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Fatewarns posted:Given that I can only pick one language to be tested in and that I'm guaranteed to go to a country where Persian is spoken for my first round if I pass, am I setting myself up to be sent to Afghanistan (or Tajikistan) for my very first job? Farsi is used in more than just Afghanistan and Tajikstan. There are several posts where there is a dedicated consular officer to handle Iranian applicants - Yerevan, Ankara, and Dubai all come to mind. There are also a very few language designated posts in DC that could conceivably serve in to satisfy that requirement. And did something change? If you come in on CNL points, don't you have to do two language-designated positions, one entry-level and one mid-level?
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Oct 26, 2012 15:25
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Zoots posted:Though FSI does offer Cantonese - an A-100 bud went to Hong Kong for his first tour and spent a good chunk of time in language for that. Your tax dollars at work, ladies and gentlemen. There is no need for Cantonese in Hong Kong. Ok, maybe for visa interviews. Also, Zoots, did your classmate get to post around this past April? If so, I totally know this guy.
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Oct 26, 2012 17:05
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TCD posted:Actually it's possible to do a directed tour to AIP for generalists and most specialists. Hrm, interesting. I was under the impression they stopped doing that because it turned out to be more or less of a hot mess...
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Oct 26, 2012 18:12
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Business of Ferrets posted:Your tax dollars at work, ladies and gentlemen. Cantonese is spoken in Malaysia and Singapore, too. Now obvs it's about as necessary in Singapore as it is in Hong Kong, but I do think the language is of more utility in Malaysia.
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Oct 26, 2012 18:18
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Business of Ferrets posted:Also, Zoots, did your classmate get to post around this past April? If so, I totally know this guy.
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Oct 26, 2012 19:33
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Even when people around you can speak your language, I think it's incredibly useful to have a working knowledge of other languages people speak, especially if it is not expected that you would understand their language. People often switch languages/dialects to hide information. I remember tutoring Haitian immigrants (elementary school age) and knowing French was incredibly helpful because I could call them out when they were saying rude things in creole.
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Oct 26, 2012 21:17
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Saho posted:Hrm, interesting. I was under the impression they stopped doing that because it turned out to be more or less of a hot mess... When I joined in 2007 (after the hot mess of first-tour JOs in Baghdad) they'd only send people to Iraq out of A-100 if they'd had military experience or some form of federal service in Iraq (PSC, another agency, whatever). Now I understand that AIP jobs are open to second-tour JOs if they can make the pitch effectively to CDA/EL.
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Oct 26, 2012 23:51
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Hey, guys, I'm still having some trouble accessing my PNQs. My letter has this line: When I follow that link, I'm taken to this page:  None of the buttons there produce PNQs. What can I do? I've already sent an email to fsot@act.... but I doubt they will get back to me this weekend. Are the PNQs the same for everyone? If so, would it be okay for someone to send me the questions so I can start thinking about them?
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Oct 27, 2012 04:59
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I would definitely be willing to send 'em to you as long as I can get confirmation that they're identical for everyone and that I'm not violating rules by doing so. And yeah, you'll want to contact ACT or State about your registration page - When I click the link and am brought to the "Your Registrations" page, I have an extra row for PNQ questions that I can "launch." Something's wonky on their end, so you'll want to get that sorted ASAP.
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Oct 27, 2012 10:15
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tismondo posted:I would definitely be willing to send 'em to you as long as I can get confirmation that they're identical for everyone and that I'm not violating rules by doing so. Maybe they made a mistake and I didn't actually pass. 
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Oct 27, 2012 13:03
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I read on the State website that the questions and answers are not covered by NDA, so it's okay to share them, but I'm not sure if they're the same for everyone. They're certainly really broad so I would expect them to be the same for everyone.
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Oct 27, 2012 13:57
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Tyro posted:
Seconding this. Any military experience will reflect well on you. It is always nice to be able to say "I did this exact job already, just in the military.", but that is by no means a requirement.
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Oct 27, 2012 17:14
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I'm sorry if this has already been answered, but I didn't see anything on the last couple of pages. Would a DUI a couple of years ago totally bar me from ever getting the necessary security clearance?
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Oct 27, 2012 21:29
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Bruxism posted:It is always nice to be able to say "I did this exact job already, just in the military.", but that is by no means a requirement. I think that's his question, though...NFO has nothing to do with being a RSO (or any job at State, really). Coin posted:Would a DUI a couple of years ago totally bar me from ever getting the necessary security clearance? Like all things security clearance related, it depends. This site is worth a look to give you some idea, but seriously, it depends. It definitely isn't an absolute disqualifier like "murdered 10 people and then sold SCI to the Russians" might be, but it's also not something that will automatically be a non-factor like "got three speeding tickets 10 years ago." All depends on the particular circumstances of the incident, how long ago it was, your record since then, and how well you can show mitigation to the investigator. Purely anecdotal, but a guy I work with is in the process of getting his Secret upgraded to a TS/SCI, and he got a DUI about 10 years ago. It's taken longer than normal and required a few more memorandums/meetings with the investigator, but I think it's going to be granted. e: and now that I said that he probably won't get the upgrade, such are the fickle gods of the security clearance. iyaayas01 fucked around with this message at 22:02 on Oct 27, 2012 |
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Oct 27, 2012 21:44
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As a college student looking at a potential career in foreign service, how much of an advantage is it to have some proficiency in a language when applying, or would that time be better spent working on other academic areas?
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Oct 27, 2012 21:47
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DerLeo posted:As a college student looking at a potential career in foreign service, how much of an advantage is it to have some proficiency in a language when applying, or would that time be better spent working on other academic areas? Language really only comes into play after you more or less get through the entire hiring process and get placed on the register. This basically means you might get hired on faster than you would other wise but, probably, won't make the difference if you get hired or not. It's like being a veteran (I think) it doesn't come into play until they already decided you're someone they want to bring on board anyway. This of course is dependent on how well you do on the OA. Let me know if the above paragraph doesn't make any sense, I'm assuming you know the basic hiring process and how the register works, which is a little weird. My recommendation is always do what you'll be happy doing and won't regret if you don't get into the FS for whatever reason. It's all black magic and voodoo anyway and there's really no rank order list of things that are best to get in. They really do seem to pull from a really diverse set of backgrounds.
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Oct 27, 2012 23:09
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I'm not an expert on this at all - just an applicant like so many others. But from everything I've understood, and at the risk of contradicting the post above mine, I'd say proficiency in a language is extremely helpful. I think the point of disagreement lies in the likelihood of you being hired after being placed on the register. Plenty of candidates have low (but still passing) OA scores and languish on the register without ever being offered an A-100 spot. So yes, passing the OA does make you eligible, but the barrier to entry is still beyond that. Having language skills, particularly critical needs language skills, can be the difference between a job and spending 18 months on a waiting list. There are also intangibles to consider - proficiency in a language often goes hand-in-hand with a greater knowledge of a foreign culture, which can help on your answers to the FSWE, PNQs, and possibly the QEP as well. Studying a language abroad can do even more for you. Plenty of people are offered positions without foreign language skills, so it's not a requirement. But I certainly took the time to learn 'em. They're marketable skills outside of the Foreign Service anyway, so it's a win-win to take the time.
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Oct 28, 2012 04:59
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Coin posted:I'm sorry if this has already been answered, but I didn't see anything on the last couple of pages. Could you get a TS or TS/SCI clearance? Maybe. Will you also make it past suitability? Maybe. You won't know unless you go for it, but I'd say you do face an upward battle.
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Oct 28, 2012 06:01
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Happy Halloween, everybody. Still haven't seen someone go as BEX for a costume..
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Oct 28, 2012 16:17
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Skandiaavity posted:Happy Halloween, everybody. An A-100 classmate is going as the scariest thing she can think of - an HR tech.
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Oct 28, 2012 16:37
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DerLeo posted:As a college student looking at a potential career in foreign service, how much of an advantage is it to have some proficiency in a language when applying, or would that time be better spent working on other academic areas? The going school of thought that I've seen regarding language is basically that it's only worth pursuing if you know that you'll be able to get full fluency in it, enough to pass the tests, which are extremely difficult (native speakers often fail the Spanish test for instance). It's not necessarily something you'll be able to get in college without devoting a LOT of time to it. And then, you have to pass all the other steps, which will all be easier with a more rounded experience that you can draw more examples from.
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Oct 28, 2012 22:17
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DC Goons: Apparently OPM says the Gov is closed tomorrow, so we get the day off. IMS Goons: we report to duty as if nothing is out of the ordinary
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Oct 29, 2012 01:23
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Coin posted:I'm sorry if this has already been answered, but I didn't see anything on the last couple of pages. Mitigation also plays a big role in assessing how bad something is, so taking classes, therapy, AA, or even having a plan in place to avoid similar trouble can go a long way. Seriously, most of the people who don't get the clearance in the decisions have HUGE histories with substances, infidelity with foreign nationals, concealed crimes, and bankruptcy - and usually 2 or more of the above. If all you have is a DUI, then go for it. As a current criminal defense attorney (and hopefully a future FSO), I can tell you that lots of 'normal' people get DUIs or DWIs, because it's easy to misjudge when you've had one too many. There is much less stigma attached to that than any degree of theft or fraud.
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Oct 29, 2012 02:29
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d1rtbag posted:If all you have is a DUI, then go for it. As a current criminal defense attorney (and hopefully a future FSO), I can tell you that lots of 'normal' people get DUIs or DWIs, because it's easy to misjudge when you've had one too many. There is much less stigma attached to that than any degree of theft or fraud. This is not necessarily true; a DUI has a pretty huge stigma here in D.C. A lot of "normal" people may get DUI, but most of them don't have clearances. If you get a DUI while having a clearance, it's possible it could be revoked (along with your job); it's actually a somewhat often thing here in D.C. But yeah, theft and fraud would be harder to prove mitigating circumstances for. Basically, he'd have to show how far back it was, he would have to disclose it up front (likely on the form) and be proactive about showing everything to the investigator. Mitigation is the primary concern they would have, and whether or not it would be a repeated behavior at any point. I say that because Alcohol-related matters, along with infidelity, are becoming very fast top-slot reasons why people get their clearances denied or revoked. (edit: Government-wide, not just State) It depends on the position as well; a DS agent might not get the clearance but an HRO might. But you never know if you don't try, so I say go for it.
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Oct 29, 2012 02:46
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Diplomaticus posted:The going school of thought that I've seen regarding language is basically that it's only worth pursuing if you know that you'll be able to get full fluency in it, enough to pass the tests, which are extremely difficult (native speakers often fail the Spanish test for instance). It's not necessarily something you'll be able to get in college without devoting a LOT of time to it.
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Oct 29, 2012 03:20
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The day we get off due to the hurricane is the full day of PowerPoint hell. Which I will have to make up somewhere. drat training class.
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Oct 29, 2012 05:10
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Skandiaavity posted:
You mean marital infidelity?
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Oct 29, 2012 05:49
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tismondo posted:How much do you know about the relative difficulties between the regular language tests and the super critical needs tests? (The difference in required speaking/writing level notwithstanding) I ask because I met a guy who passed the Korean test and his Korean was atrocious. It boosted my confidence quite a bit, but it would be nice to get some insight on whether State is as desperate for CNL speakers as that guy made them seem. But the tests for most CNL are 2/2 or 2/1 so it is a lower level required. Phone post because we had an electrical fire at home last night and errything be scorched . Surge blew out my DSL and half the lights , the washer and dryer etc.
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Oct 29, 2012 13:43
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drat, that sucks. Glad everyone is ok, hope you can get stuff fixed soon.
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Oct 29, 2012 13:45
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Spiderjelly posted:You mean marital infidelity? Generally it's taken to mean that or sexual promiscuity, but the definition of it rather fits for denials, meaning #3 excluded. Dictionary posted:Infidelity
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Oct 29, 2012 14:46
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Well this pretty much sums up my day.
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Oct 31, 2012 21:05
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Would you guys believe that I am STILL waiting on my medical clearance? Oddly enough I got an email saying the final panel review thingy has approved me, and I have 30 days to get my medical clearance done. I've been fighting with some old doctors to get my medical records to the state. Their concern is if I'm suffering any side effects from the severe anemia like heart issues which would preclude me from high altitude posts. Luckily I haven't had any problems aside from fatigue but getting the records to show that is being a total pain in the rear end. Been fighting with the medical clearance thing since August...they keep giving 30 day extensions because they know I'm working on it.
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Nov 1, 2012 17:57
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How often are your contacts called to verify stories for the PNQ/QEP? One of mine that I particularly like can only be verified by a dude that has a problem with answering his phone.
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Nov 2, 2012 05:50
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robotastronaut posted:How often are your contacts called to verify stories for the PNQ/QEP? One of mine that I particularly like can only be verified by a dude that has a problem with answering his phone. Sometimes all of them, sometimes they won't call anyone.
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Nov 2, 2012 10:59
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How long do the PNs generally need to be? I have a problem sometimes of being overly concise. I like to get right to the point and maybe don't expand as much as I should. The one draft answer that I finished last night is around 950 characters. Will that be a problem? Also, Diplomaticus, you should be expecting a draft from me sometime this weekend. (thanks again!)
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Nov 2, 2012 12:47
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CherryCola posted:How long do the PNs generally need to be? I have a problem sometimes of being overly concise. I like to get right to the point and maybe don't expand as much as I should. The one draft answer that I finished last night is around 950 characters. Will that be a problem? Also, Diplomaticus, you should be expecting a draft from me sometime this weekend. (thanks again!) My advice (for what it's worth; I came in under the old regime and don't know details on how PNQs are graded) would be to not write more than you need to, though you also probably don't want to leave points on the table, if, for example, you could describe one more example highlighting another of the 13 dimensions. So, just do the best you can within the parameters.
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Nov 2, 2012 13:06
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CherryCola posted:How long do the PNs generally need to be? I have a problem sometimes of being overly concise. I like to get right to the point and maybe don't expand as much as I should. The one draft answer that I finished last night is around 950 characters. Will that be a problem? Also, Diplomaticus, you should be expecting a draft from me sometime this weekend. (thanks again!) Mine were all just a hair under the character limit and it took me some serious editing to get them that way, I'm pretty verbose. I think you are fine around 950.
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Nov 2, 2012 13:12
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I think all of mine were within 5% of the max character limit or so.
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Nov 2, 2012 13:34
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All you young'ns and yer PNQs. 
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Nov 2, 2012 13:52
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Business of Ferrets posted:All you young'ns and yer PNQs. Back in my day it was called the written test because we actually WROTE the drat essay, by hand!
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Nov 2, 2012 14:43
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