Getting a Job with the FBI Can Be Tough – Here Are Some Tips

The Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States of America’s branch of investigative detectives helping solve crimes and bringing bad guys to justice.

I once applied for FBI special agent position and this was early 20’s so quite some time ago and first off, I want to let you know that part of the process, once you get farther along, you do have to sign a non-disclosure agreement, NDA, and cannot divulge the details of the selection process.

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However most of the higher level stuff you need to know is available with a quick Google search, but it basically boils down to the Phase 1 initiation part where you’re filling out the forms, taking that ignition test, showing up and following exactly what they tell you, doing that crazy gigantic application form that I think mine was 36 pages long which included information about my family that, well, I didn’t have available. Such as driving violations for my brothers since the age of 17, really?

And besides the higher level requirements that need to be met which I believe was under 36, 36 and under no prior felonies, etc, etc. The main things you want to know is everything you need to do is given to you exactly to the T and there is no room for interpretation and every bit of the way and every step of the process even the little bitty details is part of the test and the selection process.

For instance, when the special agent tells you a certain way to dress for the next meeting, do not vary from that way to dress. Dress exactly like that. Guys, if they tell you the business suit with the solid colored tie and the white shirt under, do that. Don’t wear stripes, don’t wear a pink tie, don’t do anything different, do exactly what they say.

I had a guy that was specifically called out and from a previous meeting and was basically told sorry, you’re out, you’re cut. And without divulging any of the details, I guess, I didn’t make it obviously but I did make it to phase two.

Or I guess right before phase two. I don’t know it was about eight months in to the process, not quick at all and there was probably another four to five months after that. So if you’re looking for something in the next couple months, don’t. Plan a year and a half in advance.

Was the interview with special agents? They flew me out to San Diego I believe it was and I was interviewed in a hotel room with three seasoned special agents all by myself. 21 years old, very intimidating. As far as the questions they asked, you know answer them honestly of course and be cool about it.

But prepare for that mental situation first. Because I mean that was, I thought some X-Files disappearance stuff was going to go down. Of course they’re just regular people but, I think that mental aspect of it tripped me up and made me nervous to where I was giving some very nervous answers and maybe that’s the way they want it set up.

But that’s the general gist of what you can expect and how you can apply. Basically follow everything to the T, don’t look for interpretations, ask for clarification when you need to, keep your cool and prepare ahead of time. And I’m talking a year and a half ahead of time. And keep it going on the sideline while you’re doing whatever you’re doing now. And good luck, let me know. I’ll probably never hear from you again though.

Have a good one, thanks for watching, bye.