Application Process

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. The process can last from six to nine months, 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.

Person flicking through a notepad

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