The U.N. Personal History Profile (PHP) is a comprehensive, online resume specifically designed for the United Nation system. The PHP contains a detailed overview of your education, competencies, skills, achievements and professional experience. This online form gives you the opportunity to share with the UN recruiter why you are the best candidate for the post and a chance to tell your story in a way that highlights your UN relevant skills and achievements.

More details can be found here: https://hr.un.org/page/complete-your-personal-history-profile

What are the essential criteria to fill out a PHP?

First and foremost, I would recommend you spend some time researching a job that matches your profile. You may use the different search criteria; by organisation, location (countries, cities), contract level and so on. Once you found a suitable vacancy for your experience and knowledge, make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare your application/fill out your PHP. Tip: check the closing date to ensure you don’t miss the application deadline and to give yourself ample time to prepare your PHP.

Having helped many clients over the years, I have learned that the most common mistake is to apply for a job that is not relevant for your past professional or educational qualifications nor experience. I would recommend to specially read the Duties and Responsibilities, Competencies and Required Skills and Experience sections of the job description carefully. A UN system application can be cumbersome and time-consuming and if the job opening example states that successful candidates need a master’s degree, you indeed will need the master’s degree of higher; same with the years of experience and your language skills; these are all “knockout” questions which if you don’t fulfil them, you may risk not getting shortlisted/invited to an interview. Carefully review the published vacancy including the special requirements stated on some application on the bottom of the job description; this saves you time and frustration.

To select a job to fill in your information you will need to go ahead and press ‘apply now’. Then you fill in all the mandatory boxes (indicated by the red star*), final tip is please ensure you double check your email address, because all responses will come through to this email.

In the Resume and Motivation letter - you may copy paste your CV and Cover letter. Attention - depending on the UN system organisation there may be special requirements like maximum 1000 characters for the Motivation / Cover Letter.

After you fill in all the *mandatory boxes, attached your application documents/P11form, cover letter and more - you are nearly there and should press Submit Application. But wait this is not the end…

Looking for ways to kickstart your international career? We share the best cover letter tips and structure for 2021! Learn how to 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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