How do I know if my application with the United Nations was successful?

Will I get contacted if my UN application is unsuccessful?

What happens during the UN application process?

One of the most common and no doubt frustrating parts of the application process is not knowing what is happening during your application? Unfortunately unless you are short listed and invited for an interview you are not likely to hear anything from the UN system. This is because of the high number of applications being processed by a limited amount of UN system HR professionals. This is also one of the reasons why the recruitment processes of the UN system is widely automated. In most cases, applicants will only get contacted and are handled in a more individual manner if they pass the first stage of shortlisting. The end to end process of applying to securing a job can take up to 4 months but the first stage notification for an interview can be fairly quick.

Please be informed that the above outlines what can happen in cases when we are talking about a standard recruitment. The process may differ from organization to organization. 

The key thing is to not give up hope, keep focussed on your application, just pause and take a moment to ask are you applying for the right role? Do your skills fit the role at this stage? Have you highlighted your key strengths and UN system related values, skills and competencies? Are you using UN system specific language and the correct key words in your CV? How do you stand out from other candidates?

Our tip: Don’t just apply for one role and wait but keep applying for suitable roles that match your profile.

If you are curious to learn what UN system recruiters may typically look out for and how to read a vacancy to structure your application documents incl. a cover letter for a UN system role, then download our webinar “Watch a cover letter be created for a UN system role” with tips and insights from UN insiders; available on demand!