How to Prepare an Effective Personal History Profile (PHP) Madrid, November 2016
Learning Objectives By the end of this workshop you should be able to: Develop a clear understanding of what a hiring manager is looking for Target your cover letter and application to the job opening for which you are applying Differentiate between your duties and achievements Position/highlight your talents and skills which match the job mandate
Applying for a job
Before we go any further Current version(s) of PHP, cover letters, diplomas, training certificates, letters of recommendations, performance evaluations, thank you notes, etc. Update regularly to reflect newest achievements
What is the Personal History Profile (PHP)? Online CV used by the UN Secretariat Allows you to demonstrate your experience and achievements Provides written evidence of your eligibility Used to evaluate your suitability for a job opening Includes Cover letter, Preferences, Education and Work Experience, Skills, References, and Additional Information.
UN Competencies The United Nations has 3 Core Values, 8 Core Competencies and 6 Managerial Competencies. Core Values Integrity Professionalism Respect for Diversity Core Competencies Communication Teamwork Planning & Organising Accountability Client Orientation Creativity Technological Awareness Commitment to Continuous Learning Managerial Competencies Vision Leadership Empowering Others Building Trust Managing Performance Judgement / Decision Making
Process for Writing your PHP Know Yourself Understand the Position Prepare the PHP
Step 1: Know Yourself What did I do? (i.e., duties) What competencies did I use and/or demonstrate? What results did I achieve (either individually, or as a member of a team)?
Step 2: Understand the Position Analyze the Job Opening Take the Is It Worth My Time To Apply Quiz Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager: what is he/she looking for? Do an analysis of the position against your qualifications
The importance of understanding the position Invest time in understanding the position requirements Target your PHP and cover letter Benefits: Time savings and reduced frustration that results from applying for jobs not suited to your strengths and aspirations Improved ability to position yourself to meet the needs of the hiring manager
Is It Worth My Time To Apply? 1. Do I meet the minimum qualifications? 2. Do I have the competencies for the position? 3. Do I have a thorough understanding of the job duties 4. and the experience required? 5. Do I know why am I really interested in the position? 6. Am I interested in the job for the right reasons? 7. Do I know enough about the Organization/Department/Unit? 8. Does it make sense for me to apply now? 9. Does it fit in with my future career goals?
Evaluation criteria The evaluation criteria are the criteria against which the applicant is assessed and are aligned to the requirements indicated in the Job Opening. The evaluation criteria consist of : a. Required years of work experience b. Required education c. Required languages d. Assessment methodologies e. Competencies and skills f. Pre-screening questions
Preparing the Cover Letter The Cover Letter: Personal introduction Highlights your background and relevant experience Outlines what makes you a good match for the position Sample of your writing skills
Cover Letter Structure 1. OPEN with statement of interest 2. SUMMARIZE qualifications, experience and competencies 3. RELATE to Job Opening for which you are applying 4. CLOSE with a brief recap A cover letter should not exceed 3-5 short paragraphs!
Cover Letter Tips Make sure your cover note answers the following: Why are you interested in the position? Why should we consider you? Be specific and get to the point Be positive, polite, professional Demonstrate confidence, but not arrogance Ask someone to review and provide feedback Proofread!!!
Step 3: Prepare the PHP Education and Experience Education and Work Experience Include all information on education and work experience Used for pre-screening Basis for evaluating eligibility and suitability for Job Opening No gaps!
Employment History Kind of employees directly supervised Description of duties Summary of achievements Reasons for leaving
Employment History 1. Kind of employees directly supervised - Highlight the number of staff reporting to you and their level/position 2. Description of Duties - Current and previous positions - Use the language of the UN competencies and describe duties with attention to the Job Opening you are applying for - Highlight your duties in descending order of importance - Be specific! - 2500 character limit
Employment History 3. Summary of Achievements - Concrete examples of how you have provided value and/or made an impact - Provide the context, the specific actions and the results you achieved in carrying out your duties - Think of the when, the who, the what, and the why in order to effectively contextualize your achievements - Quantify and qualify these accomplishments - 3700 character limit
Some examples of unpaid experience Internships Volunteer/community involvement School board/parent associations Continuing education Freelance projects Professional development Work-at-home/Self-employment Writing, translating
Example: Duties vs. Achievements
Duty or achievement? Researched and compiled materials on several areas of social development, including education, community development, and gender integration, to be used for an annual, comprehensive departmental policy paper. Duty Facilitated the establishment of major partnerships between the UN and the private sector in the areas of water and sanitation, totalling approximately $USD 3 million. Achievement
Use action verbs Action verbs are powerful Initiated Developed Streamlined Analyzed Recommended Managed Implemented
Employment History 4. Reasons for leaving - Describe in specific terms your motivation for applying to this particular Job Opening - Cite your reasons for leaving previous positions in terms of what you did next (e.g. opportunity for professional development, etc.) - Use positive wording - Demonstrate that you are driving your career - Space for 1500 characters
General Application Tips Avoid I and My in your PHP Keep It Concise Make Your Words Count (Use Action Verbs!) Make The Most Of Your Experience Quantify when possible (size of budget, team, number of conferences, ) Target. Target. Target. Proofread!
Other mandatory fields on the PHP Skills References Indicate: training courses languages publications licenses/certificates professional memberships, etc., List at least three references Consider them carefully Try to demonstrate diversity in your referees (gender, national/ cultural background, level, etc.) Consider them carefully
Multiple PHP versions Consider creating multiple versions of your PHP for different relevant possible job openings: Administrative Assistant (travel, HR, budget & finance, procurement, etc. that you did in your position) Project Assistant (General - emphasizing extensive project management experience) Programme Assistant (Specific - in substantive area of expertise)
Thank you Merci شكرا 谢谢 Gracias Спасибо