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Derrick Dortch is a career counselor who specializes in government job searching and military transition. Currently, he is president of The Diversa Group , a firm that focuses on career counseling and development, entrepreneurship, leadership and organizational consulting, training and development. He also runs The Career Success Group as well as Targeted Resumes .

Find more career-related news and advice in our Jobs section.

The transcript follows below.

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Derrick Dortch: Good Morning, Good Morning,

Today is a hot, but beautiful, day in DC. We have a great deal of questions today so I am going to jump right into it. I will have some notes and news at the end of the show. So if you have any questions about security clearances, the government job search, the private and non-profit/NGO job search, or anything related to your career, work and life then please ask. I will do my best to get your questions.

ENJOY!

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Arlington, Va.: I didn't get a job I applied for, was rejected over e-mail (ugh) and e-mailed back politely acknowledging the reject and asking what I could have done better. No response. I've heard a lot of employers won't answer that question -- why is that?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Arlington,

There are many employers who will not answer questions providing information on what you could have done better on the interview. There are several reasons for it. One, depending on what is said some people can use this information against the employer. People are selected both because of skills, qualifications and experience and also personality and other factors. Also sometimes interviews are just processes employers go through and they already know the candidate they want before the interviews start. Bringing other candidates in is more for show.

With interviewing I have seen so many variables it is hard to tell what is the case sometimes.

Other times it is really not about what you have done wrong and more about there was someone else who the employer liked better. The second reason is that many do not have time to tell people what they did wrong during the interview. Third, most people do not feel any obligation to help you improve your interview skills. They feel that this is your job. These are just some of the reasons.

With all that being said I think you did the right thing in asking what you did. If you have a question that is appropriate do not be afraid to ask it. There are some great people out there who will give you some great advice. Do not get discouraged. I suggest you continue to practice your interview skills using your friends, a career counselor/coach or family. You may even want to tape yourself during a mock interview and see how you respond to questions. Putting yourself on tape allows you to see your strengths and weaknesses and then work to make immediate improvements.

Keep pressing forward and do not get discouraged. If you keep on practicing and learning how to effectively sell yourself to employers (the art of persuasion) then you will succeed.

Take care and I wish you much success.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello guys,

Do you know the rate of candidates who are successfully attain security clearance that require a polygraph?

Derrick Dortch: Hello DC,

I can not give you a rate of candidates who have successfully attained a clearance requiring a polygraph. That would be very difficult to determine. But what I can tell you is that the requirement of a polygraph is really dependent on the agency. There are many agencies that require security clearance but do not require polygraphs. Most of the intelligence agencies do require a poly as a condition of employment. These include CIA and NSA. The FBI requires a polygraph as well but then you have other agencies like TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and NCIS (Navel Criminal Investigative Service) that do not require a polygraph for most of its positions.

Everything is dependent on the job and the agency.

Take care and I hope this was helpful.

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Seattle, Wash.: Hello,

Do you know of anybody who have successfully applied and got offers from the federal government while not living in the Md., Wash., Va. area? What about the success rate of using JOBSUSA website to that end?

Thanks in advance.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Seattle,

I can say that I do know of people who have successfully applied for federal jobs and got offers with the federal government who did not live in the DC Area. These people have been both my clients and those I have talked to in my years of doing this. I recently know of a young lady who I talked to a month or so ago who applied for a federal job in the area while she worked in Atlanta. She won the job and is now in the DC area working for the agency she interviewed with.

With that being said I will say that the federal process can be a very frustrating and difficult process. The two problems that I see many times is that people are applying for jobs that they are not qualified or they are applying for jobs and not developing the right package.

I use what I call the TP3 method when it comes to applying for federal jobs.

T - Target the right federal position. This means you are targeting the job that you definitely have the skills, qualifications, experience and education and training being sought at least at an 80% margin.

P - Prepare the right package. You have to prepare a federal resume and the KSAs (if needed) that sell you. It has to tell your success stories, achievements and what results you can produce. It can not be a job description.

P - Persistence - You have to be persistent and continue to look for jobs, network with federal officials, go to jobs fairs where government agencies will be in attendance.

P - Patience - In the federal job search it may take and employer 30 - 45 days to respond back to you. Be patient but if you follow the other steps above you will be successful.

As far as those applying USAJOBS and other sites I have seen people win interview using it if they have the right package. I am not a big fan of online applications because they take away the beauty of a well prepared presentation style resume but if you have the right keywords, success stories, achievements, etc in there then you can succeed.

Take care and I hope this is helpful.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a few job interviews lined up. If I get to a point where an offer is extended, how much time is reasonable for me to chew on it? The reason is with my current job, there will be a reduction in force, but if I'm retained, I'd at least like to consider it along with any job offers I get. Time difference is about 2-3 weeks from a potential offer compared to when I will know my standing with my current company.

Derrick Dortch: Hello DC,

Usually once you get a job offer you have a week or so to think it over. Much is dependent on if the company really wants you and how soon they need to get someone to start. A week is standard but I have seen it extend to two weeks or more in some rare occasions.

Some stall tactics that people have used is to play around with questions and requests for benefits or salary; Wait to respond close to the weekend or on late Friday; or just simply ask for a certain period of time to decide.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you do decide on one offer you can always change your mind if a better one comes around. I do not advise jumping around from employer to employer but I do advise that you find the right employer and job for you. If this means that another offer comes up that is perfect for you when you have accepted a job with another company you then have the right to do what is best for you and go to the job that is right. The bottom line is that you want to do what is best for you because employers will do what is best for them. Careers/Jobs are basically relationships between employees and employers and both parties need to be in the right relationship in which both can benefit.

No matter what you do make sure you do it with honesty/integrity and with professionalism. People will respect that in the end no matter what your decision will be.

Take care and I wish you much success.

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Bethesda, Md.: I have recently come to the conclusion that I need to switch careers; and by that I mean I need to complete switch industries (from social sciences research to I'm not sure what!). Is it best to see a career counselor at this point, or should I try talking to people in different industries first to get some sense of what direction I might take, and then go see a career counselor? I'm in my mid-twenties. Thanks!

Derrick Dortch: Hello Bethesda,

You are definitely at an crucial and exciting point in life where you are now trying to find your true career passion and purpose in life. I commend you on this because it is not something that many people do. Many stay in jobs they hate for long periods of time because of the income and stability but never take the time to find and pursue their true passion and purpose in their career, work and life.

Now with that being said I think that you should do both. Seeing a career counselor will be helpful because you can work with them to go through the process of self assessment. You now need to evaluate your interests (career and personal), your goals, your strengths, your weaknesses, your loves, your values, the type of life you want, your dislikes and so much more. Based off of this evaluation you can develop a picture of your current self (we are always in the process of changing - analyzing yourself is a constant and healthy process).

Based on who you determine who you are and what you truly love to do you can then begin the process of finding careers that match you and fulfill you. From there you can then begin talking to people in various industries and go through a process of career exploration to narrow down the right career field(s) and job(s) that are right for you.

I definitely encourage you to go through this process. The road you are about to travel will definitely be fulfilling once you have found your true career passion and purpose and are working to make it a reality. It is one of the best gifts you can give yourself in life.

If you need any assistance please contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Take are and I wish you much success in your journey.

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Advice for Seattle: Derrick, I like your TP3, and I would add, really look hard at the knowledge and skills potential employers are seeking, and think specifically about experiences you've had that address those skills. Look at a variety of job descriptions, check out the keywords and the buzzwords, and make sure you're addressing them.

Derrick Dortch: Thank you for the additional comments and advice. I completely concur.

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landing a federal job from outside DC: I got my first federal job when I lived in Florida. They interviewed me over the phone, and once I got the job, I moved up here. I don't remember if I used USAJobs or not -- I think I might have.

Derrick Dortch: Thanks for sharing

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Fairfax, Va.: I currently have an active TS and am quite happy with that. Recently was offered a job out of the blue (not currently looking) that would have required a poly upgrade.

Here's the problem. I know three people in the past couple of years that have gone for their upgrade and two of them failed the Poly. These are Joe Smith type guys, very average, average backgrounds and have no idea why they failed. I know most people probably say this, but I believe them. I'm reading more and more that this may be the case, maybe you just get really nervous in situations like this and they decide to fail you. Unfortunately the result was that not only did they fail the Poly, but their TS was stripped away completely and they were subsequently let go because they were no longer cleared.

I'm inclined not to take the risk as just thinking about a Poly makes me tense! Should I just be happy enough with having a TS in this area?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Fairfax,

You have a good question. I know of many horror stories of people who have been innocent and told the truth and the polygraph detected that they were being deceptive or was inconclusive. What people have to realize is that the polygraph can not detect truth. This is the reason why it is not used in court but what it does detect are changes in your body physical responses (heart rate, etc.) when you are asked a question.

Many people have gotten nervous on the polygraph and then failed it because of it. Now I will say that many people have also passed the polygraph but it is definitely a hot issue. Especially for those who were telling the truth but the machine registered otherwise. What people should also know is that the polygraph is a key decision maker. He/she can decide whether you get your clearance or not based on the results of test and their recommendations. They can pass you or they can kill your hopes and aspirations.

With all that being said I would definitely weigh the options very carefully. I will tell you that you need to go into this with the knowledge of what could happen but you can not completely compare your situation with others. Those who failed may have been deceptive (I am not sure and you are not either).

I suggest you take a look at how important and fulfilling this new job will be. If it is worth the risk and is a job you really want are passionate about then I say take the risk. If it is not a job of that caliber then I would suggest you weigh it very carefully if you want to leave your current position right now when you are happy.

If you do decide to go forward just make sure you are completely honest and forthcoming with your answers. A good polygrapher will try to work with you to get you through it but you have to be truthful. Talk about anything that is on your mind that could make you nervous during the test and get past it. I think you will be fine.

If you need more assistance contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Take care and I hope this helps.

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Hanover, Md.: What is your advice on following-up on a resume submission that is sent to a generic address? Most of the jobs listed online now have generic type HR addresses without a name listed to contact.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Hanover, MD,

Whenever you apply for a federal position I always advice people to make sure they call and check to see if they agency has received their application. These are federal offices so they do work for the public and I have found that many people in HR office are very helpful and will answer your questions and let you know that they have received your materials. Do not be afraid to call. Once you do make sure you get a name, a direct phone line, an email address if possible and follow up with the HR person to one: thank them for the information and two: build a working relationship with HR person that may be helpful in the future.

In terms of email, many of the posting that allow you to apply via email do have an agency contact. Make sure you look closely for it. If they do not I suggest you call the agency and ask to speak to the human resource office. You might even want to look online to see what HR office number and point of contact is.

If you do apply to federal jobs via email the same rule applies. Make sure you are apply to jobs following my TP3 method mentioned above.

Take care and I wish you the best.

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Brownwood, Texas: At the sure risk of revealing my ignorance, I must ask: What does KSA mean? Keep up the good work!

Derrick Dortch: I am glad you asked because knowledge is power.

KSA = Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

KSAs are usually questions or statements that require a person to write and essay like response that can range from a half page to two full pages and demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills and abilities bases on their experience, education, and training to make them the best qualified for the position.

When responding to KSAs think about these "Five Questions".

The government recommends that you think about five things when developing your KSAs to reinforce the idea of organizing your thoughts when responding. For each KSA ask yourself these five questions as a "checklist" regarding individual tasks you performed.

1. What action was performed?

2. Why was the action performed?

3. For whom was the action performed?

4. What were the accomplishments?

5. Did the action produce a significant impact on others or the work environment?

I am glad you asked your question. I appreciate it and what everyone to know that you should never be afraid to ask the question. That is how we learn.

Take care and I wish you the best.

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Fairfax, Va.: I have an active Top Secret clearance based on an SSBI that was completed about 18 months ago. I'm interested in applying for jobs that require a TS/SCI clearance. How difficult is it for an employer to "upgrade" my TS clearance to a TS/SCI clearance. Would I have to undergo an entirely new background investigation or could my existing background investigation be used. Would I have to go through a new adjudication process? Is this something that could be done quickly? I'm wondering if having an existing TS clearance would make me more attractive to an employer because I could more easily get a TS/SCI clearance than somebody without a clearance.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Fairfax,

It is not difficult at all for an employer to upgrade you., The key is for them to be able to justify the upgrade. If they can do so it should not take too long once your paperwork is submitted.

To get you an SCI it usually does not require for you to go through the entire security clearance investigation and adjudication process again. Since you have your TS much of the work has been done. For the SCI there may be some other areas they want to consider in during you background check so you may have to answer a couple of questions but it will not be much or any at all.

If your employer wants you to have an SCI because of a job you are now doing then it can be done pretty quickly. Now keep in mind when I say quickly I mean within 3 weeks to 2 -3 months. I have seen most upgrades happen within 4 - 8 weeks depending on the person and the circumstances.

In terms of making you more attractive to an employer I think that having your TS is always attractive but there have been a number of jobs coming out recently requiring TS/SCI. All in all having your TS will make you marketable but you have to keep in mind you are now competing with others who also have their TS so you also have to make sure you make your resume a targeted, powerful and persuasive document that sells you by showing your success stories, achievements, and the results you can produce. Make sure it is targeted towards that career field and the job that is being pursued.

I hope this s helpful. Take care and I wish you much success.

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Washington, D.C.: could you distinguish for me the difference between a background check for a job and the checks they do for a clearance? Also, how far back does foreign travel go for a clearance, 5, 7 or 10 years? Thanks.

Derrick Dortch: Hello DC,

travel goes back 7 years. Now let me give you some information on the difference background checks.

MINIMUM BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION (MBI)

Conducted for Moderate Public Trust or Non-Critical Sensitive (NCS) positions. Coverage (by inquiry only except for PRSI) includes:

PRSI Personal Subject Interview

Employment 5 years

Education 5 years and highest degree

Residence 3 years

References As Listed on Case Papers

Law Enforcement 5 years

Credit 7 years

NACs

LIMITED BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION (LBI)

Primarily conducted for Moderate Public Trust or NCS positions. Coverage includes:

PRSI Personal Subject Interview

Employment 3 years

Education 3 years and highest degree verified

Residence 1 year

References 1 year

Law Enforcement 5 years

Court Records 3 years

Credit 7 years

NACs

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION (BI)

The BI is primarily conducted for High-Risk Public Trust or Non-Critical Sensitive (NCS) positions. Coverage includes:

PRSI Personal Subject Interview

Employment 5 years

Education 5 years and highest degree verified

Residence 3 years

Law Enforcement 5 years

Court Records 5 years

Credit 7 years

NACs

SINGLE SCOPE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION (SSBI)

The SSBI meets the coverage requirements of Executive Order 12968 for Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), and DOE "Q" access. Coverage includes:

PRSI Personal Subject Interview

Employment 7 years

Education 7 years and highest degree verified

Residence 3 years

References 4 minimum, 2 developed

Law Enforcement 10 years

Court Records 10 years

Former Spouse 10 years

Citizenship

Subject and legal status of foreign-born family)

Spouse/Cohabitant National Agency Checks (NACs)

Credit 7 years

I hope this is helpful. Take care.

NACs

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Toms River, N.J.: I retired from the Federal Government three years ago. I would like to find the best source of continued re-employment in New Jersey where I currently live. I had a high-level security clearance and would like something here in the state where I live that would contribute to homeland security. Thanks, Rich in New Jersey

Derrick Dortch: Hello Tom River, NJ,

Welcome to the show. Thank you for your public service. Based on your federal service, your experience, and your level of clearance I am sure that there would be many local, county, city, and state agencies who would interested in having you on board as a member of their team. I am not sure of your background but just off the top of my head I would probably suggest the following:

New Jersey Office of Emergency Management

www.state.nj.us/njoem/

www.nj.gov/njoem/

New Jersey State Police - Emergency Management Section

www.state.nj.us/njsp/ems/ems.html

New Jersey Emergency Management Association (NJEMA)

www.njema.org/

These are just a few but I would suggest you open your horizons and talk to anyone who deals with homeland security, federal government affairs, etc. Agencies on the local level would love to have your federal experience.

If you need more assistance please contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Take care and I wish you the best.

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Arlington, Va.: Just to let everyone know DOD is instituting new adjudicative guidelines starting Sept 1 for security clearances, ADP positions and positions of trust. There are significant differences especially under Personal Conduct, Criminal Conduct, Foreign Influence and Foreign Preference. The implementation of the new guidelines will cause a slow down in the adjudication of investigations DOD wide.

A DOD adjudicator

Derrick Dortch: Thank you my friend for the insight.

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Chantilly, Va.: I am currently in the process of getting my TS SCI Poly. My main concern is that about 9-11 years ago (don't know the exact year) my ex-friend was pulled over by the police. The police charged him with possession of drugs (misdemeanor). Since his driver's license was suspended, he gave the officer my personal info (SSN, DOB, address, etc..). Now I am concern that because of this I will not be able to get my clearance. I am sure if the investigation uses my fingerprint to pull up my criminal records, then it won't show up, but for some reason they have not asked me for my fingerprints. It has been over 6 months. Is there anything I could do or asked to see if that record has showed up on my record by the investigation and if it has what can I do about it

Derrick Dortch: Hello Chantilly, VA,

The first thing you need to do is to go to the county/state where this incident took place and find out if there is a criminal record or any negative record for you. Doing a county record search will enable you to find out if there is anything you need to be concerned about on your record.

Go on the website or call the county and find out how you go about the process of getting your records check and getting a copy.

Now, if nothing comes up then you should be fine although it seems that this is a situation that bothers you and hearing it as an outsider would lead to me wanting to dig deeper to get more of story. I say this because you may need resolve these issues before taking a polygraph. If the question of any involvement with drugs comes up I would want you to have this resolved in your mind before taking the polygraph. The key on the polygraph is being honest. Do not, I repeat, do no lie.

Now, if something does come up that an investigator will find out then you need to get that information, gather as much detail about the situation as possible and then report it to your security officer and ask can this information be added to your background investigation file as an addendum.

The key is that you want to show that you are being forthcoming and honest about everything.

I think you should be fine. Just work out these issues and make sure you can explain this situation in clarity.

If you need any additional assistance please contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com

Take care and I wish you much success!

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Derrick Dortch: WOW!!!! Time truly flies when you are having fun. I meant to give some news and notes but I am completely out of time so that will be the first thing on my agenda next show.

Thank you for stopping by the show. You are truly appreciated. As usual thank you to my Producer Andrea and her intern Stephanie for their great work. We will be back in September with another great show so I look forward to seeing you then.

Have a great rest of your summer, take care and I wish you much success in your career, work and life.

Derrick T. Dortch

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