Think you've got what it takes to become a spy? Whether you're a budding James Bond or a Jason Bourne in the making, landing a job in one of the world's intelligence agencies isn't quite as simple as our favourite movie characters might make it look.

That said, it's not as hush-hush and covert as you might imagine, with many spies more likely to apply for a role online than be tapped on the shoulder by a shadowy figure in a trench coat. Read on to find out how countries really recruit their secret agents, and what they get paid. All dollar amounts in US dollars, unless otherwise stated.