The overall function of a cover letter is to match your skills, competencies and core experience and achievements with the UN system role!

Our guidance is to always include a cover letter even when a job posting doesn’t state one is required.

The cover letter is a:

•       key part of the application submission

•       a formal document sent with your CV

•       to provide supporting information of your skills and experience

•       It is used when applying for all kind of UN system roles and grades

But what UN system related skills and competencies should I reflect in my internship cover letter?

It’s important to understand that the UN differentiates between UN organisational core values, UN competencies and managerial competencies.

Why is this important to know; well, depending on which role you apply you may want to highlight job relevant skills that best match the role requirements.

For example, for an internship cover letter, rather than focusing on managerial competencies, which are skills that are essential for employees in more senior roles with supervisory responsibilities such as P4 roles or higher, we would recommend you focus on soft and transferable skills. 

You could for example highlight your team working skills, your good time management or communication skills. The UN is a big family with lots of different cultures and personalities and good multicultural team working skills are vital.

Mistakes to avoid
Don’t overlook the competencies and UN core values in the UN system job vacancies, whilst rather long in content they often call out some key traits required for an applying candidate. Go through each one and highlight key traits they are looking for.

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.