I applied for a job with the UN and haven’t heard back! What to do and how long does it take to hear back from the UN?

Will I get contacted if my UN application is unsuccessful?

What happens during the UN application process?

One of the most common and no doubt frustrating parts of the application process is not knowing what is happening during your application? You’ve fine-tuned your application documents, but now a few weeks or even months later haven’t heard anything.

How long should I wait? and What should I do while I'm waiting?

While some organisations and agencies fill positions quickly, others move slowly; this often depends on the size if the organisation and the urgency to fill a role.

The end to end process of applying to securing a job with the United Nations system can take up to 4 months or even longer!

Unfortunately unless you are short listed and invited for an interview you are not likely to hear anything from the UN system. This is because of the high number of applications being processed by a limited amount of UN system HR professionals. This is also one of the reasons why the recruitment processes of the UN system is widely automated. In most cases, applicants will only get contacted and are handled in a more individual manner if they pass the first stage of shortlisting. The end to end process of applying to securing a job can take up to 4 months or even longer but the first stage notification for an interview can be fairly quick.

Please be informed that the above outlines what can happen in cases when we are talking about a standard recruitment. The process may differ from organisation to organisation. 

The key thing is to not give up hope, keep focussed on your application, just pause and take a moment to ask are you applying for the right role? Do your skills fit the role at this stage? Have you highlighted your key strengths and UN system related values, skills and competencies? Are you using UN system specific language and the correct key words in your CV? How do you stand out from other candidates?

Our advice, is to continue applying to other positions within the UN system while waiting to hear back from the UN organisation. Even if the one role you’re waiting on feels like the “best matching” role, continuing to search will yield new opportunities!

Don’t just apply for one role and wait but keep applying for suitable roles that match your profile. The key is patience & consistency and if you don’t hear back after a while then it’s time to tweak your application documents, especially your cover/motivation letter.

Learn how to structure and craft a cover letter that stands out with UCCs 20 page Illustrated guide of cover letter tips

The United Career Coalition aims to share knowledge, insights, tips & advice from those that have applied, interviewed and secured United Nations system roles! 

Want to learn more on how to spot relevant skills and competencies in a UN system vacancy or the best method to convey your skills in a cover letter? Get in touch with one of our UN insiders or download UCC’s 45min cover letter webinar with tips and advice from UN insiders!

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