Tips for Your Security Clearance Interview

One of the backlog mitigations measures implemented in order to reduce the number of pending investigations was the approval to implement VTC or telephonic interviews for some Enhanced Subject Interviews (ESIs) or Special Interviews (SPINs) that would need to be conducted in the course of applying for a security clearance.

An ESI is generally a requirement for a Top Secret security clearance or a Secret clearance where Special Access Program (SAP) access is required. The ability to conduct those interviews via phone or video was a major boost during COVID, where restrictions made any in-person meetings more complex. In many cases, a phone or VTC interview may be more common than meeting wi…