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How to Write a Resume for United Nations Jobs: Complete UN Resume Guide

UN resume guide, united nations jobs, UN cv guide

A career with the United Nations gives you the opportunity to work on meaningful projects and contribute to global development. Whether you are applying for a UN internship, volunteer role, consultancy, or professional position, your resume is one of the first documents recruiters will review. A clear and well-structured resume helps them quickly understand your qualifications, experience, and skills.

This guide is based on the official career guidance from the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It explains the official recommendations in simple language to help you prepare a professional resume for United Nations jobs. Throughout this guide, you will learn what information to include, how to organize your resume, and how to present your experience according to the official guidance.

What Is the Purpose of a Resume?

According to the UNDP, a resume gives employers a concise overview of your professional experience, education, and skills. It is your main marketing document and helps recruiters decide whether you are a suitable candidate for a position.

The UNDP also explains that your resume should not include every job you have ever held. Instead, tailor it to the position you are applying for by highlighting your most relevant qualifications, competencies, and achievements. A strong resume may help you secure an interview, but the interview is what ultimately determines whether you get the job.

Understanding the Position Before Writing Your Resume

Before writing your resume, the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) recommends understanding the position you are applying for. This helps you prepare a resume that matches the employer’s requirements and highlights your most relevant experience.

Analyze the Vacancy Announcement

Carefully read the vacancy announcement and pay attention to the responsibilities, required competencies, qualifications, and experience. This information will help you decide what to include in your resume.

The OHRM recommends asking yourself these questions before applying:

  • Do I meet the minimum qualifications?
  • Do I have the required skills and competencies?
  • Do I understand the responsibilities of the position?
  • Why am I interested in this job?
  • Does this position match my future career goals?
  • What do I know about the department or unit?

Understand What the Hiring Manager Is Looking For

The OHRM recommends understanding the hiring manager’s expectations before applying. If possible, learn more about the position through your professional network or by contacting the hiring manager. Also, compare your qualifications with the vacancy requirements to identify your strengths and prepare a stronger resume, cover letter, and interview.

Preparing Your Resume

Profile Statement

The United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) recommends starting your resume with a Profile Statement. This short introduction gives hiring managers a quick overview of your professional background, key skills, and strengths. Instead of focusing on the type of job you want, explain the value you can bring to the organization.

A strong profile statement should answer two questions:

  • Who are you professionally?
  • What are your key skills and strengths?

According to the OHRM, resumes in the past often started with an objective statement that described the type of job an applicant wanted. Today, a profile statement is more effective because it highlights your skills, experience, and the value you can bring to the organization. Think of it as your first opportunity to make a strong impression on the hiring manager.

OHRM Example Profile Statements

The OHRM includes the following sample profile statements in its official resume guide:

“Experienced professional with key strengths in facilities management and team leadership. Accomplishments in volunteer coordination, training, and procurement. Motivated, analytical thinker with effective communication skills.”

“A motivated, energetic and outgoing individual with strengths in training, counseling and team management. Focused on bottom-line, well-organized and action-oriented problem solver who thrives on innovative challenges. Excellent interpersonal skills in a variety of working environments, including public service and research organizations.”

These examples are provided by the OHRM for guidance. Your profile statement should reflect your own experience, strengths, and qualifications while matching the requirements of the position you are applying for.

Career History and Accomplishments

According to the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM), this is the main section of your resume. It should show how you have used your skills to achieve results and make positive contributions. Focus on your accomplishments and relevant experience rather than simply listing your job responsibilities.

Resume Formats

The OHRM describes three common resume formats:

  • Chronological Resume: Lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. It is the most common and easiest format to prepare.
  • Functional Resume: Focuses on your skills and achievements instead of your employment history. It is useful if you want to highlight transferable skills or relevant experience.
  • Combination Resume: Combines both formats by highlighting your skills and accomplishments first, followed by your employment history. It offers a balanced view of your qualifications and experience.

Education

Include your completed or ongoing degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other relevant qualifications. According to the OHRM, this section should highlight the academic qualifications that relate to the position you are applying for.

Professional and Personal Development

The OHRM recommends including relevant courses, workshops, seminars, and training programs that have helped you improve your knowledge and skills. This section demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

United Nations Resume Tips from the OHRM

The United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) provides several practical recommendations to help applicants prepare a professional resume. Following these tips can make your resume clearer, more relevant, and easier for recruiters to review.

1. Avoid Using “I” and “My”

Since your resume is already about you, there is no need to use first-person pronouns such as “I” or “My.” According to the OHRM, removing these words keeps your resume concise and avoids unnecessary repetition. Recruiters often scan resumes quickly, so clear and direct statements are more effective.

2. Keep Your Resume Concise

Hiring managers review many applications, so avoid making your resume longer than necessary. The OHRM recommends keeping your resume to one page whenever possible, using a second page only when you have significant relevant experience that cannot fit on one page. Every section should add value to your application.

3. Make Your Words Count

Choose your words carefully and write in a clear, professional style. Avoid long paragraphs, use strong action verbs, and write in an active voice. For example, instead of writing “was responsible for managing a project,” write “Managed a project.” This makes your achievements stronger and easier to understand.

4. Highlight Your Accomplishments

Employers want to know what you have achieved, not just what your responsibilities were. Whenever possible, describe measurable results and specific contributions. The OHRM also advises applicants to be honest and avoid exaggerating their experience or accomplishments.

5. Maintain a Professional Appearance

Your resume creates the first impression. Make sure it is free of spelling and grammar mistakes, uses a clean layout, has clear section headings, and is easy to read. A professional appearance helps recruiters quickly find the information they need.

6. Tailor Your Resume for Every Position

The OHRM recommends customizing your resume for each job application. Include only the experience, skills, and qualifications that are relevant to the position instead of using the same resume for every vacancy. A targeted resume demonstrates that you understand the role and its requirements.

7. Remove Unnecessary Details

Avoid including information that does not support your application. Removing unrelated details allows recruiters to focus on your most relevant qualifications and achievements, making your resume more effective.

Use Strong Action Verbs

The OHRM recommends using action verbs to describe your experience and accomplishments because they make your resume more dynamic and impactful. Instead of using weak or passive language, start your bullet points with strong verbs that clearly describe what you achieved.

Some examples include:

Achieved, Acquired, Adapted, Addressed, Administered, Analyzed, Anticipated, Assembled, Assisted, Audited, Budgeted, Calculated, Centralized, Changed, Collaborated, Composed, Conducted, Coordinated, Created, Cultivated, Demonstrated, Designed, Developed, Drafted, Edited, Eliminated, Enforced, Established, Evaluated, Expanded, Explained, Forecasted, Formed, Founded, Generated, Guided, Hired, Implemented, Improved, Informed, Interviewed, Launched, Maintained, Managed, Marketed, Minimized, Motivated, Negotiated, Obtained, Operated, Organized, Oversaw, Performed, Planned, Prevented, Produced, Promoted, Provided, Publicized, Recruited, Reorganized, Reported, Researched, Resolved, Reviewed, Selected, Simplified, Solved, Staffed, Supervised, Surveyed, Taught, Tested, Trained, and Used.

Electronic Resume

The OHRM recommends preparing an electronic version of your resume so you can easily apply for jobs through email or online recruitment systems. An electronic resume allows you to respond quickly to job opportunities and share your application with employers worldwide.

Before submitting your application, save your resume in the file format requested by the employer and make sure it remains clear, professional, and easy to read after it is uploaded or attached. Using a widely accessible file format helps recruiters open and review your resume without formatting issues.

Conclusion

A well-written resume is one of the most important parts of your United Nations job application. By following the official guidance from the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), you can create a resume that clearly highlights your qualifications, experience, and achievements. Tailor your resume for every position, focus on your strengths, and carefully review it before submitting your application.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This article is an independent educational guide published by Scholarships Corner. It is based on publicly available career guidance from the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Scholarships Corner is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the United Nations or any of its agencies. Recruitment policies, application procedures, and resume recommendations may change over time. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the official United Nations careers website and the relevant UN organization for the most current information before applying.

Sources

  • United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Related United Nations Career Guides:

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Fawad Afridi
Founder & CEO, Scholarships Corner | Global UGRAD Alumnus & U.S. Cultural Ambassador | UN HLPF Delegate | Global Education & Youth Opportunities Advocate

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