U.S. Department of State General Intern Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 124 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at U.S. Department of State.
U.S. Department of State
Fellow
Entry Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
First, I had to submit my personal statement and recommendations. Then, there was a writing test and an interview where I discussed personal and hypothetical scenarios relevant to an overseas Post. The whole process was virtual.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.
- What's a hypothetical situation you anticipate facing at an overseas Post?
- What's a personal situation you anticipate facing at an overseas Post?
U.S. Department of State
Intern
Intern Average Neutral experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I interviewed for multiple offices. The first interviewer called me late and asked irrelevant/social questions. My second experience was a positive experience, asking about my academic research and international experience. The interviewer was very well-informed and interested in hearing about my experience.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you describe your experience related to the specific region we're hiring for?
- What have you learned from your academic research?
- Could you share your international experience with us?
U.S. Department of State
Intern
Intern Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
The interview process can vary depending on the specific department. For one medium-sized office, there were two rounds of interviews: one with a mid-level staffer and another with a senior staffer. A smaller office only required one interview before offering acceptance. It's important to be persistent since they receive many applications. Be selective about which office you apply to, ensuring your interests align, and consider smaller offices. If you don't hear back within a few weeks, feel free to follow up to express your strong interest in the opportunity.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Tell me about your general qualifications.
- What's your interest in XYZ country?
- How might the election of XYZ country's president alter the political landscape?
U.S. Department of State General Intern Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from U.S. Department of State interview reports.
“What is a political event in Europe that you have recently read about?”
Read reports →“Do you have any insights into which country's delegation was stalling negotiation efforts in the ongoing treaty negotiation?”
Read reports →“Can you share your thoughts on which country's delegation might be causing delays in the current treaty negotiations?”
Read reports →“What are your thoughts on how the US should handle the Korean peninsula crisis?”
Read reports →“Can you answer a question in the language of the embassy's host country?”
Read report →“How do you keep up with current foreign affairs events, either generally or in a specific region?”
Read report →“Can you discuss two current foreign policy issues, and elaborate on one of them?”
Read report →“What challenges do you think U.S. Diplomacy faces today, and what would you tell the Secretary of State if you had a moment to speak with them?”
Read report →“How would this internship at the U.S. Department of State help with your professional growth and aspirations?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 124 U.S. Department of State interview reports.