21 January 2025
Why people loathe UN interviews
Originally shared via email. For early access to UN job search success tips and advice, subscribe to the newsletter here.
Getting invited to an interview is a huge accomplishment! It means you’re one of the top 3 to 5 candidates they’re eager to meet!
However, CBI-style (competency-based) interviewing, which the UN is widely known for using, is not everyone’s favorite. In fact, it's not uncommon to hear people say they 'hate' them – ouch!
Here’s my take: CBIs are misunderstood. Or rather not sufficiently understood.
When you grasp what’s going on behind the scenes, what’s expected, and the opportunity they present, you can approach these interviews with a whole new level of confidence.
From the panel’s perspective, it’s usually obvious who’s a first-timer and who feels at ease with the format. While they might take that first-time, deer-in-headlights delivery into account, it’s ultimately about how well you perform.
That’s why I’m excited to share lots of tips and advice with you in a new mini-course on Interviewing at the UN. You’ll walk away with a good grasp of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to show up with confidence.
© 2025 Koachr AB. All Rights Reserved • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service