Don’t Fall for a Scam: 11 Tips for Finding a Legitimate Job with the United Nations

AI-generated image of a fake UN assembly

Finding a job with the United Nations or another international organization, such as a non-governmental organization (NGO) or inter-governmental agency, can be a highly competitive process. However, it is important to be cautious and do your research in order to avoid falling victim to scams.

Here are five tips for finding a legitimate job with the United Nations or other international organizations:

1. Research the organization. Look for reviews from other employees, check the organization’s website and social media accounts, and see if the organization is listed on reputable job search websites.
2. Check the organization’s contact information. Make sure the organization’s contact information, such as its address and phone number, is legitimate. If the organization only provides an email address or a PO box, it may be a red flag.
3. Use only reliable job search websites and aggregators. There are many job search websites and aggregators that collect job listings from a variety of sources, but not all of these sources are reliable. To avoid falling victim to scams, it is important to use only reputable job search websites and aggregators that collect job listings from official sources, such as untalent.org.
4. Verify the job posting. Scammers often use fake job postings to lure potential victims. Check the job posting for typos or other errors, and see if the job description and requirements match the organization’s line of business.
5. Use only official channels to apply (which is different than looking for) for jobs. The United Nations and other international organizations have official websites and recruitment processes. If you are applying for a job with one of these organizations, make sure you are using their official channels and not responding to unsolicited emails or social media messages.
6. Use a tool like unfraud.org. This tool allows you to check an email address or a website URL to see if it has been reported as fraudulent. Simply enter the email address or URL into the search bar, and the tool will tell you if it has been reported as a scam.
7. In case of doubt, contact the organization directly. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a job offer, contact the organization directly to verify the job posting and the person who contacted you. This will help you avoid falling victim to a scam.
8. Be aware of common scams. Scammers often use fake job offers to trick job seekers into giving them money or personal information. Be wary of job offers that require you to pay a fee, provide sensitive information, or transfer money.
9. Don’t pay for a job. Legitimate employers never ask job seekers to pay for training, background checks, or other expenses. If you are asked to pay for anything in order to be considered for a job, it is likely a scam.
10. Be patient. The recruitment process for jobs with the United Nations and other international organizations can be long and competitive. If you are offered a job, make sure you have all the necessary information and take the time to verify the legitimacy of the offer before accepting. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the job on your first try — keep applying and eventually you will find the right opportunity.
11. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right about a job offer, it probably isn’t. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and trust your instincts. If you are unsure whether a job offer is legitimate, it is always better to be safe than sorry and avoid it altogether.

By following these tips and using the right tools, you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams and increase your chances of finding a legitimate job with the United Nations or another international organization. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so take the time to do your research before accepting any job offers.

Stay safe, and good luck!