<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n1. Some departments may disqualify you because of your criminal history. There are 22 agencies in Homeland Security and each of these agencies has its stance on the criminal history of job applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, while one department may consider you for a position despite a felony, another department may take the age of the felony into consideration. Importantly, prior arrests and a criminal history may lead to automatic disqualification in some departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, the TSA disqualifies applicants if they have a criminal history that includes a conviction for the crimes listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Treason
\n– Terrorism
\n– Espionage
\n– Unlawful possession and distribution of firearms and explosive weapons
\n– Kidnapping
\n– Arson
\n– Assault
\n– Sex-related crimes
\n– Manslaughter and,
\n– Drug possession with the intent to distribute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Regardless of your educational qualification, there is a variety of positions you can apply to fill. Whether you are a student or Ph.D. holder, there are jobs you can apply for Homeland Security. Students can apply to intern at a department within Homeland Security and apply for entry-level positions after graduation. Individuals with higher educational qualifications can also become officers within any of the agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are a student and wish to work at Homeland Security, you can choose to study related courses. Many universities and colleges have begun to incorporate programs that are relevant to the Department of Homeland Security into their curriculum. These courses provide potential Homeland Security employees with some prior knowledge of what the job entails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. You must be a United States citizen to work in the Department of Homeland Security. This requirement stands regardless of the position you wish to fill. Lack of citizenship means automatic disqualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. You will be subjected to a background check. To work at Homeland Security, you must pass a background check. The background check will reveal your criminal history and credit history. Things such as driving offenses and work history will also be checked. For this reason, you should be honest when filling your job application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homeland Security reserves the right to conduct another background check even after you have been employed. If you are promoted or transferred to a different department, another background check will be run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, the possibility of getting away with a lie on your application form is almost impossible. After passing the background check, you will be given security clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Some agencies require that job applicants pass a polygraph test. This is a part of the background check and a polygraph test can take as long as 4 hours to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. A drug test is compulsory. Before you apply to work at the Department of Homeland Security, ensure that you are not using illegal or recreational drugs. You will be disqualified if the drug test is positive. Furthermore, you may be subjected to random drug tests even after employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. You will need to take an exam. The content of the exam you take may vary according to the department that you wish to work in. This exam will test your logical reason, arithmetic, and psychological state. In some cases, you may have to submit an essay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. There are job opportunities available for professionals, retirees, and veterans. Despite your position in your current career, you have an opportunity to work at the Department of Homeland Security. Some positions are contractual and short-term.<\/p>\n\n\n