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.

We’re Disability Confident

We are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme. This is aimed at encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. Being Disability Confident, we aim to offer a fair and proportionate number of person-to-person interviews, if it is practical for us to do so, to any candidate who self-identifies as disabled and best meets the essential minimum criteria for the role. This is our ‘Offer of Interview’ (OOI).

Reasonable adjustments

As Disability Confident leaders we are committed to providing equitable opportunities throughout the recruitment process, so everyone feels comfortable and supported, and able to do their best. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, have a long-term health condition, or require reasonable adjustments for any other reason*, please let us know if we can make any adjustments. There is a wide range of support available: examples of reasonable adjustments we have provided in the past include, but are not limited to, providing extra time, adjusting room set-up, and changing the colour of printed documents. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. We will do our best to accommodate and support you at every stage.

When requesting an adjustment, please let us know the following information to help us assess your request: what it is about the recruitment process you believe disadvantages you and why, as well as what adjustment(s) you require in order to remove the disadvantage. If you are unsure how to answer these questions, please let us know and we will do our best to help you.

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 us, 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.

*for example, private space to pray or to express breast milk, or flexible interview times for those with caring responsibilities.

Medical devices and assistive technology

Our organisation values inclusivity and is recognised as a Disability Confident Leader. Due to our stringent security protocols, there may be restrictions on the use of certain medical devices and assistive technologies within our premises. We endeavour to accommodate all employees, however, there may be instances where specific arrangements cannot be made.

We will discuss any workplace adjustments, including the use of medical devices and assistive technologies, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Thank you for your understanding.

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.

Descretion

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. 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.

Use of AI in applications

We welcome candidates keen to embrace new technologies, which is an important part of working in MI5.

The application process is an opportunity to tell us about yourself and show us what you can do. Therefore, if you use AI to help with your application, it is important that use of AI is done in a way that is secure and does not distort your application.

AI cannot be used during the online tests stage of your application, which need to be undertaken without any third-party assistance.

If you choose to use it in your application, as you are about to apply for a job in national security it is important that you protect your privacy. When using AI, avoid entering the names of organizations and your personal data (like your name, date of birth, address, etc.). Take steps to delete your data after you no longer require it being in the AI platform. We would suggest looking at guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre – ChatGPT and LLMs: what’s the risk – NCSC.GOV.UK

There is widely available guidance online about how to use AI prompts effectively, the weaknesses and limitations of AI including its propensity to make up information. Whether you choose to use AI or not, please ensure your application showcases the real you, is accurate and error free.

Please check individual campaign details for any unique information.

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.