Fair Chance,

I agree with you regarding the FBI hiring process. I find it questionable at best, that the bureau would actually initiate a complete [full scope] TS background investigation for a candidate prior to the pre-employment polygraph and drug test. The time and effort would be worthless if the candidate failed the polygraph and/or drug test after the BI.

My personal experience was as follows:   

1) Conditional offer
2) Medical exam
3) Finger printing
4) Security interview
5) Drug test
6) Polygraph exam

The background investigation was not initiated until successful completion of the pre-employment polygraph exam.



Triple x

Wagonbarn,

What exactly is an "IA" position? Is that a special agent or professional support position.?


triple x

Yes.  My BI was almost complete before my poly and drug screening.

A few questions and comments regarding the Intelligence Analyst position that I hope some people may be able to elaborate on.

I applied in March, got a call in July asking if I was still interested, said yes, received all the papework to fill out and then didn't hear anything for over a month.  Then a friend who I used as a reference called me to say congratulations on getting the job.  Apparently the investigators told this friend that I had been offered the job contingent on the outcome of the background check and security screening.  I never had an interview, just filled out some online forms and other paperwork.  I called the person I sent my papers to who told me, after I expressed surprise about the possibility of being hired without being interviewed, "They don't have to interview you for this job."  I am scheduled to take a polygraph next week.

My comment is that this seems awkward and maybe a bit inefficient to go through an extensive background check and possibly hire me but not actually interview me.  Comments on this would be appreciated.

My questions are:

Is this true, that I can be hired even though not interviewed?

How soon after the polygraph/security interview could I expect to begin working?

If I DO decide to accept the position, will this hurt or hinder me if I decide to go to another intelligence agency in the future?

If I DO NOT decide to accept the position and stay in the private sector, will it hurt or hinder me if I look to other intelligence agencies instead, after the FBI spent considerable time on my application?

I applied for the position in February so I didn't save the posting and can't remember what pay grade I listed.  I have a JD and a Master's Degree, five years military experience, and some diverse civilian work experience, but nothing directly related to being an intelligence analyst.  Does anybody know what pay grade/step I might be in?

I appreciate any comments.

I think you can start as soon as you pass your background check and polygraph.  As soon as the HR people get the "go" they're likely to call you up.
You're at the very least GS-9 with the JD, but possibly higher (GS-11) with your military experience.
You must be a prime candidate to not have to interview, which is all to your advantage in the case you decide not to accept or decide to pursue intelligence work with another agency.