Forget corporate jobs, Argentina is hiring spies and 40,000 people have applied

Argentina's intelligence agency has received over 40,000 applications within 24 hours of launching its first public recruitment drive. The campaign seeks fresh talent across intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, and strategic analysis.

In Short

• Argentina launches public recruitment for intelligence agents
• Over 40,000 applications received in first 24 hours
• Vacancies and salaries not disclosed

Imagine scrolling through job advertisements and finding one that asks you to become a spy. It might sound like something straight out of a Hollywood thriller, but Argentina has turned this unusual career possibility into a public recruitment campaign.

The country's main intelligence agency has received more than 40,000 applications within the first 24 hours of opening its doors to aspiring intelligence agents. And no, applicants do not necessarily need a background in espionage to get started.

According to a report by United Press International (UPI), Argentina's State Intelligence Secretariat, known as SIDE, has launched its first-ever public recruitment drive to expand its intelligence workforce.

FROM SECRET MISSIONS TO PUBLIC JOB ADVERTISEMENTS

The recruitment campaign is rather unusual for an organisation whose work generally revolves around secrecy.

SIDE has taken its talent search to the streets, putting up recruitment posters across Buenos Aires and near several universities. Inspired by the iconic Uncle Sam recruitment posters, the advertisements carry a straightforward message: "We are looking for the best."

The agency says the initiative is part of an effort to make intelligence recruitment more transparent and professional, with a career structure based on merit, training, and performance.

Interestingly, the opportunity is not restricted to people who have previously worked in intelligence or security.

WHO CAN APPLY AND WHAT DOES THE JOB INVOLVE?

The basic eligibility requirements are relatively simple. Applicants must be Argentine citizens, have completed their secondary education, and be willing to relocate to Buenos Aires.

However, getting through the door is another matter. Candidates must clear medical and security screenings, including background investigations, physical and psychological assessments.

The selection process begins with profile screening, followed by an online general knowledge examination. Shortlisted candidates then face written tests, physical and psychological evaluations, and a personal interview.

Those who perform well may be invited to undertake a basic entry course at Argentina's National Intelligence School. Completing the training, however, does not guarantee a job.

NOT EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE A SECRET AGENT

The agency is also looking beyond traditional spy profiles. It is seeking people with expertise in strategic analysis, cyberintelligence, technology, languages, regional studies, operations and counterintelligence.

So, candidates with backgrounds in technology, law, criminology and information security could also find themselves in the running.

There is, however, one important catch. SIDE has not disclosed the number of vacancies or the salaries on offer.

Applications remain open until November 30. For now, Argentina's unusual recruitment drive has demonstrated that sometimes the most unexpected job advertisement can attract thousands of curious applicants.

- Ends