The Embassy of the United States in Havana has several job openings available, but finding a vacancy that matches the candidate's profile is just the first step: applications must be completed correctly through the electronic system ERA.
CiberCuba reported this Sunday about seven open positions in areas such as security, communication, transportation, warehouse, and technology, with application deadlines that expire between October 7 and 15.
For those who are interested, the Department of State uses the Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) system to manage applications for its diplomatic missions. The process is not simply about submitting a resume: the applicant must create an account, complete various sections, answer the questions for the vacancy, and attach exactly the documents required by each announcement.
1. Always enter through the official portal
The first step is to visit the official job section of the United States Embassy in Cuba or directly access the ERA system of the Department of State.
From the list of available positions, the candidate must open the job listing that interests them and read it in full before proceeding. The requirements for education, experience, languages, documents, and eligibility can vary significantly from one position to another.
It is not advisable to assume that meeting the requirements of one call automatically means meeting those of another.
2. Create an account on ERA
Anyone using ERA for the first time will need to select the option to create an account.
The official guide for ERA applicants states that each account must be linked to a unique email address.
During registration, personal and contact information is required. The fields marked as mandatory must be completed before proceeding.
It is advisable to use an email address that the candidate checks frequently, as it may be needed both to access the account and to receive communications related to the process.
3. Review the requirements before starting the application
Before filling out the forms, it is advisable to carefully check three sections in the announcement: who can apply, what qualifications are required, and which documents need to be attached.
A job vacancy may require a certain level of education, years of professional experience, knowledge of English or Spanish, specific licenses, or other skills related to the position.
The candidate must reflect in ERA the information that demonstrates they meet those requirements, without assuming that the Human Resources team will infer any experience or qualification that is not explicitly stated in the application.
4. Complete education, work experience, and languages
ERA dedicates specific sections to education, professional experience, and languages.
The system guide indicates that the required answers must be completed before you can proceed. It also allows for the addition of extra studies, jobs, or languages when necessary.
In the work experience section, it is important to accurately describe the functions performed and provide the dates and any other information requested by the form, paying special attention to experiences directly related to the position.
Another practical detail is that ERA can close a session or cause the loss of unsaved information. The system documentation warns that in certain forms, the user can remain unsaved for up to 60 minutes, so it is advisable to save periodically.
5. Answer the eligibility and job vacancy questions
The system includes questions designed to determine whether the candidate can be considered for the position, as well as others specifically related to the announcement.
The responses should align with the candidate's real experience and situation. It is not advisable to choose an option solely because it seems to increase the chances of advancing in the process.
ERA may also request you to select the grade or level of the position and the corresponding location before proceeding.
6. Attach exactly the requested documents
This is one of the points that deserves the most attention.
There is no single valid list of documents for all vacancies. The candidate must review the specific announcement and upload what is requested in it.
ERA allows you to select the type of document, search for the file on your device, and upload it to the application. The official guide warns that only one file can be maintained for each type of document: if another file is uploaded in the same category, the new one may replace the previous one.
Therefore, before proceeding, it is advisable to check that all necessary documents are indeed attached and that they correspond to the correct category.
7. Saving does not mean that the application has been submitted
This is probably the simplest mistake to make.
The save button preserves the changes, but does not submit the application.
When all the sections are complete, ERA displays a review page from which the user can return to the different sections and correct information before finalizing.
Afterward, you need to explicitly select the “Submit Application” option and confirm the corresponding statement.
Once the process is successfully completed, the system displays a confirmation indicating that the application has been submitted.
8. Check that the request appears in the panel
After submission, the applicant can access their ERA panel to review the application and its status.
The State Department's own guide indicates that a submitted application can be modified before the closing date of the call for applications. This allows for the correction of information or the updating of certain documents while the deadline remains open.
However, it is not advisable to wait until the last moment. A connection issue, an incorrect document, or an incomplete section can complicate the submission when there are only a few minutes left before the deadline.
Mistakes to Avoid in ERA
Save the request and think that it has already been sent. You need to complete the final step of submission and check the confirmation.
Do not read the entire announcement. Each position may have different requirements and documents.
Leave out relevant experience. The information used to determine qualifications must be reflected in the application.
Forgetting mandatory documents. The lack of required documentation can affect eligibility.
Accidentally replacing a file. ERA allows for one file per certain document categories, and a new upload can replace the previous one.
Wait until the last day. Applications must be complete before the closing time and date specified in each announcement.
Do not use the browser's back or refresh buttons while completing the form. The ERA guide recommends using the internal navigation controls of the system to avoid losing information.
A specific requirement for those working in Cuba
In addition to demonstrating the professional qualifications for the position, candidates must meet the employment eligibility requirements specified in each call for the diplomatic mission.
In the offers reviewed by CiberCuba, the Embassy establishes that candidates must have legal authorization to work in Cuba and that selected individuals are subject to the required verifications before starting their duties.
For Cuban citizens, there is also a particularity: employment is still tied to the mechanism of the state agency PALCO.
This did not change with the recent reform that allowed certain companies and foreign trade representations to directly hire Cuban workers.
CiberCuba explained upon analyzing the new regulations that diplomatic missions, consulates, international organizations, and other entities are excluded from this direct hiring modality and continue to use state employer entities.
Deadlines are important
The vacancies currently announced by the Embassy in Havana do not all close on the same day.
The calls reviewed by CiberCuba have deadlines ranging from October 7 to October 15, 2026, depending on the position.
Therefore, anyone interested should directly open the offer on ERA and check its deadline before preparing their application.
The most important recommendation is simple: read the entire announcement, complete all sections, review the documents, and ensure that ERA confirms the submission. Creating an account or saving a partially filled form does not mean that you have formally applied for the job.
Related videos:
Filed under: