CORPORATE SERVICES - 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 PROCESS AND SECURITY CLEARANCE
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.
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.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
If I'm recruited because of specialist skills or qualifications, can I also work in other roles?
Yes. In fact, we'll encourage you to gain knowledge and experience of other areas. But we'd expect you to work regularly in your specialist area over the course of your career. After all, we need your skills.
Can I serve overseas?
Not really. There are some overseas postings that require Corporate Service skills, but experience of operational work is usually needed before people are deployed overseas.
What if I'd like to try operational work?
This should be possible, because we'd be keen to develop you by varying and increasing your experience. One way of doing that would be to offer you a stint in an operational post. It's worth noting that many corporate jobs require people to work closely with Operational Officers anyway, and that may be all the exposure to their work that you need.
Will I receive training?
Of course. We offer comprehensive training for all our core activities. If specialist, external training is needed for your role, we'll give you the time and financial support you require.
How do I get promoted?
Either by showing strong evidence of your ability and potential in a range of corporate posts or by developing and demonstrating strong skills in your specialist area.