Answering the Personal Narrative Questions (PNQs)

I’ve received a few messages asking for some advice on the PNQs from those who passed the Foreign Service Officer Test (written exam). Here is the advice that I shared:

For the PNQs, what they’re actually looking for:

http://www.careers.state.gov/index/download-center4/3.0.0_fso_13_dimensions.pdf

Anyone can write a short essay but the key is to incorporate a few of the 13 dimensions into each response. Also, feel free to use the below format:

Situation – Briefly recount the situation you faced
Action – Say exactly what action you took
Results – Briefly describe the results of YOUR action in as much detail as possible
Interesting Features - Say something special or memorable about the vignette or relate the story back to the 13D’s.

Give them what they want and nothing more. Also, don’t worry about whether or not you are experienced enough. All they’re looking for is if you possess these traits and they can easily be evidenced in any situation.