Early start

I had only just woken up when my mobile rang. Don't worry, it has a timer so that it will only ring after my waking time.

I picked up the mobile but dropped it knocking it out.

I switched it back on and found I had a voice mail from an agency. In fact the one who said they'd call yesterday but didn't.

So, I called her back and had a quick chat about the role. It was quick because a "preferred" option was security clearance.

I know, I know. In recruiter speak "preferred" means mandatory.

Worst, it turns out that the recruiter was a government department (the agent didn't say which one). And unlike private sector recruiters government departments seem to take much longer in vetting (and not just for high security jobs).

I pointed out that I had worked at an investment bank, so had been vetted, and hadn't been naughty since. But this wouldn't make any difference - they needed security cleared candidates.