The complete guide to UN competency-based interviews
How UN competency-based interviews are structured, how panels score you, and exactly how to prepare STAR answers for each competency.
A UN competency-based interview (CBI) is a structured interview in which a panel assesses past behaviour as the best predictor of future performance.
How the panel scores you
Panels shortlist competencies directly from the job opening, ask one or two questions per competency, take verbatim notes, and rate each answer against positive and negative behavioural indicators.
Preparing
Build a scenario bank of 8-12 real examples, map each to two or more competencies, and write them in STAR format. Rehearse out loud with a two-minute target per answer.
Common mistakes
Speaking in generalities, using "we" instead of "I", omitting the Result, and choosing examples that are too old or too small.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is a UN competency-based interview?
- Most UN CBIs last 45 to 60 minutes and cover four to six competencies.
- How many examples should I prepare?
- Prepare 8 to 12 strong examples and map each one to several competencies so you can reuse them flexibly.