Responses to Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

U. S. STATE DEPARTMENT HOSTS DIVERSITY EFFORT IN NORFOLK

 

   

About the U.S. Foreign Service

 

As the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, the Department of State helps to shape a freer, more secure, and more prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing the President's foreign policy. The U.S. maintains diplomatic relations with about 180 countries and also maintains relations with many international organizations, adding up to a total of more than 265 posts around the world.  The Foreign Service and the Civil Service in the Department of State and U.S. missions abroad represent the American people. They work together to achieve the goals and to implement the initiatives of American foreign policy.

   
   

Event Name:

U.S. Department of State Careers in the Foreign Service Networking Event in NORFOLK, VA

Date:

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

 

 

Time:

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

 

 

Location:

Marriott Norfolk Waterside

Hampton Roads Ballroom

235 East Main Street

Norfolk, VA 23510

 

 

Driving Directions:

www.mapquest.com  or  maps.yahoo.com  or  maps.google.com

 

 

Public Transit:

www.gohrt.com

 

 

U.S. State Dept. careers site:

careers.state.gov

 

 

 

Foreign Service Officer (FSO):

- General Information and Requirements: careers.state.gov/officer/index.html

- Responses to FAQs: careers.state.gov/officer/faqs.html

   
Foreign Service Specialist (FSS):

- General Information and Requirements: careers.state.gov/specialist/index.html

- Responses to FAQs: careers.state.gov/specialist/faqs.html

   
Event RSVP Link:

www.mpnsite.com/rsvp/norfolk.asp

 

 

Email Inquiries:

RSVP@MPNmail.com

 

 

Phone Inquiries:

404.629.9323 or 888.676.6389

 

 

EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY

 

As a reminder, since this event has space and capacity constraints, if your plans change such that you no longer can attend, please let us know by replying to this e-mail.  This will allow us to maintain an accurate projected attendance count for planning purposes, including potentially accommodating other interested persons (i.e., standby or walk-in registrants). 

 

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EVENT PROGRAM DETAILS

   

The expected run of show of activities for this diversity career networking event will likely be as follows:

  • ALL GUESTS must check-in at the Confirmed RSVP pre-registration table.
  • After check-in, guests will have access to U.S. Department of State collateral materials, and beverages and light refreshments.
  • U.S. Department of State representatives will continuously circulate in areas inside and outside the meeting room to greet and welcome guests, including mingling, interacting and having dialogue with individuals and small groups.
  • The formal program will start with a brief welcome by the Lead U.S. Department of State representative, who will also preside over the formal Panel and Q&A inside the meeting room.  The formal program will start after a sufficient number of guests have arrived and checked-in (typically within 15 to 20 minutes after the listed event start time).

     Each U.S. Department of State panelist (typically 4 to 7 in total) will likely share general information about his or her specific experiences and assignments, roles and responsibilities, highlights and successes, challenges, tips, recommendations and suggestions, etc. 

     Each U.S. Department of State panelist will also likely discuss various career opportunities available within their specific departments or the agency in general, including general qualifications and requirements, how to apply, etc.

     At the discretion of the moderator or presenter, a panelist could decide to answer a pressing question at the end of her or his individual presentation.  However, floor microphones will likely be located throughout the meeting room for the Q&A phase that will take place at the end of all presentations.

Once the Q&A and formal program ends, U.S. Department of State representatives will often stay around for a short duration to continue to meet with and answer post-panel questions, individually or in small groups.

   

RESPONSES TO OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

   

How should I dress for this event?

Business attire is customary for U.S. Department of State representatives and most guests, and thus is highly recommended. 

 

 

Should I bring copies of my resume?

Yes, you can, and it is strictly up to you.  However, there are no guarantees that your resume will be accepted, because there are specific application processes for different opportunities.

 

The U.S. Department of State and other federal government agencies require candidates to complete a formal application process and meet specific educational or experience requirements and/or take and pass an exam to be eligible for hiring consideration.

 

 

How can I prepare for this event?

Come to the event with a positive attitude, professionalism, appropriate attire, and proper grooming and appearance. 

 

There are no specific preparation requirements for this event other than having an interest in learning more about career opportunities with the U.S. Department of State. 

 

It would be beneficial to visit the U.S. Department of State careers site - http://careers.state.gov to learn more about the agency and specific career tracks so that you can demonstrate your knowledge and awareness, and ask informed, pertinent, and relevant questions.

 

 

 

Is this event similar to a typical career fair?  Will I walk away with an offer on the spot?

 

No, this event is not a typical career fair where you will be interviewed one-on-one for a specific job position or be hired on the spot.

 

 

Why should I attend this career networking event?

This will be a unique event in your area, where representatives of the U.S. Department of State will travel to your area to host this interactive networking, informational, educational and awareness event for persons interested in pursuing career opportunities with the U.S. Department of State.

 

You will get an opportunity to meet, listen to and learn, and ask direct questions and gain invaluable firsthand perspectives from distinguished representatives of the U.S. Department of State.  One or two of these persons potentially could be relatively new to agency, but most likely will have decades of experience with the agency and have likely served our nation in various capacities and locations throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries.

 

 

 
  EVENT REGISTRATION CONTACT

Minority Professional Network (MPN) on behalf of the U.S. Department of State

USA Toll Free: 888-676-6389

Direct: +1 (404) 629-9323

Email: RSVP@MPNmail.com

Web Site URL: www.MPNsite.com