• 1. General questions
• 2. The Assessment Center
• 3. The Interview Process
• 4. Recruitment by staff categories
• 5. The ILO Electronic Application and Recruitment System (E-recruit)

1. General questions

1.1 What does the selection process in general look like at the ILO?

 The evaluation process is rigorous and comprises of several steps: an initial review and scoring of CVs by HRD; a second review by managers; then for short-listed candidates, an assessment centre, a technical panel interview and increasingly being used, a technical written test. The ILO Staff Union is involved also in the process and its role is captured through the Collective Agreement.

1.2 How do I apply for a specific vacancy?
All candidates are required to complete an on-line application form. Please refer to the E-recruit FAQs (section 5 of this document) to learn how to apply.

1.3 Is the information in my application form kept confidential?
Yes. Private information provided to the ILO will not be shared with any outside organization without the applicant’s permission and will not be used for any commercial purpose. Applications will only be shared on a need-to-know-basis with units/individuals involved in the recruitment process.

1.4 For how many vacancies can I apply?
You may apply for as many vacancies as you like. However, it is strongly recommended to diligently review the competencies and qualifications required for a particular vacancy before making a decision to apply for an advertised post, to ensure you will only apply for a vacancy for which you are qualified.

1.5 How long does the selection process take?
The selection process can take several months, with a minimum duration of 3 to 4 months.

1.6 Will I be informed on the status of my application or of the competition?
You will be contacted for further assessment only if your candidature is under serious consideration. Due to the confidential nature of the competition process, the outcome of the competition can only be disclosed once a final decision by the Director-General has been announced. When the competition is closed all candidates who have applied receive a formal notification unless otherwise stated in the job announcement.

1.7 Which application type should I use?
Candidates who apply for a specific vacancy will notice that they have the option to apply as either an internal candidate, or an external candidate. If you are not sure which form to use, please follow the guidelines below:

Unless otherwise stated in the vacancy, internal candidates normally are:

• an ILO official on a fixed-term contract who has completed the probationary period at the time of application (as per paragraphs 15 and 16 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations). If you are still under probationary period, please apply as an external candidate.

• All other candidates shall apply as external candidates, for example:

• officials on a fixed-term contact and you have not completed your probationary period;

• currently a holder of a short-term (ST) or 3.5 contract;

• currently employed as an external collaborator;

• currently employed on technical cooperation project contracts;

• Associate Experts;

• interns.

1.8 Where can I get more information regarding a competition?
All the information required for a position is found in the Vacancy Announcement. A vacancy Announcement is composed mainly of a brief introduction of the position and of the department where the position is located; specific duties and how they are aligned with the ILO relevant generic job description; minimum requirements (in terms of language, experience and education) as well as the main competencies - both technical and behavioural - required for the job. The last part of the Vacancy Announcement lists the conditions of employment as well as the allowances, benefits and salaries according to the ICSC.

1.9 I am an official employed by another international organisation. Am I eligible to apply for ILO internal vacancies?
Only ILO officials with a Fixed-Term contract on the Regular Budget and having completed their probationary period at the closing date of the vacancy may apply as internal candidates.

1.10 I am an official employed by another international organisation. What will be my status if I am appointed to a position at the ILO?
The appointment of candidates from other international agencies is managed in accordance with the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff among the Organizations applying the United Nations Common System of Salaries and Allowances dated 1 January 2012, as may be amended from time to time. http://sas.undp.org/documents/IOMA.pdf

1.11 I am an ILO staff member. Is it necessary for me to complete the ILO on-line application form if all the data is already stored in my “Personal File”?
Yes. All candidates applying for a competition must complete an on-line profile to be considered. .

1.12 Can I submit an unsolicited application?
Unfortunately, the Office is unable to consider unsolicited applications. Only applications for advertised vacancies are assessed.

1.13 How can I apply for local positions in the field?
For local positions in the field, please contact each Region directly. http://www.ilo.org/global/regions/lang--en/index.htm

1.14 Do you recruit candidates to work for specific projects?
Yes, we recruit candidates to work for specific projects both in Geneva and in the field. These positions are considered positions of Technical Cooperation.

1.15 I am interested in doing an internship at the ILO; how can I apply?
The ILO offers internships positions in the different areas of service. If you are interested in being considered for an internship please visit the internship site or apply directly to the internship roster positions advertised. https://erecruit.ilo.org/public/index.asp

1.16 Does the ILO have also a Junior Professional Officer/ Associate Expert Programme?
Yes, as part of the UN system, the ILO has an Associate Programme. To know more about the Programme and how to apply, please visit http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/pers/vacancy/aexpert.htm

1.17 If I win a competition what are the next steps?
When a competition is completed, the selected candidate is contacted by the HR/OPS branch in the Department of Human Resources to start the appointment process. Other units within the HR/TALENT Branch are also involved ensuring that the induction and integration process into the Organization is quick and effective.

1.18 What are the employment conditions offered at the ILO?
Please use this link. http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/pers/vacancy/empcond.htm

2. The Assessment Center

2.1 What is the Assessment Center?
The Assessment center is a half-day exercise and it has been developed to assess the nine ILO core competencies and it is not linked to a particular Job Description. It is composed of Two Parts: A behavioural interview and an Analytical Exercise. The behavioural interview assesses the ILO core competencies. In a behavioural interview you are asked to provide specific examples of your work experience or your daily life that allows you to prove that you have the competencies required for the ILO.

The Analytical Exercise is a “case study” exercise where the candidate assumes the role of an ILO staff and should analyse some data in order to accomplish a given task. Please note that there are different Assessment Center cases depending on the level of the position you have applied for.

There are four different levels of AC: At the professional level there is one to evaluate applicants for the P1-P3 staff category (professional positions without managerial responsibilities) and the other to evaluate the applicants for the P4-P5 staff category (professional positions with managerial responsibilities). At the general services level there are also two levels: one to assess candidates at G.3 – G.4 level and other one to evaluate candidates at G.5 – G.6 level.

When the recruitment process is completed, each candidate receives a written report with the scores obtained for each competency assessed in addition to relevant comments (mainly on major strengths and areas for development).

Please note that to be invited for a panel interview all candidates must pass the AC. It is necessary to pass both the behavioural interview and the analytical exercise.

2.2 Can I retake the Assessment Center if I fail?
If you fail the AC and you are short listed later for another competition, the AC can be taken only after six months of your first attempt.

2.3 Do I have to pass the Assessment Center to be appointed to all the positions?
AC is a requirement to be appointed for fixed-term positions only. You can be appointed without passing the AC on temporary positions and on positions of Technical Cooperation.

 3. Interview Process

3.1. What is a panel interview? Who are the panel members?
A panel interview is a technical interview where the technical knowledge required for the position is evaluated by a group of panel members. Normally the interview panel is composed of the direct supervisor of the position, a member of the Human Resources Department and an independent panel member who works in a different sector where the position is located.

3.2  How can I prepare for an interview?

The success of an interview depends on how well you are prepared for the interview.

• Read the Vacancy Announcement and identify the competencies required for the position.

• A behavioural interview is a job interview focused on discovering how you acted in specific employment related situations. The interviewer wants to know how you handled a situation, instead of what you might do in a hypothetical situation. You can prepare yourself finding examples related to your work experience which help you to prove that you have the right competencies for the position. You will also find resources on the internet on how to prepare for a behavioural or competency based interview.

• Learn as much as you can about the Department and Office you are applying to and the work it does.

• Listen to the questions carefully, give yourself time to organize your ideas and answers and try to respond as specific as possible.

• Prepare questions that you would like to ask during the interview.

3.3 What are the ILO official languages? In what language do you normally conduct the interviews?
The ILO official languages are English, French and Spanish. The language used for an interview depends on the requirements for the position which is listed under language requirements in the Vacancy Announcement. For the Assessment Centre you can choose in which official language you wish to be assessed depending on your language skills.

Our ILO e-recruitment site has been translated into all three official languages.

4. Recruitment by staff categories

4.1 What are the positions for which competitions are run?
In accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement on Recruitment and Selection, competition shall be the normal method of filling vacancies for Professional (P) and General Service Staff (G) positions between grades G.1 and P.5 inclusive.

4.2 What kind of positions are under the Professional Category?
The work performed at the Professional level is analytical, evaluative, conceptual, interpretive and/or creative and thus requires the application of the basic principles of an organized body of theoretical knowledge. This category includes the major occupational groups with the theoretical or practical aspects of fields such as finance and accounts, law, education, social science, economics, business and administrative, managerial and other technical specializations. Most of these job families require substantial academic qualifications, normally at the advanced university degree level. Positions at P4-P5 level normally have managerial responsibilities.

4.3 What are the minimum requirements that a candidate should possess to apply for a Professional Level position?
The minimum requirements vary from level, and each job has specific requirements as stated in the Vacancy Announcement. The table below summarizes the requirements as established in the Generic Job Descriptions

4.4 My nationality does not appear in Appendix 1 of Professional category vacancy announcements. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply. However please note that the ILO gives priority in the recruitment of candidates from non-and underrepresented countries.

4.5 What kind of positions are under the General Services Category?
The work performed at the General services level is administrative, procedural, operational or technical in nature and supports and assists in the execution of the programmes of the organization. It ranges from simple, routine or repetitive duties based on following detailed instructions to varied and complex assignments requiring identification and consideration of alternative courses of action based on extensive and in-depth practical knowledge of a specific subject area.

4.6 How do I know if I possess the right skills for applying for a post in the General Service category?
Candidates interested in obtaining a position in the General Service category (such as secretarial and clerical positions, word processing, accounting and statistical positions) must have successfully passed the required relevant test(s) before they may be considered for recruitment. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Those who are successful in the test are considered for available vacancies. Please note that success in the test(s) does not guarantee an offer of employment, it only ensures consideration as vacancies arise. Recruitment of General Service posts is on local basis, that is, from the duty station in which the particular office is located. The appointment is limited to the duty station indicated on the vacancy announcement.

4.7 I am a non-local external candidate applying for a post in the General Service category in Geneva. Will my candidature be considered?
No. An official is classified as locally recruited if, at the time of appointment, s/he fulfils any of the following conditions:

• s/he has valid residency status in Switzerland or has the right to reside in neighbouring France or is a Swiss national;

• s/he is living within a radius of 25km from Geneva.

4.8 What is the method of filling for senior management positions?
Senior management positions are mainly top managerial positions (category D1 and above) such as directors of Departments, branches, support services as well as field/country directors. Those managers are to be able to manage large teams and are expected to be dynamic, strategic thinkers and decision makers who can move the ILO's mandate forward. Direct selection by the Director – General is the normal method of filling vacancies at D.1 and above level. Increasingly calls for expression of interests for this type of positions are widely posted and the recruitment process includes high-level assessment and panel or one-to-one interviews.

4.9 Is there an Assessment Center for this type of positions? Indeed. A high-level Assessment Center is organized for senior management positions. The AC assesses the following competencies: Act with Integrity &Transparency, Strategic Planning, Advocacy & Leadership, Operational Decision Making, Planning & Organizing, Managing Performance / Taking Care of People Development, Communicating & Listening, Sensitivity to Diversity, Client/Constituent Environment, Awareness, Providing Quality Service, Generating Synergies, Personal Awareness & Empathy, Adaptability, Driving Change. Higher-level AC for D1-D2 are conducted by a specialized consultancy firm.

5. The ILO Electronic Application and Recruitment System (E-recruit)

Please note that ILO only accepts applications online. https://erecruit.ilo.org

5.1 I am a first-time applicant. I wish to submit an on-line application form for a specific vacancy. What are the next steps?
1. Before submitting your application, you need to create your own profile on our site.

• From within the vacancy announcement, click on the link “Not Registered? Register here ” on the left margin. The first page of the on-line application form will appear. This page asks for basic details (name, date of birth, address, etc.). Please note that you must have a valid email address to complete the form as it will serve as your username in the future. We will use this address to communicate with you.

• When you have completed this page, click on the button at the bottom of the page “Submit this registration”. The entered information will automatically be stored on the ILO’s database.

• You will see a message asking if you would like to continue. If you choose not to do so, you may return to your application at any time by returning to the ILO Vacancy system at https://erecruit.ilo.org/public/ and signing in.

• If you continue filling in the application form, you will arrive at a page entitled “Complete my Profile (Welcome to e-recruitment)”. Complete each of the “Personal History” sections listed on the left side of the page. A checked box appears next to each of the sections you have completed.

• Please confirm completion of the form by completing the section entitled “Verification”.

2. After successful completion of your application, you will be able to apply. Your application will only be considered once you have completed all of the sections mentioned above. Be sure to allow sufficient time for submission of your application prior to the deadline.

5.2 I have already submitted an on-line application form. I wish to update and/or apply for another vacancy. What are the next steps?

• Log in from the main ILO Employment Opportunities web page.

• Internal candidates: your username will have already been sent to you.

• External candidates: your username is the email address you used when you first created your profile.

• Once you have logged in, you will be taken to your own “Complete my Profile (Welcome to e-recruitment)” page. From here you may edit the information in any of the “Personal History” sections on the left hand side.

• To apply for a competition, click on “Apply to Current Vacancies” from the menu at the top of the screen.

• Click on the title of the vacancy for which you would like to apply. This will take you to the vacancy announcement.

• At the bottom of the vacancy announcement, click on “Submit my candidature for this vacancy: [your name]”.

• You will be asked to complete the “Verification” section. Click on “Submit my application”.

• You will be taken to the “My Applications” page which lists all of the competitions for which you have applied, including the most recent one.

5.3 I do not remember my password.
From the log in page, follow the instructions under “Have you forgotten your password?” and click “Send”. Your password will be sent to you shortly by email.

5.4 Do I need an email address to submit an on-line application form?
Yes. Your email address serves as your username. We also use email to communicate with candidates.

5.5 Which Profile sections do I need to complete?
Candidates are required to complete all sections. Please complete the Verification section last.
NB. Candidates applying for Professional category posts are not required to complete the Clerical Skills section.

5.6 Do I have to complete the application form in one session?
No. You can save the information you entered and return at a later time to finish your on-line application form by logging in, using your User Name and Password, which you created when you registered.

5.7 Where can I view a list of vacancies for which I have applied?
These can be viewed by clicking on the “My Applications” link at the top of the page after signing in.

5.8 My mother tongue is not listed, what should I do?
Since we cannot list all the languages in the world, we would recommend that you indicate a language you know best, other than your mother tongue.

5.9 How do I enter dates?
Please enter dates in the following format: mm/dd/yyyy.
Example: June 19, 1971 should be entered as 06/19/1971.

5.10 How do I indicate that I am still employed in my latest job?
When you edit or add an employment line, choose "Present" in the month column. The system will recognize that and adjust the year and output accordingly.

5.11 I am having a problem with the on-line application form.
There may be several reasons. Please check the following:

• Did you complete all the required fields marked with an asterisk (*)?
• Did you save each page before proceeding to another? Once you save a page, information on the page will be saved even if you lose the Internet connection. You can start again from where you left off.
• Do you have the appropriate browser setting? Please note that the following browser versions are required:


• In Netscape, click on: Edit > Preferences > Advanced > Cache > Document in cache is compared to document on network > Every Time
• In MS Explorer, click on: Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Internet Files > Settings > Check for newer versions of stored pages > Every visit to the page

5.12 How do I know that my application has been received?
Once you have completed each section, click “Save changes”. By doing this, the information you have entered will automatically be sent to the ILO’s database and stored. Furthermore, you will receive an email confirming that you have initiated the application process.

For further information, kindly contact the ILO HR/TALENT/Resourcing Unit at resourcing@ilo.org