LANGUAGE SPECIALISTS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Unlike other organisations there are limits to what we can tell you in advance. We understand that this may cause some frustration, however once you are further down the recruitment process we can tell you more. For now, here are some questions that we tend to get asked at this stage. You should, of course, make sure you have carefully studied the information on the site, especially the nationality and security clearance aspects.
APPLICATION
I'm currently living overseas. Can I still apply to SIS?
You can apply from anywhere in the world, but you'll have to come to London for interviews and the assessment centre. You must also have lived in the United Kingdom for at least six out of the last ten years.
Do I need a degree in languages to apply?
No. You could have learnt your language in a number of ways - from members of your family when you were a child, by working abroad or through academic study. What matters most is that you have a thorough knowledge of the language or languages you offer and are motivated personally.
What do the language tests involve?
You'll attend a full day of listening and written tests in your language. If you have more than one, we'll let you know which one we would like to test at this stage. If you're successful, we'll invite you to attend an interview day where your languages will be tested further. That could include oral tests and more listening and/or written exercises. Rest assured, we'll let you know what to expect at every stage of the process.
What should I say to my referees?
At this stage, nothing. References are not taken up until later in the recruitment process. At this point, only put down names of potential referees who may be willing to provide a reference. You should not inform them.
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
Who can I tell about my application?
You may tell your parents, close partner or spouse, provided that they are British. You should also make them aware of the importance of discretion. Please note that if you tell anybody else, your application may not be successful. You should not mention your application to your referees.
Do I need to be a British citizen?
Yes. In addition, at least one of your parents must be a British citizen or have substantial ties with the UK (if deceased, the parent must have had British citizenship/substantial ties with the UK). You will also need to meet our residency rule. Normally this means that you will need to have lived in the UK for the last 10 years, but you may still be eligible even if you have not been here all that time. British dual nationals may apply but must be prepared to renounce their other nationality, if required before joining SIS.
Will I have to sign the Official Secrets Act?
Yes. The Official Secrets Act (1989) prohibits the disclosure of sensitive information relating to security, intelligence, defence and foreign relations, and applies to all applicants to SIS. You can read more about the Official Secrets Act at the Office of Public Sector Information.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
What training will I receive?
All Language Specialists attend an induction course and IT training before joining the language section. It's likely that you'll take additional language training at least once in your career. That could involve improving a language you already have or taking up a new one from scratch. You will also be able to join other career development training courses.
What's the career structure like for language specialists?
You can expect to work in your main language for at least two to three years subject to operational requirements. In some cases linguists are deployed in the same area for longer periods.
Subsequently, there will be opportunities to work with other languages, develop management skills or gain experience of work in an Operations or Corporate Services section.
Throughout your career you'll probably have the opportunity to be involved in some or all of the following: interpreting, role-playing for training courses, carrying out foreign language website research or using your expertise to help other Government agencies. Some linguists with the appropriate skills might also assist with special operations overseas or training others in their specialist languages.
You will progress in parallel with your peers in SIS on the strength of your contribution either purely as a language specialist or as an administrator or manager within the language area.
Will there be travel opportunities?
You may be offered a short deployment overseas.