Careers Representing America
Attractive Candidates
User:
Eric
Date: 3/31/2012 6:38 pm
Date: 3/31/2012 6:38 pm
Views: 18682
Rating: 0 Rate [ | ]
Rating: 0 Rate [ | ]
Hello!
It has always been my dream to be a FSO and I just wanted some advice on steps that I can take to make myself a better candidate.
Just a brief background on me. I'm 27 with a BA in Sociology and a Masters in Public Administration. For the past couple years I've been working as a recruiter and I speak a little German. I've had a lot of interaction with different cultures in work and school, but so far my abroad experience is mostly limited to vacations.
My reason for wanting to be an FSO is that I love foreign cultures, history, and diplomacy. Despite my lack of experience, I am very well read in these areas and did very well on the written portion of the FSOT.
My concern is that my professional experience so far isn't close enough to make me a good fit on paper. I wanted to ask how I can enhance my experience and make myself a more attractive candidate. Are there any positions or projects I should get involved in to better get my feet wet? Thanks so much for your help!
-Eric
It has always been my dream to be a FSO and I just wanted some advice on steps that I can take to make myself a better candidate.
Just a brief background on me. I'm 27 with a BA in Sociology and a Masters in Public Administration. For the past couple years I've been working as a recruiter and I speak a little German. I've had a lot of interaction with different cultures in work and school, but so far my abroad experience is mostly limited to vacations.
My reason for wanting to be an FSO is that I love foreign cultures, history, and diplomacy. Despite my lack of experience, I am very well read in these areas and did very well on the written portion of the FSOT.
My concern is that my professional experience so far isn't close enough to make me a good fit on paper. I wanted to ask how I can enhance my experience and make myself a more attractive candidate. Are there any positions or projects I should get involved in to better get my feet wet? Thanks so much for your help!
-Eric
Reply •
Re: Attractive Candidates
User:
P51
Date: 4/1/2012 0:00 am
Date: 4/1/2012 0:00 am
Views: 1494
Rating: -2 Rate [ | ]
Rating: -2 Rate [ | ]
The only requirements to become a Foreign Service Officer are that you are a U.S. Citizen between the ages of 21 and 60 on your date of appointment. We do not give out advice for "becoming a better candidate" because there is no "standard" candidate and because appointment as a Foreign Service Officer (or Specialist) is never a guarantee.
You should do things you enjoy that will help you stick to the 13 Dimensions during your FS candidacy process.
You should do things you enjoy that will help you stick to the 13 Dimensions during your FS candidacy process.
Reply •
Re: Attractive Candidates
User:
PAB_SME
Date: 4/1/2012 7:03 am
Date: 4/1/2012 7:03 am
Views: 1522
Rating: 2 Rate [ | ]
Rating: 2 Rate [ | ]
Hi, Eric,
If you have not already done, so, please review the information at this link:
http://careers.state.gov/officer/who-we-look-for
Also, as taking and passing the FSOT is crucial, you will want to prepare well for it. We have some suggestions on that topic at our website. Please click here:
http://careers.state.gov/officer/selection-process
Then, under item #3, click on "test resources and information."
You may wish to speak or correspond with a Diplomat in Residence located close to you for advice. Diplomats in Residence are senior Foreign Service Officers and are key members of our recruitment team. For a listing of Diplomats in Residence, and contact information, please click here:
http://careers.state.gov/engage/dir.html
If you have not already done, so, please review the information at this link:
http://careers.state.gov/officer/who-we-look-for
Also, as taking and passing the FSOT is crucial, you will want to prepare well for it. We have some suggestions on that topic at our website. Please click here:
http://careers.state.gov/officer/selection-process
Then, under item #3, click on "test resources and information."
You may wish to speak or correspond with a Diplomat in Residence located close to you for advice. Diplomats in Residence are senior Foreign Service Officers and are key members of our recruitment team. For a listing of Diplomats in Residence, and contact information, please click here:
http://careers.state.gov/engage/dir.html
Reply •
Re: Attractive Candidates
User:
PAB_SME
Date: 4/1/2012 5:51 pm
Date: 4/1/2012 5:51 pm
Views: 1345
Rating: 2 Rate [ | ]
Rating: 2 Rate [ | ]
Also, from a colleague's previous posting:
We do have successful candidates who pass the FSOT and Oral Assessment on the first go just out of school. I would encourage you to go ahead and take the FSOT. If you do not pass on the first time, you will have gained valuable experience in the FSOT. The same holds true for the Oral Assessment. Yes, the selection process is very competetive. However, you will not know how well you can do until you try it. Best of luck making your decision.
We do have successful candidates who pass the FSOT and Oral Assessment on the first go just out of school. I would encourage you to go ahead and take the FSOT. If you do not pass on the first time, you will have gained valuable experience in the FSOT. The same holds true for the Oral Assessment. Yes, the selection process is very competetive. However, you will not know how well you can do until you try it. Best of luck making your decision.
Reply •
