We’re familiar with the usual process of applying for a job – submitting a CV, filling in a form with the CV details, writing a cover letter, and more.
But if you’re aiming to join the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), Britain’s long-standing spy agency, there’s an additional task you must complete.
In order to identify recruits who demonstrate innovative thinking, GCHQ has posted a new job description this morning requesting aspiring spies to solve a puzzle.
‘To mark our presence on LinkedIn, we’ve collaborated with artist Justin Eagleton to create this special visual puzzle for you to solve,’ GCHQ announced LinkedIn today.
‘Within the image, there are 13 elements representing letters of the alphabet. Your task is to recognize those letters and arrange them to reveal a hidden message.’
The somewhat surreal mini puzzle pays homage to GCHQ’s code-breaking origins, with a high-definition version available for download here.
It incorporates elements such as GCHQ’s office in Gloucestershire, Alan Turing, a helicopter transporting an old television, and a person sporting a sweatband adorned with the LGBTQ+ Pride flag.
…After reviewing the puzzle ourselves, all we can say to you is good luck.
However, if you find it too challenging, GCHQ has promised to reveal the answers tomorrow.
Anne Keast-Butler, GCHQ's Director, stated that diversity is ‘crucial’ to the agency’s objective of safeguarding the nation, which is why joining LinkedIn was an obvious choice.
‘The world is becoming more complex, and in order to stay ahead of threats, we need to bring together a diverse group of individuals who can help us tackle the upcoming challenges,’ she explained.
‘For us, this means recruiting people with different backgrounds, experiences, insights, and knowledge, and establishing a team where everyone can contribute.’
GCHQ’s decision to join LinkedIn – making it the first intelligence agency to do so – was aimed at engaging individuals ‘who have never considered working with us,’ as mentioned by Keast-Butler.
Positions at GCHQ are not limited to the stereotypical James Bond types in tuxedos. Other roles include intelligence analysts, data scientists, business support officers, and engineers.
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