This article aims to offer guidance on interview video assessment and application preparation strategies, particularly to candidates not familiar with applications to multilateral international and intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations or the European Union.

Due to modern technology as well as the ongoing pandemic, meeting in-person to interview for a new role is often not required or even possible. Thanks however to digitalisation and modern technology video interviews (via Skype, Zoom, Teams, etc.) are becoming increasingly common in many hiring processes.

Congratulations, you have been selected for an interview with the United Nations system!

Now it’s time to prepare for your remote video interview – if you are considered a potential candidate for the role, you will receive an invite, via email, for the pre-screening step to participate in the video recorded interview.

The United Career Coalitions (UCC) UN insider shared some of their insights and advice on how to best prepare for a remote recorded video interview. Part 1 of our video interview guide series will focus on devices to use; Part 2 will help you to perform better during a virtual interview!

Our UN insider shared some of their insights and advice on how to best prepare for a remote recorded video interview. Part 1 of our video interview preparation series focused on the devices to use; Part 2 will help you perform better during a remote video interview!

We hope below advice from UCC UN insiders will help you prepare and perform better during a virtual interview:

• Do your homework/research. What do you know about the “hiring UN organisation” its goals, its medium/long-term strategy, its structure etc. Find out as much as you can about the agency.

• Prepare yourself like you would do for a face-to-face interview.

• Dress code: Plan your outfit well in advance and make sure it looks good on camera. Look, act and dress professionally to make the best first impression. Because you are at home, it’s natural to be a little more relaxed but try to maintain a good posture. Our advice, try to pull your chair slightly away from the table, sit up straight and maintain eye contact!

• Same goes for the environment; establish an appropriate and professional environment, free from distractions.

• TIP: Set up your table ideally with you facing the window for good lighting.

• Practise and record yourself. Practise speaking your interview answers out loud (e.g. in front of a mirror) and record yourself; especially if you’re not used to video conversations as you might find maintaining a virtual conversation a bit awkward at first.

• Schedule a mock/test video interview with a friend or family member; ideally a person who gives you honest and constructive feedback.

• Make sure you have answers to all possible questions prepared.

• Login a few minutes early!

• Have a notepad and pen handy so that you can write down questions and any other important details. You may get similar or even the same questions when applying for other UN system roles!

• Make sure you have some questions prepared to express your interest in the open position; this also demonstrates your interest in the organisation and that you have done your research.

FINAL TIP: Don’t forget to thank the interview panel for their valuable time.

Don’t miss Part 1 of this remote video interview series were our UN insiders share more advice on how to prepare for video interview.

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!

Join those who have already signed up for UCCs newsletter and never miss FREE UN insider advice or latest international career updates.