Australia's spy agency partners with Vogue for unconventional recruitment drive

In an unconventional move, Australia's foreign intelligence service, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), is actively seeking new recruits through platforms typically associated with fashion and lifestyle, such as Vogue Australia. Kerri Hartland, the director-general of ASIS, appeared at the Vogue Codes summit, a conference for women in STEM and tech, signaling a significant shift in the agency's recruitment strategy.

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Understanding motivations and relationships, people are at the heart of what we do.

ASIS, known for its secrecy, is moving to a more public-facing approach. Beyond the Vogue Codes partnership, the agency has launched a new website, joined Instagram, and Hartland appeared on the Mamamia podcast "Seize the Yay." This strategy aims to attract a different kind of candidate, emphasizing qualities beyond technical expertise. Hartland stated that ASIS is looking for "qualities, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to read a room and engage effectively with others," and a diverse workforce whose perspectives enhance their impact.

This recruitment drive has surprised many in national security circles, with one observer humorously mistaking the Vogue sponsorship for an advertisement from the online clothing retailer ASOS. The agency's leader acknowledged the need to move beyond hiring only "dweebs," indicating a desire for individuals with strong people skills.

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We aren't just looking for qualifications, we are looking for qualities, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to read a room and engage effectively with others. That's why we are focused on attracting a diverse workforce whose perspectives and strengths directly enhance the impact we deliver for government.

Globally, spy agencies are facing recruitment challenges. The British agency MI6 has also targeted women in STEM for recruitment, while the CIA's attempt to humanize its workforce faced a harsh reception. ASIS's approach, leveraging high-profile events and social media, represents a modern effort to broaden its appeal and attract a more diverse range of talent to its secretive operations.

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We can't just hire dweebs.