cover letter example united nations

8 Tips for Drafting Your UN Cover Letter

A cover letter is an important part of any job application, but it can especially help set your application apart when you apply to UN jobs. The UN looks for specific language, skills, experience, and attitude, and your cover letter is the place for you to show that you meet the qualifications they are looking for. The UN provides some guidance on what they look for in a cover letter, so we’ve taken some of their tips, expanded them, and added a few more to help you write your best cover letter for your UN application.

Keep it brief

The UN recommends a cover letter consisting of 3 to 4 paragraphs. Most career counselors and job development professionals recommending keeping your cover letter to a page. While you want to get information in your cover letter about your experience and skills, you want to make sure to keep it within a reasonable amount of space. Keep the paragraphs concise so that the person reading the letter can get the most information in the least amount of words.

Keep it relevant

When you’re writing your cover letter it can be ready to highlight your best experiences and skills, but your best skills and experiences may not always be the best for the job you are applying for. Make sure that your cover letter stays relevant to the job you are applying for, and highlight your best skills that match what the employer is looking for and that are relevant to the job requirements.

Find ways to make the most of your experience

Even if you are qualified for a job that you’re applying for, your experience may not be an exact match for the skills and description. If this is the case, use your cover letter as an opportunity to highlight transferrable skills and experiences that you can take with you into the job you’re hoping to obtain. Instead of talking about your passion or issues related to the job, focus on your achievements and things that you’ve accomplished. Be specific, and be honest (don’t exaggerate or lie) but take the liberty to frame your experience in a way that shows you have the qualifications and skills they are looking for in a future employer.

Distinguish yourself

Your cover letter provides a chance for you to set yourself apart from the other applicants. Use it to talk about unique skills and experiences that could lead you to be the best candidate for the job. Find an attention-grabbing opening and closing that will keep the employer engaged in your story from the beginning until the end. Make sure this doesn’t outshine your experience but use your cover letter as a way to distinguish what makes you a unique and qualified candidate for the job you’re applying for.

The UN career application tips specifically mention to use action verbs and avoid passive language and clichés. These tips are advisable for any cover letter, but because the UN specifically mentions that they want to see these grammar techniques, make sure to follow them closely. While you want to grab attention with your cover letter, make every word count and don’t include cheesy lines or cliché phrases that take away from your unique skills and experience.

Target your cover letter

We’ve already talked about how you want to keep the information in your cover letter relevant to the UN job you’re applying for. In addition to relevant experience, you want to make sure that the language you use matches the language the UN uses in their job descriptions. Target your cover letter to the job and to the audience, showing you understand the culture and purpose of the organization in addition to the actual job. If you decide to apply for multiple positions, tailor your cover letter for each position; don’t send one cover letter for multiple jobs. While all the jobs may be under the UN umbrella, each department, bureau, and team is looking for a specific skillset, qualification, attitude, and applicant.

Use “I” instead of “we”

Your cover letter is about you. So if you’re talking about work you did as part of a team or in a group or as part of an organization, make sure that you avoid “we” statements when talking about achievements and accomplishments. This doesn’t mean you should take credit for work you didn’t do alone, but make sure you spend most of your time highlighting the work you contributed to the team or project to show that you gained real, tangible experience, even as part of a group.

Demonstrate that you understand the job requirements/description

This might seem like the most obvious tip, but make sure that your cover letter shows that you understand the job requirements and description. How you talk about your experience and skills can make a difference if what you choose to highlight doesn’t match what the employer is looking for. If you’re applying for a position that you don’t fully understand, try to look at similar job postings or even search for articles on the internet that might help you better understand the exact nature of the position you are applying for. Job descriptions, especially for large organizations like the UN, usually don’t go into the day-to-day functions of the position, so make sure that you stay on topic and don’t try to guess what your responsibilities will be outside of what is listed in the posting.

UN Internship Cover Letter Guide With Examples

Attach your internship at UN application with a UN Internship Cover Letter to increase your chances of getting the role. Find key tips and suggestions.

Pansy Thakuria

Read more posts by this author.

Embarking on a journey with the United Nations is an opportunity to make a global impact. A UN internship can be the ideal launching pad for those aspiring to work in international relations, diplomacy, and public service. The competition, however, is intense. Crafting a well-articulated cover letter is vital to make a strong impression.

In this guide, we'll offer tailored templates, tips, and advice for drafting your UN Internship cover letter, irrespective of your experience level.

UN Internship Cover Letter Sample (With Experience)

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date]

[Recipient's Name] [Title] [United Nations Department/Agency Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Specific Internship Position] at [Specific UN Department/Agency]. With my degree in [Relevant Major/Field of Study] and my experience at [Previous Relevant Experience/Institution], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the work of the United Nations.

While at [Previous Experience/Institution], I:

• Contributed to [specific project or task], directly impacting [specific outcome or achievement].
• Engaged in [activity], deepening my understanding of [specific global issue].
• Collaborated with diverse teams, honing my cross-cultural communication skills.

I have always been passionate about [specific global issue or UN Sustainable Development Goal]. I believe interning with [Specific UN Department/Agency] will enable me to make meaningful contributions while refining my skills and knowledge.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my background aligns with your team's objectives.

Warm regards, [Your Name]

UN Internship Cover Letter Sample (Entry-Level)

I am genuinely interested in the [Specific Internship Position] at [Specific UN Department/Agency]. As a recent graduate from [University Name] with a degree in [Relevant Major/Field of Study], I am enthusiastic about applying my academic foundation to address global challenges.

Although my professional experience is nascent, my academic pursuits have equipped me with a robust understanding of [specific global issue or UN Sustainable Development Goal]. My involvement in [university club or project] enabled me to [specific achievement or skill acquired].

I am particularly impressed with [Specific UN Department/Agency]'s work in [specific initiative or project] and am eager to contribute my skills and passion to your esteemed team.

Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to discussing my potential contributions to your mission.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Crafting Your UN Internship Cover Letter: Key Tips

1. Be Specific: Highlight the specific UN department or agency you are applying to and align your skills and interests with their initiatives.

2. Have a Global Perspective: Emphasize any international experiences, language proficiencies, or cross-cultural encounters you've had.

3. Be Passionate for Global Issues: Relate your passion for certain global issues, especially those pertinent to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

4. Be Concise and Clear: The UN receives numerous applications; ensure your cover letter is concise and immediately emphasizes your suitability.

5. Have a Tailored Application: Avoid generic statements. Tailor your application to the unique attributes and functions of the specific UN department or agency.

What to Include in Your UN Internship Cover Letter?

• Understanding or experience with global issues or challenges.
• Relevant academic pursuits or research.
• Any international or cross-cultural experiences.
• Language skills or proficiencies.
• How your personal values align with the UN's mission.

Bottom Line

A UN internship is a chance to engage with global challenges on an unparalleled platform. Your cover letter should reflect your knowledge of the UN's work, your passion for international issues, and your readiness to contribute.

Personalize each application, ensuring alignment with the specific UN agency or department. Using this guide, aspiring UN interns can present themselves compellingly, aligning their skills and passion with the mission of the United Nations.

This article has been written by Pansy Thakuria . She works as a Content Marketing Specialist at Vantage Lens . Her areas of interest include marketing, mental well-being, travel, and digital tech. When she’s not writing, she’s usually planning trips to remote locations and stalking animals on social media.

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Application Tips

Before starting the application, please examine the sample copy of the application document. This will give you the opportunity to collect and prepare all the information that you need before starting the online application process.

It is a good idea to plan ahead and type out some of your answers in a separate document. You can then cut and paste them into the system to minimize the chances of errors or time-outs while filling out the application.

The Personal History Form (P11)

Here are some guiding tips to help you complete a  Personal History Form (P11)  correctly:

• For all entries, clearly indicate whether the work was full-time or part-time by using percentage estimates. i.e. full-time is 100%, whereas part-time is typically around 50%.
• For consultancies, please indicate a lump sum annual amount or the daily rate.
• For non-UN positions, please enter the annual income.
• For UN positions, please indicate type of contract and salary level, i.e. P1, P2, etc.
• Clearly specify unpaid volunteer positions and internships as such.
• Kindly avoid overlapping employment periods unless followed by explanatory text.
• It is important to include a detailed description of the main responsibilities and tasks you carried out during each period of employment.

Cover letter

The "Cover letter" section in the online application offers you the opportunity to explain what has motivated you to apply for the specific position (or positions). It is also an opportunity for you to highlight what you think are your most relevant qualifications for the particular position(s) you are interested in.

Please note that you are expected to write a separate and relevant cover letter for each position for which you are applying.

For your cover letter(s), please use the language indicated beside the respective vacancy notice, which is the language of the duty station and in which a high level of competency is required. Limited language training for the selected candidate may be available, however, for some positions.

Useful Links for a succesful application

Resume (CV)

Interview Preparation

Competency-Based Interviews

Letter Templates

united nations cover letter example

A cover letter is an essential document that introduces your application for a job. The United Nations is a highly sought-after employer, and submitting a cover letter with your application can set you apart from the competition. In this article, we will provide you with seven examples of United Nations cover letters that you can use as a guide or template for your application.

When writing a cover letter, it is essential to be concise, clear, and professional. A cover letter should highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience that make you the ideal candidate for the job. Follow these examples to create an effective and compelling cover letter for any United Nations position.

Example 1: Administrative Assistant

I am writing to express my interest in the Administrative Assistant position at the United Nations. I am highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure. With my experience in administrative tasks, I am confident that I am the best candidate for the job.

As an Administrative Assistant at XYZ Company, I developed excellent organizational and communication skills. I was responsible for scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and preparing reports. I am also proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and have experience working with databases.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Best regards,

Example 2: Project Manager

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the Project Manager position at the United Nations. With my experience in managing complex projects and my commitment to international development, I am confident that I can contribute to your team.

My previous experience includes managing projects in the health sector in developing countries. I am skilled in project planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation. I am also familiar with various project management tools and software such as Asana and Trello.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you.

Example 3: Human Rights Officer

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to apply for the Human Rights Officer position at the United Nations. I am passionate about human rights and have experience working in diverse cultures and contexts.

As a Human Rights Officer at XYZ Organization, I designed and implemented human rights training programs for law enforcement officers in Latin America. I also conducted research on human rights violations and advocated for policy changes with local governments and civil society organizations.

Mike Johnson

Example 4: Communications Specialist

I am excited to apply for the Communications Specialist position at the United Nations. I am skilled in developing and implementing strategic communication plans that reach diverse audiences.

As a Communications Specialist at XYZ Company, I developed communication strategies for international development projects. I also managed social media accounts and wrote press releases and blog posts. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have experience with email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp.

Example 5: Programme Officer

I am writing to express my interest in the Programme Officer position at the United Nations. With my experience in program design and implementation, I am confident that I can contribute to your team’s efforts to promote sustainable development.

As a Programme Officer at XYZ Organization, I designed and implemented education programs for vulnerable populations in Africa. I also managed partnerships with local NGOs and governmental agencies to ensure program sustainability. I have experience in monitoring and evaluating programs and using data to inform decision-making.

Example 6: Legal Officer

I am applying for the Legal Officer position at the United Nations. With my experience in international law and human rights, I am confident that I can contribute to your team’s efforts to promote justice and human rights worldwide.

As a Legal Officer at XYZ Organization, I provided legal advice to human rights defenders and NGOs in challenging environments. I also conducted legal research and analysis and drafted legal briefs and reports. I have experience in advocating for policy changes and representing clients before international courts and tribunals.

Example 7: Information Management Officer

I am excited to apply for the Information Management Officer position at the United Nations. With my experience in managing information systems and databases, I am confident that I can contribute to your team’s efforts to improve data management and analysis.

As an Information Management Officer at XYZ Organization, I designed and implemented information management systems for humanitarian aid projects in conflict zones. I also trained staff on data collection and analysis and conducted data quality assessments. I am proficient in data visualization tools such as Tableau and have experience in GIS mapping.

Tips for Writing a United Nations Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter for a United Nations job, keep the following tips in mind:

• Read the job description carefully and tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements of the position.
• Highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience that make you the ideal candidate for the job.
• Use clear and concise language and avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the reader.
• Show your passion for international development and the work of the United Nations.
• Proofread your cover letter carefully for grammar and spelling errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a united nations cover letter be.

Your cover letter should be one page or less, with a maximum of three paragraphs. Keep it concise and focused on your qualifications for the position.

Should I include my salary expectations in my cover letter?

No, it is not necessary to include your salary expectations in your cover letter. If the job posting asks for salary requirements, you can include them in a separate document.

What should I include in the greeting of my cover letter?

You should address your cover letter to the hiring manager or the person specified in the job posting. If the name is not provided, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

How do I show my passion for international development in my cover letter?

You can demonstrate your passion for international development by mentioning your experience working in diverse cultures and contexts, your knowledge of global issues, and your commitment to the mission of the United Nations.

Should I customize my cover letter for each United Nations job I apply for?

Yes, you should customize your cover letter for each job you apply for. Tailor your qualifications and experience to the specific requirements of the position and highlight your relevant skills and achievements.

Can I use the same cover letter for different United Nations job applications?

You can use the same template for different job applications, but make sure to customize it for each position. Use specific examples and highlight your qualifications that match the job requirements.

A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in your job application. Use the examples and tips provided in this article to write a compelling United Nations cover letter that showcases your skills, knowledge, and experience. Good luck with your application!

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Un ypp cover letter - writing an effective cover letter for the united nations ypp.

As part of their Personal History Profile (PHP) – online application form –, candidates are required to submit a cover letter as part of their application. The main goal of this document is to give candidates a chance to introduce themselves and explain their motivation in applying to the UN YPP. The cover letter is a very important part of your application, and in this short article we will guide you through the process of writing and structuring it.

Have you been invited for a UN YPP interview? Get the best preparation for this challenging stage now:

SCHEDULE YOUR UN YPP MOCK INTERVIEW WITH A SPECIALIST NOW!

To help you feel more secure and increase your chances of passing the Application stage, OpenIGO Network has developed an application review service, which is carried out by a native English proofreader and a PhD professor with extensive experience in the UN YPP.

Click here to find out more about it: 

UN YPP Application Review

Our team has also developed a comprehensive manual (PDF eBook) to help you better understand the UN Young Professionals Programme itself and the stages of the selection process, allowing you to perform successfully in each of them. In our eBook you will learn how to craft a strong Cover Letter that will make you stand out from other candidates: 

UN YPP – eBook

This article is only a small sample from the extensive content present in the chapter “Writing an Effective Cover Letter for the UN YPP” of our E-Book.

Important Information about Cover Letters

As the name suggests, a cover letter serves as a “cover” for the documents you submit for a job application. It should provide a summary of a candidate’s skills, professional experience, and qualifications that meet the needs of a job opening, emphasizing why the candidate should be selected. Cover letters are usually seen as a personal marketing tool. Typically, they are meant to “sell” the candidate by showing recruiters the qualities and skills that s/he possesses that are in line with the prospective job. This way, evaluators are able to gain a better perspective on the candidate’s attributes and their main motivation for applying. The text should represent the candidate positively and objectively. It should be short, yet contain enough information to keep the reader interested in reading the rest of the application. When well written, such a document immediately demonstrates the participant’s abilities in written communication and the organization of ideas, as well as their argumentative capacity.

In the UN YPP selection process, the cover letter is a part of the candidate’s Personal History Profile, serving as an introduction to the latter. It should contextualize your PHP and all its information in an objective fashion, highlighting the elements that are in line with the UN YPP exam area. Its main objective is to reinforce the candidate’s positive qualities in order to arouse the evaluator’s interest and desire to know more about the individual.

In order to write a strong UN YPP cover letter, it is important to know what the recruiters will be looking for, so here are some of the aspects the recruiting team seeks to evaluate:

• Competencies : Competencies may be understood as the candidate’s set of knowledge, abilities, attitudes and values. It is important for the candidate to show that they have the main competencies the organization is seeking, such as Professionalism, Teamwork, and Planning & Organizing. Since the United Nations is indisputably a value-driven organization, your personal values and the manner in which they are linked to the organization’s should also be highlighted.
• Knowledge about the organization: It is expected that the candidate demonstrates knowledge about the United Nations, such as its mission, its operational approach, activities, and main objectives (knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals).
• Cultural fit: Showing sound knowledge of the organization is not enough. The candidate should highlight that there is compatibility between their values, principles, objectives, and understanding of reality with those of the organization.
• Communicative capacity: The cover letter enables the recruiter to evaluate the candidate’s writing skills and their ability to structure ideas and coherently defend arguments.

When writing your cover letter, take all of the aforementioned aspects into consideration and make them evident throughout the document when expressing three main things: your interest in working for the organization, the reason you are interested in the vacancy (or in a specific exam area, in the case of the UN YPP), and why you are a strong candidate for the position.

Structure and Content of a Cover Letter

Choosing what to write in your cover letter can be a challenging task, especially if you have experienced multiple and diverse professional/academical engagements throughout the years. This section will provide you with guidance on choosing the most relevant experiences to expound upon and the best way of structuring them in writing.

First of all, keep in mind that recruiters are primarily looking to read information that gives them a clear perception of the benefits you can offer the organization, if selected, and the ways in which you intend to help it to solve problems. To that end, a great way to display your skills and competencies is by choosing relevant stories from past professional or academic engagements where these competencies stood out. Remember to use keywords from the Competencies section of the UN YPP job opening for this part.

At our Online Magazine, we have an article only on competencies required by the UN YPP! Check it out here:

UN YPP Competencies

In chapter 06 of our UN YPP Manual for Candidates, we define what kind of work experience is considered as “relevant” for the UN YPP:

“Taking into consideration the UN recruitment guidelines, prior professional engagements are considered as ‘relevant’ if your duties are closely linked to the ‘Responsibilities’ outlined in the job opening you are applying for.”

  When choosing relevant facts/stories to share in your cover letter, take the aforementioned definition into consideration, especially if you have had previous professional experience. Keep in mind, however, that the number one stipulation for an engagement to be considered “relevant” in the cover letter section of your PHP is that it showcase that you have the competencies required by the job opening you are applying for. An important volunteering activity that you engaged in, for example, although not directly related to your exam area, could be considered relevant if you tailor the story around the specific required competencies.

Keywords from the UN YPP job opening can also be used to display your knowledge of the organization. You can even demonstrate awareness of any particular challenges or developments the United Nations is currently facing within the specific exam area you are applying for.

Please note that there is no single way to structure your UN YPP cover letter. The fundamental aspect of an effective structure is that the logical sequence of the parts is able to tell your story . Also, know that long texts should be avoided —one page is a good length to cover the main topics. The recommended length is 400-600 words. Since UN YPP candidates are required to enter their cover letter in a field on the Inspira platform, a good tip in order to get a better idea of the length of your text is to write it in a separate document on your computer and then copy and paste the final version to the designated field. This also serves the purpose of saving your document to your computer prior to submitting it. Since your session on Inspira times out every twenty minutes, this is highly recommended.

Checkpoints for a Cover Letter

In this section, some general checkpoints have been listed for you to pay special attention to when writing and revising your cover letter. Make sure to go through all of them prior to submitting your final version to Inspira.

As far as “language” is concerned, here is a list of aspects you should pay attention to:

– Avoid clichés, idioms and outdated language.

– Beware of errors in grammar, use of verb tense, and punctuation. Show that you have an understanding of the language’s basic rules. If possible, use a spell checker or have a proofreader analyze your content when you’ve finished writing your cover letter.

– Give preference to writing out the full names of organizations, positions and people.

– Remember to use the first person singular to describe your personal accomplishments and achievements.

– A broad vocabulary should be used, which is appropriate for the United Nations, the competencies the program seeks, and the exam area.

– Do not use words and expressions without being sure of their meaning. Although it is important to have an extensive vocabulary, it is a mistake to think that you should misuse elaborate words which are hard to understand.

– Avoid repeating words and expressions, as they make the text tiresome and unattractive.

– Avoid slang, abbreviations (such as “asap” for example), or traces of the spoken word (that is, informal expressions typical of oral conversations).

– It is recommended that you refrain from using general terms, which demonstrate absolute certainty, such as: “always”, “never”, “every time”, “undoubtedly”, etc. Exchange these for softer expressions, such as: “possibly”, “one can imagine”, “probably”, and “it is inferred that”, among others.

• Organization

Read your cover letter and ask yourself why the sentences and paragraphs are arranged in that order. If you cannot find a justification, it is likely that your cover letter is not logically organized;

• Review your Cover Letter

Doublecheck the grammar, spelling, verbal agreement, and cohesion, and especially check that the information is consistent with what you have put in your PHP;

After finalizing your cover letter, show it to your colleagues and ask them to provide sincere comments on its content and organization of ideas. In this way, any mistakes which you had not noticed in preparing the document can be identified and corrected. Ideally, you should ask for the opinion of someone who does not have a close emotional tie with you or has enough maturity to be neutral, since, generally speaking, people who are very close are embarrassed about being critical, even when they have identified mistakes. Getting professional feedback is a plus in competitive selection processes such as the UN YPP, and can highly increase your chances of passing the first screening round. That is why OpenIGO offers a complete Application Review for candidates applying for the program. You can find out more about this service at our online store . We can help you suceed in this competitive selection process!

Access the following link to know more about our UN YPP products: 

UN YPP – Products & Services

Read also: UN YPP – Overview

Magazine: Understanding the UN YPP Written Exam

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Sample cover letter for Internship position at United Nations

Humanitarian affairs officer.

Dear Sir/Madame

I am writing to you in order to present myself as a capable candidate for this job. Being born in England I spent all my life there and so much from my experience was based in London. As a fairly new graduate of a degree in Criminology and Sociology I am sure the transferable skills I learnt, my freshness and ability to be molded will be an asset to your organization.

My heritage is Ghanaian and so I had the opportunity to experience life in Ghana and see the clear differences in lifestyle. My two most recent professional experiences took place in London and here in Switzerland.

Without experience in the domain presented, I can offer my energy and my passion for always providing good customer service as it is the basis of every business and organisation.

I hope to meet you soon so that I may present my strengths and skills,

Kind Regards