5 Foreign Service Officer Reviews
Foreign Service Officers give their job an average rating of 3.3 out of 5.0. The Foreign Service Officers happiest with their jobs are employed by United States Department of State with an average rating of 2.9.
Submit a Review"There are more than expected amounts of writing; the job also requires countless meetings with officials and foreigners, which can be somewhat stressful."
Please give us a one liner to describe this review.
"Overseas, excellent. In Washington, abysmal"
What do you like about working at United States Department of State?
"In overseas embassies, I dealt with fascinating people discussing important issues."
Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?
"No, I don't. While my time in embassies working for USIA was wonderful, my experience in the Department in Washington was very discouraging."
What don't you like about working at United States Department of State?
"Despite the rhetoric, independence and initiative were penalized, and conformity demanded."
What suggestions do you have for management?
"Let the very smart people who work there do their jobs, without trying to control every move they make."
What do you like about working at United States Department of State?
"adventurous challenging new opportunities. regular change. good coworkers. good salary."
Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?
"See it as an opportunity to explore the world and try new things. Don't get caught up in the competitive, self-serving side of the organization."
What don't you like about working at United States Department of State?
"The most incompetent people seem to get promoted. We have way too many rules and regulations, and they are unevenly applied. The organization controls too many aspects of our lives."
What suggestions do you have for management?
"Better training for newer employees. More upward mobility. Better annual evaluation and promotion system."
Foreign Service Officer Career Rating Comparison
What do you like about working at United States Department of State?
"changing jobs every few years is nice, and the people are intelligent, interesting and have a sense of humor."
Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?
"it pays off to be smart and confident, but humble."
What don't you like about working at United States Department of State?
"the bureaucracy can be challenging, and not enough emphasis is placed on the things that matter, like family."
What suggestions do you have for management?
"less bureaucracy would be the best thing to make our lives easier."
Update your browser to have a more positive job search experience.
Upgrade My Browser