Thirteen Dimensions

The Thirteen Dimensions (or 13 D's) are the objective criteria used by the State Department to assess Foreign Service applicants. They are used throughout the Oral Assessment and probably also used by the QEP during the qualification process.

• Written Communication. To write concise, well organized, grammatically correct, effective and persuasive English in a limited amount of time.
• Oral Communication. To speak fluently in a concise, grammatically correct, organized, precise, and persuasive manner; to convey nuances of meaning accurately; to use appropriate styles of communication to fit the audience and purpose.
• Information Integration and Analysis. To absorb and retain complex information drawn from a variety of sources; to draw reasoned conclusions from analysis and synthesis of available information; to evaluate the importance, reliability, and usefulness of information; to remember details of a meeting or event without the benefit of notes.
• Planning and Organizing. To prioritize and order tasks effectively; to employ a systematic approach to achieving objectives; to make appropriate use of limited resources.
• Judgment. To discern what is appropriate, practical, and realistic in a given situation; to weigh relative merits of competing demands.
• Resourcefulness. To formulate creative alternatives or solutions to resolve problems; to show flexibility in response to unanticipated circumstances.
• Initiative and Leadership. To recognize and assume responsibility for work that needs to be done; to persist in the completion of a task; to influence significantly group activity, direction, or opinion; to motivate others to participate in the activity one is leading.
• Experience and Motivation. To demonstrate knowledge, skills or other attributes gained from previous experience of relevance to the Foreign Service; to articulate appropriate motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
• Working With Others. To interact in a constructive, cooperative, and harmonious manner; to work effectively as a team player; to establish positive relationships and gain the confidence of others; to use humor as appropriate.
• Composure. To stay calm, poised, and effective in stressful or difficult situations; to think on one's feet, adjusting quickly to changing situations; to maintain self-control.
• Quantitative Analysis. To identify, compile, analyze and draw correct conclusions from pertinent data, to recognize patterns or trends in numerical data, and perform simple mathematical operations.
• Objectivity and Integrity. To be fair and honest; to avoid deceit, favoritism, and discrimination; to present issues frankly and fully, without injecting subjective bias; to work without letting personal bias prejudice actions.
• Cultural Adaptability. To work and communicate effectively and harmoniously with persons of other cultures, value systems, political beliefs, and economic circumstances; to recognize and respect differences in new and different cultural environments.