United States Department of State Employee Reviews for Foreign Service Officer

"In the two years I worked for the US Department of State as a diplomat, I thoroughly enjoyed every single part of the job. It provided necessary training to aid in successful performance from my part, and I was very well compensated."

"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."

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."