How to prepare for an NGO job interview

How do NGO and UN-style interviews work?

Many NGOs, and the United Nations system, use structured interviews. A panel asks every candidate the same questions so that the process is fair. The United Nations Human Resources portal describes the competency-based interview, where you are asked to show your competencies through situational questions: what you would do, or how you approach challenges.

Typical questions look like these:

• "Tell us about a challenging assignment where you went above and beyond."
• "Give an example of using problem solving to resolve an issue between staff members."
• "How have you handled several demands for delivery at the same time?"

Some NGOs also set a written test, such as writing a short briefing note, checking a budget or drafting a plan.

How do you prepare before the interview?

Follow these steps.

1. Research the organisation. Read its website, recent reports and programme areas. Know its mission and main donors, if public.
2. Study the job description. List the main duties and required competencies, such as communication, teamwork, planning and accountability.
3. Match your experience. For each competency, find at least one real example from your work, volunteering or study.
4. Write your examples as short stories. Include the result or lesson learned, and include both successes and challenges.
5. Practise aloud. The UN guidance says to practise, ideally with someone who has done well in interviews.
6. Prepare your opening. "Tell me about yourself" is common. Give a short summary of your experience and why you want this role, in about one minute.
7. Prepare questions for the panel. Ask about the team, priorities in the first months and how success is measured.
8. Plan the practical side. Route and time, documents, dress, and a stable connection if online.

What is the STAR method?

STAR is a way to structure answers. Both the UN HR portal and UNDP interview guidance use a version of it.

Illustrative example of the structure only: "At my last organisation, two field teams disagreed about the distribution schedule (Situation). I was asked to agree a plan before the next delivery (Task). I met each team separately, listed their concerns, then held a joint call where we compared options and agreed a schedule (Action). The distribution started on the agreed date, and we kept a shared calendar afterwards (Result)."

Use your own real examples. Do not invent stories, because the panel may ask follow-up questions and check references.

How do you answer well on the day?

• Greet and thank the panel.
• Listen to the whole question. Ask for clarification if needed.
• Keep to the point. Be specific and concise.
• Use "I" for your own actions. The UNDP guidance advises talking about "I" rather than "we", because the panel wants to know your role. Give credit to your team too.
• Be honest about challenges. Say what you learned or what you would change.
• Watch your body language. Sit calmly, speak clearly and make eye contact.
• Expect follow-up questions. They are normal.
• Ask your questions at the end.

How do you handle an online interview?

The UN HR guidance notes that on video you pick up fewer body language cues, so listen carefully and check with the panel whether you answered adequately. Test your tools in advance: camera, microphone, charger and internet. Choose a quiet place with good light. Have a phone number for the panel in case the connection drops. In Myanmar, power or internet cuts can happen, so tell the organisation early if you have a backup plan, such as a second device or a mobile hotspot.

What about written tests?

Practise the typical tasks for the job. For a programme role, write a one-page briefing note using the order: context, analysis, recommendation. For a finance role, review a sample budget. For MEAL, draft indicators. Time yourself, check your work and keep it simple. Our guide to how to write a clear project report helps with the writing.

What should you do after the interview?

Send a short thank-you email within a day or two. Write down the questions you were asked and how you answered, so you can improve. If you are not selected, ask politely for feedback. Update your CV with anything new, see how to write a CV for NGO jobs, and keep applying.

How EMPO can help

EMPO is a reliable, Yangon-based training and consultancy provider and one of Myanmar's leading names in practical NGO training, with 1,200+ people trained and 15 partner organisations. Our Effective Communication Skills and Personal Development training build the speaking and presentation skills that help in interviews, in English and Burmese, online or in person across Myanmar. See our training services or contact us.

Sources

• CBI Training for Applicants — United Nations Human Resources portal
• Competency Based Interviewing Interview Preparation — UNDP, 2025