Working at ASIO

What if I’m not an Australian citizen?

To be eligible to work for ASIO, you must be an Australian citizen. If you are in the process of becoming an Australia citizen, you will not be eligible for employment until your citizenship is confirmed. If you are a dual Australian citizen you are eligible.

What are you looking for in the ideal candidate?

There is no one ideal candidate. We are looking for lateral, critical and creative thinkers. We know that people from different backgrounds with varied life experience can bring great value to our work with the Australian community. We are committed to reflecting the community we protect. Our ASIO People Capability Framework outlines what skills and experiences are important for all ASIO officers to possess.

Do I need a degree?

Some positions with ASIO have specific requirements, such as a certain degree or qualification. However, this is not the case for all positions. We value lived experience just as highly as a degree, and encourage potential applicants to read requirements for roles they are interested in.

Do I need military, police, or intelligence experience?

No. There is no ASIO ‘type’. People of all types can, and do, work at ASIO. You just need the right attitude and aptitude to do our work.

Can I tell anyone I’ve applied to ASIO?

You should not discuss your application with others. ASIO holds all applications in the strictest confidence, and encourages all applicants to do the same.

How do I apply to be an Intelligence Officer?

Intelligence officers are internally appointed positions. Candidates who complete the Intelligence Development Program are eligible to apply for intelligence officer positions.

Learn more about the Intelligence Development Program. 

Will I receive any information on how my application is progressing?

We will contact you as you progress through each stage of the process. Our processes can be lengthy but you can always call or email us if you have any questions. We will contact you if your application was unsuccessful but we cannot provide any feedback on the process.

If I’m placed in a merit pool, how long could I be waiting to hear?

Merit pools stay active for 18 months, you could hear from us at any point during that time.

How long will I stay in a merit pool? Can I update my details while I’m in the merit pool?

Merit pools stay active for 18 months. Once in the merit pool, you can update your details by emailing us.

If I’m in a merit pool, will I have to interview again before I receive a job offer?

Maybe. It will depend on the role you are being considered for.

Do I need to have, or be in the process of obtaining, a security clearance in order to apply?

No. We will coordinate all security vetting arrangements at the appropriate time. Find out more about security clearance.

How do I get through the security clearance process?

The most important thing about completing our security clearance process is honesty. We understand that people have led full and interesting lives, and being honest about that is the best approach to take. This enables us to make a risk-based decision on your suitability to work in a Top Secret environment.

Can I work from home?

No, ASIO staff are required to work in secure environments. Due to the sensitive and highly classified nature of the information we see and the work we do, we cannot accommodate working from home. However, we see this as a positive. Being able to leave your work at work helps to cultivate work/life balance. Find out more about ASIO benefits.  

Do I need to move to Canberra?

Some roles are only available in Canberra, while others can be performed from or are based in other capital cities around Australia. Some training programs may require you to stay in Canberra for a significant period. The candidate pack for each role will provide detail of where the position is based and any travel requirements. We do offer financial relocation assistance for successful candidates required to relocate.

Can I tell people where I work?

ASIO staff are required to be discreet throughout their career. It can be challenging at first but it’s something you get used to. We will provide you with support to discuss your employment with people close to you. However, you won't be able to discuss some aspects of your job with anyone.

ASIO provides staff with extensive support about how to maintain cover arrangements and navigate the associated challenges of working in a secure environment.

With access to a wealth of industry-leading training opportunities, including our award-winning management programs, our staff develop a range of skills that are not only highly sought after by employers but are also transferrable between careers. Some of these advanced skills include interviewing, investigative research and analysis, critical thinking, policy and report writing, innovative design, situational awareness, communicating with influence, team management/development, people management, leadership, and managing work in high-pressure environments.

Previous ASIO employees have transitioned into a variety of careers locally and internationally. Some of these include:

• Investigation roles for law enforcement agencies, border security agencies, and international organisations such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court.
• Roles in international non-government organisations including in management, crisis coordination and security advice.
• Security managers and advisers for major Australian and international companies in fields as diverse as aviation, transport, mining and banking.
• Roles in security and management consultancy services for major companies in Australia and overseas.
• Operational, analytical, technical and corporate roles in the broader National Intelligence Community and national security community.
• Technical and information technology roles in private companies in areas such as development and IT security.
• Roles in academia and think tanks.
• Small business owners/operators.

Officers leaving ASIO are required to maintain discretion about their career after they depart. Our support services provide advice for officers wishing to take on a role outside ASIO. We also welcome returning officers who have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring back to ASIO.