Page
Get prepared: Assessment
The different modes of assessment
Candidates that are shortlisted for a position at UNICEF may undergo an assessment, followed by a reference check and other processes depending on the position level, area of work, and office context.
Candidate assessment techniques will vary according to the contextual and business needs of the hiring office. Depending on the experience, knowledge, technical and behavioral competencies and attributes required for the position, a combination of assessment methods and techniques may be used.
Here are some quick tips for you:
- Prepare well in advance for assessment tests.
- Think about your 1-minute ‘elevator pitch’ to describe what makes you the best fit for the position.
- Clear time and space for the assessment.
- Get ‘in the zone’: prepare mentally by getting relaxed and focused.
- Check internet connectivity in advance.
- Keep focused on any questions at hand and give a complete answer to the best of your ability.
- Show interest and enthusiasm. Try to smile and relax!
Assessment Techniques
The following section provides detailed information on assessment techniques, with corresponding helpful tips.
Blended Interview
- Description: Various forms of questions, such as technical + competency, motivational, situational/ scenario, strengths based.
- How to prepare: Research the position requirements and prepare stories of similar situations and challenges you have faced in your professional experience. Make sure you understand the technical requirements.
Technical Interview
- Description: Questions focus on the technical aspects of the job to assess the technical expertise of a candidate.
- How to prepare: Research what technical expertise the job requires and prepare to talk about your experiences that match the requirements and challenges.
Competency Based Interview (CBI)
- Description: CBI questions aim to validate specific behavioural competencies associated with a position.
Presentations
- Description: Candidates are asked to prepare a presentation on a specific topic with certain parameters to submit and/or present to the selection panel.
- How to prepare: Follow instructions; make your presentation lively and interesting; stick to the time!
Tests and Exercises
- Description: A number of questions that the candidates are asked to answer within a limited time frame, to confirm their competency in the technical requirements of the position and/or writing skills, analytical ability, strategic thinking, leadership, etc.
- How to prepare: Online tests require good time management skills. Do your research on policies and procedural documents beforehand.
Assessment Centres
- Description: A series of tests and exercises that simulate actual situations, problems or tasks that the person may encounter at work. Assessors observe the performance and evaluate candidates using a standard rating.
- How to prepare: More often used for higher-level positions. Remember you are being assessed for the duration of your attendance!
Desk Review/Hiring Manager Review
- Description: A careful review of candidate profiles in relation to the requirements of the positions.
- How to prepare: Submit a carefully prepared, clear and comprehensive application.
Informal Conversation
- Description: Top candidates under consideration are engaged to supplement or validate the initial assessment, in order to ascertain fitness for the role, team and organization. May also help to further gauge a candidate’s readiness and understanding of the functions of the position.
- How to prepare: Informal but not casual – remember, this is still an interview situation. This is a chance for the hiring manager to get to know you a little better and for you to learn more about the role, the team and the expectations.
Technical Assessment
- Description: Evaluating candidates’ knowledge and level of expertise with specific types of subjects – includes verbal/numerical/ logical assessments, online psychometric testing, etc.
- How to prepare: Practice these types of tests online to become familiar with the multiple-choice format and the speed of the assessment.