Peace Corps Announces New Shorter, Personalized Application And Selection Process

By Joey Figueroa on July 21, 2014

For years, the Peace Corps has been crucial in aiding those in need across the globe and has done so by sending the best and the brightest volunteers to areas of concern. Now, it will be even easier for those looking to be a part of this effort with the Peace Corps’ brand new and much more simple application process.

According to this press release, Peace Corps director Carrie Hessler-Radelet recently announced these application reforms that will provide a faster and more personalized process in hopes that more and more Americans will choose to volunteer.

Included in the recruitment reform is the opportunity for applicants to choose the programs and countries they would like to volunteer for. This will allow applicants to select what best fits their personal and professional skills and goals.

Volunteers will be able to browse through a list of programs by country, work area and departure date, so they can easily apply to between one and three specific programs at a time.

Another key reform in the application process is the much shortened application. What used to be an eight-hour process will now be shortened to a simple online application that can be completed in about an hour. The new application will hone in on the most important and relevant information needed for the agency to select the best volunteers.

Also, each open position with the Peace Corps now has clearly stated apply-by and know-by deadlines, allowing applicants to know when they should expect to receive an invitation to serve.

This process will be very similar to applying to colleges: if you apply on time for certain programs, you will be notified of your results on time as well.

Image via https://www.international.ucf.edu

“With the tools, technologies and opportunities of the 21st century, the Peace Corps is giving Americans of all backgrounds the freedom to re-imagine their future and redefine their mark on the world,” Hessler-Radelet said. “I believe these changes will help re-ignite the passion of Peace Corps’ early days and that more Americans will seize the opportunity to make a difference across the world and here at home.”

Fifty years after its founding, the Peace Corps has begun expanding its efforts to gain more volunteers, and the revamped recruitment process is a huge step in the right direction. Even President Barack Obama got in on the action with the release of a viral video that calls on Americans to serve in the Peace Corps.

“Today our world is smaller and more interconnected than ever before,” President Obama said in the video.

“It presents us with an extraordinary opportunity: to connect with people in some of the most remote corners of the globe and show them that America is paying attention, that we care, and that we’re here to help. That’s what the Peace Corps is all about.”

To apply today, the application is available on the Peace Corps website, and for more information on the new recruitment and selection process, view this infographic.

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