[the_snooze]

> I need to obtain a job that requires a clearance, and the job has to "sponsor" the application for the clearance, before I can get one. Well, this is a catch-22, since I can't obtain a job without a clearance, and I can't get a clearance without a job. Although I'm qualified for these jobs(sometimes overqualified), I can't have them, because of this paradoxical security clearance.

Most jobs that require a clearance only require you to be eligible for one. That is, you’re a US citizen and are truthful on your clearance application form. There are indeed positions that require you to have one going in, but those are few and far between. From my experience, it’s limited to highly specialized staff/principal/management openings where the company would rather hire through their networks than randos applying through an ad.

[relaxing]

Many companies are indeed looking for an active clearance, because they want to start someone immediately and don’t want to take the risk of hiring someone whose clearance doesn’t come through because they smoked pot or got busted for underage drinking in college.

Some companies are willing to do this, or they might make an offer contingent on receiving a clearance, or they have an arrangement with their sponsoring agency where they can begin unclassified work while waiting on their clearance.