My situation has changed. Can I defer my candidacy for entry into the Foreign Service?

The appointment process to become a Foreign Service employee requires strong commitment. Occasionally, candidates request deferral of their candidacies. Active or reserve military personnel, U.S. government civilian employees, Peace Corps Volunteers, candidates on Fulbright grants serving abroad, and spouses of Foreign Service employees currently assigned abroad may request deferrals for the period of their overseas service, up to a maximum of two years.

2022-05-31T16:29:23-04:00

If the retirement age is 65, would the Foreign Service hire someone over 55 knowing that they will only have 10-year return on their investment?

Yes. The Department of State encourages all interested candidates who meet the age qualifications to apply. The only requirement is employees must have entered an orientation class before their 60th birthday. Qualifying, preference-eligible veterans may be appointed from the rank-ordered Hiring Register at any time before they turn 65.

2022-05-31T16:26:11-04:00

May a candidate in a career track or specialty have other candidacies at the same time?

Yes. A candidate may qualify for more than one career track and be on more than one hiring register at a time. For example, applicants may qualify for more than one specialist career track, or they may qualify for a specialist career track as well as a generalist career track. If a candidate accepts a job offer from the Department in one career track while on another register, any other active or pending offers with the Foreign Service will be closed effective the date the candidate signs the Letter of Offer.

2022-05-31T16:20:28-04:00

What is the difference between a Foreign Service Specialist and a Foreign Service Generalist?

Both Foreign Service Specialists and Generalists are diplomats and direct-hire career employees of the Department of State.

Foreign Service Specialists are professionals with specialized expertise and experience needed to meet Foreign Service responsibilities around the world (e.g. engineering, medical, management, and security).

Foreign Service Officers (FSO) are known as “generalists” and choose a career track, which will determine the type of work performed for the majority of the FSO’s career. The five career tracks are (Economic, Public Diplomacy, Consular, Management, or Political).

2022-06-22T14:27:36-04:00

I’m taking a gap year. Can I still apply?

We like your enthusiasm! Our answer depends on yours. If you are spending your gap year in student status (learning, studying, etc.) then you are eligible to apply. If you are already enrolled for the 2021-22 academic year, and spending your gap year both learning and earning, you’re eligible. If you are taking a break from college to decide next steps, and are focused solely on earning money, then you are not eligible to apply and should wait until next year. If you apply, we look forward to seeing your application!

2020-08-03T12:34:19-04:00

Will coffee and snacks be provided? Will I have a chance to get coffee once I get to the Assessment Center?

We will provide water and access to a water fountain throughout the day. Coffee should be purchased before the 7:00 am assessment start time. Candidates may bring beverages and snacks to the Assessment Center reception area. Candidates are expected to clean up after themselves. Food and drink are not allowed in the Case Management (Written) Exercise room.

2017-01-06T09:29:29-05:00

I have a Department badge. Do I still need to be escorted in the Assessment Center?

Yes, you will be asked to put your badge away with the rest of your belongings on the day of the test. We do this to ensure that all candidates are treated equally on the assessment day. Some external candidates might see the badge and believe it will provide an advantage. This policy is in no way meant to ignore your service to the Department. The assessors will see your service in their review of your file.

2017-01-06T09:28:33-05:00
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