How do I apply?

We only accepts applications for specific vacancies. Therefore, if you are interested in working for us, please see the current vacancies section of this site and apply for a role that interests you. Please note that we do not accept speculative CV's or maintain a databse of interested candidates. All vacancies are advertised both on the FCO website and in the National Press. 

Do I have to be British to work for the FCO?

Yes. In order to join the FCO and the Diplomatic Service, you must be a British citizen and have been resident in the UK for at least two out of the last ten years immediately prior to your application, at least one year of which must have been a consecutive 12-month period, unless you have served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty's Government, or have lived overseas as a result of your parents' or partner's Government employment.

What is FCO Services?

FCO Services is a governement trading fund which delivers a unique combination of secure business to business services to the FCO in the UK and at its missions overseas, other UK government departments and public bodies, friendly foreign governments and private sector organisations. They employ staff in many different positions such as IT, Construction and Logistics (including the Diplomatic Courier Service). They regularly advertise vacancies in these roles. For further information please see their website www.fcoservices.gov.uk.

Can I apply for a post in a British Embassy overseas?

The FCO in London does not recruit to specific overseas posts. Staff employed by our Embassies and High Commissions in other countries are recruited directly by overseas posts. Please see our embassy finder in order to locate our emabassies, high commissions and other diplomatic posts throughout the world.

Do I need a degree to join the FCO?

No. There are four main entry-points into the FCO and only one of these currently requires a degree qualification – fast stream (grade C4) for which you shall require a 2.ii (Hons) or above in any discipline. However, the educational requirements for Operational Officer (B3) are presently under review. Where a degree is required we accept all disciplines and do not favour one subject over another, except for the Economics fast stream where a 2.i (Hons) or above is required in Economics.

I do not speak any foreign languages – does this matter?

No. You do not require language skills to join the FCO although this would be an advantage. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from those who can communicate in languages such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Farsi and other "difficult" languages.

Do you recruit for specialist positions such as Researchers, Historians, Legal Advisers etc?

Yes, but there is no set recruiting 'season' for these posts. All vacancies of this type are advertised on the FCO main website and in the national press.

Does the FCO offer work experience opportunities?

Yes. Please see the Work Experience section of this website for details.

What does 'Equal Opportunities' mean to the FCO?

We seek our strength through diversity, and all of our permanent staff are recruited through fair and open competition. The FCO aims to reflect the diversity of British Society, therefore we welcome applications from all candidates including women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

All of our recruitment is governed by the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Code – this is available online at www.civilservicecommissioners.gov.uk.

If I join the Diplomatic Service, how long will I spend overseas?

A fast stream entrant will spend approximately half their career overseas, whereas an operational entrant will spend approximately two-thirds of their career abroad. Postings vary in length, but you would generally be posted to a country for 3 years.

Am I able to choose my overseas posting?

To an extent. When you are due to be posted abroad you can state your preferences against a list of available jobs. You should be aware, however, that members of the Diplomatic Service must be prepared to serve anywhere.

Do you offer flexible working hours?

Yes. Where possible, our staff are able to enjoy part-time working, job-sharing, and career break opportunities.

What training and development opportunities do you offer?

We are highly focused on development. All staff is offered the opportunity to develop their skills through training courses, e-learning and through coaching and mentoring sessions. All promotion in the FCO is merit based.

What do I do if I want to appeal or if I have a complaint?

Our appeals procedure is as open and transparent as the recruitment process itself. You have the right to appeal any recruitment decision made by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), Capita Resourcing or any other agency or organisation operating on our behalf. If you would like to appeal against a recruitment decision, or would like to make a recruitment-related complaint, please write to - Recruitment Liaison Officer, Recruitment Section, Old Admiralty Building, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London, SW1A 2PA. If you are not satisfied with our response you may seek an independent investigation from the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners (OCSC) - Office of the Civil Service Commissioners, 3rd Floor, 35 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BQ.

Please note that this procedure applies to recruitment issues only and you should, in the first instance, contact the FCO before contacting the OCSC.