Applying for UN job opportunities

Preparing to apply Know yourself and your competencies: is this the position for me? Do I meet the qualifications and experience requirements? What do I know about this particular job? What do I know about the organization? Have I considered all the implications if I am given the position? (Moving abroad, leaving family, culture shock) Will I actually take the job if I am selected?

Writing a UN CV (Also called Personal History Form) Result-based CV: highlight what your function meant beyond the title, using concreate achievements and figures (budget size, number of partners involved, etc.) Fill all fields as much as possible Watch out spelling mistakes!

Writing a cover letter One page maximum Structure: open with states of interest, summarize qualifications, experience and competencies, close with a brief recap Do not repeat your CV: focus on the key elements from your past experience that are relevant to the position you are applying for Show your drive and commitment Watch out spelling mistakes! Spell out acronyms

Getting ready for the interview Check all key words in the job description Learn about the interview techniques used by the UN: competency-based interviews Search for tips and advice on the Net (also Youtube videos on the topic) Prepare related examples from your past professional experience C A R L way of presenting examples: Context, Action, Results, Learning

Interview question examples Tell me about a situation when you went above and beyond your manager’s expectations. Can you give me an example of a time when you used your problem solving abilities to resolve an issue? Tell me about a time where you had a number of demands being made on you at the same time. How did you handle it? Describe a time where you demonstrated excellent listening skills.