The DipNotes

Thanks for the response. 

I got a note back from HR.  I've moved up the list to #7.  A class is starting in May which took five people.  The bad news is that the next class isn't until September and they are only taking one person.

This is in contrast to what I've heard from a number of different people who've "moved quickly off the list."  It seems like certain FS Specialists are in higher demand than others.  Unfortunately, my specific FS Specialist role is not in high demand. 

Things can change and I remain optimistic.  However, being in-limbo is not fun.  I'll keep you posted if I hear anything else.  Thanks again for your insights and responses.

-Dave

Hello everyone.

First, thank you for putting together this forum and blog. It's loaded with a wealth of great information. There is very little information outside of the State careers website about the FS hiring process. It's great to find a place with timely information about the long and challenging hiring process.

I thought I’d share a little bit about my process to join State and ask a few questions for the group. It's been a long trip so far and I think I am nearing the conclusion.

I applied for a FSS position back in March 2009. In late August I heard from a friend that she was contacted by State to schedule her Oral Assessment. I was excited that news was forthcoming but I heard nothing. I became antsy and sent an email to the main careers email address at State. I received a reply saying that they were still going through the application review process and to be patient. I heard nothing until early November when I received an email saying I’d passed the evaluation of my written application. Another month went by until I received a phone call on a Saturday morning in December asking to schedule my Oral Assessment.

Two weeks later I took and passed the OA. The OA matched what’s been posted earlier but I won’t go into detail due to a signed NDA. I can say that it was a very challenging experience. It was different from the typical interview, with some targeted position-specific questions. I will say that the process is very thorough and anyone passing the OA is truly qualified for the position. I was ecstatic when I learned I passed.

Immediately after passing the OA, I initiated my background investigation and scheduled my medical clearance. The medical clearance was very straight forward for me and my spouse. We completed the necessary paperwork and exams in three trips to the State Medical Facility in Washington, DC. The background investigation also went smoothly thanks, in-part, to a previous investigation by State (when I was a contractor) and existing clearances with other Federal agencies. The interview sessions were cordial but to the point. I can also say that the investigators are thorough. For anyone who has not gone through this process, be honest and thorough with all the information you submit. Offer more than is asked at times. The investigation will find anything you omit and it can be grounds for additional inquiry or even dismissal.

Earlier this month I learned that I’d passed the final suitability board review and was added to the Register. I was told that I stood #11 in line out of 18 candidates for my position. The May class was filled and the next class was not yet scheduled.

This odyssey began roughly one year ago and now I feel closer than ever to my dream of joining the Foreign Service. However, I am struggling being so close yet not knowing when my new career will begin. It is agonizing not knowing if or when I’ll come off the list. It is also challenging given my current employment.

With all that said, I have a few questions:

- How often should I inquire to HR regarding my placement on the list? Is it better email or call?

- Should I pursue the foreign language tests to move up the list? (I do not have Veteran status)

- Does the initial FSS orientation class included people from different specialist positions like IMO, FMO, Medical, etc. or are they specific just to my position?

- Is the initial FSS class similar to the A-100?

- How often do these classes occur?

- Do the classes only occur at specific times of the year like a Spring and Fall class?

- How far in advance are you notified before the class begins?

- From the start of orientation, roughly how long will it be before I deploy to my first post?

Thank you again for hosting this excellent website.

Regards,

Dave