Homepage Fill Out Your Ds 174 Application For Employment Form
Article Structure

The DS-174 Application for Employment is a crucial document for individuals seeking positions with the U.S. Department of State as locally employed staff or as family members of diplomatic personnel. This form encompasses various essential sections designed to gather comprehensive personal information, educational background, work experience, language proficiency, citizenship status, and the applicant's declaration of truthfulness. Each applicant is required to provide their name, address, and contact information, as well as detail any relatives employed at the same embassy or consulate. Furthermore, the form includes instructions on documenting educational achievements, from high school to advanced degrees, and emphasizes the importance of reporting relevant work experience over the past ten years. Language skills are evaluated according to a standardized proficiency scale, reflecting the necessity for communication in diverse environments. Additionally, U.S. citizens must affirm their citizenship and include any necessary documentation to support their eligibility. Lastly, a declaration section reminds applicants that all information submitted must be accurate and complete, as any deception could have severe consequences. Completing this form accurately is vital for securing employment opportunities within the U.S. mission framework.

Ds 174 Application For Employment Example

U.S. Department of State

OMB APPROVAL NO. 1405-0189 EXPIRES: 05/31/2019 ESTIMATED BURDEN: 1 Hour

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION FOR LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF OR FAMILY MEMBER

POSITION

Vacancy Announcement Number

Position Title

SECTION 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL APPLICANTS

Name (Last, First or Given Name)

Other Names Used

Address

Email

Telephone Number

Does your relative work in this Embassy or Consulate? If yes, tell us their name and the section where they work.

Are you able to legally work in this country?

 

Yes

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. Government does not sponsor work visas unless specified on the Vacancy Announcement.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If this job includes driving a U.S. Government vehicle, do you have a current and valid driver's license?

 

Yes

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2: EDUCATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High School/Secondary Education

 

 

Dates Attended

 

 

 

Did you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Name, City)

 

 

 

 

(MM-YYYY)

 

 

 

graduate?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade/Technical

 

 

Dates Attended

 

 

 

Did you

 

Certificate/Diploma

 

Major Subject

(Name, City)

 

 

 

 

(MM-YYYY)

 

 

 

graduate?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undergraduate/Bachelor's Degree

 

 

Dates Attended

 

 

 

Did you

 

Degree/Diploma

 

Major Subject

(Name, City)

 

 

 

 

(MM-YYYY)

 

 

 

graduate?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate Degree

 

 

Dates Attended

 

 

 

Did you

 

Degree/Diploma

 

Major Subject

(Name, City)

 

 

 

 

(MM-YYYY)

 

 

 

graduate?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To

 

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 3: LANGUAGES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Languages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1Basic - Examples: Basic greetings, phrases, numbers and signs.

2 Limited - Examples: Directions, simple questions

3 Good working knowledge - Examples: Conversations about familiar topics, complex documents

4 Fluent - Examples: Infer nuanced meaning from complex documents

5 Translator - Examples: Certified professional translator in this language

Language

Speaking (Provide level)

Reading (Provide level)

Writing (Provide level)

DS-174

Page 1 of 3

05-2017

 

SECTION 4: WORK EXPERIENCE

Paid and Voluntary - Please begin by listing your most current work experience and go back 10 years (or longer, if relevant for the job.)

Job Title

From (MM-YYYY)

To (MM-YYYY)

Yearly Salary (Local currency)

Hours per Week

 

 

 

 

 

Employer Name, Address and Phone Number

 

 

 

 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities?

 

Supervisor Name

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Reason for leaving

Job Title

From (MM-YYYY)

To (MM-YYYY)

Yearly Salary (Local currency)

Hours per Week

 

 

 

 

Employer Name, Address and Phone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities?

 

Supervisor Name

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Reason for leaving

Job Title

From (MM-YYYY)

To (MM-YYYY)

Yearly Salary (Local currency)

Hours per Week

 

 

 

 

 

Employer Name, Address and Phone Number

 

 

 

 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities?

 

Supervisor Name

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Reason for leaving

DS-174

Page 2 of 3

SECTION 4: WORK EXPERIENCE (Continued)

Job Title

From (MM-YYYY)

To (MM-YYYY)

Yearly Salary (Local currency)

Hours per Week

Employer Name, Address and Phone Number

Supervisory Responsibilities?

Yes

No

Supervisor Name

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Reason for leaving

SECTION 5: CITIZENSHIP

Are you a U.S. citizen listed on the travel orders or approved OF-126 (or other agency equivalent) of a direct hire FS, CS or uniformed service member assigned (not TDY) to this U.S. Mission and under Chief of Mission authority, or to an office of the American Institute in Taiwan?

If no, proceed to Section 6.

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

If yes, select all that apply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am a member of the Foreign Service Family Reserve Corps (FSFRC). (SF-50 required)

I am a preference eligible U.S. Veteran. I have not invoked my preference at this Post. (DD214 required)

I am a preference eligible U.S. Veteran. I have invoked my preference at this Post. I have worked in (enter Agency/job)

I am Foreign Service on Leave Without Pay (LWOP).

I am Civil Service on LWOP with Bureau-specific reemployment rights.

SECTION 6: DECLARATION

I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information on and attached to this application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. I understand that false or fraudulent information on or attached to this application may be grounds for not hiring me, or for separation/dismissal after I begin work, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment according to this country's law or U.S. law. I understand that any information I voluntarily provide on or attached to this application may be investigated.

PRIVACY AND PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENTS (For U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S.)

AUTHORITIES The information is sought pursuant to The Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, and 22 U.S.C. 2669(c). Your social security number (SSN) maybe used to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of the individual, pursuant to Executive Order 9397, as amended.

PURPOSE The information solicited on this form will be used to establish your eligibility and qualifications for job vacancies at U.S. Missions.

ROUTINE USES The information may be shared with other federal agencies to the extent relevant and necessary for that agency to make employment decisions and to a Congressional Office in response to your written request. More information on Routine Uses can be found in System of Records Notices State-31, Human Resource Records, and OPM/GOVT-5, Recruiting, Examining, and Placement Records.

DISCLOSURE Disclosure of this information, including your social security number, is voluntary. Failure to provide the requested information may result in your application not receiving full consideration or being delayed for consideration.

BURDEN Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average one (1) hour per response, including time required for searching existing data sources, gathering the necessary documentation, providing the information and/or documents required, and reviewing the final collection. You do not have to supply this information unless this collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. If you have comments on the accuracy of this burden estimate and/or recommendations for reducing it, please send them to: HR/OE, SA-22, 1800 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, protected genetic information, or sexual orientation.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

DS-174

Page 3 of 3

Writing (Provide level)
Reading (Provide level)
Speaking (Provide level)

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION FOR LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF OR FAMILY MEMBER

INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION 1 - PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name - Last Name, First Name

Other names used - All other names used, including nicknames

Address - Current mailing address, including apartment number, building number, or mailing code

Email - Complete email address. (IMPORTANT: Most correspondence will be via email.)

Phone Number - Cellphone, mobile or landline

Does your relative work in this Embassy or Consulate?

Relative is a husband, wife, domestic partner, member of household, father, father-in-law, stepfather, mother, mother-in-law, stepmother, son, son-in-law, stepson, daughter, daughter-in-law, stepdaughter, brother, brother-in-law, half-brother, sister, sister-in-law, half-sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, or niece.

SECTION 2 - EDUCATION

Enter all that apply. You may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma or certification at the interview phase, or if asked by HR.

SECTION 3 - LANGUAGES

The Mission assesses the language proficiency using the following standards:

1Basic - Examples: I can use basic greetings and phrases; I can read numbers and signs.

2 Limited - Examples: I can give basic directions, simple questions

3 Good working knowledge - Examples: Conversations about familiar topics, complex documents

4 Fluent - Examples: Infer nuanced meaning from complex documents

5 Translator - Examples: Certified professional translator in this language

List language proficiency and identify the level for Speaking, Reading and Writing for each. The Vacancy Announcement states whether these languages will or may be tested.

Language

English

4 Fluent

4 Fluent

4 Fluent

 

 

 

 

Italian

2 Limited

1 Basic

1 Basic

 

 

 

 

SECTION 4 - WORK EXPERIENCE

Paid and Voluntary - Start with current experience and go back 10 years or longer, if relevant to this job.

Please complete all required information to the best of your knowledge. You must provide the month and year of your employment. If you need additional space, please attach additional pages to your application.

Job Title

From (MM-YYYY)

To (MM-YYYY)

Yearly Salary (Local currency)

Hours per Week

Employer Name, Address and Phone Number

Supervisory Responsibilities?

Supervisor Name

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Reason for leaving

SECTION 5 - FOR U.S. CITIZENS ONLY

Select all that apply and include the required documents (as stated) with the application. Additional documents may be requested by HR at the interview phase.

SECTION 6 - DECLARATION

All applicants must read the declaration and mark their agreement to proceed with the application.

DS-174

Instruction Page 1 of 1

xx-xxxx

 

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Governing Authority The DS-174 form is governed by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, and 22 U.S.C. 2669(c).
OMB Approval The form is approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), with approval number 1405-0189.
Estimated Completion Time Applicants are estimated to take about one hour to complete the DS-174 application.
Sections Included The application contains six main sections, including personal information, education, languages, work experience, citizenship, and declaration.
Language Proficiency Applicants are asked to self-assess their proficiency in various languages across speaking, reading, and writing.
Employment History Applicants must list work experiences for the past ten years or longer, including voluntary positions if relevant.
Verification of Information All information provided on the form must be true and accurate. False information may lead to disqualification or separation from employment.
Disclosure of Information Providing the requested information is voluntary. However, failing to do so may impact the review and consideration of the application.

Guidelines on Utilizing Ds 174 Application For Employment

The DS-174 is a crucial document for applying to positions at U.S. Missions. Careful and complete information will facilitate a smoother application process. Follow the steps below to fill out the form accurately and effectively.

  1. Personal Information: Write your name, other names used, address, email, and phone number. Indicate if a relative works at the embassy, and provide their details if applicable. Confirm your legal ability to work and your driver's license status if relevant.
  2. Education: List your high school and any additional education. For each, include the institution name, dates attended, your major, and whether you graduated.
  3. Languages: Identify your language skills. For each language, specify your proficiency levels in speaking, reading, and writing, referring to the provided scale.
  4. Work Experience: Start with your most recent job and work backward for up to ten years. Include your job title, employment dates, salary, hours per week, employer information, supervisory responsibilities, main duties, and reason for leaving.
  5. Citizenship: Answer if you are a U.S. citizen. If yes, select any applicable statuses and prepare the required documentation.
  6. Declaration: Read this statement carefully, confirming all information is truthful and accurate. Mark your agreement to the terms.

After completing the form, review all entries for accuracy before submission. Ensure any required documents accompany your application and maintain copies for your records. This preparation will support your candidacy and streamline the evaluation process.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the DS-174 Application For Employment form?

The DS-174 Application For Employment is a form used by the U.S. Department of State for hiring locally employed staff or family member positions at U.S. embassies and consulates. This form is designed to collect essential personal information, educational background, work experience, language proficiency, and citizenship status of applicants. Completing this application accurately is crucial, as it directly impacts the hiring process and eligibility for the position applied for.

Who is eligible to apply using the DS-174 form?

The DS-174 form is intended for individuals interested in positions within U.S. embassies and consulates, especially those who are locally employed staff or family members of direct hire employees. Applicants must ensure they have the legal right to work in the host country. The form also captures U.S. citizenship status, which may provide additional employment preference because certain positions may be restricted to U.S. citizens.

What information do I need to provide in the personal information section?

In the personal information section, applicants need to provide their full name, any other names used, current address, email, and phone number. Additionally, applicants must disclose whether a relative is employed at the embassy or consulate. It is important to highlight that the ability to work legally in the host country is a critical requirement, as departments generally do not sponsor work visas unless stated in the job vacancy announcements.

How should I detail my work experience on the form?

When detailing work experience on the DS-174, applicants should start with their most current job and list back to the past ten years or further if relevant. For each position, it's important to include job title, dates of employment, yearly salary, hours worked per week, employer’s name and contact information, supervisory responsibilities, main duties, and reason for leaving. Incomplete or inaccurate information may hinder the application process.

What should I do if I need assistance while completing the form?

If you require assistance while completing the DS-174 Application For Employment form, consider reaching out to the human resources department at the embassy or consulate for guidance. They can provide clarifications about the form and answer any specific questions you may have, ensuring that your application is complete and submitted correctly. Support may also be available through community resources or career services familiar with U.S. embassy employment processes.

Common mistakes

Completing the DS-174 Application For Employment form requires attention to detail. Many applicants make common mistakes that can affect their application outcomes. One frequent error is not providing their full name at the beginning. Listing only a first name or a last name can create confusion and hinder identification.

Another mistake involves skipping sections or leaving blank fields. It is critical to complete all required fields. Omitting information can lead to delays or even disqualification. For example, applicants often overlook including their email or telephone number, which are essential for communication.

In Section 1, applicants must disclose if a relative works at the Embassy or Consulate. Failure to mention this can raise suspicions if discovered later. Another common mistake is not affirmatively stating their legal ability to work in the country. This is crucial, as the U.S. Government generally does not sponsor work visas without prior notice.

Section 2, which pertains to education, presents another opportunity for error. Applicants sometimes fail to include all relevant educational experiences. It is advisable to list every applicable school or program attended and to provide accurate dates. Furthermore, not being able to provide a diploma or certificate when requested could weaken the application.

Section 3 relates to language proficiency. Applicants often misjudge their language level. Selecting a level that is not reflective of actual ability can lead to problems later, particularly if a language assessment is part of the hiring process. Clear and honest self-assessment is essential.

In Section 4, applicants need to be mindful of their work experience entries. Some make the mistake of not listing current and previous positions in chronological order or failing to provide complete details about their roles, responsibilities, and reasons for leaving. Incomplete entries can create a misleading picture of qualifications.

Section 5 is specific to U.S. citizens, where applicants must select all applicable options. A common oversight is not attaching the required documents, such as DD214 or SF-50, which may be mandatory for certain eligibility categories.

Finally, in the declaration section, failing to read or understand the statements may lead to unintended consequences. Every applicant must recognize that providing false information could result not only in disqualification but also in significant legal repercussions.

Documents used along the form

When applying for a position using the DS-174 Application For Employment form, several additional documents may be needed to support your application. Below is a list of common forms and documents that are typically required or helpful in this process.

  • OF-126 Travel Orders: This form confirms the status of a U.S. citizen family member of an employee working abroad. It helps establish eligibility for certain employment positions.
  • SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action: Used to document a federal employee's position and employment history. This is particularly necessary if you are a current or former federal employee.
  • DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty: Essential for veterans applying for positions, this document verifies military service and any related preferences.
  • Resume: A current resume provides a comprehensive view of your work history, skills, and qualifications, supplementing the information listed in the DS-174 form.
  • Transcripts: Educational transcripts may be required to validate your educational background and qualifications claimed on the application.
  • Professional Licenses or Certifications: If the job requires specific licenses or certifications, including copies can strengthen your application.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from previous employers or colleagues can enhance your application by providing outside validation of your experience and skills.
  • Proof of Citizenship: Documents such as a passport or birth certificate may be necessary to confirm your legal status to work.
  • Employment Verification Letters: These letters from past employers provide official confirmation of your work history, supporting the information you provide in your application.
  • Language Proficiency Certificates: If claiming language skills, certificates or evidence of proficiency may be required, especially if language testing is mentioned in the job announcement.

Providing the right documents increases your chances of a successful application. Carefully review the job announcement for specific requirements, and ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate.

Similar forms

The DS-174 Application For Employment form is essential for candidates applying to positions at U.S. missions, but it shares similarities with various other employment application forms. Below are nine documents that are comparable to the DS-174, with emphasis on their unique characteristics and roles in the job application process.

  • Standard Employee Application Form: This general form collects personal information, education, and work experience, similar to the DS-174, allowing potential employers to assess qualifications systematically.
  • Federal Employment Application (SF-171): Often used for federal positions, it includes detailed information on education and experience, paralleling the sections found in the DS-174.
  • Job Application for State Government: This document is specific to state positions and gathers personal information, education, and previous employment history, much like the DS-174.
  • Online Job Application Portal: Many companies offer an online application that mirrors the data collection from the DS-174, asking for the same categories of information in a digital format.
  • Resume and Cover Letter: While distinct from the DS-174, many candidates provide a resume detailing work experiences and a cover letter explaining their interest in the role, which similar information is extracted in the form.
  • Internship Application Form: Internship applications often require personal, academic, and experience information, paralleling the structure of the DS-174.
  • Volunteer Position Application: This type of application also asks for details about a candidate's background and experience, akin to the job application format of the DS-174.
  • College or University Admission Forms: For those seeking academic programs, these forms gather information on previous education and relevant experience, echoing sections from the DS-174.
  • Certification Application Form: This document, often used for professional certifications, requests information about qualifications and relevant work experience similar to those sections found in the DS-174.

Understanding these similarities can help applicants effectively navigate various application processes and present their qualifications confidently across different contexts.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the DS-174 Application For Employment form, there are several important guidelines to follow. This list outlines ten dos and don'ts to ensure a smooth application process.

  • Do fill in all personal information accurately and completely.
  • Do provide a valid email address, as correspondence will primarily occur via email.
  • Do list your work experience starting with the most recent position and working backward for up to ten years.
  • Do specify your language proficiency according to the outlined levels.
  • Do read and understand the declaration section before submitting the application.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank. Omissions may delay processing.
  • Don't provide false or misleading information, as this can disqualify your application.
  • Don't forget to include any required documentation based on your citizenship status.
  • Don't assume any information is understood; clarify details where necessary.
  • Don't rush through the form. Take your time to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Misconceptions

Misunderstandings often surround the DS-174 Application for Employment. Addressing these misconceptions can help applicants navigate the process more easily. Below are ten common misconceptions along with clarifications:

  1. The DS-174 is only for U.S. citizens. This application form is specifically designed for local staff or family members, which can include both U.S. citizens and non-citizens.
  2. Providing a Social Security Number (SSN) is mandatory for all applicants. Disclosure of the SSN is voluntary. However, not providing it may affect the processing of the application.
  3. Submitting the application means a job offer is guaranteed. Completion and submission of the DS-174 does not guarantee employment; it merely indicates that the applicant has expressed interest in the position.
  4. Only professional experience matters. Both paid and voluntary work experiences are requested and considered equally important in assessing qualifications.
  5. If I have a connection with someone at the Embassy, my chances improve significantly. While knowing someone may be beneficial, all applicants are evaluated based on their individual qualifications and the selection criteria outlined in the position announcement.
  6. High proficiency in English is a requirement for all positions. Language proficiency requirements vary by position. The specifics will be outlined in the Vacancy Announcement.
  7. Education details are optional. Applicants must provide educational qualifications. They may be required to show proof of diplomas or certificates during interviews.
  8. Work experience from more than ten years ago should be excluded. If older experiences are relevant to the job for which one is applying, they can and should be included.
  9. Submitting the application online is sufficient; I do not need to check my email. Many communications related to the application process will occur via email, making it crucial to check for updates regularly.
  10. Responses on the form do not require accuracy as long as I am confident in my qualifications. All information provided must be truthful and accurate. False statements can lead to disqualification or termination if hired.

Each misconception has the potential to hinder the application process. Understanding the requirements and implications of the DS-174 can lead to more effective submissions and greater chances of success.

Key takeaways

Key Takeaways about filling out and using the DS-174 Application for Employment form:

  • Ensure accuracy and completeness when providing personal details. Your name, address, and contact information must be correct.
  • Be ready to disclose relevant work experience from the past ten years. Include all positions, even if they were voluntary, to present a full picture of your qualifications.
  • Check the language proficiency sections carefully. Accurately assess your abilities in speaking, reading, and writing, as these skills are crucial for certain positions.
  • Answer citizenship questions truthfully. Understanding your eligibility for employment at the U.S. Mission is vital for a successful application.
  • Remember to review the declaration statement at the end of the application. It affirms the truthfulness of your submitted information, and any inaccuracies can lead to serious consequences.