RECORD RETENTION AT CIA

[Wallerstein]

Anyone know how long CIA maintains records from applicants who have failed suitability?  

I want to join another agency and am paranoid my CIA unsuitable determination will haunt me.

[nolehce]

I'm not certain if or how long the CIA retains records -- there may be legal restrictions, though I doubt it. But I do know that my own letter said I was free to re-apply after one year.

As I understand it, "unsuitable" could mean that a candidate is not physically or otherwise fit to take on the position, or that the agency legitimately no longer requires the services of an otherwise qualified recruit.

If this were the FBI, I would say don't even worry as your records would probably be lost or scrambled with those of someone else and never found again.

For better or worse (in terms of applying), the CIA seems to be a bit more organized, and was certainly more friendly and professional in their recruitment efforts.

That said, they DID send me the SAME rejection letter THREE times in the space of a month. Still, for all the criticism the CIA gets, they did treat me with 10,000 times more respect than the FBI did.

Guess who I will be reapplying to?

[Wallerstein]

Thanks for the info.  My letter also said I could reapply in one year.

I wonder if that's just boilerplate stuff--throwing a bone to the rejected...

[polyrized]

For at least 10 years from my experience.

And yes, the 'suitability question' could come back to haunt you.