7 things the CIA looks for when recruiting people

Former CIA and NSA director Michael Hayden, author of "Playing to the Edge: American Intelligence in the Age of Terror," explains what the Central Intelligence Agency looks for in a candidate. Following is a transcript of the video.

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What they are basically looking for is a foreigner who isn't a foreigner.

[Snagabott]

Let's be honest here: If you are THE first to get noticed among 160 000 others, you probably won't make a very good spy...

[MichaelNorton-fbii]

My S2 Seargent had a sign on his desk that read. "Paranoia is a heightened sense of awareness". Those Intel guys always gave you the distinct feeling of being verbally examined every time you had to deal with them.

[ElectricityTaster]

You'd think the CIA would know everything about me without me having to supply all the paperwork. Seems like the process could be streamlined.

[balancingact]

I wish more videos were like this, just straight up to the point.

[samshane]

He's just described mormon missionaries.

[AA-eqwk]

those who honestly "self identify" are NOT interested in espionage, not interested in state agenda, not interested in using violence to solve problems, do not rely on memorized information as knowledge, nor do not need an organization or even a paycheck... those who think for themselves, have a world/universal view, are self reliant, self starters, who practice self responsibility, who strive for peace and real love, are the nemesis to the spook

[abstractbybrian]

This is is so good, very well written & put together.
Very tight, clean and 0 fluff.
Advertisers & marketers take note & learn from this!

[ordewingate]

Language ability, foreign travel, adaptability, high level of intelligence, a bit of a loner, not especially fond of authority, free thinker, willingness to take risks, lots of stamina, and ability to work under what is at times incredible pressure. Depending on where one is posted, you may be doing what a Navy SEAL does, except you will have no team, no back-up, no nothing but your own wits---and you will be behind enemy lines.

[amaethon]

Why you should pay attention to me? exactly, you shouldn't. Move along...

[jimmyhunt]

Getting to the point. Thats refreshing.

[JCBCoin]

You come to me… I don’t come to you. Your approach is why I lapped circles around your agency as Stanley bass.

[autisticfieldmarshall]

They are basically looking for sociopaths that would be okay with committing and witnessing criminal acts and stay silent about it.

[Lemurai]

If you’re in the military use your time wisely, free education, free travel learn the language in whatever foreign country you’re stationed in. Take all those benefits and use them as a stepping stone.

[DaveWasHere]

I lived in Ukraine for 6 years, moved to the US, mastered Ukrainian and English, visited Ukraine multiple times, finished with a 3.93 GPA in high school and now I’m pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. I love everything that has to do with international affairs, I’m literally in the news 24/7, am physically fit, and dream of working for the government. I see a possible future for myself in the CIA. I’m also in the process of learning Arabic.

[TonyFarley-gicv]

It also looks like when you're seeing their concept tried to go into these chips it almost looks like they're trying to weld them in

[Corkfish]

When you take the polygraph the most important thing you can do is keep your mouth shut. That matters even more than the charts. Keep in mind that the examiners know the "science" is faulty, so if you react to a question, they don't know if you are being deceitful or if you are merely nervous or uncomfortable about it. BUT, if you admit to something, it is written in stone. Therefore, don't confess to anything you would be uncomfortable disclosing to your parents. It's not a therapy session or a confession, it's a stress test. Don't volunteer information. If they suggest the polygraph is indicating that you are being deceitful, just sit there and say you are being truthful and are trying to cooperate. Even if that's all you say for three hours. Don't get hostile, keep your cool and the less you say the better.

[coorslight]

lol well I speak 5 languages fluently, I’ve lived in 4 foreign countries, I have a bachelors degree in politics, physically fit and I’m sitting overseas in japan unemployed, hit me up guys !

[illumination]

Basically 1.) Intelligent 2 ) Good personality/able to socialize w the local populace 3.) Self discipline

[bruceangel]

I’m 63 years old and don’t have a resume. What I have is specialized knowledge and insight that will make your people better in every way. You don’t have to believe me, you only have to read what I write about on the internet and prove it to yourself.