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GCHQ launches pioneering recruitment initiative on Xbox

Monday 23rd November 2009

By Mike Jones

Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) has partnered with TMP Worldwide to launch a pioneering recruitment campaign to run on Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE service, targeting the online gaming community.

The six-week initiative features graphic video clips and static advertisements designed to help potential candidates "get under the skin" of GCHQ’s work, which can range from tackling hackers to fighting organised crime. The project is the first time Xbox LIVE has hosted a recruitment advertisement in this format, and is also the first time any of the intelligence agencies have used moving images within online games.

Created by TMP, the campaign aims to broaden the reach of GCHQ’s recruitment message, and help fill around 250 predominantly IT and technical roles at graduate and professional level, many of which require specialist skills likely to resonate within the online community.

GCHQ spokesman Caroline Waterfield said: "As well as tackling 'traditional threats', GCHQ’s work is also about helping government departments, such as Ministry of Defence (MoD), to protect their information and communication systems. This means we can offer excellent training and careers for people with specialist technical skills. However, the fact remains that many potential candidates remain unaware of GCHQ and what we do. Using video on Xbox LIVE helps carry our message to the right people in a creative and innovative manner."

Clare Horbury at TMP said: "GCHQ is keen to recruit a diverse range of people – many of whom will not have considered this type of work, or even be aware they might be in demand by the intelligence services. Many gamers have the right skills and we know they’re particularly receptive to advertising within their space. With this in mind we hope we can encourage even more people to investigate the many career opportunities at GCHQ."

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