Applying to MI6
We want to give the best chance at success when you apply to work for MI6, so we've come up with a few top tips to help you with the application process and give you some suggestions that you might not have thought of. Read these below.
As well as this, we have some tips on what you can expect at your interview, how to prepare and more on our Interview preparation page.
Interview preparationUnderstanding MI6
- Read the pages on our website. We can’t tell you everything, but read what we are able to share.
- Think through a career with MI6. Do you want to live and work overseas at points in your career? Does the salary fit your expectations?
- Understand what it means to be a public servant. You may not have voted for the government in power or agree with their policies – but they are our customers, and we provide them with the intelligence they require.
The interview
- During the interview and assessment centre, just be yourself. Approach the questions and role plays with enthusiasm, hard work and authenticity. That way, we get to see the best of you.
- Be ready to explain your motivation to work for MI6. What exactly is it that attracts you to the role?
- Let us know if you have any additional accessibility requirements or adjustments as we are more than happy to provide any assistance you might need.
Get informed
- Talk to a range of people from backgrounds and cultures different to your own (but not about your application). What motivates them? How could you develop a relationship with them? How do their perspectives differ from yours?
- Read some historical true accounts of espionage. Try to understand what motivated those individuals to become agents, the risks they ran and what the service did to recruit and run them.
- Once you have applied, as part of the recruitment process, we will often run 'Meet and Engage' sessions. Attend one of these sessions to find out a little more about us and ask questions about the role.
Using AI in applications
If you use artificial intelligence (AI) to help with your application, it is important that it is done securely and leads to an application that is accurate, authentic, and error-free.
Read more about using AI in applicationsDiscover more about how to apply
Eligibility
There are a few eligibility requirements you need to meet in order to be able to work for MI6. Find out more by visiting our eligibility page.
Vetting
To work for MI6, you will need the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting. Find out what this is and what it involves by visiting our vetting page.
