Sometime in the first quarter of 2022, I joined thousands of other applicants to submit my CV online for a job opening at the United Nations (UNIDO).
It was an opening that was brought to my attention through a friend who knew my passion and experience around Development Communication, Social Impact and Sustainable Development.
After the submission, I moved on with my life, forgetting about the whole gig, because the chances of one securing a gig with the United Nations was almost impossible.
I knew this because it wasn’t my first (or 50th time)submitting my CV for a gig at the United Nations.
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On a rainy Thursday morning, I got a call from this lady who introduced herself and wanted me to confirm my availability for an online interview. I had been shortlisted!!
It was a good sign; a promising sign.
The date was set and I was interviewed by four people who practically “grilled” me with their questions around Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), International Development, 4IR, Leadership, Agenda 2030, AfCFTA, teamwork and so on.
It was a very, very challenging interview.
An interesting question they asked was around a term called “gender lensing” in sustainable development.
I had already come across the term during my time as an unpaid volunteer for a community development project.
There I was, encountering it again, but this time, in an interview that was for a paid gig at the United Nations
When they finished, they wanted to know if I had questions.
My questions led us into a discussion session, where they had to explain some things to me (with clear examples) just like I had explained to them when they interviewed me.
Of course, after the interview, I was selected for the job, and the rest is history.
But that’s not the only reason I am sharing this experience with you.
You see, it was after my interview that I got to know that my screening process began more than 8months ago before my interview was scheduled.
These people checked my social media posts; they wanted to understand my thought process and the things I shared with my online audience.
They moved on to confirm the authenticity of my educational results, the validity of my volunteering experience and so much more.
They checked EVERYTHING.
I was later informed that if there was any dent in my digital footprint or other core areas, they wouldn’t have scheduled the interview in the first place.
Permit me to conclude by stating the following:
- Let people around you know what you’re really passionate about. This way, when they come across an opportunity that connects to your passion, your attention will be brought to it.
- Intentionally work on the network of people you surround yourself with. I know you’ve come across this so many times, but I’m here to remind you that your network is your net worth.
- Be intentional about your digital footprint. What kind of content are you sharing online? Do not just write because you have to write something, no! Write because you have something enlightening to share.
- If it was easy, everyone would have done it. Nothing phenomenal comes easy.
Finally, you are more powerful than you think. And If I could score an opportunity to consult for the United Nations, so can you.
Impossible is nothing.
Let’s get back to work.
-Buchi Ubani
Skillrise Africa Community w/Buchi Ubani
Devtracka Africa