To start an article with this sentence sounds like a vague click-bite, but the truth is that the Impactpool team has received several questions about how to write a good UN job application.

For many years, I have worked as a recruiter at the UN and I know what gets UN recruiters going. In a previous article, my Impactpool colleagues wrote about common mistakes while applying, these recommendations were at a higher level. Now in this article, I will focus on your actual application and introduce you to CARI and CARL. Two widely used methods within the UN system and international organizations.

When applying to an international organization you should utilize an achievement-based CV structure. If you are seriously applying for the job, you should tailor each and every application for each specific job.

Do not use a one-CV-template-fits-all approach. For most recruiters, re-using a generic CV template is an indication that an applicant:

1. is not completely convincing in her/his/their interest in the job and/or might not be understanding what the position is about;
2. is not showing that s/he/they is/are prepared to walk the extra miles required; and 
3. is applying for several different jobs at the same time.

When tailoring an application it helps if you understand;

1. Recruitment - what is a recruiter looking for?
2. The difference between Skills and Competencies.

In this article, I will teach you best practices on how you structure and write applications for jobs in the UN or in other international organizations.

In the first part, I will guide you through how UN recruiters screen your applications. But the article focuses on tips to strengthen your application and get familiarized with the CARI and CARL methods.

For more application writing tips, please download our Application writing Handbook, with tips useful for UN applications as well as applications to IFIs and NGOs. Also, read our career Coach Veronika Ambertson Q&A on Fitting experiences into a CV. I have also written an article about the T-table method that is adding an additional edge to your application.