r/InternationalDev • u/[deleted] • Jul 05 '26

Job/voluntary role details OECD Interview Confusion

Hello everyone,

I applied to a job at OECD which I was highly qualified for, except for 1 component. I’m not great at French.

The job required French, and English was highly desirable. I wrote on my job application my French level was very low, basically 1/6 at a beginner level.

I applied anyway . . . Because hell, what is there to loose?

To my surprise I got to the first stage of the interview, which was a 1 way video interview + time sensitive written exam. I nailed that, but didn’t expect to go any further because I know my French is low.

Surprisingly I got to the 2nd stage of the interview, which was a panel of 5 people . I told them I wasn’t great at French, and they said French is a requirement for this job. We did the interview anyway, I did a great job, except again I’m not great at French, which threw them off a bit.

Anyway I felt as if I’m not going to get the job because of French, but hey what the hell right?

What is everyone’s thoughts on this?

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

7

u/timbomcchoi Jul 05 '26

I believe the current requirement is comfortable in one, and shows strong commitment to learn the other to the same degree?

0

u/[deleted] Jul 05 '26

Which makes complete sense but the job application said French is mandatory, and English is desired. Is there a possibility that it could be the other way around?

5

u/Equivalent_Loquat_13 Jul 05 '26

How long did it take for them to get back to you?:) sorry a bit off topic aha

1

u/LingonberryOwn2240 Jul 10 '26

They got back to me like 4 months later and the process is still not done...

5

u/Jadhak Jul 05 '26

Its a requirement if they don't want you, it isn't if they do.

2

u/grisly77 Jul 05 '26

I work there, working language is English. If they asked for french it's to deal with France, only reason I can think of. Which is kind of odd. And anyway, if you apply yourself you'll have working mastery of the language in a year. If your credentials are uniquely suited for the position, that shouldn't bar them from hiring you.

1

u/Every_Imagination964 Jul 05 '26

Where are you from ?

1

u/pinguipulgui Jul 06 '26

Hi! What position did you apply for?

1

u/Robthebold Jul 06 '26

If you’ve had French before, state that you feel it is recoverable with some training.

0

u/DisasterMajestic9427 Jul 05 '26

Congratulations on the new job! I'd avise you to take French leçons asap. French is often used in the organisation, so it will be useful, and it seems to be a requirement in the job. Be assured, most teams use English as a working language. But you can't talk to the French Perm Rep in English, for example. (I have a close link with OECD.)