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

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.