Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Foreign Service Administration Specialist‏

[westflame]

Hi guys, anybody working in MFA? I have been shortlisted for this position, but i am quite nervous about attending the interview as im not sure how to go thru all these tests. anybody know what these tests are about?


2 Stage 1 of the selection process consists of a Roundtable Group Discussion
Session as well as the following assessments:-

(a) Written Essay (30 minutes)
(b) Writing Skills Test (1 hour)
(c) Logistical Skills Test (1 hour 20 minutes)
(d) Situational Judgement Test (untimed)

(The tests do not require you to have any specialised knowledge so there is
little that you can do to prepare for each test specifically.)

A little tip please? Thanks!

Anyone from MFA??

[warning]

frank review of life as a MFA officer -

Everything is confidential and classified at the MFA. And you have got to know the pecking order and your place. Mine happened to be on the administrative desk, particularly in the realm of diplomatic real estate owned by the Singapore government. It was not terribly exciting.

I also learnt that taking notes has been elevated to an artform. First the posture, you huddle in between two important people who are having a dignified conversation. Sometimes, they have interpretators even though they can understand each other perfectly in English. It's a matter of national pride. Now, as they and their translators talk, you try your best to scribble down EVERYTHING they say. Every single detail must be captured. For some antiquated reason, they do not use recorders back then.

Later, when they adjourn for tea or cocktails, you must scramble to some backroom to feverishly type out the notes of the meeting. After which, it will be scrutinised by everyone above your rank. When you are a rookie, that means everyone.

I have learnt quite a bit in the MFA but the life of a diplomat is not for me. I would elaborate, but then it's classfied.

http://sg.linkedin.com/in/michellemslim

[warning]

more info here -
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

I went through all the rounds, but for the P&E position. Here is what I can share about the first round.

(a) There will be a single statement (e.g. How effective are online videos in reaching out to the people?), and the candidate will be expected to write an essay about it.
(b) This one asks the candidate to spot grammar and relevant mistakes in a piece of work, if I remember correctly.
(c) I don't remember this one.
(d) Easiest of the lot. Something like a psychometric test. There is no right or wrong answer for this one.

Round 1 is the easiest and tests basic skills, so there really is nothing much you can prepare for. Your English is either good enough or not good enough for them. Don't be too stressed out about it and go with an open mind. Hope this helps.

[QUOTE=Unregistered;51318]I went through all the rounds, but for the P&E position. Here is what I can share about the first round.

(a) There will be a single statement (e.g. How effective are online videos in reaching out to the people?), and the candidate will be expected to write an essay about it.
(b) This one asks the candidate to spot grammar and relevant mistakes in a piece of work, if I remember correctly.
(c) I don't remember this one.
(d) Easiest of the lot. Something like a psychometric test. There is no right or wrong answer for this one.

Round 1 is the easiest and tests basic skills, so there really is nothing much you can prepare for. Your English is either good enough or not good enough for them. Don't be too stressed out about it and go with an open mind. Hope this helps.[/


How was the second round. what were the situations given

I went for the interview and was offered the position back in June 2018. The tests and roundtable discussion happens all in a day. from 9am and ends at 3pm.

I rejected the offer because...They told me that the job requires my commitment, which i understood. I said I'm fine with overtime. If the job requires me to work till 7-8pm everyday, that's fine. They told me that this (July 2018 to Nov 2018) is a busy period for them and I have to work a little later. I asked her so is that till 10pm everyday? She hesitated for a while and I could tell from her expression that I have misunderstood a little later. (Seems like she wanted me to be prepared to stay past midnight)

I took back the offer and rejected them the following day. lol. imagine having to work overtime everyday. not to mention, they undercut me. i'm glad i rejected them and still have my life now.

Hmm they undercut your salary? previously, which industry were you from then?
I'm curious about the range a FSA Specialist is earning. Any insight?

if you see reviews on glassdoor...it gives a pretty good idea of what overtime is like (15 hour workdays, work over weekends etc etc).

but i also hear that MFA pays pretty well for civil service, so maybe the wage per hour still works out even if you work overtime?

any has experience applying for FSO? what's the process like?