Anonymous asked: Can you speak to the application process and timeline for candidates; and how it may differ NOC candidates?

Scroll back through the Facts section in the blog and you will find a chapter on the application process which addreses both Official Cover and Non-Official Cover applicants. It will detail what you can expect throughout the six to twelve month process of vetting, investigation, testing and clearing of applicants. If you do not find the answer you are seeking there, email me.

TO: Anonymous

Great question. Yes, you should not identify to anyone except your significant other that you are joining the CIA. However, a former or retired CIA friend would be a good reference to place on your application and I encourage you to do so after you have talked with the person about it. If he feels he can recommend you for a position of trust and responsibility with the Company, perhaps he still maintains some back channel to the organization that may be used to expedite your application. The application, if it has not changed, will ask for about five or so such references and these people will be a part of the interview process. But the investigators know that you are not going to give as references anyone who is likely to say anything derogatory about you. So what they will do is try to ascertain spin-off leads to other people you know in common on the chance that you may have some skeletons in the closet that others may feel more free to talk about. Get the drift! The thing is then to place as primary references on the application only those people who know other people who will also only say good things about you. Good Luck!

Question: Can you speak to the application process and timeline for candidates; and how it may differ for NOC candidates?

Perhaps you should scroll back to January 3, 2008 for the section on "Getting on Board" which details some issues relevant to the application and vetting process to obtain a position with the Company. The vetting process will differ based on a number of factors. For example, if you are a former or active military officer or enlisted man with a security clearance or you already have a position with another federal government agency and seek a transfer to the CIA, then the application and vetting process may be a matter of months. If, however, you are fresh out of college or in the civilian job arena, the process may take up to a year. This will basically be the same whether you are seeking an Official Cover or a Non-Official Cover position. Once you submit your resume and application, for example, via the CIA website for an "operations officer" position, it will be up to the CIA to decide whether or not you may receive an Official Cover or Non-Official Cover position. It is not a matter of your choosing. You may voice your preference, of course. But the needs of the Company are of paramount consideration, not your personal preference. The various psychological and other batteries of tests may help the CIA decide in which area you may be most useful. Not all candidates have the unique type of personality required for the often lonely lifestyle of a Non-Official Cover Case Officer. Also not all candidates are able to function in close contact with the CIA bureaucracy that Official Cover Case Officers find themselves exposed to on a daily basis.