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How to best present your candidature to the United Nations John Ericson Chief, Outreach Section Office of Human Resources Management December 2009. UNITED NATIONS ASKS FOR A LOT OF INFORMATION. Birthdate, nationality, gender, marital status, no. of dependants, languages, etc.
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How to best present your candidature to the United NationsJohn Ericson Chief, Outreach SectionOffice of Human Resources ManagementDecember 2009
UNITED NATIONS ASKS FOR A LOT OF INFORMATION • Birthdate, nationality, gender, marital status, no. of dependants, languages, etc. • Education and publications: ensure that your post-secondary degree is from an accredited academic institution • Comprehensive but concise work history, salaries, names of supervisors, skills, etc. • References
Go to http://jobs.un.org • Or website of organization of interest to you: undp.org, unicef.org, etc. • Open an account • Complete your profile • Select the vacancies you are interested in applying for • Submit application, including cover letter
Personal History Profile/P.11 BEFORE YOU BEGIN DRAFTING YOUR APPLICATION: Understand the position • Saves time and reduces frustration that results from applying for jobs not suited to your strengths and aspirations. • Improves ability to position yourself to meet the needs of the hiring office.
Personal History Profile/P.11 The Employment section Description of Duties • Highlight your job responsibilities. • Describe your duties with careful attention to the vacancy for which you are applying. • Use action verbs; Current job in present tense All others in past tense.
Personal History Profile/P.11 The Employment section (cont’d) Summary of Achievements • Provide specific examples where you made an impact in the positions for your employers. • Be specific in describing the impact/ contributions you have made.
Duties & Achievements –What is the difference? Duties = what you do (did) in your job Achievements = how well you did in your job
Cover Letter WHAT IS THE COVER LETTER? Describe how your experience, qualifications & competencies match the position for which you are applying. • You can distinguish yourself from other candidates by highlighting what makes you a good match for the position.
Cover Letter Standard Structure 1. Open with statement of interest 2. Summarize qualifications, experience & competencies 3. Close with a brief recap Make it Impressive
PHP & Cover Letter: additional tips • Remember, the UN will first get to know you only through these documents • Be specific • Make your words count • Write/Edit in wordprocessor • Proofread
Q & A Any Questions?