UN Career Pathways

#5 Essential Insights for the UN Press Officer P3 Application (April 14 - May 28, 2023)

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Link to the job offer: https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=201204&Lang=en-US

Here are example answers for some interview questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method:

Covering a complex international meeting or event:

  • Situation:
    • I was working as a journalist for a major news organization during a
    high-profile international summit on climate change.
  • Task:
    • My responsibility was to cover the event, providing accurate, objective,
    and fair reporting on the discussions and decisions made by various
    countries.
  • Action:
    • I attended all key sessions, took detailed notes, and cross-referenced my
    information with official documents and statements. I also sought
    clarification from sources when needed and ensured that I portrayed each
    country's perspective accurately.
  • Result:
    • My articles were well-received by readers and editors, and I was commended
    for my comprehensive and unbiased coverage of the event.

    Meeting tight deadlines with high-quality written content:

    • Situation:
      • At a previous job, I was tasked with covering breaking news stories for a
      fast-paced news agency.
    • Task: I
      • had to produce high-quality, accurate content under tight deadlines,
      sometimes within an hour of the event occurring.
    • Action:
      • I prioritized tasks by focusing on the most pressing stories first,
      gathered information from reliable sources quickly, and honed my writing skills
      to produce clear, concise articles under time constraints.
    • Result:
      • My ability to deliver timely, well-written content contributed to the news
      agency's reputation for providing up-to-date, accurate reporting.

      Working with a diverse team to achieve a common goal:

      • Situation:
        • I worked with a multinational team on a project to develop a communication
        strategy for an international non-profit organization.
      • Task:
        • We needed to create a cohesive plan that incorporated the perspectives and
        expertise of each team member.
      • Action:
        • I facilitated open discussions and encouraged active listening to ensure
        everyone's ideas were heard and considered. When conflicts arose, I
        mediated and helped find compromises to reach a consensus.
      • Result:
        • Our team successfully developed a comprehensive communication strategy
        that was well-received by the organization and led to increased engagement
        with their target audience.

        Conveying complex information to a non-expert audience:

        • Situation:
          • I was asked to write an article explaining a new scientific discovery for
          a general audience with limited knowledge of the subject matter.
        • Task: I
          • needed to communicate the complex information in a way that was easily
          understood and engaging for readers.
        • Action:
          • I broke down the scientific concepts into simpler terms and used analogies
          to help readers visualize the information. I also focused on highlighting
          the discovery's real-world implications and potential benefits.
        • Result:
          • The article received positive feedback from readers, who appreciated the
          clear and accessible explanation of the complex topic.

          Research and analytical skills for press release production:

          • Situation:
            • I was responsible for creating a press release on a new United Nations
            initiative addressing global poverty.
          • Task: I
            • needed to research the initiative and gather accurate, relevant
            information to provide an informative and persuasive press release.
          • Action:
            • I consulted official UN documents, spoke with experts involved in the
            initiative, and analyzed data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the
            project. I then synthesized this information into a concise, compelling
            press release.
          • Result:
            • The press release generated significant interest from media outlets and
            helped raise awareness about the initiative, ultimately contributing to
            its successful implementation.



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