How to network effectively in 2020 during lockdown?

The good news is that due to modern technology, meeting in-person isn’t required to develop new relationships or deepen existing ones.

Here’s how to maintain and grow your network while sitting at home or during your lunch break:

Be proactive in finding new ways to network daily such as emails, social media, webinars, online groups or whichever technology feels most comfortable to you.

Our tip use LinkedIn to network with people working in the humanitarian/non-profit/NGO industry as well as the UN system and the specific agency you aim to apply for.

Use the UN system vacancy which will give you more insights on the specific department or section the job is located and use LinkedIn search function to find and reach out to possible future team colleagues. Curious to understand how to read and analyse a UN system job vacancy? Learn from UN insiders that have applied, interviewed and secured UN system roles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzSvx99B2LA

Don’t forget to follow the UN agencies you are interested in as well as in general UN initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to stay abreast of latest developments, updates and trends.

Top Tip: Be the glue person or super connector (When you connect with new people and realize they share an interest that aligns with someone else you know, put the two of them in contact. In the future, when they think of you, there is a specific benefit to them that they can relate to you; it makes you memorable)

And last but not least, if you’re in a position to help others do it. Reach out, contribute, support, connect, or encourage.

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’ on demand webinar 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.