Application Process

How Does It Work?

We run a transparent recruitment process which varies according to the role. We don’t accept CVs unless required for a specific role. This is a 6 to 9 month process, as candidates have to go through a vetting procedure in addition to the recruitment process for the specific role they have applied for, due to the sensitive nature of our work.

You may only submit one application at a time and before you apply, you must meet our eligibility criteria.

Reasonable Adjustments

As Disability Confident leaders, we want you to feel comfortable and supported throughout the recruitment process. It’s why we make reasonable adjustments to ensure those with disabilities and long-term health or neurodivergent conditions can perform at their best. Our aim is to provide a level playing field; reasonable adjustments can reduce or remove any disability-related barriers or disadvantages that you might otherwise face during the process. These adjustments can take many different forms but often include things like: changing the colour of printed documents, allocating extra time for tests, installing equipment, adjusting room set-up or changing venues.

You might not know if/when you need adjustments, so we’ll provide prompts at stages throughout the process to ensure you have the help and support you need, when you need it. Simply let us know, and we’ll support you. Should you be offered a role with MI5, we’ll make sure to confirm with you any requirements you may need in the workplace, so that it becomes an environment where you can excel – and where your only focus will be the mission.

Pre-Screening

You will need to complete our pre-screening questions to find out if you meet our initial criteria. If you meet these we will then ask you to begin an application.

Application

All applications are considered on merit. MI5 is committed to reflecting both equal opportunities and the society we protect. Only begin or access your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, wait until you visit the UK, as this will impact on the progress of your application.

Vetting

The vetting process involves completing detailed questionnaires, discussing these with a vetting officer and agreeing references for interview. It is important you provide full and accurate information, as any omissions may cause a delay to your application. If you are unsure how much detail to provide then more is preferable.

Discretion

Owing to the sensitivity of our work, discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member, providing they are British. You should also make them aware of the importance of discretion. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else at this stage. You will receive further guidance during the recruitment process.

Skills/Experience

These depend on the requirements of the role. Some of our vacancies require specialist qualifications and/or previous experience and we recommend that you take time to familiarise yourself with the appropriate job-specific pages before you apply. There are also common personal attributes that we look for across all the roles that we recruit for, including honesty, integrity and the ability to work as part of a team.

Cover

Every applicant will receive bespoke cover advice (what you may consider telling family and friends) throughout the recruitment process. Should you be successful in joining MI5 you will be given a full briefing on the reasons why it is important not to disclose that you work here, and what to say if people ask you or your family about your career.

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MI5 Postings & CVs

The variety of jobs, outstanding team environment and rewarding nature of our work means MI5 is one of the few organisations that can still claim to offer a career for life. Should you join and later find yourself looking for a job outside MI5, you will benefit from a team of careers experts who can help tailor your CV and translate the skills you have developed into a format suitable for the wider working environment, whilst also protecting your cover.

In 2018 MI5’s attrition rate was 4.5%. This is lower than the civil service (12%) and the UK average (15%).

Just over 20% of all MI5 staff work a flexible job pattern

Over 40% of MI5 staff are female