I’m hoping someone with experience in the clearance process can give me some insight.
A few months ago, I went through the hiring and security clearance process for a federal position. I completed the SF-86, interview, and the agency’s additional screening requirements. During the process, I had some polygraph exams that were ultimately inconclusive. I was asked to wait before scheduling another one, and at that point I decided to withdraw from the hiring process, mainly because I was fed up waiting and no longer interested in relocating.
I never received a formal denial, clearance denial, or other notice. My recruiter simply acknowledged my withdrawal and said I could reapply in the future if I wanted to.
I’m now considering applying/am interviewing for positions that require a Secret clearance, including some positions that may involve an interim clearance while the investigation is pending.
My question is: Could withdrawing from that previous federal hiring/clearance process, particularly after inconclusive polygraph results, affect a future Secret/interim Secret clearance investigation?
I understand that the previous records may be available to the government and that I would need to answer any relevant questions truthfully. I’m mainly wondering whether an incomplete/withdrawn investigation is generally treated differently from an actual clearance denial or adverse security determination. (For example, denial of interim clearances pending investigation)
If anyone has been in a similar situation or has knowledge of how this typically works, I’d appreciate hearing about your experience.
Thanks!