How do you get this job, anyway?

One of the more common questions asked of diplomats is: how do you even become a diplomat?

The process is not as myserious as many seem to think. In short, there are two ways:

1. Be appointed by the President,

2. Take the Foreign Service Exam.

Option 1 is more straightforward, though of course you first have to be friends with the president and/or have contributed large amounts of money to his campaign. It also subjects you to months of grandstanding questions by Congresspeople who don't know or care about the issues involved and merely wish to embarrass or obstruct the Administration in whatever way they can.

Option 2 is somewhat more time-consuming. The Foreign Service test is in 3 parts: the written test, the PNQ, and the Oral Assessment.

The written portion is very similar to the SATs. Multiple-choice general knowledge test followed by an English language assessment capped off by an essay.

The PNQ is a series of short essays in which the candidate describes various times in his/her life they displayed certain key qualities of a foreign service office (leadership, integrity etc). This is done at home and is submitted online.

The last, the Oral Assessment, takes place (usually) in Washington DC and is further divided into three parts There is an interview in which you are asked a serious of questions about your life and experiences, then presented with a series of hypothetical situations to gauge your ability to think on your feet. This is followed by a group exercise with other candidates, which is designed to observe how well you interact with others. Finally there is a Case Management exercise, in which you are handed a binder of background info and asked to resolve a sticky logistical problem.

After all this, you are released to wander for a few hours while your score is tabulated.  Usually a score of 5.25 (out of 7) is the minimum passing score.

If you did well enough, you are given a provisional job letter and the background investigation begins. Once they have determined you are physically, mentally, and morally capable of SERVING YOUR COUNTRY in a highly sought after and privileged position.

THEN, you get placed on the Register - essentially a waiting list while you bide your time until a new position becomes available. Diplomats are hired in 'classes' of between 50-100 people. They usually hire about 4-5 classes a year.

At last, you get your offer letter and scramble to consolidate your life and move to DC. Then, the journey begins...

Comida Tapatia: Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are a standard dish in Guadalajara, and almost every Mexican restaurant will have them on the menu.

Chilaquiles are corn tortillas cut into triangles and fried. They are then topped with green salsa, red salsa, or mole. This is simmered until the tortillas soften, and often garnished with cheese or cream.

To make it a more substantial meal, some form of protein - usually refried beans, eggs, chicken, or steak - is mixed in.

Maybe not the healthiest way to start your, but you can't deny how delicious it is.