Sample of Assistant Interview UNDP
Sample of Assistant Interview
Preparing for an interview as an assistant at the United Nations involves understanding both the role-specific duties and the broader mission of the organization. Below, Iโll provide a sample of potential interview questions that might be asked for an assistant position at the UN, along with some tips on how to effectively answer these questions.
Sample Interview Questions for an Assistant Position at the UN
1. What experiences do you have that qualify you for the role of an assistant at the UN? Tip: Focus on demonstrating your organizational skills, attention to detail, and any prior experience in administration or support roles. Highlight any international experience or experience in diverse cultural settings.
2. How do you manage priorities when you have multiple tasks to handle? Tip: Describe specific methods or tools you use for task management (e.g., digital calendars, priority matrices). Give examples that show your ability to remain flexible yet efficient under pressure.
3. Can you give an example of a challenging situation you have faced in the workplace and how you dealt with it? Tip: Choose a scenario that showcases your problem-solving skills and your ability to navigate complex situations diplomatically. Emphasize the positive outcome or what you learned from the experience.
4. The UN often requires collaboration with a diverse set of team members and stakeholders. How do you ensure effective communication and teamwork? Tip: Discuss your communication style and how you adapt to different personalities and cultural backgrounds. Mention any language skills or cross-cultural communication training you have.
5. Describe a time when you had to handle confidential information. Tip: Without revealing any specific confidential details, explain the steps you took to secure the information and ensure that confidentiality was maintained. This shows your understanding of the importance of discretion and security.
6. What motivates you to work at the United Nations, and specifically as an assistant? Tip: Align your personal values and professional goals with the mission and objectives of the UN. Express enthusiasm for the role of an assistant as a critical support function that enables the organization to achieve its goals.
7. How do you handle stress and pressure, especially in a fast-paced or challenging environment? Tip: Share specific strategies or practices you employ to maintain your composure and effectiveness under stress. Examples could include time management techniques, mindfulness, or regular physical activity.
8. Are you familiar with any tools or software commonly used in administrative roles, such as MS Office suite, ERP systems, or others relevant to the UN? Tip: Be prepared to discuss the software tools you are proficient with and any that are particularly relevant to the job description. If you have experience with specific UN systems or databases, mention this as well.
Preparation Tips
- Research the UN Department: Understand the specific department or agencyโs focus within the UN system where you are interviewing, and tailor your answers to reflect the priorities and challenges of that department.
- Understand UN Core Values: Incorporate the UNโs core valuesโIntegrity, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversityโinto your interview answers.
- Practice Your Answers: Especially for behavior-based questions, practice using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give concise and structured answers.
This preparation will not only help you articulate why you are the best fit for the role but also demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for contributing to the work of the United Nations.
Some days ago we've also published Sample of Manager Interview. Today we would like to share typical questions used by UNDP for the interview of Assistant. As you may see they are not very difficult, and your answers should be based on the Technic, already described by our team here Interview.
the main idea use CAR approch - context - action - result. Also It's good idea to give relevant examples from your profesional experince. This showed to HR panel members, that you have a deal with such kind of situations and know what to do.
1. What is your interest in applying for this position? Please provide us with specific examples from your professional career that illustrate your skills in
administrative assistance, travel management and/or Human Resources administration.
2. The position you applied for implies working in a team that deals both with travel and human resources management. What would be your course of
action in case you face several urgent requests, some of them of HR nature, others related to travel at one time?
3. What professional qualities, in your opinion, characterize an efficient administrative assistant?
4. When you are liaising with colleagues or others from different cultures, what sorts of issues do you need to take into account?
5. Describe a time when you had to work in effective team? How you identify yourself in a team?
6. Give us an example of when you had to explain something difficult to someone who did not have your background/knowledge?
7. Briefly enumerate the three strongest skills you would bring to this position that may convince us to hire you. What are the professional areas you feel you would need some improvement?
8. Tell us about a time you have observed others working in an unprofessional or unethical manner? What did you do specifically about their behavior?
What were the implications?
9. Tell us about the last time a client made an excessive or unreasonable demand on you? What did you do to assist them? What pressure did this put
you under?
10. Do you have working knowledge of some professional software or other computer reservations system?
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