Foreign Service Exam Prep

The following testimonials have been sent to us over the years about our programs and services. The names of supporters and workshop sponsors are provided with their approval. To honour confidentiality we do not publish the names of individual clients.

Supporter Comments

"I chaired Barry Yeates’s interview board and he ranked first in his Foreign Service entry year class. When I heard about the training company he set up after leaving government, I referred a number of serving and prospective Public Service and Foreign Service people to him for help, with good results." Glen Shortliffe, Former Clerk of the Privy Council	“I am referring everybody I speak to about the Foreign Service to you.” Gordon Smith, Former Deputy Minister, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
"Over the years, Barry Yeates’s knowledge of government, its management and HR processes enabled him to develop a niche service that delivers top-notch career advice which I know is unavailable elsewhere." Gerry Shannon, Former Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance, and Former Deputy Minister of International Trade	“Your service provides the best advice available anywhere on Foreign Service and government-wide recruitment.” George Rejhon, Former Director General, Recruitment/Human Resources Bureau, and General Director, Task Force on Central and Eastern Europe, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
“There is no question that your programme was well received… and no doubt in my mind that we need a service such as yours at this College.” Tony Macoun—Rektor Red Cross Nordic United World College, Norway, and Former Director, Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific (Victoria), and Headmaster, Ashbury College (Ottawa)	“Of particular interest [at this year’s foreign policy conference] was the session offered by Barry Yeates on Paths to International Careers. Useful guidance, helpful tips, practical information, and strategic advice for new entrants to the labour force were the hallmarks of this presentation." J.H. Taylor—Chancellor, McMaster University, Former Undersecretary of State for External Affairs

Client Comments

“Just a note to share some good news. I've been offered a job by the Foreign Service. Thank you very much for your advice, and consider me as a positive statistic for advertising purposes.” E.B., Quebec City	“Some of the simplest tips helped me most—how to pace yourself and eliminate options in the multiple-choice exams, what to expect from the interviewers and how to avoid letting them rattle me or get me to back away from my ideas.” D. Black, Halifax
"Thank you for all your help and guidance. I would not have been able to do as well as I did in the Foreign Service placement process without it.” J.G., Vancouver	“You have yourself a repeat customer. I purchased your Study Kit, and now I need your service again as I have been granted an interview.” Mr. P.D., MBA, Vancouver
“I am very impressed by the style and contents of your presentation and the study kit. I believe anyone serious about the FS position would find the program well worth the investment.” Ms J. Liu, Calgary	“I found your advice on the multiple-choice judgment section of the exam extremely helpful, and the tips about how to approach and handle the interview proved very valuable…when I was in front of the board.” Ms V.E., Ottawa
“I am now working in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa. Many thanks for your study kit and coaching which I found most helpful.” S.S., Ottawa	“I appreciate your help for my second chance at the State Department interview. I now see where I can improve and what went wrong before.” Ms D.S. Latrobe, PA
“I wanted to drop you a line after the exam. I was thanking you in my mind as I wrote the tests, especially the situational judgment section. Great job, thanks again!” Ms S. Khan, Toronto	“Just a quick message to say that I passed the State Department oral exam and that your briefing was extremely helpful. Thanks for all your advice.” Dr. E.C., Berkeley, California
“I’m writing to tell you that I just got an offer to work in CIDA beginning next month. The extra time you spent with me preparing for the interview was a big help… It will be great to have a job I feel strongly about, and I’m grateful for your help over the past year to reach my goal.” Ms E.G., Ottawa	“I would like to tell you that I passed the initial examinations…in no small measure due to your excellent study kit. I have an interview in Tokyo [and] I would like to take advantage of your interview counselling service.” Mr. R.B., South Korea
“I am happy to report that, thanks to you, I felt confident and extremely well prepared on interview day. I was able to respond to the “open ended” questions in the morning calmly and logically…. In particular though, your advice regarding the group simulation was of immense value.” K.W., Winnipeg	“I just wanted to let you know I was selected… and will be working with Citizenship and Immigration Canada in the International Section. Your study guide gave me the comparative advantage that I needed. Thank you for developing such a useful tool.” N.N., Costa Rica
“Thank you for assisting me with the AS interview. Your advice was timely and invaluable… I had no idea how different this interview was from the Ontario government and corporate accounting ones I had done for my other jobs. I’m recommending to my brother that he should discuss his career options with you too!” Ms N.C., Toronto	“I am writing to you to share some good news. I have been selected for a position as a Foreign Service Officer. I really believe that your advice and interview counselling were largely responsible for my high ranking. I don’t see how anyone writing the test or attending the interview can afford to not use your services. Thanks again as I say goodbye to my private law practice.” B.A., Montreal
“I appreciated your counselling that helped both my wife and myself enter the Foreign Service, and I will continue to promote your services among friends interested in joining.” L. A.	“I’m still enjoying the career after 10 years and several assignments. Thanks for helping me into it—I will certainly refer people to you again this year.” D.M.