If i wish to find a job at a US embassy, how should I apply?

Question

I am a U.S citizen, and wish to work abroad. I was wondering how to apply for a job at a US embassy? Do i get to pick the country or is it a requirement to be sent to a country?

Answer 1

There are two types of jobs in an Embassy, those for American direct hire employees and those for Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs -- although an American CAN occupy one of these positions).  For any direct hire job, you either have to be hired by the State Dept or sent overseas by another office (Treasury, Justice, etc).  To be hired in an FSN position, you have to already live there -- be warned, they are low paying by U.S. standards, and you almost always have to have thorough knowledge of how to get things done in the local culture.

As far as the country goes, you serve according to "worldwide availability" -- i.e. they have the right to send you where they want, but it's usually worked out between you and your Career Development Officer.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Here's information on careers in the State Department's Foreign Service - those are the people assigned to embassies and consulates around the world: http://www.careers.state.gov/

You bid on available assignments, and may or may not be assigned to the country you want to go to.

Answer 3

Apply for a position in the US Embassy and the choice of assignment is the discretion of the Human Resources Department although you can suggest your preference.

Answer 4

They send you to a country.  There are very few civil service positions.

You can go to www.state.gov and look it up.

Answer 5

Go to http://www.state.gov/careers/ and find a job that fits your education and skills.