A degree indicates you can stay the course and can indicate you can work hard, and dedicate yourself. Your first degree is your evidence to the rest of the world.

A PhD is evidence of "Original Thinking".

Being Chartered is confirmation of your experience and the fact that you have held very responsible positions. It is only gained by investigation, confirmation, and interview. Sometimes being Chartered is a prerequisite for a level of authorisation, and can be legally so.

Never pass up anyone however who does not have any of these. Some of the best in the business have very few or no qualifications. Work with them, make up for their shortcomings and benefit from their abilities.

Clearance to work on data/systems of the highest level of sensitivity is only gained after months of investigation. There is never an absolute guarantee, such do not exist in life, but every possible effort is made to ensure security.

Likewise interviews cannot guarantee abilities. They are merely a reduction of risk.

Bear in mind that interviews are a two way process, if they are of any use to you as an interviewee. If you get turned down it might easily be that you are too good. Interviews are not one-sided.

Income is not always relative to responsibility. Responsibility and control do not always to hand-in-hand.

Size of orgainsation is irrelevant, the best jobs can be in the smallest or largest of organisations. It can however be amusing if your organisation has a turnover measured in trillions.

Like everything in life, it is the gut-feeling that should matter, both ways.

A job is a two-way process not just what you get from an organisation but, perhaps much more importantly, what contribution you can make to that organisation.