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ABC News
ABC News
National
By Jon Healy

Would you make it in Australia's secret spy agency? Take their quiz to find out

The Federal Government is apparently keen to tap into the growing virtual reality market to recruit the next generation of Australian spies.

The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) has launched an online test to find people who are cut out for the work done by the overseas intelligence agency.

The test starts with Mr/Mrs Prospective Spy in an elevator en route to "The Most Interesting Job Interview".

Problem number one asks you to pick the missing number from a sequence in the lift.

You will then be greeted by your guide who takes you through a series of scenarios — at an office, in an airport and at a restaurant.

The tests are designed to challenge observation, persuasion and people-watching and -listening skills, described by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's office as "human intelligence".

Ms Bishop did the rounds on Tuesday's morning television to spruik the recruitment drive, stopping just short of saying they were looking for the next James Bond.

"What we're looking for is people from diverse range of backgrounds — people who have got a curious outlook, obviously intelligent, it is an intelligence service," she told Channel Seven's Sunrise.

"It is not a boring desk job. You have to be resilient, be prepared to work overseas but always acting in Australia's national interest."

Who knows? If you prove yourself in the challenges, you may be recommended for a spot with the agency, which was established in 1952 but not officially recognised until 25 years later.

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