DV Clearance Interview: How to approach it

The interview stage of the DV Clearance process can often be the most worrying factor for many individuals. Yet, it is important to understand the nature of DV interviews before you go through the process in order to best prepare yourself and ease your anticipatory nerves.

DV Clearance Interview: Why?

Developed Vetting (DV) is the highest and most intense form of security vetting within the UK, required for individuals who must have unrestricted access to extremely confidential, top secret materials. The clearance process is known to be rather searching, as vetted applicants must endure a series of rigorous background checks in order to be granted clearance. Due to the nature of this intensive clearance, one of these checks is an interview. 

You can read the full DV Clearance low-down within one of my previous blogs on the Thatcher MCS website here.

Surviving the DV Clearance Interview Process

Interviews for those needing to be granted DV Clearance normally last 2 - 3 hours and usually take place in the workplace, within working hours. The interview process will usually question individuals surrounding; wider family background and relationships, in-depth financial affairs, wider political background, foreign travel details, any history of drug-use, as well as any hobbies.

Aside from the above general topics of interest to be discussed throughout your interview, the DV process also aims to understand your ability to be loyal, reliable and most importantly; honest. These are personality traits which the DV process largely depends upon you having in order to guarantee your ability to have access to top-secret information, and to be sure that you will not be vulnerable to bribery or blackmail. It is therefore crucial that you are completely honest with your Vetting Officer as lying or withholding any important information may lead to your clearance not being granted or being withdrawn further down the line.

It is understandable why the DV clearance interview is often perceived as the most daunting stage of the overall process for those being vetted, as they are popularly documented as incredibly inquisitive and thorough. However, it’s important to remember that these interviews aren’t meant to make you feel uncomfortable or to feel like an interrogation, their ultimate aim is to paint as much of a clear picture of you as possible. It is also worth noting that it is usually possible to take somebody with you to your interview, however it is advised that the nature of the information shared is likely to be private and potentially sensitive, so this may not always be favoured.

In order to feel more at ease stepping into a DV clearance interview, it is also important to remember that Vetting Officers are extremely well-practiced. In light of this, they will not be shocked by anything you have to say and are vastly experienced in their positions. Thus, you should feel like you are able to openly and honestly discuss personal matters in as much depth as you feel to be necessary.

Calm, Collected and Honest

The interview should be thought of as just another step towards achieving that all-important clearance that you require in order to carry out the next step of your career. Remember that the most important tactic you can take into your DV Clearance interview is to be honest and to remain as calm and collected as possible. The interview process is a daunting prospect but it’s vital that these interviews are as in-depth as they are in order to respect the importance of the highly sensitive information at hand.

Career Opportunities in the secure sector

If you are interested in discussing opportunities that will align your career with the secure sector, please contact me directly on 0117 314 2911, 07815 979 664 or via [email protected].

To those holding current DV Clearance; Thatcher MCS have a wide range of career opportunities available in the National Security, Defence and Intelligence space - again, I can be contacted confidentially on the details above.