9 things to avoid on a UN job interview

UN interviews can be tough and nerve-wracking. These days most UN interviews are held online via a video communication platform. Usually, you have to present to a panel of at least 3-4 people, with a different person asking each question.

The typical interview format is the competency-based interview, which can be hard to tackle without proper preparation. If you are already in the UN, you may already know someone in the panel, which can further increase the pressure.

I have collected some of the common interview mistakes I have come across during UN interviews as a recruiter.

1. Do not be late

Sounds obvious, but it's important for many reasons. One is the first impression: as you may know, they are formed in the first seven seconds of an interview. It takes people only seven seconds to make a judgment about others. During that very short time, an interviewer will make crucial determinations about you, including your likeability. Not showing up on time will be part of this first impression. Interviews are normally online, however, punctuality is just as important as if you were doing it in real life. Don't forget that usually the entire day is packed with interviews, so not only you make the interviewers wait for you but you will also make it difficult for them to keep the schedule, and as such, you will leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

2. Do not try to give several examples

When asked about a situation from your past experience, it may sound like a good idea to give several examples but rather focus on choosing the most appropriate one, and present it in the CAR way (Context, Action, Result). If you give more than one, you are increasing the chances of not elaborating on the example well, and making it harder for the interviewers to evaluate your answer, as they will need to compare their notes in the end.

3. Watch your body language, do not be too "comfortable"

Try to be mindful of your body language during the interview and the way you communicate. Avoid crossing your arms across your chest or leaning forward a bit too assertively. Do not lean back on the chair with hands behind the head (it actually happened in an interview). It is ok to smile, it projects positivity and makes you look like being at ease. Do not be too rigid. You may be gesticulating a little bit (the emphasis is on the little bit). Try to keep eye contact with the interviewer during your reply.

4. Please, do not have the window behind you

Sitting with a window behind you will give you bad backlighting, and it will make it hard for interviewers to see your face. They will see only your silhouette. I have seen this way too often, unfortunately. Please check the lighting before starting the interview, and make sure to point light sources toward your face.

5. Do not start finding a suitable place or adjusting the camera and the microphone when the interview starts

This one is obvious I think, but it still happens a lot. Doing these shows that you are unprepared. Make sure sound and visuals are fine before joining the interview.

6. Don't talk too fast

Some people tend to talk too fast during interviews: they are either too nervous or aim to deliver a lot of information in a limited time. This makes their answer difficult to follow, and speed talkers are usually seen as nervous. If you are one of those, try to practice before the interview, and consciously try to slow down your answer. You may pause a few seconds before your answer to focus, collect your thoughts, and even between sentences. Conscious pauses will bring more attention to what you have to say. Focusing on the CAR technique (or some people prefer STAR: Situation Task Action Result) can also help you to be more collected, structured, and less speedy.

7. Listen carefully to the question

Common mistake. Sometimes questions have two or even three parts and the candidate only answers part of the question. It is ok to write down the question on a piece of paper and refer back to it after finishing your answer to make sure you haven't missed anything. Another technique I recommend is to ask back at the end of your answer whether you have answered the question entirely: if not, the interviewer will have to remind you of what you may have missed. Make sure not to interrupt the interviewer when asking the question or when prompting you. Listen carefully before answering.

8. Don't be too general in your answer

This one is another common mistake. In competency-based interviews, we are looking for situations from your past experience, and we are interested in your role in those situations. Candidates talk often in general terms, and interviewers often say to each other afterward "I wasn't sure what his actual role was in that example." Try to rehearse the examples. Make sure your role is clear, and try to answer with "I" instead of "We".

9. Don't ask too many questions in the end

I get this question a lot during my coaching sessions. What question should I ask at the end of my interview and is it ok if I don't have a question? Yes, it is perfectly fine if you don't have a question, especially if you already work in the UN. And please, do not ask more than 2-3 questions. I had interviews where a candidate just wouldn't stop asking questions. The problem with that is that instead of making you seem interested in the job a) you end up asking questions you may have found the answers to in the vacancy announcement or on the internet, equaling to appearing unprepared b) you are wasting the limited time of the interview panel, and make them late for consequent interviews eg. causing them pressure c) your questions will seem fake. I suggest asking one or two RELEVANT questions about the job, the team, or the selection process. If you don't know what to ask but want to seem interested, it's always safe to ask when they will have an answer about the outcome of your interview.

Judit Toth

UN Career Development Coach

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