MI6 is using social networking site Facebook to recruit employees in its most recent attempt to diversify its base of applicants.

For some years the UK secret service has been attempting to recruit more women and people from ethnic backgrounds with a series of high-profile advertising campaigns which eschew its Oxbridge 'tap on the shoulder' image.

The latest pop-up ads on Facebook state: "A career in world events? Help influence world events [and] protect the UK. Operational officer roles collecting and analysing global intelligence."

Another reads: "Time for a career change? MI6 can use your skills. Join us as an operational officer collecting and analysing global intelligence to protect the UK."

In April this year the government announced that it planned to use social networking sites such as Facebook to interact with the public as part of a new communication plan.