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.
