The Foreign Service Oral Assessment

From time to time I get questions from friends or followers of my blog about the third stage of the Foreign Service Exam: The Oral Assessment.

My best advice for the Orals is to make sure that you don't over-think it. Have you read much about how it is organized? On the State Department Careers website, you can read about the 13 dimensions that the testers look for.

There are three major parts to the Oral Assessment: a group exercise, individual interviews, and a timed writing test. The group exercise is the one that probably needs the most explanation.

The group exercise is a simulation of what it is like to work in a group in an Embassy. The group has to decide which projects get funded (or some similar scenario) while the testers sit in the corners of the room taking notes. Before I took the test, I had heard that it was a good idea to volunteer to be timekeeper, notekeeper, moderator, etc. But I actually didn't volunteer for any of those roles, and my project did not get "selected," so don't believe everything you read on the internet. It's how you act and articulate that really matters. Think about the pros and cons of your project and explain them clearly and carefully. I noticed that many people during the group exercise had a lot of trouble expressing themselves. One thing I did was ask other people for clarification. I took notes while other people were speaking. And I made sure that my body language was open (you know, facing the people talking, nodding, etc.). The group exercise is not just about making a speech and then "phew its over." You need to be engaged the whole time, but not in a bossy and aggressive way.

I imagined, if I were posted to some small African country, who would I want to be stuck with? This is probably going through the testers minds. I've sat in on some real-life grants meetings where people are arguing which projects should get funded--so the skills you demonstrate in this test will be applicable in the job. You want to show that you are not only articulate and smart, but also a good listener and a well-balanced person. I know it sounds goofy, but it helped me to think about it that way.

For the day of the test, I packed my own lunch, and I was glad that I had brought something healthy to eat. Some people bring snacks for their fellow testers. Don't do anything that is severely out of character, but do what will make you the most comfortable. A lot of people chatted with each other in between tests (the tests are short and intense and there is a lot of down time), but I sat and read a magazine to decompress.

I hope this helps and good luck to you, dear friends!! If you have any more questions please let me know.

Top Image "Atlas Paper Pinwheels" by Betsy Ryan Hany on Etsy

The dreaded written exam

Today I am going to write a post on the dreaded foreign service written exam.  For those of you who are completely new to the process, the written test involves four sections:  An essay, an English expression section, a job knowledge (aka trivial pursuit) section, and a biographical section.  

The biographical section was the second most nerve-wracking for me.  It sounds easy, but you will be called upon to justify your answers--so don't lie or exaggerate!  For example, one question may be "how would you rate your leadership skills" and the next question "describe a time when you showed leadership."  If you put "excellent" but can't think of an excellent example, you can't go back and change your answer.

The job knowledge section is a crapshoot.  There is no way to know every piece of trivia out there, but fortunately it is multiple choice.  The best and only way to prepare is to be well-read and relaxed.  I always drink a protein smoothie before I take an important test.  My sister jams to her favorite music.  If you have any test taking tips, feel free to post them here.

For more information, the Hegemonist has published a great guide to the written exam here.  And don't forget to take the official study guide, which can be found here.  Unfortunately, it costs money.  I got it free from my university, so check there first if you can.

Chelsea from {frolic} turned me on to the quote "you can have the life you want."  To prove that point, she's decided to spend a month alone in Sweden.  If you're not living the life you want, do something about it.  Screenprint by Orangebeautiful available for purchase on etsy.

Cones

Before you sign up to take the foreign service test, you must first decide what it is you would like to do in the Foreign Service. You must choose one of five "cones," which include:

Political, Economic, Public Diplomacy, Management, and Consular.

The state department website has information about the different cones, but if you are seriously considering taking the test, I would recommend doing a little extra research and perhaps some informational interviews. The Hegemonist, a Foreign Service blogger, has also written about each of the cones--you can find the link here.

Because I am obsessed with culture and love working with people, I chose the Public Diplomacy track. Public Diplomacy (PD) is like Public Relations for America, and officers who work in this cone get to do a wide variety of tasks from working with the press to organizing cultural exchanges and attending cultural events. PD is also beginning to take advantage of new technology like twitter, blogging, and second life--a development that I find fascinating. I believe strongly that the arts and the public sphere are strong forces that bring people together and facilitate mutual understanding.

If you have time, check out the USC Center on Public Diplomacy wiki about PD and an informational video found on the CB3 communications blog.

If you want to know more about Public Diplomacy and New Technology, watch this TED lecture by new media guru Clay Shirky.

Dear friends

For those of you who don't already know, I am excited to announce that I will be joining the US Foreign Service.  That means that in less than a year, Dave and I will be moving overseas for two years to work for the State Department at an embassy or consulate.  This past year I have been going through the process of applying--taking exams, getting clearances--and now I finally received an offer to start training in June.  It is both exciting and daunting to have no clue where we will be sent.  Because this is not a typical career path, many of my friends and family members are apprehensive.   I started this blog to 

1. clarify the confusing aspects of this lifestyle
2. inspire and assist others interested in this career path
3. keep track of the small wonders in life  

I have about a month now to rehabilitate the right side of my brain before I dive back into the books.  Dave and I are looking forward to watching movies, reading books, taking our wedding photos out of a ziplock bag, and sending handwritten letters (gasp!).  I'll end with some good advice found on happy cavalier:

Available for purchase here...