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JOB OFFER

   In addition to the formal interviews of February and March, 2002, there were a couple of somewhat lengthy tests. One was general knowledge, and the other was a kind of IQ test – only thing memorable was that I was done an hour or so ahead of the other test takers, but couldn’t leave until all tests were collected or something like that, so had to sit around twirling my thumbs. 

   And that was it for the first two rounds of interviews.  I scored high on the tests, apparently my blood and urine tests didn't show too many banned substances, and between those scores and the interviews, I got a call from the CIA a few weeks later telling me that they’re singling out and expediting my application, and asking if I would be interested in starting my clandestine training early, in July of 2002. 

   That was different than the December class that I had been planning for per the initial employment seminar, a few months past.  It was already April, so what with July being just three months away, I would have to do some serious juggling with my affairs in order to relocate to “the Farm” in time for the July class (as it turns out there is no “Farm,” and the actual clandestine training methodology was radically different from what was outlined in the CIA employment seminar, but I didn’t know that at the time). Mundane things like giving my landlord notice, canceling utilities in my name, either cancelling my Washington Post and Newsweek subscriptions or switching delivery to a new and as-yet unknown address, and a bunch of similar small things. 

   Then there were more serious things, like giving my employer notice – I was there on a first of its kind consumer rights fellowship at Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, which had been created just for me and that was supposed to last through December of 2002.  Some pretty decent people went through considerable effort to create that fellowship, and if it worked out, there would be others like it for more young lawyers down the road.  

   Besides, I liked the folk at TLPJ, so I had to make sure that they had as much advance notice as possible, and explain why I felt it was important to leave a little over halfway through the fellowship.  I mean, up to that point, I hadn’t told a soul that I had applied for a job with the CIA - so I had to figure out how to go about telling my boss. 

   Anyways, I figure that it is doable, so I agree to the July class.  I’m told that from here on out I would be shepherded through the process via an Ann, who was supposed to be my "Program Officer,” and to let her know if I had any questions in the next few months. A few days later, I get a conditional offer of employment letter.  A few days after that, I get a letter setting up a third round of interviews, also stretched out over a few days - chat with a CIA shrink, go through medical examinations, additional tests, do a polygraph, etc.


Next:  Polygraph, Hypnosis, Behavioral Modification, "Conditioning," & Other Sick CIA Stuff - Introduction