How to make 2021 count with your applications and job search!

Networking for a new job will help increase your chances in landing a new role!

In order to help you start networking effectively, UCC created these 8 steps to help you network in a more structured way: 

1. Keep developing and training your networking skills
   Focus on skills such as communication and active listening skills

2. Make networking a regular activity
   Start by reaching out to one person a week who’s work you find interesting or who you think could be a useful contact for your career goals

3. Determine your goals
   Ask yourself what you are looking for from the relationships you hope to develop? Are you anticipating making contacts with a specific future employer?

4. Structure your message
   With identified networking goals you can now easily structure your message and once connected share the questions you want to ask.

5. Don’t ask for anything in the first message
   Genuine networking doesn’t start with your hands out during the first contact or including your resume in your initial outreach message

6. Get the reader’s attention
   Stand out by doing your homework; get to know some facts about the person you’re about to reach out to, beyond the “surface level”

7. Build a network matrix
   Target the UN organizations you’re interested in and seek out people who work for each agency. Build a “Who + Where” matrix that matches who you know with where they work.

8. Cultivate your “Power” contacts
   Dedicate you time wisely; think quality over quantity. Networking is not about trying to meet as many people as you can. It’s not a numbers game. Seek people who will make a difference in your life—and those you can inspire as well. A contact who can provide insight into the hiring manager’s personality or preferences is a real asset.

Curious to find out more?

How and where to network with UN system staff if you are neither in the same country nor have access to UN system offices?

Finding the ‘right’ UN system organisation that matches your profile, education, skills and competencies, can lead to a fulfilling career where you get the chance to leave an important impact on the world. It means working with people from all over the world, getting to know different cultures and strengthening your multicultural team working skills while working on a good cause for human mankind and our planet.

UCC aims to share insights and advice to increase your chances of an international career and to address the lack of knowledge about how and where to apply for the various UN system organizations; UCC offers FREE blog articles, webinars and other services to enable you to access information about the different application, recruitment and selection processes as well as to help you get your UN system related questions answered.

UCC offers a 20-page illustrated guide with top tips on structuring and drafting a cover letter, common mistakes to avoid, key words to use and specific examples…


Published by previous UN system staff with first-hand experience of devising cover letters that worked! 

Learn by watching?

Watch UCC’s 60min ‘cover letter’ or ‘how to networking effectively’ on demand webinars available for download HERE where UN insiders explain how to read a UN vacancy to ensure the UN job notice is the right fit for your experience and background as well as to explain which parts to focus on that you should reflect in your application documents.


Or Connect with one of our UN insiders via a 45min video call and learn from those that have applied, interviewed and secured UN system roles.