Exceling in job interviews: Essential tips for JPOS

Over the course of my career as a human resource professional, I have met many talented and dedicated young junior professional officers (JPO). However, given the competitiveness of today's marketplace, it is crucial for current JPOs to leverage their UN experience to stand out in applications and interviews.

My intentions are that this article helps you land your dream job, whether within or outside the UN system.

Having interviewed hundreds of applicants for several UN agencies, I have observed that two critical factors result in excellence: the right combination of competencies and experience (tangible factors), and your interpersonal connections with the interviewers (intangible yet a fundamental human element).

To help you showcase both, I have compiled some tips, which I call "Minding your P's."

Peruse the organization's website:Before the interview, it is essential you have a good grasp of the organization's mission and goals. Read the website to learn about their key stakeholders and gain insights on the organization's culture. If you can reach out to people in your networks who work there. Articulate a personal vision that aligns with the organization's raison d'être. I have been struck by how so many people don't take the time to do this or come up with a very superficial answer. Reflect on what the mission means to you personally, drawing on examples from your life experience. Prepare, prepare, prepare: Study the job description to anticipate the types of questions you'll be asked. Be ready for the "tell me about yourself and what you will bring to this position." prompt at the beginning. The panel's first impressions will mostly stem from your answer to this, so make sure that your opening statement is both cold and warm. Cold to concisely showcase your experience in a few sentences, and warm to build that human connection with the panel, by emphasizing your passion for the organization and your aspirations.

Expect a combination of competency-based and situational interview. Jot down the key competencies and have a few answers prepared in advance of the interview, using the tried and tested STAR method:

Situation:Briefly explain the context. What? When? Where?Task:Describe the problem. What needed to be done? Why? Actions: Explain your role. What did you do, why, and how? Results:Describe the results, quantify where possible.

Remember:

• Keep the description of the situation simple - don't get lost in your own narrative;
• Focus specifically on your actions;
• Highlight the impact of your contribution The principles of cold and warm apply. Know your examples intricately so that you can be flexible and engage with the panel members, helping you come across as informed and competent. Lastly, demonstrate the value that you bring to the organization - or to borrow a phrase from a former US President, John F. Kennedy - "Ask not what your country (in our case the organization) can do for you but what you can do for your country (the organization)".

Be prepared for the standard 'strengths and weaknesses' question, indicate what steps you are taking to overcome your weakness. For example, you could say, "sometimes in my quest to get things done I overlook some details, but I am learning to take a step back and reflect before finalizing my product to make sure I covered all aspects."

Practice, practice, practice:conduct mock interviews with a trusted friend or colleague to hear constructive feedback. Project positivity and potential: Positive energy is contagious - infuse your answers with positive examples, showing your knowledge, can-do attitude and growth potential. Demonstrate not only what you've done but also what you can do. Never criticize a former or current employer - it sends a bad signal that you in turn may criticize your potential employer. If you must mention a difficult past situation, you can simply say "it just wasn't the right fit". Pause, breathe, reflect, listen:Before entering the room, pause, take a few deep breaths to relax. Greet each person individually and, ever mindful of making a personal connection, show engagement through body language- lean forward, address people by name, maintain eye contact. Listen carefully to the panel's questions, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if needed. Avoid interrupting panel members - people tend to be rather sensitive to being interrupted. Pose a great question: when asked for questions at the end of the interview, seize this opportunity to shine. Have thoughtful questions prepared in advance. Some examples are:

How does the position fit in with the rest of the department/organization?

What priorities would you like to see addressed first in this position?

Can you describe the organizational culture of the unit/office?

Looking back at other people who had this position, what differentiated the good ones from the great ones?

Don't ask any questions about salary, benefits or vacation time.

Pat yourself on the back: After the interview, send a SHORT thank you note, highlighting in one sentence your qualifications, mentioning insightful aspects of the interview, and reaffirming your enthusiasm and commitment.

Remember, interviewing is a two-way street: assess the organization, the manager, the position, and your own goals to ensure this is the best fit for you.

As talented young motivated JPOs, I wish you many years of success in your chosen career path. Good Luck!

If you are a JPO interested in getting prepared for your next career transition, sign up for our 2025 Career Booster! This unique programme is designed to equip you with a common set of knowledge, skills and attitudes, essential for your current and future career in the United Nations system. Click hereto learn more!

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