Periodically readers of this website want to know more about the Foreign Service, and how to get in. Naturally I’m more than happy to oblige. Talking about the Foreign Service comes naturally, and I find myself trying to recruit more people to consider a career in foreign affairs. After all, what could be better than serving your country, getting to live around the world, and have fun at the same time? Below is a sampling of recent questions.
Of course, my answers are Not official, nor should they be relied upon for accuracy. For the final word from the horse’s mouth, visit http://careers.state.gov/index.html for the official points on becoming a Foreign Service Officer.
Reader Question: What are the people like that you work with? Do you find them hard-working or lazy? Is hard-work appreciated and rewarded at your job? (I have had several jobs where I had to work with lazy people and they were never punished and they thought it was odd when I complained).
Globetrotter: Like any career, you will find folks of every type and motivation. However, the recruitment and hiring process is rigorous in order to attract the best and brightest. A good day of honest, hard work is common and expected. Those who are not motivated eventually get weeded out. The worst offenders leave sooner, and the others in a few years. There is a rigorous annual evaluation system, and those who are in the lowest-ranked 5% for a couple of years may be in jeopardy of losing their job, and other low performers do not get promoted. If one isn’t promoted after a certain number of years in the Foreign Service, they will need to look for a new job. You will find motivated and hard-working colleagues in the Foreign Service.
Q: What about advancement? How are promotions handled?
GT: The Foreign Service pay scale is segmented into what are called pay "grades". New employees start between grades 6 to 4. Grade 1 is the highest, and after that one enters the Senior Foreign Service levels. Depending on your years of previous work experience, education level, and previous salary, your starting salary will be higher. Grade 4 is the highest grade you can start at. If you start at grade 6 or 5, you will get an almost-automatic promotion each year until you get to grade 4.
The following website has more links about applying to be a Foreign Service Officer and about advancement: http://careers.state.gov/officer/index.html
After about 3 1/2 years in the Foreign Service you become eligible for tenure, which like tenure for a university professor provides greater job security. About 50% of those eligible for tenure get tenured the first time they are eligible. Once you become tenured, you are eligible to compete with everyone else at the grade 4 level for promotion to the grade 3 level. Roughly 50% of the people eligible for promotion to Grade 3 have performed at a successful level are promoted, and the others have to perform for another year to be eligible to compete for promotion again.
Q: What does the oral exam include? What kind of questions do they ask? Will I be tested on my proficiency in Spanish?
GT: It has been a while since I took the oral assessment. There are two discussion groups which have the latest up-to-date information about the written exam and the oral assessment. They are http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fswe/ for the written test, and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fsoa/ for the oral assessment.
In the oral assessment, the board of examiners lookes for well-rounded individuals with the right mix of personality and character that would make a good fit for the Foreign Service. There are about 14 different categories where they will assess your performance. See the official website for more details: http://careers.state.gov/index.html
At some point during the process, either before or after the date of your oral assessment, you will have the opportunity to take a language test over the phone. Successful completion of the phone test will give you extra points that will boost your chances of getting into the Foreign Service.
One important note: Many successful Foreign Service Officers take the oral assessment a few times before they enter the service. My advice is to not give up, but keep trying if you don’t pass the first time.
GT: Dating is allowed. Of course using common-sense and propriety are important. The dating shouldn't be allowed to interfere with your work. Otherwise, dating co-workers doesn’t appear to be a problem, as long as nobody is supervising somebody with whom they have a romantic relationship.
In the Foreign Service it is not uncommon for Foreign Service Officers to fall in love and marry a national from the host country where they live. Some single FSOs try to go to Embassies or Consulates where there is a larger number of American staff, to increase their chances of finding a suitable dating pool.
Q: Do you feel that the benefits and pay are sufficient?
GT: Yes, compensation and benefits are generous. If you click on http://careers.state.gov/officer/index.html, and select the "Compensation and Benefits" link, you will find more details. Currently, per the website, starting income varies between approximately $37,000 to $76,000 per year and there is subsidized health and life insurance, two and half weeks of paid annual leave (vacation time), and the TSP--the Government's equivalent of a 401K plan with a 5% matching contribution (free money).
While overseas, FSO's also receive free housing, free basic utilities, some student loan reimbursement, 10 paid US holidays and up to 10 local holidays per year, and a free ticket and paid time-off to go back home to America for one month between overseas assignments.
If you serve in hardship or dangerous posts, you will get a pay increase of up to 10% or even 70% extra salary, and more frequent free tickets back to America for R&R (Rest and Recuperation).
Q: What are living arrangements? Are single people grouped into apartments or are they allowed to live alone?
GT: Foreign Service staff are provided comfortable living arrangements. You do not have to share an apartment, unless you choose to serve in a war-zone--in that case you might share a place with somebody else of the same gender for that year.
Most housing is located in relatively safe upscale, residential parts of the city where you live. Housing consists of homes or apartments, depending on the city. Most apartments have an extra guest room for visiting guests to stay in. Some homes have nice yards. Depending on your rank and family size, you will be assigned to a larger home.
That’s all for now. As I said earlier, these answers are Not official, and should Not be construed as such. Check the http://careers.state.gov/index.html website for all the details about how to get into the Foreign Service. Nonetheless, I am happy to answer any honest question by folks who are interested in joining the Foreign Service. I believe this is a great career opportunity that every American should consider.
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