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United Nations Assessment Tests, Hiring Process & Interviews Online Preparation – 2024

Solving Aptitude Tests

What Is the UN?

The United Nations is a large organization made up of representatives from multiple countries. They work toward maintaining international peace, establishing basic human rights, and combating issues like climate change, and poverty. There are 193 countries (or member states) and almost 40,000 people in total from nations across the globe.

There are numerous roles and career paths with the United Nations. There are different staffing categories, and different jobs are classified within those categories. The basic breakdown of job categories within the UN looks like this:

  • Professional and higher
  • General Service and related
  • National Professional Officers
  • Field Service
  • Senior Appointments

Within each category, there are separate job levels. Each level requires a specific amount of experience and/or education.

 

What Is the United Nations’ Recruitment Process?

The process of applying with the United Nations can be done online. The job listings are tailored for specific jobs in a certain area, so they will be very detailed. To get started you need to create a profile on the UN website. You can apply for more than one job at a time, and sign up for job alerts when new positions are posted. Your profile should include all your professional information, a list of languages you speak, and your education. Attached resumes will not be accepted.

Your application will be thoroughly evaluated after submission. If you do not meet the criteria for the job, you will be notified that you are not qualified. Even if it is determined that you do not meet the qualifications for that specific job, you are still eligible to apply for other openings for which you may be more qualified.

If your application is accepted, you will need to complete the UN assessment exercises. These may be job simulations, written tests, case studies, or other appropriate evaluation tools. If you do well on your assessments you will be moved on to the next stage.

If you are shortlisted, you have made it to the competency interview. This interview may be done in person or it may be done by a platform such as Skype, or even over the telephone. Competency-based interviews are usually done using the STAR method.

If you are not selected, it does not mean you have to start from the beginning. If you were one of the candidates who was seriously considered for the position you will be placed on the roster. Being rostered means you have been through the entire process and can be placed in a position right away if a similar one becomes available.

 

UN Assessments

With such a wide range of careers, there are numerous assessments that are given to potential UN hires. For some positions, you will need to present case studies, while others focus on work simulations. These are a few of the most common online tests.

Global General Service Test (GGST)

This test is given to applicants for entry-level positions that fall into the General Services Category. This includes administrative, secretarial, and clerical positions. The GGST is divided into three categories that best represent the skills you need to be proficient in to perform well in one of these positions. These tests are proctored and are completed online.

  • Verbal Reasoning TestThis shows how well you are able to work with written communications in the necessary language.
  • Numerical Reasoning Test Here your ability to work with charts, graphs, and numerical data will be tested.
  • Situational Judgment Test This is a sample of your decision-making skills. You will be given common scenarios and must decide which of the options you are given is the best choice.

 

Trades and Crafts Test

This is given to those who have applied for positions in skilled trades at the United Nations New York Headquarters.

  • Numerical Reasoning Test Here you will work with diagrams, and word problems to show your ability to work with numbers.
  • Situational Judgment Test This section features workplace scenarios in which you must choose the option that is most appropriate.
  • Verbal Reasoning Test This test is given to those in positions that require an ability to work with written communications, but who are not required to take the GGST.

 

How to Prepare for the United Nations Assessments?

The United Nations Assessments are an important part of the hiring process. Failure to achieve an adequate score can result in your application being rejected. You will be kept updated about testing dates and the types of evaluations to be prepared for by the UN human resources team. This gives you the ability to prepare in advance for any type of evaluation you may be facing. For case studies, thoroughly research your topic, and be prepared to present with confidence, as your ability to do this reflects on your ability to perform the job you want properly.

Online tests such as the GGST are abilities tests that you can practice for prior to your testing date. Reading and crosswords can help your verbal abilities, and practicing mathematical functions like working with percentages will improve your numerical reasoning skills. Use the sample questions provided on the UN website to get an idea of the test format, and the types of questions you can expect. Finally, be informed about the testing process, prior to testing you will have the opportunity to practice a few sample problems, take advantage of this opportunity so you are in the testing mindset and ready to do your best.