How to Write a Resume That Highlights Your Security Clearance and Technical Skills

If you have a security clearance and technical skills, you’re already ahead in today’s competitive job market. But if your resume doesn’t clearly communicate the value of your clearance and capabilities, you could be missing out on high-paying opportunities in the private sector. At LaunchCode, we help job seekers with security clearances transition into the civilian workforce.

Whether you’re a transitioning military professional, a government contractor recently laid off, or a tech worker with an active clearance, your resume needs to do more than list your past titles—it must market your expertise. Here's how to write a resume that makes your security clearance and tech skills stand out.

Why Employers Value Security-Cleared Tech Talent

Companies working with sensitive data or government clients actively seek candidates who are already cleared. Having an active security clearance tells employers:

• You’ve passed extensive background checks
• You understand secure systems and data protection
• You can be trusted with classified or sensitive projects
  
  

Combined with in-demand tech skills like software development, systems administration, or data analysis, your background makes you an ideal candidate for roles in defense tech, federal contracting, and enterprise IT.

How to Showcase Your Security Clearance on a Resume

1. Put Your Clearance on the First Page

List your active clearance level (e.g., Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) near the top of your resume—ideally in your professional summary or contact section. Make it easy for hiring managers and recruiters to see immediately.

2. Mention Clearance in Your Job Titles or Project Descriptions

Where appropriate, note that your work was conducted under a security clearance. For example:

• Cybersecurity Analyst (TS/SCI)
• Managed secure communications infrastructure for classified projects
  
  

3. Be Clear, But Don’t Disclose Sensitive Info

Avoid detailing classified systems or sensitive operations. Keep descriptions high-level and focused on your contributions and results.

How to Highlight Your Technical Skills

1. Use a Technical Skills Section

Include a section that lists tools, languages, platforms, and frameworks you’ve used. For example:

• Languages: Python, Java, C++
• Tools: Git, Jenkins, Docker
• Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect
  
  

2. Quantify Your Impact

Where possible, include metrics to show your results:

• “Deployed and maintained secure networks supporting 5,000+ users with 99.9% uptime.”
• “Reduced system vulnerabilities by 35% through proactive threat monitoring.”
  
  

3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Role

Match the language of each job description and focus on the technical skills and clearance level that are most relevant to that position.

Need Help? LaunchCode Offers Free Resume Support for Cleared Talent

If you're unsure how to showcase your clearance and technical skills—or you want insider tips to stand out in the tech job market—LaunchCode’s free career coaching program for cleared professionals is here to help.

Sign up for LaunchCode's free Career Launch Program to access:

•  One-on-one resume reviews to make sure your clearance and skills shine through
• Tailored job search strategies to help you find the right opportunities in data analysis, software development, and more
•  Interview coaching for both technical and behavioral interviews
•  Exclusive job alerts and connections to hiring partners who value security-cleared talent
  
  

Whether you're applying to civilian tech roles, defense contractors, or federal agencies, LaunchCode helps you translate your experience, highlight your clearance, and land a job that reflects your true value.

Keywords to Use in Your Resume

When optimizing your resume, consider incorporating common job search keywords, including:

• Security clearance jobs
• TS/SCI developer roles
• Cybersecurity jobs with clearance
• Civilian tech jobs for veterans
• Software engineer with clearance
• Job search for cleared professionals
  
  

Final Tip: Your Clearance Opens Doors—Let Your Resume Do the Same

A well-crafted resume is your best marketing tool as you transition from government or military work to a thriving tech career. If you’re ready to make your next move, don’t go it alone.

Sign up for LaunchCode’s free career coaching services today and start your journey with support from people who understand your background, your skills, and your goals.