Handling an Unusual Past Workplace Behavior During a Secret Clearance BI

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

I have a question about how to handle something unusual that happened at a past job in the context of a background investigation for a Secret clearance.

About two years ago I started a job that I stayed in for just over a year. At that time I was dealing with a significant amount of anxiety related to performing well in the role. As a coping mechanism, I developed what I can best describe as a “work persona.” In some work interactions I spoke with a foreign accent and treated it almost like a character in my own head that represented a more confident version of myself.

During that period I did sometimes say that I was from that country. Some coworkers began to assume that was true. However, I never falsified any forms, employment documents, security paperwork, resumes, or records. I never used it to obtain employment, pay, access, or any professional advantage. My job performance was solid, I had no disciplinary issues, and I left the position on good terms.

At the time I also spoke with a therapist about it. Their view was that it functioned as a stress coping mechanism related to anxiety about performance and that it was not harmful behavior. Over time I developed healthier ways to manage stress and I no longer do anything like this. I have also never done this at any other job I have worked, I frankly cannot even begin to explain why I thought this was my best option, but I decided that it was.

My concern is simply how something like this might be interpreted if it came up during a background investigation.

I think it’s also important to note that my BI has not yet started, I have not yet filled out an SF86 or anything similar, but that process will start soon.

My questions are:

• What is the likelihood that something like this would even come up during a BI for a Secret clearance?

• If a former coworker or supervisor mentioned it, what is the best way to explain the situation to an investigator so that it is understood in the correct context?

This is a serious question. I want to approach the clearance process honestly and make sure I handle anything properly if it were ever to be raised.

2

Explain the circumstances exactly as you just did. Don’t over-think or stress about it. Though it struck me as comical at first, I have to admit I have done the same thing, maybe not to the same extent. But in a call center environment I have assumed foreign accents mainly to alleviate boredom while otherwise transacting business efficiently and with integrity. In fact, on one occasion, I remember observing a roaming floor supervisor with a wireless headset apparently monitoring one of my calls and looking at me oddly. However, he never approached me or otherwise said anything. Back to your question, your efforts to be forthcoming about this ‘anomaly’ will be apparent to any investigator who may also note this under ‘observations,’ should that element be included in the case coverage.