The identity of ASIO officers and the work they do is secret, so you can't tell people what you do or who you work for.
Keeping our staff safe is a huge priority, and as a result, we ask all employees to be discreet about their association with ASIS – especially during the application process. Once you are employed, you'll be able to discuss the process of telling someone (spouse or family member) of your employment with ASIS.
The ASIO recruitment process can be lengthy due to the requirement that ASIO Officers hold a security clearance, so you'll need to be patient! Having said that, I found the interview and assessment process to be pretty straightforward, much like you would experience with other job applications.
ASIS was formed in 1952 but its existence remained secret within much of the government until 1972. ASIS is comparable to the American CIA and the British MI6 (formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service).
The salary range during the 12 month training program (IODP) is $82,281 to $88,333, plus superannuation. Upon successful completion of the IODP you will be promoted to ASIO Employee Level 6 (AE6) with a salary range of $90,945 to $102,480, plus superannuation. Will I get feedback on my application?
ASIO is part of the Australian Intelligence Community and is comparable to the American FBI and the British MI5. ASIO has a wide range of surveillance powers to collect human and signals intelligence.
Additionally, relevant work experience in fields such as law enforcement or the military may be necessary. The application process can be lengthy and competitive, and may include background checks, interviews, and assessments. Overall, becoming an Intelligence Officer can take several years of education and experience.
Mossad is responsible for intelligence collection, covert operations, and counter-terrorism.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
The ACIC is Australia's national criminal intelligence agency.
"Any distinguishing features such as tattoos on your face, neck or forearms would make you more recognisable to someone who is under surveillance and would therefore make you unsuitable for this role," the job listing said.
ASIO checks your identity, background, criminal record, financial record, referees and digital footprint.
ASIO officers are not military or law enforcement officers and do not carry weapons. Whilst we work in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies our role is to provide security intelligence advice to the government of the day.
What are the differences between ASIS and ASIO? The main difference between the two intelligence agencies is that while ASIS's function relates to obtaining foreign intelligence, ASIO's function primarily involves security intelligence from within Australia.
Australian Secret Intelligence Service
ASIS collects and distributes secret intelligence about the capabilities, intentions and activities of individuals or organisations outside Australia. It does so to protect Australia and further Australian interests.
The Specialist Protective Services (SPS) (formerly Specialist Response Group (SRG)) is a highly trained police unit of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) consisting of a range of teams capable of deploying at short notice in order to undertake a variety of specialist policing tasks.
The Tactical Response Team is deployed locally, nationally and internationally - fighting crime is at its source and protecting Australians and Australian interests.
Salary & benefits
Roles as an Intelligence Officer may earn an average of A$89,990 to A$124,099. As an ASIS officer, you'll have access to competitive remuneration packages that include allowances to compensate for the obligations of maintaining a security clearance and working in a secure environment.
The National Security Agency (NSA) is a national-level intelligence agency of the United States Department of Defense, under the authority of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
The Special Activities Center (SAC) is covert action and paramilitary operations division of the CIA, also known as the “Third Option”. The first option being diplomacy and second option military action.
Bureau of Intelligence and Research.
Intelligence officers cannot change their personalities but they can learn to change their behaviors. Different roles require different personality traits. Recruiters will want to assess the following: Stability/resilience/composure - an ability to withstand stressful external stimuli without psychological hindrance.
The average age of intelligence officers is 30-40 years years old, representing 41% of the intelligence officer population.
To do this, they use superior intellect, interpersonal skills and judgement to lead successful intelligence operations. Although they share these common traits, there is no stereotypical Intelligence Officer. So if you're highly motivated, curious about people and like to travel, this may be the role for you.