Our entry-level training helps individuals seeking a diplomatic or internationally focused related career with the federal government. Described below are how the entry competition works, the services we offer to assist you, and our client success rate.

Our services pertain to all aspects of the Canadian Foreign Service entry process as explained below. For entry into the U. S. State Department, we provide Oral Assessment, Statement of Interest and Personal Narrative Questions coaching; for entry into the U. S. Department of Commerce and USAID we provide Application and Oral Assessment coaching.

The Foreign Service Competition

The Written Examination (Canada)
Several thousand applicants enter the Post-Secondary Recruitment campaign to be hired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), the Department of Citizenship and Immigration (CIC), or the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Rotational and non-rotational positions include political/economic officers, commercial/economic officers, immigration officers, management/ consular officers, administrative officers, commercial officers, policy officers and program managers.

The written tests for these positions typically include:

• Situational Judgment Test (SJT)—a multiple-choice, behaviour-based competency test using generic workplace scenarios
• Written Communication Proficiency Test (WCPT)—a multiple-choice language usage exercise
• Graduate Recruitment Test (GRT)—a multiple-choice cognitive test with several different types of questions

The Interview or Oral Assessment (Canada and U. S.)
Only top candidates from test-day may eventually be invited for an interview. This face-to-face opportunity is preceded by a short, written Personal Narrative questionnaire in the U. S. competition or possibly a pre screening telephone interview in the Canadian competition.

The day-long oral probes your ability to think on your feet through several exercises, and evaluates personal suitability for specific careers.

In the personal interview you are questioned about:

• Hypothetical situations and how you would solve them
• Past experiences in relation to job-based behavioural criteria
• Your reasons for wanting to join the government and suitability for the position

The group simulation exercise is typically used in Canada and is always part of the U. S. entry process. It involves several candidates in a lengthy session that assesses analytical and communications skills, ability to work under pressure, teamwork and common sense.

A case-based writing exercise involving the production of a memorandum is also part of the assessment process for U. S. candidates.

The assessment board evaluates overall potential based on intellectual, verbal and interpersonal skills demonstrated—known as “competencies” in Canada and “dimensions” in the U. S.

Our Services

The key to your success is knowing what to expect on the tests and how to approach the complex interview process effectively.

The Study Kit, useful for Canadian clients only, provides comprehensive information to help you focus your preparation, save time, and perform well on the tests. The kit is available for self-study. Test Tutoring is a personal service we offer by telephone to those who want extra help on the tests.

For candidates who succeed in the exam and intermediary steps, one-on-one Interview/Oral Assessment Coaching is accessible across Canada, the United States and abroad for Canadian and American Foreign Service interviews.

Our proven advice builds skills and confidence by providing strategies to prepare and present yourself favourably. Sample situational questions and personal experience questions used in the assessment are discussed. In-depth guidance is also provided on the objective, dynamics, substance and evaluation of the group and written exercises, where applicable.

Our Clientele

Our clients range from undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in all disciplines to individuals already in the work force, including many professionals and government employees interested in switching careers or enhancing their credentials for promotion.

Why Use Our Services?

• Outstanding Success Rate
  The success rate of our clients in obtaining Foreign Service and related international positions is more than triple that of those who do not use our help. In real numbers, more than 800 former clients work in the Canadian and U. S. Foreign Services.
  
  
• Current Information
  The Study Kit, Exam Tutoring and Interview/Oral Assessment Counselling are tailored to every competition. We know and can explain behaviour-based institutional hiring processes better than people who conduct them, and debrief regularly with government officials and past clients to stay current.
  
  
• Established Reputation
  No service offered by government, universities or the private sector—past or present, in North America or abroad—matches our expertise or placement record over the past 25 years. Please take the time to read the testimonials sent to us by clients and supporters displayed under Client & Supporter Comments [click here].

For additional information on what we do and why we know how to help you, see our List of Standard Programs and Services [click here], About Us [click here] and of our Director [click here].

Get the Edge on the Competition

Save time and significantly improve your chances to be selected for the diplomatic service or a related international career. Consult Us [click here] today. The advice and help we can provide to you will be invaluable.