6 tips for applying to the Peace Corps

How does this work, you ask? Check out these quick tips for finding and applying to the right assignment.

1. Take time to review openings on the website.

You can preview the details of upcoming assignments—including project descriptions, required skills, departure dates, and more. And when you submit your application, you get to apply directly to a project you’re interested in.

2. Find out the skills required for the projects you’re interested in.

Be sure to get familiar with the required and desired skills (including foreign language skills) for each assignment that interests you. Need to gain some skills to become qualified? Not sure which program you might be the most competitive for? Connect with a recruiter in your area for some pointers. My advice: It’s best to select assignments for which you meet the required qualifications, keeping in mind that you’ll be competing with others interested in that same project. Be sure to apply to a program you are both interested in and qualified for, as you cannot submit multiple applications at once.

3. Identify when you want to depart for service.

You should plan to apply between 9 months and a year in advance of your desired departure date. Programs with deadlines within 6 months are typically featured on our website at any given time. You can apply for programs throughout the year, on a rolling basis, so be sure to check the website often to see openings with different “apply by” and departure dates. Submit your application as early as you can.

4. What if I can’t decide?

There are so many awesome programs to pick from, it can be hard to actually decide on one; we get it. One great option is to apply to “serve where you’re needed most.” This allows you to select the regions and sectors you are interested in and then be placed in a program based on your preferences, as well as Peace Corps programmatic needs. You may also provide additional information, such as specific positions you’re interested in. We will do our best to place you in a program where your application will be the most competitive.

Note that you may only indicate interest in one Peace Corps Volunteer program at a time. If you are open to multiple programs on the website, it’s best to select “serve where you’re needed most.”

Don’t forget to view the medical considerations for projects that interest you and learn more about Peace Corps’ medical clearance process in order to understand how medical considerations may factor into your selections.

5. Trust the process.

Know that we—actual human beings, not a computer—review your application to 1) ensure you’ve applied at the appropriate time (i.e., your preferences align with current openings listed on the website); 2) assess your skills and language background, highlighted clearly on your resume (tip: include total hours for each of your volunteer experiences, highest language level completed, and calendar years of study); and 3) review your preferences and place your application under consideration for the program that best matches your skills and experience. Use the “optional” comment box to tell us more about your preferences, if desired.

6. Get excited to receive an email!

Your placement officer will send you an email letting you know which country you are being considered for and the latest date by which you would hear from us—your “know by” date. Though you can only be considered for one program at a time, you may be notified that your application has been placed under consideration for a different program during this time if you also selected that you are open to other assignments, and we determine you’ll be more competitive in a different program. But no matter where you are being considered, you will be notified of a final selection decision no later than the “know by” date.

Ultimately, to find the right fit, you have to take the first step and submit an application!

Ready to start your Peace Corps journey? Check out our FAQs and connect with a recruiter today.