Our recruitment process takes time. Find out what to expect each step of the way.
We’ll look at your Beyond Ordinary profile to assess your application – and might use it for future opportunities you could be a fit for.
Check your eligibility(external link) to hold a Top Secret Special Clearance. Create a Beyond Ordinary profile(external link), complete your application online.
Be discreet about the fact you’ve applied to work at the GCSB or NZSIS. Your recruiter will help you navigate the process.
We’ll create a shortlist of candidates. If you’re shortlisted, we’ll email or call to set up an interview.
Check your emails and don’t screen your calls! We’ll show up as ‘Unknown number’ or ‘No caller ID’. Make sure your name is on your voicemail so we can leave you a message.
We’ll interview shortlisted candidates. These are usually in person but could be online if needed.
Take another look at the position description to read up on the skills we’re looking for. If you want to bring a support person let us know.
You can tell a trusted person that you’ve had an interview, but don’t name interviewers, reveal questions or share other details.
We’ll organise whatever assessments you need to do, including a psychological assessment and possibly a technical assessment, leadership profile or attending an in-person assessment centre.
Complete any assessments you’re asked to.
You can tell your trusted person that you have an assessment, but don’t share information about the questions, your answers or other details.
If you’re the preferred candidate, we’ll let you know and ask for contact details for at least two work referees.
Choose your referees - ideally one will be your current manager (let us know if that’s not possible). Tell them to expect a call from an unknown number.
Don’t go into details about what job you’ve applied for or where it is. Keep it vague - talk about a ‘government department’ or ‘analyst’ role.
After reference checks, we’ll make you a provisional offer, which is conditional on you obtaining a high level national security clearance.
Respond to the offer, including your signed acceptance. Do not resign from your current role yet - wait until your clearance comes through.
Our team will give you basic cover advice over the phone, with guidance on what to tell people about the role.
We’ll send you online vetting forms and will ask for contact details of referees for your vetting process – ideally people who’ve known you for at least 15 years.
Complete and submit your vetting forms. Talk to your referees and send their contact details as soon as possible.
Don’t talk to anyone about what’s in the vetting forms. Our team will also be discreet - your information is kept in confidence by our vetting team.
A member of our vetting team will interview you in person or online. The interview will be recorded for transcription.
The questions might feel intrusive, but it’s important that you answer them truthfully. Let us know if you want a support person.
All information from the interview is locked down to the vetting team and is only used for the clearance decision.
If you are granted a national security clearance we will then send you an official confirmation of employment letter.
Once you’ve received your confirmation letter you can resign from your current job and arrange a start date – which will be on one of our monthly inductions.
When telling people about your new job keep it vague. Your recruiter will help you work out what you could say.
We’ll send you details about your induction, which will be held at our headquarters in Wellington.
Attend the induction, meet your team and start your new role. Welcome onboard!
During your induction we’ll explain how to use cover and give you a clearer picture of your work.
Check if you meet the eligibility criteria to join us.
Most roles within GCSB and NZSIS require Top Secret Special clearance. There are a number of criteria that need to be met to be eligible for this level of clearance.
Here are some tips to help you apply online for jobs with us.
Find out more about the process of gaining and maintaining a security clearance.
