The IMF's Articles of Agreement mandate that "In appointing the staff the Managing Director shall, subject to the paramount importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency and of technical competence, pay due regard to the importance of recruiting personnel on as wide a geographical basis as possible." (Article XII, 4(d))

Staff members are selected solely on merit. Where equally qualified applicants are competing for the same position, preference is given to candidates from under represented countries or regions and every effort is made to achieve a more balanced gender distribution (e.g., more women in the economist stream, more men in support-level positions).

The IMF's salary scale is designed to attract staff of the highest caliber. Starting salaries are based on candidates' training, skills, and work experience, as well as on a comparison of their credentials with those of present staff members.

To fulfill its responsibilities effectively, the IMF draws on the experience and continuity that a largely career staff provides. Since the IMF expects that most of its staff will remain with the organization for many years, it is conscious of the need to provide the compensation, training, and opportunities for growth that will reward its staff.