Employment for Family Members Returning to the United States

Before Leaving Post

Getting Organized

• Starting early in the job search, before one leaves post, is beneficial. For help in getting started, contact the Family Liaison Office to schedule an appointment for an advising session. Prior to your appointment with FLO, we ask that individuals think about the focus of their job search. FLO requests that you bring with you an updated resume, and for those who would like to continue government service, a copy of your most recent personnel action (SF-50). Please hand carry these items and other important employment paperwork with you when returning to the United States. Read Checklist for Washington Area Employment.

Resumes

• Resumes - Update your resume!

Subscribe to The Network

• Subscribe to The Network, a program designed to connect family members with potential employers within The Department as well as with other outside organizations. Working with Department of State hiring officials and HR specialists, FLO sources job opportunities for which family members with EOE would be considered for non-competitive hire upon their return to the U.S. FLO also works with outside organizations to source job opportunities and give family members the inside track on government contract, NGO, and other private sector positions stateside. Job vacancy announcements and other employment related information including upcoming programs and FLO services is distributed via THE NETWORK listserv to registered family members.

Do Your Own Research

• Search Job Sites and Newspapers Ads to Learn about Job Vacancies - provided by the Career Transition Center (CTC) at the Foreign Service Institute. More sites from CTC / Job Search sites from the Family Liaison Office

Hand Carry Employment Records

• When moving back to the United States, hand carry employment records! A list of papers and computer disks to hand carry: Don't leave home without them!

Upon Arrival in the United States

Federal Employment

• Visit FLO's Federal Employment web page - Determine if you have Non-Competitive Hiring Status Eligibility. If you are working inside the Mission on a Family Member Appointment (FMA) or TEMP appointment and have executive order eligilibity, and want to continue with Federal employment, contact the Family Liaison Office for information about job possibilities. When returning to the United States, bring a copy of your most recent resume,  personnel action (SF-50), and Performance Appraisal report (PAR).

Join FLO's Job Seekers Network Group.

• Whether looking for Federal employment or employment outside of government, searching for a job can be a challenge. Successful job searches require time, energy, information, skills, and the motivation to get started and keep going! The Network Group will keep you informed of new job search information, keep you motivated, and put you in touch with colleagues who are also looking for work. The idea is to share information, contacts, tips, and offer support. Contact FLO to register for the next meeting. Upcoming dates for 2008 include: February 26 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at FSI, Room E-2118; April 22 from 1:00 -2:00 pm in the Harry S. Truman Building -HST 1239; October 28 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the Harry S. Truman Building - Room 1239.

Training Courses

• Register for FSI's Transition Center courses. They offer a range of courses, including a selection for Returning to Washington. For more information, call 703-302-7267, email FSITCTraining@state.gov. Registration procedures.
• More Training and Workshop Opportunities for Foreign Service Family Members

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office
Contact the Family Liaison Office