UK
Secret Intelligence Service is hiring
3 November 2008
It used to be that the best and brightest from the UK’s leading universities would get a surreptitious tap on the shoulder from a mysterious stranger to signal that the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) was interested in taking them on. Now the recruitment process is decidedly more candid and they’re hearing from more bankers than ever.
The financial sector has traditionally supplied a steady stream of candidates for MI5 and MI6, but as the crisis has worn on this year, the number of people applying for roles has increased.
A spokesperson for SIS told us they’ve already recruited some financial services workers this year (SIS doesn't reveal how many) and added that “People who join us from another career are often better equipped for the job.”
The open roles are for ‘operational officers’, which means you could work in many different capacities depending on your strengths. This might include attempting to recruit people with knowledge of secret intelligence to act as agents, or providing operational management and directions to teams deployed overseas.
The most basic requirement is that you have to be British. But be prepared to undergo both psychometric and behavioural testing, as well as vigorous vetting for the obvious security reasons. The whole process could take up to nine months.
SIS is keen to attract more applications from women and ethnic minorities. It adds: “We look for people who have credibility and impact, who are highly self-aware, who can adapt to different environments and are willing and able to learn, and who are proactive and unfazed by setbacks and challenges.”
Bankers wishing to serve their country should be aware of the sizeable pay cut they would have to take. We understand that the typical starting salary is around £25k-£30k.
“While most people coming from the financial sector will have to take a drop in salary, there is the opportunity to progress during a career at SIS which could add significantly to your income,” adds the spokesperson.
Other key target areas for SIS include the legal sector, NGOs, other governmental departments, journalism and the medical profession.
Click here for a quick test to determine whether you’re right for the secret services.
If you need an application form, just wait for someone to leave them on a train!
John 03 Nov 2008
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