Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How is a podcast for cleared professionals looking for new opportunities and career advice. Today's guest is Ruth Robertson of ICF. Find show notes, transcripts, and more info here: https://clearedjobs.net/icf-rich-heri...

IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER

ICF has an inspiring backstory and a wide variety of cleared opportunities in the DC metro area and beyond. Ruth Robertson, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner for Technology, shares the company’s commitment to DEI, illustrated by being named a 2023 Forbes Best Employer for Diversity and Best Employer for Women. Plus, Ruth reminds us to always include contact information on our resume!

“Growth definitely means a lot of things to people. And so when we are able to provide both vertical and horizontal opportunities, it is something that we see employees really get excited about, being able to experience new opportunities, like a fresh project, and then being able to also move within that organizational structure or program based on skills that they will obtain while in that particular program.”

2:10 Ruth’s journey to working in talent acquisition and ICF.
4:01 ICF has 9,000 employees and offers cleared opportunities in cybersecurity, engineering, information assurance, software development, business and program analysts, technical writing, graphic design, data science and communications management.
5:35 ICF was founded in 1969 by a Tuskegee airman to finance minority-owned businesses in the national capital region.
6:13 Diversity, equity and inclusion is embedded in everything they do.
7:48 Cleared opportunities are primarily in the DC metro region but other states as well.
8:50 Many ICF roles are a hybrid model, where possible.
9:47 Cover letters can set you apart, and here’s an example of that from a transitioning service member.
11:40 Be sure to include your contact information on your resume.
13:30 Lateral moves provide opportunity for growth, which can be horizontal growth in addition to vertical growth.
15:08 Successful service member hiring story. Started as a cyber analyst and now leads a cyber team.
17:16 How to get in touch with ICF.

Takeaways

- ICF provides both vertical and horizontal opportunities for growth, allowing employees to experience new projects and move within the organizational structure.
- ICF has a rich history and mission that is rooted in supporting minority-owned businesses and building a more prosperous and resilient world.
- ICF offers a variety of work in the security cleared community, including roles in cybersecurity, engineering, program analysis, and creative industries.
- ICF values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and has been recognized as a Best Employer and Best Employer for Women.
- ICF provides flexibility and remote work options for cleared professionals, allowing for a better work-life balance.
- Cover letters can help job seekers highlight their career aspirations and set themselves apart in the cleared community.
- Job seekers can indicate their security clearance on their resume without overtly identifying the level.
- Lateral moves can be a strategy for career growth, providing opportunities to gain new skills and experiences.
- Satisfying hiring stories at ICF include helping transitioning military personnel find meaningful work and supporting their career progression.
- Job seekers should ensure their contact information is accurate and included on their resume.

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

ICF Careers - https://careers.icf.com/us/en

ICF Awards - https://www.icf.com/company/about/awards

CONNECT WITH RUTH

Ruth on LinkedIn -   / ruthwrobertson  

BIO

Ruth has over 16 years of experience in Recruiting and Talent Acquisition specializing in Government Contracting and the cleared sectors in the Washington, DC area. Ruth has supported classified contract recruitment, Department of Defense proposals and projects, U.S. Military and Outside the Continental U.S. (OCONUS) contracts. Outside of work, Ruth shares a passion for cooking, painting, pottery and jewelry design, and routinely volunteers in women’s shelters and ovarian and breast cancer support groups in Northern Virginia where she lives.