The following two descriptions explain our separate counselling programs available to candidates being interviewed for either the Canadian or the American Foreign Service.

The interview for Foreign Service (FS), Management/Consular (AS), Commerce (CO), Economist (ES) or CIDA (PM) jobs in Canada is unique in government and dramatically different from private-sector hiring methods. Many bright, qualified candidates fail the interview because they are over-confident after passing the examination, under the mistaken impression that their background comes into play in the evaluation, and uninformed about how the crucial interview process actually works.

To relieve uncertainty and improve your performance, our Interview Counselling explains in detail, the assessment structure, the exercises and questions used, potential pitfalls, and the process by which candidates are evaluated.

Personal Counselling Session

The 6.5 hour, personal consultation divided into two or three parts consists of an advance assessment by us of your original application package, followed by a face-to-face or telephone meeting which covers every aspect of the interview-to-hiring process: You will receive:

• An assessment of your résumé, application and transcripts to help prepare for your interview
• The evaluation criteria and method used to assess your interview performance
• A reassuring overview of the interview-day format, personal interview and group simulation exercises
• Insights on the interview team's composition and conduct
• A comprehensive run-through of representative types of interview questions, potential simulation scenarios/topics, writing requirements, and the interpersonal dynamics influencing each activity
• Guidance on preparation strategies, interview deportment, avoidable pitfalls and possible opportunities
• Helpful background information and informed answers to your personal concerns

Who Can Benefit from the Counselling?

Our effective, confidence-building strategies and proven interview advice will improve your preparation, performance and prospects to be selected for an FS, AS or PM position with the Canadian government.

Clients include first-time and previously unsuccessful interviewees. Individuals we coach from the work force include lawyers, government employees and business professionals seeking a new career, as well as journalists, NGO staff and ESL/FSL teachers. University clients come from all academic levels and disciplines, and virtually all Canadian universities and top schools abroad.

We receive referrals from university professors; Cabinet Ministers, Senator and Members of Parliament; and serving and retired FS, AS, CO, ES, PM, EX- and DM- level government officials. The latter group includes current and former Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputy Ministers, Heads of Posts, former colleagues, and people we coached in previous entry competitions. Click here to download the Table of Contents for the Interview Counselling session/materials.

Fees

One-on-one counselling in person or by telephone: In Canada $725.00 + applicable taxes (materials included) From Abroad = $725.00 (materials included/no taxes) Long-distance consultations are carried out only on calls placed by clients. Times can be arranged to take advantage of discount rates, international time zones, and client availability.

Further Information

Please Contact Us at 613.567.9229 for more details and to set up an appointment.

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The Oral Assessment for Foreign Service Officer (FSO) or Foreign Service Specialist positions in all career tracks is complex, arduous and dramatically different from hiring methods used outside the U.S. government. Many experienced, highly qualified candidates fail the assessment because they do not know what to expect, how they will really be evaluated, and how to prepare properly.

To address your concerns and improve your performance, our Interview Counselling for both types of Foreign Service jobs explains in detail, every step of the day-long interview process.

Personal Counselling Session

The 6.5 hour personal consultation entails a thorough advance review by us of your original application package and career-track selection, followed by a comprehensive telephone coaching session covering:

• A review of your background and application related to your FS career choice
• A breakdown of the “dimensions” used to evaluate candidates to guide your performance on each interview-day activity
• Useful insights on all the exercises used and on interview team conduct
• How to plan and perfect your answers for specific parts of the Structured Interview for FSOs or Specialists and how to handle the hypothetical questions based on practice sample questions
• Techniques and sample materials to simplify the Group Exercise for FSOs, and proven advice for delivering your presentation and functioning adeptly with other group members
• How to digest Case Management Exercise informationfor FSOs quickly and prepare your memo effectively
• Instruction, samples and editorial critiques with discussion for the Short Essay for Specialists
• Guidance on proper deportment, avoidable pitfalls and possible opportunities
• Helpful preparatory materials and tools, plus informed answers to your personal concerns about interview day

Who Can Benefit from the Counselling?

Our effective, confidence-building strategies and proven Oral Assessment advice will improve your preparation, performance and prospects to be selected for a Foreign Service position in the American government. Clients include first-time and previously unsuccessful interviewees. Individuals we coach from the work force include lawyers, business professionals, journalists, international organization staff and military officers seeking a new career. University clients come from all academic levels and disciplines, and a wide array of U.S. schools.

We receive referrals from professors, serving and retired diplomats and government officials, and individuals we coached in previous competitions. Click here to download the Table of Contents of the FSO Oral Assessment Counselling session/materials.
Click here to download the Table of Contents of the FS Specialist Oral Assessment Consultation.

Fees

One-on-one Oral Assessment counselling by telephone: From the U.S. or Abroad = $795.00 US (materials included, no taxes) Long-distance consultations are carried out only on calls placed by clients. Times can be arranged to take advantage of discount rates, international time zones, and client availability.

For More Information

Please Contact Us at 613.567.9229 for more details on coaching for the Oral Assessment, and to set up an appointment.

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