Even though work experience is not one of the minimum requirements to apply to the CIA, you will have a better chance of being hired if you have relevant experience that aligns with your role in the CIA. You want to avoid exaggerating and saying that you have relevant experience if you do not since the CIA will discover that information during your background investigation.

"The previous work experience that has prepared me for a career with the CIA includes 12 years working as a police officer and a detective in the missing person unit. With my training and experience, I have developed excellent investigative skills, intuition, and determination and have a 95% success rate in finding those reported missing. I believe my investigative expertise will be a great benefit to the CIA."

"I worked for the past 12 years as an Army Intelligence Analyst. My job was to identify threats and potential targets and report them to my commanding officers. I have top-secret security clearance and sensitive compartmented information access and understand the importance of being discreet. I feel my extensive training and expertise in my field have prepared me for a career with the CIA."