Finding Tomorrow's Diplomats

"Don't hold back," Myles advised. "If you want to enter the selection process, tell us about your experiences even if you don't think it is something important. We want to know."

After the application and narrative are turned in, applicants will be notified to schedule an appointment for the written test and accompanying essay.

If an applicant passes that test, their scores, application and narrative are reviewed by a "qualifications evaluation panel." The panels, usually three Foreign Service officers, will determine which applicants are invited for the day-long, oral grilling.

Being able to speak certain languages, such as Arabic or Hindi, should give an applicant an edge so long as they meet other hiring requirements. In the past, State did not test applicants on their language proficiency until late in the hiring process; now, it will be done at the start, so that factor can be taken into account by the qualifications panels.

Steve Kashkett, a vice president at the American Foreign Service Association, said the union strives to ensure the hiring process is objective and free of political influence. "We believe that is still true after the changes," he said.

Registration for the new Foreign Service test is underway. The test will be offered Sept. 8-15 and Dec. 1-8. Tests also will be offered in March and June. Registration information is available at http://careers.state.gov.

One thing that probably won't change is the kind of people who seek out careers at the State Department, Myles said. "I think we will continue to see that public service is a very strong draw," she said.

"We attract people who want to do something that gives back -- serve our great nation. That may sound corny," Myles said. "But we have an incredible country and they want to perform a service."

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.