The hiring process has multiple stages. First you must apply online and supplying all required information may take a few days. That is due to the lengthy wording needed to answer some of their questions. Second, you will take 3 online exams. These are meant to place your general knowledge, writing and reading comprehension against all other applicants. They are not designed as pass/fail, rather how well you do versus everyone else. Third, after about 1 year, if you are selected you will be asked to do an in person interview where you will have to write a 1 page paper within 45 minutes on a topic given on the spot. Afterwards, you will conduct a panel interview with DoS personnel.

If you pass the online screening, you will receive a phone call from DSS to set up your interview and provide instructions for materials (paperwork) that you must bring. My interview was held at the Bureau of Diplomatic Security headquarters in Arlington, VA. There are four stages of the interview, beginning with two written test to examine your overall knowledge of the State Department and assess your writing capabilities. If you progress beyond this stage, you will be undergo an structured interview with two DSS SA's consisting of a series of questions that examine your analytical thinking ability. If you progress beyond this portion, you move on to the final stage which is a panel interview with with a veteran/retired Special Agent and a Foreign Service QEP representative. The final stage, as with the rest of the process, is very structured. Do not expect warmth or smiles or any show of emotion from your interviewers.