Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Agrément • Foreign Service • Status of Forces Agreement

Persona Non Grata

Term from Diplomacy industry explained for recruiters

Persona Non Grata (often abbreviated as PNG) is a diplomatic term meaning "unwelcome person." It's used in diplomacy when a country officially declares that a foreign diplomat is no longer welcome. This is the strongest form of disapproval that one country can express about another country's diplomatic staff member. When someone is declared "persona non grata," they usually must leave the host country within a specific timeframe. This term is important in diplomatic and international relations roles, as professionals in this field need to understand both how to handle such situations and how to prevent them.

Examples in Resumes

Managed crisis response when embassy staff member was declared Persona Non Grata

Developed protocols to prevent PNG situations for diplomatic staff

Led training sessions on diplomatic immunity and Persona Non Grata procedures

Typical job title: "Diplomatic Officers"

Also try searching for:

Foreign Service Officer Diplomatic Advisor International Relations Specialist Embassy Officer Consular Officer Political Officer Foreign Affairs Specialist

Where to Find Diplomatic Officers

Professional Organizations

Job Resources

Educational Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where one of your staff members is declared persona non grata?

Expected Answer: A senior diplomat should explain the immediate steps: ensuring staff safety, coordinating with home country, managing media relations, and maintaining diplomatic channels while arranging departure. Should also discuss preventive measures and documentation procedures.

Q: Describe a complex diplomatic situation you've managed that required balancing multiple stakeholder interests.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in crisis management, understanding of diplomatic protocols, ability to maintain relationships during tense situations, and knowledge of international law implications.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What procedures should be followed when receiving a persona non grata declaration?

Expected Answer: Should explain the standard protocol: acknowledging receipt, informing home ministry, arranging departure within specified timeframe, ensuring proper handover of duties, and maintaining diplomatic composure throughout.

Q: How do you ensure compliance with diplomatic protocols while maintaining effective relationships?

Expected Answer: Should discuss importance of understanding local customs, maintaining professional relationships, following diplomatic etiquette, and staying updated on international relations.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is persona non grata and when might it be declared?

Expected Answer: Should explain the basic concept of PNG status, common reasons for declaration, and typical timeframes for departure. Should show understanding of diplomatic immunity basics.

Q: What are the key aspects of diplomatic communication and reporting?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic diplomatic correspondence, importance of clear communication, proper channels, and confidentiality requirements.