OP here. Updating.

Glad that I asked here as I was more relaxed talking to the investigator afterwards and asked him for options other than manager/supervisor. He ended up meeting the person whom I direct report to (non-manager) on a daily basis, my career counselor, and one of my coworkers. Overall, it went well and each person met for 5-10 minutes. Mine took around 2 hrs, QA session went smooth and quick but another round of paperwork, that I had to fill out on the spot, was exhausting.

Just wanted to say thanks to all pps, for suggestions and advice and/or pondering over the matter

Anonymous wrote:You are over-thinking this. The investigator will call them and they will, most likely, agree to do it. Just give them a heads up about it. People around here are used to sitting for these interviews and since they don't know you that well, they will only take a few minutes.

In my case, the interviewer told me before he met with me that he would need to talk to X number of people that knew me from my current job so I was able to pick the people they talked to. Before doing so, I gave those people a courtesy heads up to make sure they had availability to speak with the investigator. I had similar concerns in that my offer was contingent and I didn't want my supervisor to know until I was ready to give notice so I can understand OP's concerns.

You are over-thinking this. The investigator will call them and they will, most likely, agree to do it. Just give them a heads up about it. People around here are used to sitting for these interviews and since they don't know you that well, they will only take a few minutes.

Anonymous wrote:What the PP said is right on, and I can't imagine any company would sponsor you for a TS/SCI without extending an offer first. OP, can you explain?

Seems like in op's case she has an offer. But some agencies, like state and commerce, place foreign service potential hires on roster lists and do the security clearance first. Huge waste of money because many people wind up not getting called anyway, plus they get screwed at their current workplace because their bosses find out they are on the roster for state. I k ow someone who lost her job this way and she wound up not getting called

Could be worse. My husband's investigator wanted five people to interview who knew my husband well over the last five years. Unfortunately, DH is your typical tech recluse and, beyond immediate family, was really only in daily contact with his immediate manager. Wish I could have seen the investigators face when he got back a list consisting of a parish priest, a yard guy, our son's teacher, and a couple of neighbours who moved away three years ago that he talked to once at a block party.

investigators are idiots for the most part as well.

they're under pressure to turn around files ultra quick.

the whole security system is broken.

Anonymous wrote:oops, sorry that I wasn't clear. I have accepted their job offer, but like pps said, it contingent upon clearance.

Gotcha - I was confused! What 21:03 said is correct. The investigator should contact everyone whom they want to interview on their own. I wouldn't worry about it as you can't really guess what they're going to ask, but it's nothing scary. Mostly they are trying to get a sense of your demeanor so they can make a reasonable prediction you'll be trustworthy.

As for your current employer finding out about your potential future job, no real advice there other than to say I've been there and it's awkward. When the meetings come up all you can do is be honest about it.

oops, sorry that I wasn't clear. I have accepted their job offer, but like pps said, it contingent upon clearance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are they doing this before you get an offer? As for the scheduling part, the investigator will request it from the people she wants to talk to. So I don't think you have to ask them personally. As for what they say, you have no control over that. But it will be along the lines of your trustworthiness and your likelihood to be blackmailed, or if you engage in activities or are in a life situation that makes you vulnerable to commit crimes against your employer, not if they like or dislike you. And the investigator isn't stupid if one person says something negative that doesn't match what most of the other people she interviews says. Don't worry. It will be what it will be.

At my company it is not uncommon for the offer to be contingent on clearance.

Well of course - it would have to be a contingent offer. It sounded to me like the OP didn't have one but I could be misreading.

What the PP said is right on, and I can't imagine any company would sponsor you for a TS/SCI without extending an offer first. OP, can you explain?

Anonymous wrote:Why are they doing this before you get an offer? As for the scheduling part, the investigator will request it from the people she wants to talk to. So I don't think you have to ask them personally. As for what they say, you have no control over that. But it will be along the lines of your trustworthiness and your likelihood to be blackmailed, or if you engage in activities or are in a life situation that makes you vulnerable to commit crimes against your employer, not if they like or dislike you. And the investigator isn't stupid if one person says something negative that doesn't match what most of the other people she interviews says. Don't worry. It will be what it will be.

At my company it is not uncommon for the offer to be contingent on clearance.

Why are they doing this before you get an offer? As for the scheduling part, the investigator will request it from the people she wants to talk to. So I don't think you have to ask them personally. As for what they say, you have no control over that. But it will be along the lines of your trustworthiness and your likelihood to be blackmailed, or if you engage in activities or are in a life situation that makes you vulnerable to commit crimes against your employer, not if they like or dislike you. And the investigator isn't stupid if one person says something negative that doesn't match what most of the other people she interviews says. Don't worry. It will be what it will be.

Top= to

They have top interview these people. They all have clearances too they know the drill.

I am at my wits' end and I need advice real quick.

I am undergoing TSC/SCI investigation process these days. A guy from the investigation team called me this morning and wanted to schedule an interview with me, my current supervisor, and my current coworkers. I know it's not unusual or unheard of and I don't have anything to hide. Problem is, I am only 5 months into my current job. I do have good working relationship with my coworkers, but not great. In the past 5 months, I have spoken maybe four times to my supervisor, as he usually works from home or is always busy when in office. I have no idea what these people are going to say about me. I don't know how to ask them if they can spare some moments from their busy schedules to sit with an investigator, who is investigating on behalf of my 'potential' employer? I don't want to jeopardize my current job for the future 'maybe' job. However, this 'maybe' job is kind of a dream job for me, not much salary difference, but closer to home, nicer benefits, and great for resume. And I always wanted to work for this company.

FWIW, I am good friends with my career counselor, but she is not my supervisor and I have never worked under her. She was my trainer for a short period of time though.


Any advice/help will be greatly appreciated.