Recruitment Process

FAQ

1. Why should I consider working for the World Bank?

   Working for the World Bank gives you a chance to have a real impact on people’s lives. We offer global careers in a diverse work environment.

2. How should I start my job search with the World Bank?

   All jobs are advertised on the World Bank’s Careers website. We also advertise on LinkedIn.

3. Can I send in my CV to be considered for any possible future opening?

   Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot accept unsolicited applications for unspecified roles. However, you can join our talent community and be informed about upcoming World Bank career events.

4. How can I be notified about new vacancies that fit my profile?

   We recommend you register for job alerts in your specific area of interest and expertise. When those jobs are advertised, you will be alerted.

5. How long are jobs advertised online?

   We typically advertise jobs for two weeks.

6. How important is a Statement of Interest?

   The Statement of Interest (SOI) is very important. Selection committees read the SOI carefully to understand the applicant’s motivation and experience. Your SOI should be tailored to the position to which you are applying and should help the reader understand your unique qualifications.

7. How important are the application screening questions?

   Applicant screening questions are an important part of the longlisting process. If candidates give false responses to the screening questions, we will reject that application.

8. If I apply to an advertised position, will I hear back about the status of my application?

   Yes, all candidates will receive an auto-generated email informing them of their shortlisted or non-shortlisted status.

9. Do you conduct references?

   Yes, all appointments are subject to the successful completion of reference checks.

10. Do you conduct background checks? How long does the background and security check take?

    All appointments are subject to successful completion of a background and security check. It depends on the nationality, but typically the background check takes about 3-5 weeks.

11. What can I expect in an interview?

    Most interviews at the World Bank are panel interviews, and often conducted virtually, because not all panel members and the candidate are physically in the same location.

     

    You can expect a 45-60 minute technical and behavioral interview by a panel of experts chosen by the hiring team to assess candidates for the role. Some teams use tests, case studies, or other assessment tools in their recruitment process.

12. If I am interviewed, how long until I hear back from the hiring team?

    We expect the entire recruitment process, from advertisement to selection, to take no more than 90 days.

13. What is the age limit to participate in the Young Professionals Program, Junior Professional Associate, and Bank Internship Program?

    The age limit for Young Professionals Program is 32. The age limit for the Junior Professional Associate is 32. There is no age limit for the Bank Internship Program but candidates are required to be enrolled in a graduate degree program.

14. When can I apply to the Bank Internship Program (BIP)?

    The BIP is open for applications in January for the Spring cohort.

15. What are the different appointment types at the World Bank?

    Short Term Consultants: Appointments vary by grade and duration (150 day maximum per year) with few benefits.

    Extended Term: One-year contracts that have a lifetime cap of three years, with some benefits.

    Staff Positions: Renewable appointments between one to five years with full benefits; headquarter appointments are paid in U.S. dollars (USD); Local and Third Country National appointments are paid according to the local salary scale.

16. What should applicants do to pursue a job at the World Bank?

    Visit the World Bank website to familiarize yourself with the institution and your areas of interest, study World Bank projects, read World Bank blogs.

     

    Follow us online – We are on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

    The World Bank Open Learning Campus offers free courses on development.

    Attend World Bank virtual events: https://live.worldbank.org.

    Learn new languages to complement your experience (French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic are sought after).

17. The World Bank salary scales are very wide. If I am selected for a job, what is a realistic expectation for an entry salary offer?

    Entry salaries are calculated based on years of relevant experience and internal comparators with similar backgrounds, doing similar level work. Most new hires can expect an entry salary between the minimum and midpoint of the grade. Offers above the midpoint require special authorization.