Originally shared via email. For early access to UN job search success tips and advice, subscribe to the newsletter here.

Hope you're enjoying May as much as I do - love this time of year!

What I don't love so much is reworking mistakes. Or repeating work already done.

Like writing the same thing three times when applying for a single UN job!

Screening questions.

Cover letter.

Description of duties.

Exhausting, right?

Here’s what you need to know:

Screening questions determine your eligibility. Answering these questions is a golden opportunity to make it undeniable that you meet each specific criteria.

The descriptions of duties allow the hiring team to understand your experience in depth, and compare you to the competition.

The cover letter gives them a sense of your motivation, engagement, and understanding of the role. It’s about credibility - not qualifications.

Each part complements the others, and you shouldn't just repackage the same things three times.

I hope this helps you differentiate between the parts and direct your energies strategically to each one.

Need a sharp second set of eyes on your full application?
👉 I'm pleased to introduce my new Comprehensive Application Review offer – learn all about it here.

If you just need a quick review of a single document? Digital reviews are coming soon! In the meantime, you can still book one-off reviews here.

Wishing you efficient application writing - with minimal duplication of work!