What Happens After You Hit Submit: A Sneak Peek Behind The Hiring Curtain

Two weeks ago, I provided some insights on navigating the application process at WHO. Now, we continue with the next step of the recruitment process with a focus on what happens after you've submitted your application.

We've all been there: you apply for a job that feels meant for you, only to hear nothing but radio silence in return. Days turn into weeks, and you start to wonder if your application got lost in the digital void. Perhaps you try to check your application status, only to find no updates whatsoever.

Even with my insider knowledge of HR processes, I understand the frustration all too well. However, having seen both sides of the recruitment process, I've learned to maintain a cool of calm (even if it's not always easy) and recognize the variety in each organization's HR procedures. But let's face it, there may be a bit of silent swearing involved while waiting for a response.

While I'm not here to bash the recruitment processes or point fingers at HR, I'm here to provide insights, perspectives, and considerations to hopefully ease the frustration that often follows the waiting game. Think of the recruitment process as a series of icebergs – each representing a step in the process. As an applicant, you only see what's above the surface. Sometimes, those peaks may seem small, and you might not make it to the next one. So let me loop you in on what might be happening under the surface and why you haven't received a response.

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Application Review Phase - Where Did My Application Go?

You've just submitted your application for a position at WHO or another UN organization. ?You're eager and excited about the prospect of contributing to the mission. The job seemed like your perfect career call…

However, as days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, you find yourself waiting anxiously for any updates on your application status.

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To address this, yes, we (the recruiters) are indeed here and actively managing multiple recruitments under the surface. Now, about the most important question—why haven't you heard back about your application?

One reason is that the hiring process is highly selective due to the overwhelming volume of applications received by WHO (and most likely also other UN agencies). With limited resources for processing, a careful approach to shortlisting candidates is a must. If you do read the system-automated acknowledgement, it explains that you will only receive further communication if you're shortlisted for the position for applications sent to WHO. ?As a result, you may not receive further communication beyond the initial acknowledgment of your application receipt.

While recruiters aim to provide prompt service, resource limitations may cause delays in response times. However, rest assured that efforts are made to manage expectations and ensure a fair recruitment process. But unless you are an internal candidate, let's face it—your chances of receiving personalized feedback on your application are close to non at this stage in the recruitment process.

It's not just the number of applicants that can slow things down. The bureaucratic structure and complex organizational procedures also play a role. Even at the shortlisting stage, decisions must pass through multiple levels of approval, ensuring transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. This process includes determining the most appropriate assessment tools and convening a panel to finalize the shortlist. While meticulous, this approach is crucial for upholding WHO's reputation for integrity. Obviously this can occasionally lead to a slower process compared to the private sector.

Budget constraints and shifting organizational priorities can further complicate matters. Sometimes, recruitment timelines may be pushed back due to fundings constraints or changes in staffing needs. While challenging, these factors are beyond reasonable control, as external influences and rapid global changes affect WHO priorities and direction.

Considering the above-mentioned factors, even after being shortlisted, it may still take some time before you receive further communication regarding the next steps in the process. If you find yourself waiting longer than expected for updates on your application, please know that this is not uncommon. Stay patient and stay hopeful

While you may feel confident about your qualifications for a particular position, it's also crucial to understand that competition can be fierce. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees of being shortlisted, despite your qualifications (I apologize for being the bearer of potentially disappointing news).

To increase your chances of success, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Instead, keep an eye out for other job opportunities within your field of expertise and apply to those that align with your skills and interests at any time. ?As you await news on whether you've been shortlisted, keep in mind that silence may indicate that you haven't been successful. ?Do a check on your profile as with tips shared two weeks ago (Mastering Your WHO Career: Insider Tips for Application Succes | LinkedIn

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Assessment Phase -I Was Shortlisted, What Can I Expect Now?

Fantastic news! You've made it to the next “peak on the iceberg”—the assessment phase. Along with the shortlist notification, you should have received an invitation outlining the upcoming assessment process. Assessments vary in format and content, so it's essential to carefully review the instructions provided.

While I can't offer a one-size-fits-all guide to assessments, I urge you to pay close attention to the details and reach out to the recruiter if you have any technical setup queries. If you require special accommodations, such as assistive technology or tools, don't hesitate to inform the recruiter. WHO is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to ensure representation of employees with disabilities at all levels. https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

Detailed information about the assessment content may not be provided beyond what's already shared. However, if preparation instructions are necessary, they will be provided. Typically, assessments focus on the specific technical skills required for the position, especially for specialized roles. Review the vacancy notice to understand the job requirements and associated tasks thoroughly.

In some cases, you might skip the written or video assessment and go straight to a competency-based interview Tuesday Tactics! The little extra to make you stand out in Competency-Based Interviews: The Power of Learning Quotient (LQ) | LinkedIn. Remember to carefully review the invitation, as there might be a technical component before the competency-based questions, such as a presentation task.

This presentation is designed to assess both your technical expertise and your presentation skills. Many positions at WHO involve presenting technical topics to external stakeholders, so it's essential to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Don't forget to brush up on your PowerPoint skills! Even if you're a technical genius, a poor presentation could impact your overall assessment.

Selection Evaluation Phase -Did They Forget About Me?

The straightforward answer is no, but this phase is quite active beneath the surface, thus reference to the activity beneath an iceberg. The recruiter is busy and diligently compiling all performance evidence from the entire selection process and writing up a comprehensive report detailing every aspect. This includes ensuring compliance checks are completed for all candidates. The final report undergoes a thoruough approval process by the selection panel and is then presented for final endorsement and selection through designated approval channels. With four panelists required to agree on the final recommendation and subsequent upward endorsement, the entire process depends on the availability of numerous individuals within WHO.

Only after the selection has received full endorsement can the recruiter notify the assessed candidate of their outcome, even if it's not successful. Hence, the reason that you won't receive immediate feedback following your final assessment.

While I can't speak for all my recruiting colleagues, when I was a full-time recruiter, I always made it a point to inform candidates about the lengthy process and provide an estimated timeframe for a response after the interview. Additionally, I encouraged candidates to keep communication channels open and reach out if they felt we were moving too slowly. If we couldn't communicate the outcome, we would at least update them on the process's progress and offer a more accurate estimate of when to expect a response with internal progress known.

Good luck, hope to be colleagues in the future.

All the best

Tina

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