Getting a foot in the door can be tricky. It helps to get in straight from college or if you know someone. If you are going for a job that requires a security clearance, expect to eventually have to fill out a very long questionnaire (this may be done after you start working), drug test, background check, etc...

Interview/hiring process took a long time. Be patient. I need special accommodations for voice recognition software and brother did that add to the time! But everyone is very professional and they did end up accommodating my needs. It takes doing to get in, but it is a good company.

I knew the folks I was interviewing with because I had worked with them previously, so my experience was likely not the usual.

I was a known quantity.