If you’ve ever searched for high-paying, in-demand jobs with the federal government or defense contractors, you’ve probably noticed a recurring requirement: security clearance needed. For job seekers who don’t already hold a clearance, this can feel like a locked door keeping them from life-changing career opportunities.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we want to show you how to position yourself to get sponsored for a clearance and how our Pre-Employment Security Clearance Screening service can set you apart from the competition.

Why Would You Want a Security Clearance?

Getting a security clearance can dramatically change your career trajectory:

  • Access to more jobs – Clearances open doors to thousands of federal and defense contractor roles in cybersecurity, IT, logistics, intelligence, engineering, linguistics, and more. Many of these positions are overseas in places like Japan, Korea, Germany, Kuwait, or Qatar, giving you the chance to work abroad while serving U.S. interests.

  • Higher salaries – Clearance-required jobs typically pay well above market rates. Recruiters know the clearance process is lengthy, so they often pay more to attract candidates who can qualify. Mid- and senior-level clearance jobs routinely exceed six figures, sometimes reaching $150,000–$200,000+ with overseas bonuses.

  • Less competition – Since most Americans do not hold a clearance, you’ll face fewer applicants once you’re in the clearance pipeline.

  • Career growth & stability – A clearance makes you a trusted insider. Once you have one, maintaining it can fuel a long career in government or contracting.

Can You Apply for a Security Clearance on Your Own?

Here’s the short answer: No, you cannot get a clearance independently.

Clearances are always tied to a specific job that requires access to classified information, and only a government agency or contractor can sponsor you. The federal government initiates, conducts, and pays for the clearance investigation—you can’t just apply for one on your own.

How Do You Get Sponsored for a Clearance?

If you want a clearance, the path is straightforward: get hired for a job that requires one, and your employer will sponsor you.

Here are a few practical tips:

  • Search job postings that say “ability to obtain a clearance” – Employers sometimes hire people without an active clearance if they’re confident you can get one. Look for phrases like “must be able to obtain a Secret clearance” or “eligible for clearance.”

  • Use the right search terms – Try Indeed, ClearanceJobs.com, or contractor career sites like SAIC or Vectrus. Use keywords like “ability to obtain a security clearance” or “must be eligible for clearance.”

  • Target entry-level or Secret clearance roles first – It’s usually faster to move from no clearance → Secret → Top Secret than trying to leap directly into a Top Secret job. Interim Secret clearances can be issued in a few months, while Top Secret can take a year or more.

  • Meet baseline technical requirements – Many contractor jobs require certifications under DoD Directive 8570/8140 (like Security+, CISSP, or CCNA). Getting certified before you apply can make you a stronger candidate.

How National Security Law Firm Can Give You a Competitive Edge

Even though you can’t apply for a clearance directly, you can still prove your clearability to employers.

That’s where our Pre-Employment Security Clearance Screening comes in.

What It Is

For a flat fee of $950, our security clearance lawyers conduct a legal review of your background to identify any issues that could affect your eligibility. We then issue a formal letter you can show to employers, confirming either:

✔️ You have no known barriers to obtaining a clearance, or
✔️ Any potential issues exist but can be mitigated under federal guidelines.

Why It Matters

  • Employers want reassurance. Hiring someone who later fails clearance wastes time and money. Our letter reduces that risk.

  • It makes you stand out. Most candidates can only say, “I think I’d qualify.” You can hand over a letter from clearance attorneys saying, “I’ve already been screened.”

  • It speeds up hiring. Employers are more likely to sponsor someone who’s already been vetted.

What Our Screening Covers

  • Criminal history – Past charges and how they may affect clearance.

  • Financial issues – Debt, bankruptcy, or delinquencies.

  • Foreign influence – International contacts or travel.

  • Drug and alcohol use – Past behavior and how it’s viewed today.

  • Employment and military history – Gaps, misconduct, or concerns.

If we find concerns, we’ll explain how they can be mitigated so you can address them proactively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a clearance before getting a job?
❌ No. You must be sponsored.

Can I use the Pre-Employment Screening letter for multiple applications?
✔️ Yes. It can be used across applications to demonstrate your eligibility.

Does this guarantee I’ll get a clearance?
❌ No one can guarantee a clearance—but our letter shows employers you’ve already been reviewed by clearance attorneys, which sets you apart.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let the lack of a clearance keep you from applying for the jobs you want. With NSLF’s Pre-Employment Security Clearance Screening, you can:

⚔️ Prove you’re clearable.
⚔️ Stand out to employers.
⚔️ Increase your chances of sponsorship.

📞  Book a Consultation Online.

🔹 Legal Financing Available – Pay over time.
🔹 Read Our 4.9-Star Google Reviews

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You. ⚔️

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

When your career, reputation, and future are at risk, you need a team that’s built for this battlefield.

  • ⭐ 4.9-star Google rating: Read our reviews
  • 🛡️ Attorneys with real-world government and clearance experience—former prosecutors, adjudicators, and JAG officers
  • 🧠 Weekly Attorney Review Boards to ensure strategic oversight of every complex case
  • 📍 Located in Washington, D.C., the hub of national security and clearance decisions
  • 🪖 Founded by disabled veterans; built by those who’ve served
  • 🔒 Deep bench strength across related areas: federal employment, military law, FOIA, appeals, and more

Additional Resources

If you want to dive deeper into the clearance process, visit our main practice area page here:
👉 https://www.nationalsecuritylawfirm.com/security-clearance/

There, you’ll find helpful content on:

  • Top mistakes to avoid
  • How to win a clearance appeal
  • Defensive strategies for each guideline
  • Timeline and expectations for your case
  • Frequently asked questions and myth-busting tips