Intel recruitment

The C.I.A.’s Business Is Secrets, but It Is Recruiting Spies in the Open

The C.I.A. has recruited at Ivy League schools, through Hollywood-produced television programs and even by judging school science fairs.

But the current era needs a modern recruiting drive, and on Monday, the C.I.A. unveiled its first television advertisement, which is aimed at streaming platforms like Hulu. The slick, advertising-agency-produced spot has the feel of clips from the television program “Homeland” — with a dollop of patriotism.

By some measures, the C.I.A. has little need for recruiting drives. Every year, thousands of applicants compete for hundreds of spots, according to current and former officials. In 2019, the agency had its best recruiting year in a decade. And traditionally it has been easier for the government to recruit during recessions.