The Department of State competition for Foreign Service Officers requires candidates to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) as part of the oral assessment. However, what needs to be included in the limited space on the form provided, how the document should be written, and its use in evaluation are not specified. The vagueness underlying the task typically causes candidates to struggle and produce poor quality material. Since the SOI is read by assessors just before the structured interview begins, the statement can create a hurdle to overcome rather than serve as a springboard to success.

Our Statement of Interest Counseling enables you to see what is required and why, and coaches you to develop an effective statement. We show you what you need to know as background for the exercise, explain what constitutes a good written “sales pitch”, and work with you step-by-step through the formative process to draw out and succinctly articulate key aspects of your suitability for the job.

Counseling Breakdown

During the 2.5-hour program covering our pre-work, editing and personal telephone coaching you will benefit from:

• Experienced insights on the purpose and use of the statement of interest
• Precise instruction on which State Department information can help in crafting your submission
• Two sample statements previously developed by us in cooperation with candidates who were successful at their oral
• A discussion to draw out your assets in relation to the Foreign Service generally and your career track specifically
• Tips on what to avoid including, and how to use the limited space available to your advantage
• A detailed, annotated critique of your initial draft plus a review of your second version
• A conversation to finalize your text before you submit it

Who Can Benefit from Statement of Interest Counseling?

Candidates who want to understand government evaluation processes and methods, get expert advice for the written submission, and submit a persuasive yet brief synthesis of their background will benefit from our service.

Why Use Our Services?

We are the only career coaching firm that specializes in helping candidates understand and advance in government, multilateral organization and international NGO hiring and promotion competitions—from entry level to executive level.

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. The success rate of our clients in institutional hiring and promotion processes attests to the high quality training we provide. 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], and the Profile of Our Director [click here].

Fees

One-on-one counseling by telephone to develop your Statement of Interest: Calls from the U.S. or Abroad $350 US (materials included) + applicable taxes Long-distance consultations are carried out only on calls placed by clients. Times can be arranged to take advantage of discount rates and international time zones.

Further Information

Please Contact Us [click here] to set up an appointment to discuss your questions and our counseling.