How to prepare for a successful interview with the UN?

A career change from the private to the public sector or even in the same industry can be a cumbersome, complex and sometimes frustrating process.

It however can also be an incredible opportunity to explore a new sector, industry and countries and further strengthen and/or develop new skills.

Having experienced myself how cumbersome and lengthy the UN application process can be and often learned the hard way that getting shortlisted for an UN interview and/or an invite for a UN competency-based panel interview is not a guarantee for actually getting the desired role, ma advice is to practice, practice, practise; maybe with a friend, a colleague or practice your answers in a mock job interview.

The UN receives about 800 job applications for each post that is open annually through its digital employment portal, Inspira. You want to make that your skills and experience stand out!

Make a positive first impression

You can do this by the way you speak, dress, act and how well you listen - active listening. Make the most of this opportunity!

So how do you create a good first impression? How to prepare for a successful U.N. Interview? What are top interview questions and answers 2022? What are common interview questions? Why do you want to work for the UN? Tell me about yourself…

We did some research and, in addition, to the insights shared by a former U.N. Senior Officer and Interview Panel Member on preparing for U.N. competency-based interview, including the tools and steps for optimum preparation, as well as the timing, setting and protocol of the U.N. interview, the United Career Coalition experts have prepared a 9 page competency based interview guide.

This guide delivers advice on preparing for U.N. competency-based interview including: the questions which will likely be asked; the elements of an outstanding answer; advice for a strong first impression; dress code; interview posture and gestures and many more insights and insider tips.

Finding the ‘right’ intergovernmental 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.