The FBI, in a recent press release, announced plans to hire approximately 900 Special Agents this year. Are you one of the FBI's "Most Wanted Applicants?"

Join representatives from the FBI, as they discuss recruitment efforts on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. EST.

Below is the transcript.

NOTE: Per the FBI's request, please DO NOT use this forum to post crime leads or solicitations to investigate matters. If you have an emergency, please contact the nearest FBI office or, if outside the United States, contact the nearest Legal Attachι office.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Good afternoon! Welcome to the FBI's forum. We will try to answer some of your questions regarding FBI employment. Please be aware due to time constraints, we will be unable to answer all of you questions, and may not be able to answer all as completely as we would like. For further information regarding FBI employment opportunities, please contact the Applicant Coordinator or Recruiter in your local FBI field office.

Winina, Minn.: Will being in the Army help me to get into the F.B.I. faster then going through college?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: The Special Agent program requires a four year college degree. Some of our Professional Support Positions also require 4 year degrees.

Southern Maryland:: I worked for the Bureau back in the mid 1960's under the Hoover regime as a clerk-steno/secretary, left in 1970 to work for private industry. I believe I was a GS-5 then. If I decided to return as support staff now, with 35 years of admin. assistant experience, volunteer experience, and an AA degree from night school, would I still be a GS-5? Would all that work experience count for anything?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: The FBI must hire approximately 800 Professional Support personnel this fiscal year. The vacancies will be advertised at www.fbijobs.com and all candidates must apply on-line at this site. The positions which will be advertised include, but are not limited to, the following: Intelligence Research Specialists; Information Technology Specialists; Foreign Linguists; Biologists; Investigative Specialists; Electronic Engineers; Electronic Technicians; Personnel Security Specialists; general administrative and many more. A large percentage of these vacancies may not require a degree to meet minimum qualifications but work experience or specialized experience must be sufficient to qualify.

Miami, Fla.: Good morning, I was told last year that the FBI was in a current hiring freeze. Does this mean that presently, the FBI has lifted the freeze and is currently hiring once again?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Yes the freeze has lifted. We are hiring both Special Agent and Professional Support personnel.

Alexandria, Va.: I'm interested in the Computer Science and other Information Technology specialties job category. Is the application process the same as for a special agent? Do I fill out the 5 basic applications on your website and send them to the nearest field office? Thanks!

FBI Recruitment Representatives: The application process for the Computer Science and other Information Technology specialties job categories IS different than applying for the Special Agent. You MUST apply on-line at fbijobs.com for these vacancies and other professional support positions. Although the current vacancies may be somewhat limited, you can expect a significant increase within the next two weeks for Support vacancies posted at this site.

McKinney, Tex.: In order to apply to the FBI, does one first apply as a Special Agent?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: No. If you are interested in the Special Agent position you apply directly for the Special Agent position. This position of course requires one to carry a firearm and you would have arrest authority, they are the investigators. Professional Support positions are not the investigators. To apply for professional support positions apply directly at www.fbijobs.com and be very thorough in responding to each KSA.

Pepperell, Mass.: What are the general requirements to be a FBI special agent and how do I go about applying for one of these jobs?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: There are currently four entry programs leading to the Special Agent position. The first is the law program. To qualify under this program, you must have a J.D. from an accredited law school. Although the threshold entry requirements do not require bar certification or any work experience as an attorney, due to the competitive nature of the application process, successful law applicants must have passed the bar and have at least one year working as an attorney. The second entry program is accounting. To qualify you must have a four year degree in accounting or a related discipline and have obtained your CPA. If you are not a CPA, optional detailed entry requirements may be viewed at www.fbi.gov. Again, although there is no threshold requirement for any work experience, competitive candidates should have at least two to three years of accounting work experience. The third entry program is having a fluency in a foreign language. Current critical need languages are Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Pashtu, Urdu, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian. The fourth entry program is our diversified entry program. Any qpplicant that does not qualify under one of the first three programs would qualify under this program. This program requires a four year college degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of three years full time professional work experience. Again, there is a difference in the minimum threshold requirements and a competitive requirement. Current critical need under this program would include individuals with backgrounds in computer science and information systems, physical science, counterintelligence, fixed wing pilots, engineering, counterterrorism, explosives, military intelligence. Ways to become more competitive under this program are to obtain an advanced degree, move up within your organization and/or obtain supervisory work experience and more years of work experience than the minimum requirement.

Houston, Texas: Hi, I just wanted to know how much of a chance do I really have of being hired? I am a Hispanic male with prior law enforcement experience. I am going to be taking the phase I test soon and am very happy I am getting this opportunity, I also want to be realistic. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

FBI Recruitment Representatives: The FBI is currently only testing those candidates deemed "Most Competitive." Prior investigative experience is currently one of our most critical needs. If you have been scheduled for Phase I testing, you have an excellent chance at completing the application process, pending successful completion of Phase I and Phase II and a thorough background investigation. We sincerely appreciate your interest and we are firmly committed to hiring a diverse workforce reflective of the society we serve.

Thank you.

St Louis, Mo.: I have checked the special needs page and noticed a need for "fixed wing pilots".
If I may ask, why is the F.B.I. in need of pilots at this time? Are you anticipating a large number of pilot applicants since all the airline furloughs are taking place? Is there any type of pilot experience which is desired more that other? Thank you for your time.

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Due to the investigative needs of the FBI to protect this great nation, we have a critical need for fixed wing pilots. To further clarify our need for pilots, the most desirabel pilot candidate should possess the following: an FAA commercial certificate for single engine land with an instrument rating. Candidates should also possess a current FAA Class II Medical.

Thank You.

Bowie, Md.: What about those people who are attorneys or accountants and do not have one of those special skills listed in your release? Do they stand any realistic chance of being hired now?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Although attorneys and accountants are not listed as critical needs at this time, the FBI is interested in hiring the most qualified applicants, regardless of their background. Applicants possessing current critical skills will be given top priority, but we will be hiring individuals with other skills as well.

Menno, S.D.: What are the citizenship requirements for joining?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: All FBI applicants must possess U.S. citizenship.

St. Paul, Minn.: I am waiting to apply because I only have 2 years and 9 months experience. Would you recommend waiting the 3 months before applying?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: In order to apply for the Special Agent position, you must fulfill the minimum entry requirements before submitting your application.

Indianapolis, Ind.: Will the new recruits be spread evenly throughout the U.S. Field Offices or concentrated in certain areas?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: New recruits will be spread throughout the United States.

Seattle, Wash.: I have many interests in the different fields within the FBI, I was wondering if once in the FBI how are you chosen to get in to those fields like profiling, hostage negotation, computer crimes, etc. Is there other trainning needed before going to a the different fields like computers or profiling (examples)?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: The FBI does not have a job entitled, "Profiler." The tasks commonly associated with "profiling" are performed by Supervisory Special Agents assigned to the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime at Quantico Virginia. Once you become an FBI Agent you may enter the Career Development Program and apply for a supervisory position within this center. The jobs within the NCAVC typically require experience and demonstrated abilities as a Special Agent rather than specific degree majors. There are usually no set degree criteria, although job advertisements typically list an advanced degree in Behavioral or Forensic Science as a "preferred qualification." Remember becoming a Special Agent does not guarantee eventual assignment to the NCAVC.

Thank You.

San Diego, Calif.: The requirement for the Special Agent position states you must have 3 years of professional work experience prior to applying. What is the rule regarding any breaks in employment during this period?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: In order to apply for the Special Agent position, you must have three years of full time work experience, even if there are breaks in employment.

Chesapeake, Va.: At what rate will the newly hired Special Agents be trained at the Acadamy ... basically, how long will it take to train 900 new Agents?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: The FBI will process approximately 50 new Agent per class at the Training Academy in Quantico. We MUST hire 966 new Special Agents no later than September 30, 2002.

Thank you.

Houston, Tex.: How large are the classes of Special Agents at Quantico and how often does a new class begin?

How many people apply for the position of Special Agent in a typical month (post 9/11)?

I work in a computer related field and one of the companies that I have worked for no longer exists and I have lost contact with my former boss. Does that effect my background check or is that fairly common?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Class size at Quantico will vary, but ranges from 35-50, depending on how many Agents we are hiring. We are currently starting classes every two weeks.

We typically receive approximately 1,000 Special Agent applications monthly.

Issues regarding background investigations will be handled on a case by case basis.

Houston Tex.: I want to know how much money does an FBI agent make a year, how much education is requared? What are some job openings that are currently available?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: FBI Agents receive a starting salary of $43,705 while in the 16-week training program at the FBI Academy. Upon graduation, the salary ranges from $53,743 to $58,335 depending upon the locality pay of their geographic assignment.

The FBI is hiring other non-Agent positions which are currently open are advertised online at www.fbijobs.com. These are our professional support positions which were previously discussed.

Thank you.

Greensboro, NC: Can you take a moment to describe what a new special agent will experience when they get to Quantico for new agent training? Is the training broken down into discrete phases?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: New Special Agent trainees will spend four months at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Training will involve academics, firearms training, physical fitness and defensive tactics, and many tactical/practical problems.

Miami, Fla.: Your availability agreement notwithstanding, what are the chances a new Special Agent will be assigned to his or her most desired location for a first duty station? Furthermore, at what point during the processing is a candidate notified of their first duty station?

Thank you.

FBI Recruitment Representatives: All Special Agent candidates must be willing to relocate to any office within the FBI's jurisdiction. These assignments are based on the investigative needs of the FBI. If you select one of the larger metroplitan offices, chances of you actually receiving one of most requested choices are higher than if you select a smaller-sized office.

Thank You.

Boston, MA: The Jan 23 press release stated that the starting salary for new agents after training is between $53,743 and $58,335. Do these numbers include the 25% availability pay? What is the typical annual pay raise?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: The 25% availability pay is included only after you complete the 16-weeks of training at Quantico.

Fairfax, Va.: How long is the application process from the time you take the written test to an actual start date at the academy?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: From the time an applicant takes the written test to the actual start date at Quantico is approximately 6 months to a year, depending on current hiring levels and and competitiveness of the applicant. Current applicants possessing critical needs skills can expect the process to take 6-8 months.

Ewing, New Jersey: Does the FBI pay anything toward moving fees associated with a Special Agent's relocation to another state?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Travel expenses to Quantico from your residence is paid by the Bureau. Travel expenses from Quantico to your first office assignment is also paid by the Bureau.

Thank You.

Houston, Tex.: Unfortunately, I don't have any of the 9 critical skills listed on the Most-Wanted Applicants page. However, I meet all of the other requirements and feel I would be a great asset to the Bureau. How likely is it that, given the specific needs of the FBI at this time, I will make it to Phase 1 testing?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Based on our current hiring needs, all competitive applicants will be given Phase I testing. Individuals possessing critical needs skills will be given priority in hiring.

Fort Lauderdale, FL: I have an active application for Special Agent in the
FBI database as of April 2001. I understand that
applications are active for one year. I have an
advanced degree in information systems and I am also a
fixed wing pilot. This leads to my question, will I be
considered for one of the 966 openings before my
application goes to inactive status(April 2002) or
should I count on reapplying to be considered for
these openings?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Please, please contact your local field office to ensure your application is currently active. You should definitely be considered before April 2002.

Thank You.

Vienna. Va: How far along is the FBI in its effort for online recruiting?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: We have really advanced since 1998. Support candidates may currently apply on-line at www.fbijobs.com. We are working desparately to place the SA position on-line no later than February 8, 2002. Advertisements will direct SA candidates to apply online once the programming is completed.

Thank You.

Chico, Calif.: I know that you are now looking to hire 900 new agents, but what is the normal amount hired per year?

The process for FBI new hres can take up to a year. Will this process be expedited due to the FBI wanting to hire more this year?

Will requirements for potential agents be more relaxed or is there an overwhelming response of candidates?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Hiring levels vary from year to year, based on funding and needed staffing levels. It can range from 0 to several hundred. Requirements for applicants will not be relaxed, as the number of applicants is sufficient to ensure hiring the highest quality applicants.

Boone, NC: How often do new 'classes' of recruits begin training?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Starting December 31st and approximatley every two weeks thereafter until September 30, 2002.

Thank You.

Rahway NJ: Is there an increased urgency to fill special agent positions in the NY, NJ, and Philadelphia offices due to the recent terrorist activity?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: NY, NJ and Philadelphia are high cost living areas and are always more challenging to recruit candidates who want to go to these areas; however, assignments are made based on the investigative needs of the Bureau. Applicants must be willing to relocate anywhere within the FBI's jurisdiction.

Thank you.

Bethpage, N.Y.: Will the FBI change the standards for there hiring in the future?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: We do not anticipate changing our hiring standards. The current standards are extremely competitive to ensure we hire candidates possessing skills and experience deemed most critical by the FBI.

Thank you.

San Francisco, Calif.: If an applicant did not pass the polygraph for an application with another agency, would this automatically disqualify the applicant for amployment with the FBI?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: If an applicant does not pass a polygraph with another agency, it would not necessarily affect employment with the FBI. We would certainly explore the circumstances of the first polygraph failure. Of course, the applicant must pass the FBI's polygraph examination.

Fairfax, Va.: I know there is a big push to hire agents right now, once the 933 agents are hired what do you expect the hiring rate to be for subsequent years?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: It depends on congressional budgetary approval and current events transpiring within our nation.

Thank you.

Medford, Wisconsin: What are the odds that you will be assigned to your preferred/requested field office? 50/50, better, worse?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: 50/50; however, if you request one of the large metropolitan offices, such as NY, LA, SF, DC, etc., your chances are better.

Thank you.

Washington, DC: If someone has recently passed a background test and polography test for the CIA or for any other high security government clearance position, is it necessary to take these screening tests again?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Yes, the FBI conducts its own background investigation, seperate and apart from any other government entity.

Thank You.

Cerritos, Calif.: What is the duration of selection process?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Approximately 6-8 months, extensive foreign travel or an extensive employment history may require a longer background investigation.

Thank You.

Medford, Wisconsin: What type of questions can you expect to receive during the Phase II interview?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Please refer to the Applicant Information Booklet, which is now available on line at www.fbi.gov, for the answer to this question.

Jackson, MS: What office handles most of the computer crimes investigations, or has the most computer security experts working at it?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Computer crimes are investigated in all FBI offices.

Springfield, Va.: I have already passed the FBI's SA Phase I exam. If selected, what do you recommend as the best course of action to prepare for Phase II?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Please contact the Applicant Coordinator in your office for help in answering this question.

PR: Can you tell how good my spoken English and physical condition has to be in the first stage of the application process? Thanks

FBI Recruitment Representatives: In order to qualify for the Special Agent position, you must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. You must also be in excellent physical condition to successfully complete the application process as well as training. You will be required to complete a 1 1/2 mile run during the application process in less than 12:40 for men and 14:10 for women.

Boston, MA: The FBI just announced hiring 966 new agents before September 2002. What percentage increase is this over last year for the same time period?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: We hired the following Agents in recent years:

1995 - hired approximately 700
1996 - hired 1,075
1997 - hired 1, 104
1998 - hired 756
1999 - hired 719
2000 - hired 296
2001 - hired 279
2002 - Projected hires 966

Again, hiring depends on congressinal budgetary approval coupled with economic crime.

Thank you.

Newark NJ: What is the time frame for the hiring process? Is it true the expectation is to hire all the Special Agents by September?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Time Frame approximately 6-8 months. Yes, it is absolutely true we will hire 966 by the end of September.

Thank you.

Cleveland, Ohio: How does the age 37 restriction apply to other federal law enforcement officers? Is this waived?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: If an individual is already in a Series 1811 position, the age requirement does not apply. If it is not an 1811 position, the age requirement stands.

Jacksonville Florida: I was unable to receive a passing score on last years interview. Is it possible for past applicants to review their FBI file?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: You may apply to see your file through the Freedom of Information Act. Further information to access FOIPA is available at www.fbi.gov.

M,PR: Hi, What is the deadline to submit the applications for new agents? Can you write an e-mail address where I can send further questions regarding the application process?
Thank you

FBI Recruitment Representatives: There is no deadline to submit new Special Agent applications. Please contact the Applicant Coordinator or Recruiter in your area by telephone for further information. Due to the number of inquiries, long email responses are not always possible.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Can you comment on the Special Agent Entrance Exam and what specific areas the exam covers?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: The exam covers mathematics, biodata inventory, cognitive ability testing (mathematical reasoning & relationships), and situational judgement. The Special Agent Applicant Information Booklet explains in detail the the contents of FBI testing instruments.

Thank You.

Chicago, IL: How long should an applicant expect to hear from the FBI once the initial applications are sent?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: It will vary depending on the field office. However, if you possess one of our most critical needs and are deemed most competitive, you should expect to hear from the FBI in a very timely manner.

Thank You.

Fairfax, Va.: If a person has language skills, but currently none of the other qualifications on the "most wanted" webpage, what are their chances of getting a job as a special agent with the FBI? What would you suggest to increase their chances?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: If an applicant possesses foreign language skills in a critical needs area and is able to pass a foreign language proficiency test, they would be considered a most competitive applicant without having any other of the critical needs skills.

Covington, KY: What is the normal attire for a Special Agent on most days? Does the FBI give a clothing allowance?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: Professional business attire unless you are working specialized detail assignment which may require casual attire.

No, the FBI does not give a clothing allowance.

Thank you.

Washington DC: Is the FBI only look for fluency in their "most wanted" language backgrounds? I have always been interested in applying to the FBI. I have a liberal arts masters degree and in the past year have begun studying Arabic. How would a recruiter consider such applicants?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: In order to qualify under our Foreign Language entry program, you must read, write and speak the language fluently. Applicant possessing oral skills only could receive an enhancement under the Diversified entry program.

Washington DC: Is the FBI only look for fluency in their "most wanted" language backgrounds? I have always been interested in applying to the FBI. I have a liberal arts masters degree and in the past year have begun studying Arabic. How would a recruiter consider such applicants?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: In order to qualify under our Foreign Language entry program, you must read, write and speak the language fluently. Applicant possessing oral skills only could receive an enhancement under the Diversified entry program.

USA: Would a candidate who had lived in a foreign country like China or Russia be considered a security risk? Or would it just take a little longer to complete the background check?

FBI Recruitment Representatives: If an applicant had lived in a foreign country, it would definitely take longer to complete the background check, but the individual would not be automatically disqualified.

FBI Recruitment Representatives: We want to thank everyone for their interest in the FBI and for your questions. There are not a lot of careers that provide the quality of co-workers, interesting and varied investigations, job satisfaction and the opportunity to serve this great nation. Remember we are not only hiring Special Agents, we are hiring approximately 800 Professional Support personnel. Vacancies may be found at www.fbijobs.com. We will soon accept on-line applications for the Special Agent position as well. We sincerely appreciate this opportunity, not much more needs to be said about one of the most challenging and rewarding careers available to individuals from all segments of our society.

Thank You.

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