Frequently Asked Questions

Written tests are primarily designed to assess your technical skills, written abilities and proficiency in the Microsoft Office software suit. 

Remote written tests documents are being provided via e-mail and have a set duration.

Examples include:

• Multiple choice questions 
• Writing an essay on a job related subject / Preparing a business case
• Preparing a short report or drafting general correspondence 
• Preparing a presentation or briefing 
• Answering practical tests 

Remote final interviews are conducted by a Panel via Webex. Typically the Panel is made of 4 members (2 hiring managers, a Human Resources representative, a neutral member and a staff association member). These 5 members assess your performance during the interview. 

The interview takes between 35 minutes (for B grade posts) to 50 minutes (for A grade posts).

During the remote final interview, NSPA frequently applies the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) technique. This means that in order to expose your competencies you may be required to describe a situation you have faced, display the task needed to be performed, how you acted in that situation and what was the final result.

This technique will enable you to provide concrete and structured responses. Please note that personal documents / notes are allowed during the selection process.

• Refer to the job description (duties and requirements) and base your answers on concrete examples. 
• Structure your answers and rehearse 
• Align your skills, competencies and experiences with those requested in the job description 
• We would like you to have some knowledge of NATO and NSPA activities. We expect you to have an understanding of who we are, what we do and what you can do to enhance our Organization.

• Keep calm and positive 
• The Panel intention is to set you up for success.
• Be mindful of your body language, be natural and maintain eye contact with the Panel members 
• Listen carefully to all the questions being asked (take notes if needed) and do not hesitate to ask for any clarification.
• Remember to apply the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), in order to provide concrete and structured responses.