Department of State Mock Interview

Practice 30 Department of State interview questions covering diplomacy, security clearances, and foreign policy expertise.

Question 1 of 30

Give me your elevator pitch.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Example Answer
Community Answers

Kevin Downey

Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.

An elevator pitch is a succinct and defined sale pitch. In order to deliver one in an interview setting, you have to be well prepared, and familiarize yourself with the company and the position well enough to tailor your pitch directly to them. Your interviewer knows this. Just like an un-customized generic resume and cover letter fails to land an interview, so will your elevator pitch if it is not tailored. Your pitch will reveal the lengths to which you have familiarized yourself with the company and the position.

Kevin Downey

When answering questions like this, most candidates aren't sure how to present themselves, where to start, where to end, or how to elaborate their points with relevance to the position they're interviewing for. The trick is to compose your answer in advance and rehearse it.

This requires performing research prior to the interview, which would enable you to showcase your knowledge with confidence. Imagine yourself in the position. Explore what interests you most about the position. Ask yourself if it feels like a good fit. If so, be vested in the opportunity, but not presumptuous that you'll win it. Incorporate the language of their branding and core values into your answer. Align your passions with the functions of the role.

This is your first impression, answer with sincerity, in a manner according to your nature. Make your answer concise, positive, and relaxed. Keep it fun and professional.

Kevin Downey

"I joined public service to serve our great nation. To me, that looks like protecting and promoting U.S. security, prosperity, and democratic values. It would be my mission to take all the skills and experience I have accrued to contribute in any way I could to shape an international environment in which all Americans can thrive. I am not politically blind and don't agree with a lot of the policies and motives of many of our politicians. But I respect the institutions of our democracy and feel as if my talents and my core values are well aligned with the DoS. I've recently revised my five-year career plan, and working for the Department of the State is in line with those goals. The DoS' core values are aligned with my own."

Interview Coach

Jaymie

A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.