Techtonic
Techtonic is the podcast that's all about groundbreaking progress in your tech job search. Whether you're a tech professional on the hunt for your next big opportunity or a team leader looking for expert insights on navigating the tech hiring market, this is the place for you.
Every episode, we bring you real stories, struggles, resume hacks, professional branding, and success tips directly from those in the trenches and top hiring managers.
Techtonic
Ep. 27 D.J. Burel - Tech, Government Clearance, and Career Strategy
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In this episode of Tectonic, host Jared Tang, CEO & Co-Founder of Gaggle Social, sits down with D.J. Burel, a veteran talent acquisition leader specializing in defense, government, and cleared technical recruitment.
With more than 30 years of recruiting experience, DJ has worked at the intersection of national security, cybersecurity, aerospace, and federal programs, helping place professionals into some of the most mission-critical roles in the country. In this conversation, he shares insights most technical professionals rarely hear: how recruiters actually evaluate candidates for cleared roles, what hiring teams truly look for, and how veterans and eligible professionals can strategically position themselves for long-term success.
DJ and Jared dive into the realities of government hiring, the importance of clearance requirements, certifications, and articulation of technical skills, and why networking remains the most powerful tool in any career search.
They also explore programs like SCIPP and SkillBridge, the difference between quantity vs. quality in job applications, and why despite all the modern tools and platforms available, human interaction still sits at the center of successful hiring.
If you're a technical professional exploring government or defense opportunities, transitioning from military service, or simply looking to better understand how recruiters think, this episode offers practical guidance and insider perspective to help you navigate the process more effectively.
D.J.'s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/74205a2/
SCIPP Program: https://scippinternational.org/
Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.