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Get prepared: Apply

Submitting your application

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UNICEF/Vishwanathan

After you have searched for jobs and completed your self-assessment, you’re ready to apply! Once you begin, you can save the progress of your online application and return to it later. Please be mindful of the deadline for submitting your application and of any time zone differences. You’ll receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. 

Creating and managing your application

For most job applications at UNICEF, you should complete and submit the following:  

  1. An online recruitment profile 
  2. A CV/resume 
  3. A cover letter  

Tips for your online profile

  • While your online profile and profile should be comprehensive, this does not mean it should be as long as possible. Try to make it clear, succinct and targeted. 
  • Group your duties into categories or areas of responsibility, rather than just a long bullet point list, which makes it reader-friendly. Review the job description and see if you can use some of the areas listed there.
  • Achievements show the impact and results of your work, and what you are proud of. Please share them with us! 

Tips for your CV or resume

  • Your CV is shorter than your online profile – it is a summary of your professional expertise and experience.
  • Begin your CV with your key expertise in 3-4 lines. This is your opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention. 
  • Add your relevant professional experience next, followed by your education and professional qualifications including any special training.
  • Add your languages, any special IT or technical skills, and volunteer work. 
  • You can also add any special experiences or interests. This can be helpful if you are starting out in your career.

Tips for your cover letter

Your cover letter is your opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager. Personalize your cover letter but try to maintain a professional tone. You may also want to consider the following:  

  • Your cover letter should be succinct and should normally not exceed 1 page. 
  • Give a 2-3 paragraph overview of why you are suitable for the position based on your previous experience and demonstrate what you could contribute. 
  • Include your academic qualifications, length of professional experience and knowledge of any relevant UN languages (and, if relevant, a local language).
  • Finish with a strong expression of your enthusiasm and motivation for applying.
  • Check for typos and grammatical accuracy. 

Practice makes perfect: Free course

UNICEF's global hub for learning and development, Agora, is a free portal offering tailored learning solutions to UNICEF staff, partners and supporters. Access our 'Preparing a Written Application' course on the platform.