 11:48 Charlie’s Four Cs of job search. How to evaluate a job opportunity. Compensation, Culture, Contribution, and Commute.

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/elder-research-stability-and-lifelong-career-podcast

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We’re sharing this episode of our Military Monday series, hosted by ClearedJobs.Net veteran and former recruiter Bob Wheeler. April Martinez, a former Army Arabic linguist and now Associate Director of Resource Management with AT&T, shares insights on security clearances and military transition. She explains how different types of polygraphs—CI vs. Full Scope—impact job opportunities, along with the military’s waiver system and the importance of knowing your clearance status. Veterans are encouraged to prepare early, ask questions, leverage job fairs, and understand contingent offers to make their transition smoother and more successful.

• 2:40 Polygraphs are in demand, but it’s also a limiting factor, changing where you can go and how you can get there.
• 6:17 The military has a waiver that allows CI polys to work in Full Scope jobs.
• 12:48 Information a veteran needs to know about their security clearance.

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/security-clearances-and-your-military-transition-podcast

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Welcome to this special edition of Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How. Today’s episode is a “producer pick” featuring a past episode with Peter Alcantara of Acuity. If you missed it the first time, enjoy learning about the company’s growth, proactive recruiting strategies, and the importance of confidence in your cleared job search.

View the show notes and transcript from the original airing of this episode here: https://clearedjobs.net/acuity-proactive-recruiting-and-candidate-confidence-podcast/

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Dr. Allan Sonsteby is the Executive Director of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. He shares that employees are driven by mission-oriented work that directly supports national security and the defense industrial base, with opportunities to see immediate impact from their efforts. As a University Affiliated Research Center, ARL conducts research from basic science through prototyping, in areas such as undersea systems, directed energy, and cyber technologies, employing over 1,600 staff—most with security clearances. With locations across the U.S., strong benefits, and pathways like the DoD SkillBridge program, the Lab offers more than 200 open roles across engineering, operations, security, and support functions.

• 13:56 Opportunity to do great things and have an impact.
• 14:37 University benefits are amazing. Tuition discount for spouses and dependents, 75% off tuition.
• 15:45 How to reach the recruiting team at the Lab. 

Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/arl-penn-state-advancing-defense-research-and-innovation-podcast/

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This show is brought to you by ClearedJobs.Net.

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