Job Responsibilities
Responsible for the well being of US citizens abroad, non-
immigrant visa adjudication, immigrant visa adjudication, as well
as a varying and broad range of ancillary diplomatic obligations.
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Job Requirements
You must pass an extremely competitive series of exams, namely
the Foreign Service Written Exam and the Foreign Service Oral
Assessment. A fair amount of applicants have advanced degrees,
but it is not necessary. Applicants must also undergo a security
and medical clearance, as well as a final suitability review
before being considered for hiring.
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Uppers
Moving to U.S. Missions abroad every 2-3 years, and travelling as a commissioned
U.S. Diplomat.
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Downers
Possibility of serving in a hardship post, being away from your
family and friends for years at a time, and constant stress of
moving and security threats.
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Lifestyle
Work hours range from 40-70 hours per week. Lots of travel opportunities,
representational events. You could end up working virtually anywhere in the
world, so it's difficult to say what type of experience it would be.
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Compensation
Paid on the foreign service scale, housing and utilities are
typically taken care of, automatically enrolled in Foreign
Service Pension Plan, health and life insurance is available and
relatively comprehensive.
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Advice to Jobseekers
If it's something you decide you are interested in, start taking
the tests well before you are ready to start the job, the process
can literally take 2-3 years.
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