The Secret Intelligence Service has followed a move by sister service MI5 (or the Security Service) by publicly inviting job applications, a move which could be seen as a bid to step-up recruitment after the heightened fear of terrorism in Britain following the events in New York almost two years ago.

The SIS, more commonly known as MI-6, has surfaced from the shadowy depths and advertised on the internet for potential applicants, but makes crystal clear that its most famous fictional recruit need not apply: he is too “high profile”.

The move was made through the Foreign Office’s website, and as with the Security Service’s recruitment site, the SIS site attempts to clear up any misconceptions potential applicants may have prior to making that all-important career decision.

Clearly the traditional, almost mythical cloak-and-dagger tactic employed by the British Intelligence Services previously – namely being taken aside discreetly by one’s Oxbridge tutor – is no longer sufficient.

Details of what it takes to be a latter-day Bond have been included on the website alongside other Foreign Office careers. The move follows that made by the domestic intelligence service – MI5 – which employed similar methods for recruitment almost two years ago.

According to MI6, it “recruits high-calibre graduates with exceptional interpersonal skills and intellectual capabilities who are interested in working in an international environment with periods spent living overseas”. It also only recruits British Nationals; those who were born in Britain or have lived in the UK for over ten years and those who have at least one British English parent, or parents who have significant ties with the UK.

Other essential qualities include “curiosity about political affairs”, “evidence of interest in foreign peoples and cultures”, and, in an apparent reference to possible death-defying exploits, “the resourcefulness, drive and creativity to produce solutions to difficult problems under testing circumstances”.

Unfortunately for most Bond fans wishing for a thrilling true-to-007 ride in the realm of espionage and all things spy-related, MI6 includes the following on the recruitment site:

“Much as we enjoy his exploits, and charm is an SIS asset, James Bond’s high profile means he wouldn’t pass muster as an SIS recruit,” it states.

“The best intelligence officer is one you would never spot.”

Instead, MI6 says it is looking for “a modest James Bond with a brain”, who has a “streak of adventurousness” and “an iconoclastic nature” but remains loyal to his or her country.

In a further attempt to dispel some of the myths created by Her Majesty’s not so secret servant, the Foreign Office makes clear: “SIS isn’t looking for abseilers… the Action Man – or Woman – image isn’t a prerequisite.”

Successful candidates are also “likely to have a strong academic record”, as well as “positions of influence in extra-curricular activities” and “commitment to public service”.

Age is not necessarily important, but most recruits will be under 35, according to the FO, which says applications are equally welcome from people with “public and private sector backgrounds”, those “considering a career change” and university students.

Despite the new openness, the job description remains somewhat vague. It is described tersely as “primarily to mount and run intelligence operations to promote and protect British interests and security overseas.”

Potential agents who are waiting to be “tapped on the shoulder by [their] university don” are instead advised: “Don’t wait to be asked.”

Useful links:

• The Foreign Office
• MI5 Website
• MI5 Recruitment