How to Answer the 3 Most Common UN Interview Questions (with Examples)

Preparing for a United Nations job interview? You’ll almost certainly face competency-based questions, designed to assess how your past experiences align with the UN’s core values and competencies.

Unlike traditional interviews, the UN uses a structured format to evaluate real-life examples of how you’ve demonstrated skills like teamwork, accountability, and respect for diversity.

Here are 3 of the most frequently asked questions — and how to approach them…

What is your motivation for applying to this position?

This is often the first and most telling question in a UN competency-based interview—and it’s your chance to make a strong first impression.

While it may seem like a simple question, your response should go far beyond "I'm passionate about the UN’s mission." Interviewers want to see how your personal and professional values align with the UN’s Core Values (Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity), how well you understand the specific mandate of the agency, and whether you’ve done your homework on current UN priorities such as the SDGs, UN 2.0, or strategic reform agendas.

How to answer United Nations job-specific application questions. Learn how to answer United Nations job-specific application questions with the STAR method, UN keywords, and core values. Tips on structure, length, and how to stand out in your UN job application.

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