Foreign Service Hiring Change

I'm positive Condi Rice added the line about the "well-respected private sector consulting firm" herself. It's dripping with old-school GOP ideology. Still, an interesting development for those of us that have pondered public diplomacy careers in the past.

http://careers.state.gov/

In a world that is increasingly interconnected – politically, economically, environmentally, and socially – it is imperative that the U.S. Department of State hire U.S. citizens who can promote our foreign policy in this dynamic environment: representative, culturally aware, adaptable, well-rounded, agile, strategic-thinking problem-solvers.

For over 50 years, we have relied on a single source to begin the process of measuring one's ability to meet the challenges and responsibilities as a Foreign Service Officer – the Foreign Service Written Exam. With the world changing at such a rapid pace, the Department needed to evaluate, and change, its hiring practices as well.

To do this, the Department hired a well-respected private sector consulting firm to review and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of our selection process. We had two goals: increasing the speed with which we hire, without decreasing the caliber of persons we attract.

As a result of this study, the Department has changed its Foreign Service Officer selection process.

This process will be faster and more easily accessible. It will take a comprehensive view of a candidate's full range of experience and knowledge, leadership skills, and critical thinking abilities. To be available completely online, the first offering is scheduled for summer 2007.

Bring your proven leadership skills, relevant overseas experience, solid team-building and interpersonal skills, and achievement in difficult tasks to the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer and show the world a side of America it has never seen.