Published Nov 4, 2011
justjuniper
3 Posts
I have applied to work with Doctors Without Borders/MSF. They contacted me and set up an appointment in a couple of weeks for a "brief" phone screen/interview with the HR office in New York.
I was wondering if anyone has been through this process and if you could give me a heads up as to what will be discussed during this phone screening? I am aware that, should I be selected, the actual interview would take place in person at the New York office. However, in the info online R/T the application process no mention was made of a phone screening.
I am excited about this opportunity and I just want to be prepared. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
ReWritten
69 Posts
Unfortunately I don't have any advice for you, but I wish you luck in the interview! I'm curious to know how it goes for you. I'd like to work for MSF one day.
vineyardtraveler
I'm in a similar situation. Hoping you can shed some light on what to expect and how things have gone since then!
Thank you!!
BonnieSc
1 Article; 776 Posts
I'm curious, what kind of nursing/life experience have you had? I applied for MSF last year and thought I would be a viable candidate, after talking with others who have done this, but I got back a generic rejection that said "learn French and travel more". I have a hard time seeing how I COULD travel more, unless I did one of those pay-for-play, usually Christian-based medical missions trips. (I travel abroad every year and have spent weeks at a time in underdeveloped countries.)
For anyone who is interested, the phone screening is a very straightforward 15 minute call. It was a scripted Q&A; some questions were identical to those on the application, and others were in a similar vein. There was then time to ask the recruiter questions and discuss the next steps in the process. Not something to be worried about!
Let me start off by telling you this is the second time I've applied (and I'm not hired yet!).
I can tell you that I've been a nurse for almost ten years. My specialty is women's health, although I do not get the idea that what kind of nursing you do is that significant. I have heard they like to see some experience in the non-hospital setting. I have lived as a student in Latin America and Africa, and spent half of a year running a clinic as a volunteer in South America (it was right after I didn't get hired by them the first time). I speak French fluently, and I have a Master's in public health.
That resume has gotten me through the first rounds. When I applied the first time, I hadn't gone to grad school nor I had I volunteered abroad, even though I'd spent significant time abroad. I only had about 3 years of experience when I applied the first time too.
It made me SO sad when I got rejected, and I'm hopeful things will work out this time - but who knows? Just like every other job out there, there a million things that effect whether or not we get a job, and some of those aren't "fair"! If there's anything else I can tell you, please let me know!
Thank you! That makes me feel a lot better. I've only read posts from people who did get interviews on here. I would love to hear more about running the clinic in South America.
I didn't go to an in-person information session--I did the one online--and I think it was misleading about what they're looking for. I thought because I had charge nurse experience and spoke a bit of French, that would be all right, combined with my travel experience.
Best of luck to you!
Keira k
1 Post
heyy, I am planning to apply for MSF this year, but i am having trouble with my cover letter can anyone help me pllllz..