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Frequently Asked Questions
  1. Do you have any openings?
  2. How long does it take for an application to be processed?
  3. Do you hire people on a part-time basis?
  4. Does the IMF need to meet national recruitment quotas?
  5. How many people does the IMF hire each year?
  6. How long does it take until you make a decision on an advertised vacancy?
  7. Do you have offices around the world? Do you recruit for these offices?
  8. The IMF recruitment teams do not visit my university or city. Could I still be considered for a position?
  9. What languages are used at the IMF?
  1. Do you have any openings?  
    Yes. Although specific vacancies may not be individually advertised, the IMF continuously accepts applications for experienced economist, and support-level positions, because there is an ongoing need to fill such positions. The Fund also accepts applications for the next intake of the Economist Program and Summer Intern Program.

  2. How long does it take for an application to be processed?
    Applications are usually reviewed within one week of receipt. Responses to those candidates the IMF cannot place are normally sent out shortly after that. Responses to those candidates in whom we have an interest may take longer because applications are circulated internally for review. If a department expresses interest in your application, you will be contacted within the next 90 days. If you have not heard from us within this time frame please consider your application closed, and no further correspondence will be forthcoming from the Fund. If it is decided to pursue a particular candidate, a department may wish to arrange an interview in his or her home country. For the final interviews, candidates are often invited to Headquarters for interviews with staff in the department.

  3. Do you hire people on a part-time basis?   
    Yes, however, there are very few part-time openings.

  4. Does the IMF need to meet national recruitment quotas?  
    No. In choosing candidates, the IMF does not operate a nationality or any other quota system; the overriding consideration in selection is the candidates' technical skills and personal qualities. However, where candidates of equal merit present themselves, selection takes into consideration the importance of improving the gender balance on the staff, and achieving as broad a geographic representation as possible.

  5. How many people does the IMF hire each year?  
    In total, the IMF hires only about 200 staff worldwide each year. Specific positions may not become vacant frequently and therefore competition can be strong.

  6. How long does it take until you make a decision on an advertised vacancy?  
    It depends on the circumstances and the number of qualified candidates who apply. Typically, for an internationally advertised vacancy, it takes about three or four months from the time that the position is advertised.

  7. Do you have offices around the world? Do you recruit for these offices?
    The IMF has a few small regional offices and Resident Representative posts, which have local staff. However, recruitment for these local positions is handled by the office concerned. The IMF does not recruit externally to fill the professional positions in these offices. Applications for such posts should not be sent to Recruitment and Staffing Division at Headquarters.

  8. The IMF recruitment teams do not visit my university or city. Could I still be considered for a position?  
    Yes. Please send your CV or completed IMF Application Form. If your application looks promising, a personnel officer may get in touch with you to arrange an interview either at a nearby location or at Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

  9. What languages are used at the IMF?  
    The working language of the Fund is English, and verbal and written proficiency in this language is therefore essential. Nonetheless, we would like to reassure non-native English speakers that their English does not have to be perfect - but it does need to be good enough to draft papers and to carry out technical discussions and negotiations with government officials. However, as the IMF is an international organization, there are of course many positions that require knowledge of languages other than English (Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish are typically the most useful). A facility for learning languages is also an asset. The IMF provides language instruction for staff so that they can be more effective in their work.