Clearance Jobs Secrets: Resume Hacks & Cleared Career Tips | Katie of Clearance Jobs
How can you stand out in the competitive cleared job market and land your dream role? In this insightful episode of the Part-Time Hitter Podcast, Eric Evans sits down with Katie H, Content Marketing Manager for Clearance Jobs and a self-proclaimed "Secret Squirrel Meme Generator," to uncover the secrets of crafting winning resumes, navigating hiring freezes, and thriving in the clearance recruiting space. Together, they dive into practical tips for tailoring resumes, leveraging AI, and building connections with recruiters in an ever-changing job landscape.
Meet Our Expert: Katie H
With years of experience as a recruiter and now a key figure at Clearance Jobs, Katie H brings unparalleled expertise in the cleared job market. Her unique perspective as a "recovering recruiter" and meme creator offers valuable insights for job seekers looking to break into or advance in national security and contracting roles.
Deep Dive into Resume Optimization: Katie and Eric explore the dos and don’ts of resume writing for the cleared space, the importance of using precise language from job descriptions, and how to make recruiters’ lives easier in a flooded market. They discuss the role of AI in resume crafting, the impact of labor categories (LCATs) on pay, and strategies for standing out amidst increased competition due to government shifts.
Navigating the Cleared Job Market: Katie shares trends shaping the industry as of March 2025, including in-demand skill sets like AI and cyber defense, and offers advice for transitioning military personnel and reservists looking to enter the cleared space. This episode provides actionable guidance for anyone aiming to secure a cleared position.
Essential Resources for Job Seekers: Discover how to use Clearance Jobs effectively, connect with recruiters, and access free resume templates and support. Visit Clearance Jobs for more tools and insights to boost your career in the cleared community.
https://www.clearancejobs.com
Part-Time Hitter is brought to you by Friendly Forces and Clearance Jobs, organizations committed to supporting service members and professionals in the cleared and contracting sectors.
http://friendlyforces.com
http://clearancejobs.com
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50:13
Financial Independence / Next Endeavor (FINE) with Millennial Money Veteran
Breaking Echo Chambers: Overcoming Bias and Building Understanding with Millennial Money Veteran
How can we bridge divides and engage in meaningful conversations with those who hold opposing views? In this thought-provoking episode of the Part-Time Hitter Podcast, Eric Evans hosts Millennial Money Veteran, a financial expert and military veteran, to explore the art of navigating biases, breaking free from echo chambers, and fostering constructive dialogue. Together, they dive into strategies for understanding differing perspectives, challenging personal beliefs, and maintaining empathy in a polarized world.
Meet Our Expert: Millennial Money Veteran
With a background in military service and financial expertise, Millennial Money Veteran brings a unique perspective on personal growth, critical thinking, and overcoming biases. His experiences offer valuable insights for anyone looking to engage in difficult conversations and strengthen their mental resilience.
Deep Dive into Overcoming Bias: Millennial Money Veteran and Eric discuss practical approaches to identifying and combating personal biases, the importance of curiosity over combativeness, and the power of "steelmanning" to give the strongest interpretation of opposing viewpoints. They explore real-world examples, like vaccine debates and political polarization, to highlight how empathy and context can transform discussions.
A Veteran’s Journey Through Bias and Growth: Millennial Money Veteran shares his personal journey of seeking out opposing opinions, challenging his own beliefs, and using these experiences to grow both personally and professionally. This narrative provides inspiration for veterans and civilians alike to embrace discomfort for the sake of understanding.
Essential Resources for Growth and Connection: Learn how to approach difficult conversations with confidence and curiosity. Connect with Millennial Money Veteran for more insights on personal development and financial strategies for veterans.
https://millennialmoneyveteran.com
Part-Time Hitter is brought to you by Government Forces and The Variety Guard, entities dedicated to assisting service members across all phases of their careers.
http://governmentforces.com
http://thevarietyguard.com
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1:05:55
Navigating Reservist Civilian Career Challenges with USERRA Attorney Brian Lawler, USMC (Ret.)
Balancing the Scales: Navigating USERRA Rights with Expert InsightHow well are the rights of reservists and National Guard members protected under USERRA in real-world scenarios? In this enlightening episode, join Eric Evans as he hosts Brian Lawler, a seasoned attorney specializing in USERRA law. Lawler, with his extensive experience both in and out of military service, sheds light on the intricacies of USERRA, providing valuable insights for service members navigating their careers in the civilian workforce.Meet Our Expert: Brian Lawler Brian Lawler's journey from piloting F-18s to advocating for servicemembers in the courtroom gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and protections under USERRA. His insights are especially valuable for reservists and National Guard members facing employment challenges related to their service.Deep Dive into USERRA: Brian Lawler discusses various aspects of USERRA, explaining how it's designed to ensure that those who serve in the reserves or National Guard are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers. He delves into common issues like differential pay, employment discrimination, and how to effectively assert your rights under the law.A Lawyer’s Journey Through Military and Civil Law: Lawler shares his transition from active duty to law school, his specialization in USERRA, and the formation of his law practice focused on protecting servicemember rights. This narrative offers a roadmap for servicemembers considering a legal career post-service.Essential Resources for Understanding Your Rights: Equip yourself with the knowledge to safeguard your career. Connect with Brian Lawler for deeper insights and legal advice specific to USERRA.Brian Lawler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lawler-60b3584/Visit Pilot Law Corp: http://www.pilotlawcorp.comPart-Time Hitter is brought to you by Government Forces and The Variety Guard, entities dedicated to assisting service members across all phases of their careers. http://governmentforces.com http://thevarietyguard.com
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Holistic Health and Fitness with Alex Morrow and Drew Hammond | Unpacking H2F in the Army
Integrating Fitness with Military Duties: How Viable Is It?
Are there strategies to optimize human performance within the constraints of military life? Discover the answers in this episode with Alex Morrow and Drew Hammond, specialists in the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) initiative.
Welcome, Alex Morrow and Drew Hammond
Alex Morrow and Drew Hammond bring diverse backgrounds in fitness and military service. Their unique perspectives, stemming from experiences in conventional and special operations forces, delve into the integration of fitness within the military framework.
Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program
The H2F initiative aims to overhaul traditional military physical training, advocating a holistic approach that emphasizes physical, cognitive, and emotional fitness. Alex and Drew explore the philosophy and practical applications of H2F, offering insights that could serve as a roadmap for enhancing soldier readiness and capability globally.
The Journey to Fitness Specialization
Alex and Drew share their paths to becoming fitness specialists within the military. They discuss maintaining high fitness standards amidst their duties and the broader implications of their work on both military readiness and personal development.
"Understanding that fitness is as much about mental and emotional strength as it is about physical ability can fundamentally change how we approach training in the military," says Drew Hammond.
Resources
Learn more about the H2F initiative and connect with our guests for further insights into military fitness and health.
Alex Morrow Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/morrow-alex/
Drew Hammond Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-hammond-ms-cscs-09420318/
Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Variety Guard.
http://friendlyforces.com
http://thevarietyguard.com
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Security Clearances with the Clearance GOAT | Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs
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Do you find security clearances confusing? The
process, reasons for denial, and keeping up with updates can feel overwhelming
without someone to guide you. That’s why I sat down with Lindy Kyzer, the
Clearance GOAT, to break it all down. Tune in to hear everything you need to
know about security clearances, so you can navigate the system with confidence.
Clearance Jobs Overview
Lindy is the Director and PR of Clearance Jobs, a job
board and career resource for those with an active federal security
clearance.
The platform connects employers with candidates who
hold various levels of security clearances, such as intelligence,
military, and cybersecurity.
SF86 Form Updates and Process Changes
Lindy discusses the transition from the SF86 form to
the Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ).
The new form is designed to speed up the process by
breaking it down into four parts and making it less of a headache for job
applicants.
She also highlights the new digital form and E-App
system, which help save time and effort.
How to Know If a Clearance Is Still Active
One of the biggest questions from service members is
whether their clearance is still active post-separation.
Lindy addresses the upcoming policy change that extends
the window from two years to three years, allowing more flexibility for
transitioning service members.
She advises confirming the exact status of your
clearance by consulting with recruiters or security officers.
Common Reasons for Clearance Denials
Lindy highlights the primary reasons for clearance
denials:
Financial Issues:
Including significant debt and unpaid taxes.
Drug Use:
Especially in states where marijuana is legal, as federal law still
considers it illegal.
Criminal Conduct:
With the current continuous vetting system flagging issues more promptly.
Lindy emphasizes the importance of proactive
mitigation, advising individuals to seek financial counseling, address
substance abuse issues, and self-report any potential problems.
Advice for Transitioning Service Members
For service members entering the civilian workforce,
Lindy offers actionable advice:
Leverage prior clearance
eligibility when applying for roles.
Consider roles in the Guard or
Reserve that can lead to clearance upgrades
Research employer policies and
contract requirements regarding clearances.
"Being proactive is the best way to
mitigate issues in the clearance process. If something comes up, address it
head-on—it shows integrity and willingness to take responsibility." -
Lindy Kyzer.
Resources
clearancejobs.com
Lindy Kyzer on LinkedIn
Sponsors
Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by
Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.com
http://thefrattyguard.com
Part-Time Hitter is designed to help you thrive as a reservist. We have conversations with reservists who are doing great things as a part of their service or in their civilian life, and give you the information you need to reach your goals. Listen in for information about programs, services, and bonuses you can take advantage of. Life as a reservist can be a tough balance, but Part-Time Hitter is here with the inspiration and tools you need to thrive.
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