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Diplomaticus posted:So I literally tore FSI apart looking for my missing wallet could have been just about anywhere in the main buildings (I was all up and down that poo poo today). Those are always the best days. At least you found it then and not tomorrow morning on the way to work. If you don't mind answering, I have a question real quick. When you are on the register and they give you an offer, are you accepting an offer to work a specific embassy for your first tour or just accepting the position of [your cone] at a to be determined embassy which you then bid for and find out during A-100? Also I would really appreciate anything you can say about A-100 in general. My gf and I have started trying to figure out what would happen if I get all the way through the hiring process and how all of that would work out so the more information I have to share the better I'll feel here. Edit: The parent link is in the OP but I really think you should stress that everyone who is interested but hasn't registered for the test yet should read everything on this particular page: http://careers.state.gov/officer/selection-process Dameius fucked around with this message at 04:41 on Apr 22, 2011 |
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Apr 22, 2011 04:37
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No, it'll be a salary offer to be appointed as an entry-level foreign service officer. It's not tied to any particular post -- that's what Flag Day is for. As for the content of A-100, I'd rather not go into too much detail for OPSEC reasons (erring on the side of caution, we're obviously allowed to talk about the things). But you can gather quite a bit of info from reading people's blogs, especially people in or recently out of the course. I added several to the OP. But keep in mind that even though you'll get a schedule and you'll know broadly speaking in advance what you're going to be doing, even if it's something you did every day in your prior job, it's going to end up being completely new when you learn it through A-100. Example: I've done a lot of press work, both as an interview subject and as a journalist. I've probably improved my speaking ability more from the couple days of PD training that we've gone through, than from all my college courses and several years of work experience. It's a combination of the rock-star status of the people who will brief/teach you, the incredible expertise of your classmates and the slickness and effectiveness of State's teaching methods that makes it "new" for me. I had a very similar experience with my writing improving after our cable-drafting exercises.
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Apr 22, 2011 05:14
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Semi-followup from my previous questions in the thread: I scheduled an OA for IMS, and assuming (hoping) I clear that, I'm concerned about the security clearance process causing issues in the short term. I just started a new job a few months ago and having someone come and interview would probably spur ill-will in new employer. Is there a possibility that they will take this into account if you have enough other recent history/references and skip the current employer?
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Apr 22, 2011 05:32
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Thank you, Ronald Spiers. Looks like I will be taking the October test. Is ranking on the register related to final adjusted score? Would it even be possible to get into the Summer 2012 class if I took the test in October?
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Apr 22, 2011 07:07
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Diplomaticus posted:I had a very similar experience with my writing improving after our cable-drafting exercises. Do they tell you to work a little bit of tongue-in-cheek sass into them so they're not so boring to read? Wikileaks lol
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Apr 22, 2011 11:59
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mute posted:Semi-followup from my previous questions in the thread: I have no idea, but it will not be immediate (more like 3-6 months down the line). Someone asked this on the yahoo board as well and I believe their answer was that you can ask them to interview your employer last, or give you a heads up first, but my understanding is they gotta talk with someone.
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Apr 22, 2011 13:29
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Thanks Skandiaavity! I am an Information Systems major but limited on the hardware/software side. Anything I need to prepare generally? Would practice A+, CCNA exams help?
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Apr 22, 2011 21:54
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It's really not very technical at all. Networking and back-up schedules are good stuff to know. Study if it makes you feel more confident, but you'll most likely relatively easy questions.
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Apr 22, 2011 22:13
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AKA Pseudonym posted:It's really not very technical at all. Networking and back-up schedules are good stuff to know. Study if it makes you feel more confident, but you'll most likely relatively easy questions. Along with what AKA is saying, IMS duties can involve radio, telephone, pouch(mail) operations and supervision. Some or most of these are supervision of local staff who run these operations. There's a large difference between today's IMSers and the old "communicators" of the past. There's much more interaction with the Embassy community then there used to be. For example, I'm working on a new IT project in the Economic section which involved me meeting with a Principle Secretary (the 2nd in line at this Ministry) along with the acting Pol-Econ chief. Edit: Additionally, my funding orders came in. I'm getting 2 months of language! Edit2: I hope my hand doesn't get infected. I crushed it between a metal box and 400 pound piece of equipment (the shipping crate was close to 600 pounds, the inner cardboard box was noted as a little over 400 pounds) and popped a whole in my hand. I changed the dressing today (now 3 days after it occurred) and it's oozing slightly. Since I've been here, I've broken a leg on a Marine drill, and now this hand injury at work, and sliced my finger open at home with a razor blade when working on my motorcycle. Total days off for these incidents is 0. My wife also was medevaced with meningitis which was a not so fun experience however, I was able to use sick leave for this, so that was appreciated. Thank god for these soft stitch strips. TCD fucked around with this message at 23:45 on Apr 22, 2011 |
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Apr 22, 2011 23:34
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From my home state.Anchorage Daily News posted:The identity swap was discovered when the police officer applied for a U.S. passport and officials from the State Department found that the Rafael Espinoza identity he was using was actually someone else in the Lower 48, Loeffler said. Good job Department of State! 
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Apr 23, 2011 01:05
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Skandiaavity posted:I have no idea, but it will not be immediate (more like 3-6 months down the line). Someone asked this on the yahoo board as well and I believe their answer was that you can ask them to interview your employer last, or give you a heads up first, but my understanding is they gotta talk with someone. Hrm, that's what I was afraid of. I suppose it can't hurt to continue on and ask before I go forward and make the decision to continue with clearance if/when it's a possibility. Thanks for the heads up!
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Apr 23, 2011 06:37
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Posting this vacancy since it's at FSI, some of you with military experience or former law enforcement might have relevant backgrounds. ---- quote:The following job vacancy is open to All U. S. Citizens. http://tinyurl.com/3fmp6bo quote:Job Title: Training Specialist (Security Awareness) There's more info on the announcement.
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Apr 23, 2011 17:50
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I recently got a conditional offer for a Specialist job  I'm working on the medical and security clearance forms at the moment. On an unrelated note I think I might change my custom title soon. I hope I scored high enough to actually have a shot at the job. The Moon Monster fucked around with this message at 20:07 on Apr 25, 2011 |
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Apr 25, 2011 20:04
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The Moon Monster posted:I recently got a conditional offer for a Specialist job Cool, which specialty?
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Apr 25, 2011 21:24
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Holy poo poo holy poo poo
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Apr 26, 2011 01:50
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After my first day of specialist orientation I have a tip for those coming after me. Even if some of the forms HR tells you to fill out say that they are optional... fill them out anyway or they will make you do it the first day. Also bring copies of them all to replace the ones they've lost so you don't have to fill them again.
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Apr 26, 2011 02:44
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The Moon Monster posted:I recently got a conditional offer for a Specialist job Congrats on passing your assessment! My understanding is it's similar to the regular job, in which they put you on a register and then move down based on scoring. I don't know if "5.6" is the magic number anymore.. and heh, DSS insisted that some forms weren't necessary earlier after my assessment, then I got an e-mail today from DSS and HR saying they were. Had to fax them in, but it was an interesting experience.
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Apr 26, 2011 03:16
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Diplomaticus posted:Holy poo poo holy poo poo
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Apr 26, 2011 05:01
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1of7 if that's your class starting today want to meet up this week? Or today if you are free? Send me a PM or email with your contact info.
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Apr 26, 2011 15:32
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Diplomaticus posted:Holy poo poo holy poo poo I forgot to mention that this is the other huge benefit of USAID Foreign Service! You will never, ever get posted to Juarez.  Good luck, though. Flag Day was both completely nervewracking and seriously exciting.
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Apr 26, 2011 17:49
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In today's "The sounding board chronicles" some idiot just suggested we create a new federal holiday inside State for those who are stationed in places where you don't get easter off. HURRR
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Apr 26, 2011 20:14
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The best is still the person who suggested nap rooms at Main State. The suggestion was roundly ridiculed before you go thinking we're all like that.
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Apr 26, 2011 20:47
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AKA Pseudonym posted:The best is still the person who suggested nap rooms at Main State. I could use a nap right now.
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Apr 26, 2011 21:29
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AKA Pseudonym posted:The best is still the person who suggested nap rooms at Main State. Can you imagine the snoring?
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Apr 26, 2011 21:35
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Business of Ferrets posted:Can you imagine the snoring? I would have killed for a half-hour nap today. I didn't realize how big the fried chicken sandwiches were so I asked for a double. The lady looked at me like I was crazy, but I didn't realize why until I actually got my sandwich. HRNGH MY ARTERIES. So yeah, a nap would have been spectacular.
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Apr 26, 2011 22:28
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Diplomaticus, that is my class. I don't have PM or your email. If you added me on AIM my email is that user ID @ gmail. In other news, I got my bid list & it's pretty awesome. I'll have a hard time picking 3 to rank as "low".
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Apr 27, 2011 00:22
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AKA Pseudonym posted:The best is still the person who suggested nap rooms at Main State. What about the MEDICAL RECORDS RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE oh god please stop. I hate that thing.
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Apr 27, 2011 02:50
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I got voted down for disagreeing with the IT mafia about iPads. Yeah that's a great incentive for me to want to keep using it. (PS: I ain't mad at ya IT mafia, please don't gently caress up my email).
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Apr 27, 2011 02:59
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Wait, do the IT mafia dislike ipads? I was going to take my ipad to my summer internship rather than my laptop.
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Apr 27, 2011 03:08
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Depending on where your internship is and what you are doing you may not be able to use either.
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Apr 27, 2011 03:29
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Gotcha. I wasn't planning on using either for work stuff obviously, but was hoping to at least have them in the office for mp3s or to use on lunch break, etc. I know some people I can ask.
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Apr 27, 2011 03:47
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Tyro posted:Gotcha. I wasn't planning on using either for work stuff obviously, but was hoping to at least have them in the office for mp3s or to use on lunch break, etc. I know some people I can ask. I think he might be referring to the location more than anything. Cause yea iPad for when you're off and want to just relax and surf is perfect.
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Apr 27, 2011 03:49
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Homie S posted:I think he might be referring to the location more than anything. Cause yea iPad for when you're off and want to just relax and surf is perfect. Gotcha. It's the location we discussed via PM a few months back if you remember.
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Apr 27, 2011 03:51
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So apparently they have reopened the May 2011 A-100 and I got an invite! I'll be starting A-100 in DC on May 23 under the Consular track. After years of going through this process and multiple attempts at the FSOT and 2 at the OA, it's sort of a weird feeling to finally be at this stage, but I'm excited for whats to come. 
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Apr 27, 2011 05:30
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Natural Ice posted:So apparently they have reopened the May 2011 A-100 and I got an invite! I'll be starting A-100 in DC on May 23 under the Consular track. After years of going through this process and multiple attempts at the FSOT and 2 at the OA, it's sort of a weird feeling to finally be at this stage, but I'm excited for whats to come. That's great news! Congrats!
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Apr 27, 2011 05:52
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Natural Ice posted:So apparently they have reopened the May 2011 A-100 and I got an invite! I'll be starting A-100 in DC on May 23 under the Consular track. After years of going through this process and multiple attempts at the FSOT and 2 at the OA, it's sort of a weird feeling to finally be at this stage, but I'm excited for whats to come. Congrats, man! Would you be willing to share what your score was on the registry? Good luck with everything and hope you can transition smoothly over to State.
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Apr 27, 2011 11:34
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nm posted:Nap rooms should be everywhere, not just state. I work in a one person IPC. 
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Apr 27, 2011 12:58
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Vilerat posted:I work in a one person IPC. It's pretty awesome. edit: Diplomaticus posted:I got voted down for disagreeing with the IT mafia about iPads. However, you're a newbie A100 who I think has never served as DoS overseas, so I could see why the IT mafia may have shot down your post  There's a number of IT posts where I have no idea if the posters have ever served a day in an Embassy or Consulate or are aware of the DS/IRM relationship when it comes to IT and how fast changes occur. edit2: EER season sucks. For all you new people coming on-board, you're going to hate April 15th 2012. TCD fucked around with this message at 17:57 on Apr 27, 2011 |
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Apr 27, 2011 17:32
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Hate us now? Wait till you see Tip of the day implemented.
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Apr 27, 2011 17:57
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Vilerat posted:I work in a one person IPC.
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Apr 27, 2011 17:57
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