- Basic Math
- Numerical Reasoning & Series
- Verbal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning (Inductive & Deductive)
- Situational Judgement Tests
- Personality Tests
- Spatial Reasoning Tests
Tests: 148 Questions: +2000
UN Global General Service Test – a Prep Guide
There are a lot of fantastic careers for those interested in working at the United Nations, and UN General Service Positions (UN GSPs) are some of the most coveted. That is because these careers (including administrators, clerical support, maintenance, etc.) are typically entry level, which makes them the perfect way to build a reputation with an amazing organization.
However, there are very few cases when a person applying for a UN GSP is not required to take something known as the UN Global General Service Test.
This exam may be intended for all levels of workers, but the content is difficult for many entry-level applicants to understand.
If you are looking for a career with the UN, take a look through this guide to the UN Global Service Test and read through some success tips for your testing day.
What the UN Hiring Process Looks Like
The United Nations has a rigorous hiring protocol that is both lengthy, but straightforward. The first step is to ensure you match the basic requirements for applying to the UN. We will discuss those in the next section.
Step 1: Search for and Prepare to Apply to Position
You can search for positions at the UN directly through their employment websites, careers.un.org. When you find a job opening that matches your skills and career goals, you can submit your application directly through the website.
However, you must first create a profile on the UN careers page before you will be able to apply to the position.
Step 2: Submit an Application
You submit your application directly from the career page. You will need to be sure you have an updated resume, a cover letter, and any attached documents you want to share (licences, reference letters, etc.).
Step 3: Await Application Evaluation
It can take a few weeks for application evaluation, but if your skills, experience, and education match the role, you will be contacted with an invitation to travel to the UN base in New York City to take your Global General Services Test (GGST).
Step 4: Take your GGST
If you made it to your evaluation day, you’re already ahead of most other applicants! It is time to take your test and do your best to get a passing score.
Step 5: Competency Interview
If you pass your GGST, you will be given a formal, competency interview. This interview may be done over the phone, on video chat, or in person. There is a panel of interviewers, which can be intimidating. However, the questions you must answer are all very par for the course as far as final interviews go.
Prepare to explain your skills and work history in greater detail. Also have a few answers for why you want to work for the UN ready to go.
Step 6: Await News on Selection, Rostering, or Denial
After your interview one of three things will happen.
- You will be offered the position and begin discussing details and start dates.
- You will not be chosen for the active position but “rostered.” This means that they are keeping you on their sideline and when a position that fits your skills open, they will call you to fill it.
- You will receive a denial letter explaining that you were not chosen for a position with the UN.
What Subjects are on the UN Global Services Test?
The UN careers website says that they consider the most important skills of their candidates to be:
- Planning Aptitude
- Organization
- Verbal Communication
- Written Communication
- Data Management
- Office Administration
- Math
- Proofreading
These skills are put to the test through the focus on three subjects – situational judgement, numerical reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
Situational Judgement – is the focus on your natural behaviour and reactability during high-stress workplace scenarios.
Numerical REasoning – tests your ability to understand graphs, charts, and other forms of numeric data. It also tests your skills at using that data to answer related problems.
Verbal Reasoning – assesses your ability to utilize the information provided in short-form written prompts to properly answer questions and solve work-related problems.
How Long is the UN Global Services Test?
The GGST is timed and broken into three tests. The overall time for testing is 105 minutes (1h 45 minutes).
The first section, the verbal reasoning test, lasts 40 minutes.
The second section, the numerical reasoning test, lasts 45 minutes.
The third portion of the test, the situational judgement section, is only 20 minutes long.
How Many Times Can I Take the UN Global Services Test?
You can only take the exam a total of 5 times in your lifetime. There is also a “cooling” period after each test so you cannot take them back to back.
This limit on the times you can take this exam makes it extra important to properly prepare before attempting it.
At JobAssessmentHelp, we have all the materials and test info you need to ensure that you are showing up to your exam with the proper level of knowledge and confidence to succeed. If you are interested in a UN career, check out the GGST prep materials at JobAssessmentHelp, today!