Are you looking to write your perfect Diplomat CV?
A Diplomat’s job is multifaceted, involving international relations, negotiation skills and a deep understanding of diplomatic protocols.
Crafting an effective CV is crucial, as it serves as your professional introduction to potential employers and decision-makers.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps of creating an impressive CV, offering valuable tips and providing examples to ensure you stand out in this competitive field. Let’s get started!
I am a confident and articulate Diplomat with over eight years of experience in the public sector. My career in public service started at the Foreign & Commonwealth Service where I became the Operations Manager to lead a team of ten people assigned to process visa applications. I have since been promoted to become a Diplomat based at the British Embassy in Geneva where I am currently promoting UK trade interests across the continent.
Achievements
Graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Business, Management and Public Policy from Aston University
Received a letter of recommendation from the current Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs while in current position
Successfully lead a team of ten civil servants with outstanding results
Work experience
Jan 2012 – Present
Diplomat Foreign & Commonwealth Office- Geneva
Main duties performed:
Visiting different countries around the world to build friendly relationships with other governments and promoting UK interests
Holding talks with representatives from EU member states regarding Brexit and the future of UK-EU relationships
Being involved in negotiations and brainstorming sessions regarding increasing UK exports to Switzerland
Conducting extensive research on potential business opportunities in Europe
Producing reports on the ways in which British industries could be expanded
Sept 2008 – Dec 2011
Operations Manager FCO, London
Main duties performed:
Managing a team of 10 civil servants in granting (or rejecting) visa extension and conversion applications
Ensuring work is carried out in accordance with strict adherence to governmental directives regarding immigration policy
Writing reports highlighting statistics on the number of successful and unsuccessful visa applications and job market destinations for non-UK nationals
Trained new staff on the use of specialised software currently being used
Education
2003 – 2007
BSc Business, Management & Public Policy
Aston University
Grade achieved: 1:1
Relevant Modules:
Social Problems and Public Policy A & B
People & Organisations
Business Policy
Modern British Governance
2001 – 2003 Results: English: A Maths: B Economics: B
A Levels
Queen’s College
Qualifications
Level 3 Certificate in Communication: Speaking in Public – LAMDA
Attended a 4-day “Presenting Skills” workshop conducted by Body Talk (2008)
Skills
Presentation Skills: Adept at presenting extensive as well as intensive data to various kinds of people from all backgrounds and nationalities.
Time management skills: Skilled at juggling a multitude of tasks and completing them before their deadlines.
Report writing skills: Confident in producing accurate and timely reports written with my audience in mind (who could be foreign nationals)
IT skills: Formally accredited in using the entire Microsoft Office suite and having excellent working knowledge of specialised software used to process passports and visa applications.
Hobbies and interests
In my free time, I enjoy watching the news and documentaries in order to keep myself informed about current affairs and the latest developments in the international market. I also enjoy travelling, reading the Economist and socialising with my family and friends.
Personal details: The candidate presents their personal information in a clear and concise manner, ensuring easy access to contact details at the top of the CV.
Personal profile: The personal profile is engaging and well-crafted, adeptly highlighting key skills and career objectives. It is tailored specifically to the job, showcasing a clear understanding of the employer’s needs.
Structure and format: The CV is organised into distinct sections such as Personal Details, Personal Profile, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Consistent formatting choices, including font, spacing and bullet points, contribute to a polished and professional appearance.
Content: The content is focused and relevant to the diplomat role, emphasising measurable achievements over mere responsibilities. Each role is clearly articulated with accomplishments that demonstrate the candidate’s impact.
Layout: The layout is designed for easy readability, incorporating a balanced use of white space. Bullet points are strategically used to highlight key information, allowing recruiters to quickly skim through the document.
Length: The CV strikes an optimal length, offering sufficient detail to showcase qualifications without including unnecessary information. Every detail adds value to the overall narrative without overwhelming the reader.
Tailor your CV to the role: When crafting your CV, tailor it to the specific requirements of the diplomatic position you’re applying for. Highlight relevant skills, experiences and achievements that align with the job description.
Utilise a professional CV template: Adopt a clean and professional CV template to ensure a polished and visually appealing document. Templates can provide a structured format that enhances readability.
Highlight key achievements: Showcase your diplomatic successes with quantifiable achievements. For instance, detail successful negotiation outcomes, treaty facilitation or conflict resolution initiatives.
Emphasise language proficiency: Highlight your language skills, specifying proficiency levels. For a Diplomat role, fluency in languages relevant to the diplomatic landscape, such as English, French or Spanish, can be crucial.
Use action verbs: Employ dynamic action verbs like “negotiated,” “facilitated,” and “mediated” to describe your accomplishments. This injects vitality into your CV and conveys a proactive approach to diplomacy.
Proofread thoroughly: Ensure your CV is free of errors by proofreading meticulously. Typos and grammatical mistakes can detract from the professional image you want to convey.
The personal details section of your CV typically includes essential information such as your full name, contact details, and, if applicable, professional social media profiles.
The personal profile of your CV, often referred to as a personal statement, briefly outlines who you are professionally, highlighting key skills, experiences and career objectives.
Guidelines:
Keep it concise: Craft a brief personal profile, ideally 3-4 lines, to capture attention.
Showcase key skills: Highlight diplomatic skills, such as negotiation and cultural awareness.
Tailor to the role: Align the profile with the specific requirements of the diplomatic position.
Quantify achievements: Use metrics or examples, e.g., “Led successful negotiations resulting in a 20% increase in international collaborations.”
Reflect passion: Convey enthusiasm for diplomacy and global relations.
Dedicated Diplomat with a proven track record in successful international negotiations and fostering global collaborations. Skilled in cultural diplomacy, I led negotiations resulting in a 20% increase in cross-border partnerships. Adept at tailoring diplomatic strategies to specific roles, ensuring effective representation on the global stage.
Accomplishments
The accomplishments section of your CV is where you highlight key achievements in a concise bullet-point format. This section provides a quick snapshot of your significant milestones, demonstrating your capabilities and contributions.
Showcase awards, promotions, academic successes, and any notable accomplishments relevant to your career.
Example:
Successfully negotiated and implemented a bilateral trade agreement resulting in a 15% increase in international trade.
Achieved the highest grade in international relations coursework at University, demonstrating strong academic prowess.
Coordinated and hosted a successful international summit, bringing together leaders for productive dialogue and collaboration.
Demonstrated crisis management skills during a diplomatic incident, leading to a peaceful resolution.
Employment and work experience
In the employment section of your CV, you detail your work history, highlighting your professional experience and contributions.
Begin each entry with your job title, company name and employment dates.
Use concise bullet points to articulate your key responsibilities, achievements and the impact you made in each role, focusing on quantifiable results where possible to showcase your value to prospective employers.
January 2018 – Present
Senior Diplomat Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Conducted high-level diplomatic negotiations with key international stakeholders.
Developed and implemented strategic plans to enhance diplomatic relations in assigned regions.
Led a successful diplomatic mission resulting in the resolution of a long-standing trade dispute.
Represented the UK at the United Nations, delivering impactful speeches on global issues.
Facilitated cultural exchange programs to promote international understanding.
Negotiating agreements: Negotiating international agreements and treaties, demonstrating strong diplomatic skills and the ability to find common ground among diverse stakeholders.
Crisis management: Managing and resolving diplomatic crises effectively, demonstrating the ability to remain calm under pressure and find diplomatic solutions to complex issues.
Protocol and etiquette: Applying a deep understanding of diplomatic protocol and etiquette in various cultural contexts, fostering positive relations with international counterparts.
Policy advocacy: Advocating for and representing national policies on the international stage, effectively communicating and promoting the country’s interests and objectives.
Cross-cultural communication: Facilitating communication between diverse groups, ensuring effective understanding and collaboration across different cultural and linguistic barriers.
Public diplomacy: Engaging in public diplomacy initiatives, including speeches, interviews, and public appearances, to enhance the country’s image and promote positive international relations.
Information gathering: Conducting thorough research and analysis on global political and economic developments, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making.
Multilateral diplomacy: Participating in and contributing to multilateral forums and organisations, fostering alliances and partnerships to address global challenges and promote shared interests.
Consular services: Providing consular assistance to citizens abroad, including assistance with emergencies, legal issues, and ensuring the well-being of nationals in foreign countries.
Conflict resolution: Playing a key role in mediating and resolving diplomatic conflicts, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
Academic history
In the education section of your CV, showcase your academic history in reverse chronological order. Begin with your most recent qualifications, such as degrees from universities. Include a range of qualifications like A-levels, GCSEs, diplomas and any other relevant academic achievements.
Example:
2018 – 2021
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
University of Warwick
Degree classification: Upper Second Class (2:1).
Subjects Studied:
Diplomatic History
International Law
Political Science
Global Governance
2016 – 2018 Results: Achieved A grades in History, Politics and French.
A-Levels
South City College of London
Professional training and qualifications
In this section of your CV, highlight your professional training and vocational qualifications.
List relevant courses, certifications and any specialised training you’ve undertaken to complement your educational background.
Example:
Level 7 Diploma in Diplomacy and International Relations – Diplomatic Academy of London
Advanced Certificate in Negotiation Skills – Institute of Diplomatic Excellence
Level 5 NVQ in Cross-Cultural Communication – International Training Institute
Certified Crisis Management Professional – Diplomatic Crisis Management Institute
Skills and competencies
In the skills section of your CV, you have the opportunity to highlight specific attributes and proficiencies that set you apart as a diplomat.
Focus on both interpersonal and technical skills essential for diplomatic roles.
Include competencies such as effective negotiation, cross-cultural communication, crisis management, language proficiency and strategic analysis.
Example:
Negotiation: Demonstrated success in negotiating complex international agreements during diplomatic postings, resulting in strengthened bilateral relations.
Language proficiency: Fluent in English, French and Spanish, facilitating clear communication in diplomatic contexts and enhancing international cooperation.
Diplomatic protocol: Proficient in diplomatic etiquette and protocol, ensuring adherence to formalities during high-profile events and engagements.
Negotiation skills: Effective in navigating diplomatic negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Conflict resolution: Skilled in managing and resolving conflicts diplomatically and peacefully.
Communication: Clear and articulate communication, both verbal and written, to convey complex ideas effectively.
Adaptability: Quick to adapt to changing diplomatic landscapes and unforeseen challenges.
Strategic thinking: Capable of developing and executing long-term diplomatic strategies.
Research skills: Thorough and up-to-date research capabilities to stay informed on global issues.
Networking: Established networks with key figures in international relations for effective diplomacy.
International Law: Understanding of international laws and treaties governing diplomatic relations.
Public speaking: Confident and engaging public speaker, adept at representing diplomatic positions.
Cross-cultural communication: Skilled in communicating effectively across language and cultural barriers.
Personal interests (optional)
The personal interests section of your CV provides a glimpse into your personal life, showcasing activities outside of work that demonstrate additional skills, passions and aspects of your character.
Guidelines:
Be concise: Keep your hobbies and interests section brief and to the point.
Relevant to the role: Include activities that highlight skills or qualities beneficial to the job.
Showcase diversity: Include a mix of hobbies to present a well-rounded personality.
Avoid clichés: Choose unique or specific interests to stand out.
Example:
Dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding, I am an avid language learner, fluent in French and Mandarin. My passion for photography allows me to capture the nuances of diverse cultures, reflecting my commitment to fostering international connections. Additionally, I enjoy participating in Model United Nations conferences, honing my negotiation skills in simulated diplomatic scenarios.
References
In the references section of your CV, you provide contact details for individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities and character.
Suitable referees include former employers, colleagues, or mentors who have a good understanding of your work.
Ensure to include their full name, job title, company, email address and phone number, and always seek their permission before sharing their details.
Quantify achievements: Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate the impact of your diplomatic efforts. For instance, highlight the number of successful treaties negotiated or the percentage increase in diplomatic relations during your tenure.
Use the CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method: Structure your bullet points using the CAR method. Highlight the challenge you faced, the actions you took, and the positive results achieved. This provides a clear narrative of your achievements.
Prioritise relevant experience: Place the most relevant diplomatic experiences prominently on your CV. Tailor the order of your CV sections to highlight the aspects that align with the requirements of the diplomatic position.
Provide LinkedIn profile: Include a link to your LinkedIn profile, ensuring it is up-to-date and aligned with the information on your CV. This offers employers additional insights into your professional background and connections.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).