Did a search and didnt see any threads on it. Anyone ever taken this before? What did you think of it? Any advice on preparing?

If you dont know what this is, its the 1st step in the process of applying for a job with the Dept of State. I'll be taking this the first week in June.

5/17/2011 4:29:50 PM

The5thsoth

5/17/2011 4:40:06 PM

Stay current on the news, especially international news. I had a friend totally blow it because she doesn't pay attention to the news at all. I aced that section on the practice test, then realized the State Department is not for me.

5/17/2011 4:45:20 PM

Good luck. I was in a similar situation a few years back, but the A- I made in my agricultural elective came back to bite me in the ass. Not a day goes by that I don't look back in anger.

5/17/2011 4:49:54 PM

What kind of job does one get with this?

5/17/2011 4:54:09 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_Service_Officer

5/17/2011 5:28:58 PM

Quote :

"Good luck. I was in a similar situation a few years back, but the A- I made in my agricultural elective came back to bite me in the ass. Not a day goes by that I don't look back in anger."

hehe, well played

5/17/2011 5:47:07 PM

paging GrumpyGOP

it's my understanding that you basically need a Master's and probably from a better school than State but it's worth a shot. The type of people that the State department takes really varies. I know a girl interning with them that is not far short of an idiot, but I know good people that haven't made it. I've also heard that when you interview you'll be with Harvard grads, West Point, etc. so you have to stand out in some way. Language ability is a major plus.


[Edited on May 17, 2011 at 6:35 PM. Reason : .]

5/17/2011 6:32:13 PM

I'm with the DoS as a FSSO and have a little knowledge of how the interviews go. I don't really know very much about the FS exam itself though. Our assessments are a lot different. If you have any other questions about the department I would be happy to help.

5/17/2011 6:33:03 PM

I went to Passover dinner with a Former FSO for the DoS who's now working as a lobbyist. I am very stupid for not further investigating this untapped resource because he always speaks positively of his experiences working for them. It seems very elite and difficult to get into, to be honest. I am gonna go ahead and say it's probably full of cronyism just like trying to get into the Air Marshals or NCIS.

5/17/2011 6:56:58 PM

You should go talk to Dr. Figgins. He can tell you all about it.

And yeah, having foreign language skills is a huge bonus. Having a relative that's high up in the State Department also helps

5/17/2011 9:45:29 PM

Yea i know its a long shot, but I figure it wouldnt hurt to try. Why not. I'd love it if I got it.

As for foreign language, I am fluent in Spanish, however I know that many people are and thats not that impressive.

5/17/2011 10:03:32 PM

I think I'm too eager for direct action to actually believe in true diplomacy

But good luck!

5/17/2011 10:08:32 PM

Its never really a long shot. The foreign service exam is one of the few things that you can accomplish and get ahead on simply out of personal merit, knowledge, and skill.

I can help you on the workings of the department if you have questions. At least on the specialist side of the house.

Also if you fail the test, its not like you can't ever take it again. You just have to take a while. Language knowledge will only help you if you test out in it and also do well on the FS exam.

5/17/2011 10:11:03 PM

if you don't pass it, be sure to bitch to whatever official you can to give you the passing score you derserve

5/17/2011 10:11:28 PM

The5thsoth- Where are you living now? How do you like DOS life?

5/17/2011 10:21:56 PM

I live in DC right now

[Edited on May 17, 2011 at 10:43 PM. Reason : pm is better than a thread]

5/17/2011 10:39:48 PM

I've worked overseas wtih State at Embassy Sarajevo in the Political Section and worked a few contracts for them throughout Eastern Europe.

The test itself is not extremely difficult in the same sense some tests can be, but its tough in that it is very broad and tough to study for. Cramming for the test probably won't do too much good simply because it is hard to predict what areas they will focus on. As others have said, keep up with current events, basic US government, international affairs, and basic business practices. Keep in mind that current events will become especially important if you make it to the oral assessment. There is a Yahoo group that is a great resource for study material for both the FSOT and OA.

Regarding cronyism compared to the air marshals and NCIS, the Foreign Service cadre is much larger than the marshal or civilian agent pool. This test serves as a gateway that all must pass. If you can't get past this point, cronyism can't really help you (and most people do not pass). The latter stages of the process are where cronyism may come into play.

Regarding having a Masters from a top tier school, yes you will be at the oral assessment with these people but the process is all about you and how well you can sell your experiences. There is a set score that you must attain to be given a conditional offer of employment and if you make it, you proceed. This means that everyone in the group can make it or none can. You should concern yourself more with your performance and getting the highest score you can so that you can be placed high on the register.

5/18/2011 9:11:06 AM

Oh, don't know how I missed this thread.

I'm taking it for the second time in June. I passed the test the last time I took it (probably back in '08), but my resume was so shitty I didn't get called to the oral assessment later on. My resume still isn't great but now it has a shiny "Masters Degree" on it.

SkiSalomon summed it up pretty well. The biggest problem with the multiple choice is that the questions are all over the place. There's not a lot you can do to study for that. However, I do recommend getting the study guide they offer (I think for maybe $20). It will give you some idea of the range of questions to expect.

Remember, out of the four basic sections of the test, two have to do with how well you speak English. Right now nobody gives a shit about what other languages you speak, if you can't do well on the English Expression and Written Essay portions, that's half the test you just fucked up.

My overall impression was that the test was pretty easy, but that's more because my interests and skillsets line up with what the test wants than because I'm particularly smart.

5/19/2011 3:11:40 PM

Passed the multiple choice/short answer portion of the exam the last time around without studying but missed on the essay by 1 point.

Feel like retaking it now that I have actually taken courses in my major and know what the essay format is. The essay is the real killer. 30 minutes timed, completely random subject.

5/19/2011 3:37:25 PM