A career in the U.S. Department of State requires a series of mandatory specialized skills, and therefore the selection process is hyper competitive. Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens apply for a handful of positions. In addition to the standard application process for State Department positions, you may also be tasked with completing a written assessment and passing evaluation and oral assessment tests. Before you apply, however, it is vital to understand the qualifications every candidate must possess. Properly marketing yourself and showcasing your strengths will help you stand out during the extensive application and hiring process. Here are five ways to effectively market yourself to the U.S. Department of State.
Earn an MA in International Relations
Enrolling in a graduate program that specializes in international security studies shows dedication and an interest in domestic and foreign affairs. You will also gain foundational knowledge and the necessary skills (e.g., writing, intercultural negotiation, critical thinking) to be successful in a U.S. government role. The U.S. Department of State looks for candidates with the skills and knowledge that international relations programs provide.
Become Fluent in a Language, or Two
An important part of any State Department employee’s job is interacting with people from different countries. Be it a prime minister or a woman requesting a U.S. visa, the U.S. Department of State prides itself in employing citizens who are able to communicate effectively and efficiently with non-English speakers. You may earn bonus points for passing a phone interview in one or more foreign languages. So if you’re looking to make your application stand out, pick up an in-demand language, such as Chinese or Spanish.
Intern or Study Abroad
International experience is pertinent for having a career at the U.S. Department of State. The perspective and skills you gain from being in a foreign country for an extended period of time cannot be matched by any amount of scholarly research in the classroom. Plus, an internship abroad demonstrates an ability to adapt to new cultures. Through interning or studying abroad, you will be better able to contribute to the foreign affairs missions of the U.S. Department of State.
Exhibit Leadership Skills
Leadership is what separates the good applicants from the outstanding. The U.S. State Department is managed through team effort, and recruiters seek leaders who not only assume responsibility for necessary work, but also motivate others to participate in activities. Highlighting your prior leadership experiences will show that you are organized, composed, and a team player—three important qualities that the U.S. Department of State looks for in job candidates.
Be Flexible
Working at the U.S. Department of State is no easy job, and many of the professional demands require flexibility. This can be anything from learning a new language to moving halfway across the world. State Department jobs are not always predictable. Therefore, the ability to calmly respond to unanticipated circumstances is a key skill to have.
Now that you know how to better market yourself, it’s important to go through the list and see which areas you may be lacking in. Once you’ve gained the necessary knowledge, education, skills, and real-world experience applicable to the job you want, you’ll be able to apply for a position at the U.S. Department of State with confidence.
For more information on how you can become a great candidate for the U.S. Department of State, visit the Foreign Service Officer Who We Look For and 13 Dimensions pages.
