Here are 12 questions that the Ace the YPP reference letter module answers:
1. How should your reference letters balance depth with breadth?
2. How should the reference letters complement and not repeat what is already on your CV?
3. What should your reference demonstrate in their letters?
4. What are the qualities that the World Bank is looking for?
5. How important is it to get someone working at the World Bank to be one of your letter writers?
6. Who should write your reference letters? How should your references complement each other?
7. Who should not write your letters?
8. Should you ask your supervisor if you don’t have a good relationship with them?
9. Who did successful World Bank YPP applicants have for their references?
10. Should you ask someone even if they taught/supervised you several years ago?
11. How should you prepare your references?
12. What information should you give your references so they can write the strongest letter for you?
10 things that the interview modules cover:
1. What is the best way to balance breadth versus depth of expertise in your interviews?
(The answer will surprise you)
2. Who will conduct your panel interview? Do you get to choose your panel’s area of expertise?
3. What are the four external implications you should consider including in your technical answers?
4. How should you prepare? Interview tips for PhDs and master’s degree holders. Do your homework.
5. Is there a written exam?
6. Types of panel interview questions
7. How should you structure your answers for technical vs. behavioral questions?
8. How should you approach the group interview (assessment center) and how should you practice beforehand?
9. Screening interview questions with examples of strong and weak answers
10. Things to do the day before your interview
Other techniques former World Bank Young Professionals on Ace the YPP will teach you:
Get crucial information for your initial application:
This course is geared towards the World Bank YPP and does not cover the IFC or MIGA YPP.
Welcome
Overall Application Process
Eligibility
Profiles that Do Best
Preparation
Join the Community!
Packaging Yourself
The Quickest Way to Strengthen your World Bank Young Professionals Program Application
CV/Resume
Real YP CV1
Real YP CV2
Essay and dissertation summary (updated July 3, 2023)
Real YP Essay
Reference Letters
Interviews
Interviews part 2
Video Interview Preparation Plan (HireVue screening, official group, and panel interview)
4 YPP Interview Questions and How to Answer them Better
What the World Bank is not looking for
Feedback
Sample World Bank YPP Offer Letter or Letter of Appointment
FREE PREVIEWBeyond post-interview thank you notes: Boost your chances of getting an offer
Review from Successful 2021 YPP Applicant
The course was helpful for me in preparing for the YPP application. It aided me in the different phases I went through (essay, initial interviews, positionin...
Read MoreThe course was helpful for me in preparing for the YPP application. It aided me in the different phases I went through (essay, initial interviews, positioning, assessment center, etc), giving me deep insight about how to prepare and what mindset to embody. I recommend for those looking for that extra tip/advice for preparation. It worked out for me
Read LessQuick Tips: How a YPP applicant could have improved her screening interview answers
An aspiring YP did not pass the initial screening interview. She did not take the Ace the YPP course and read our free articles. This is how she could have answered the screening questions better.
This article only pertains to the HireVue screening interview. If you pass the screening, you will be invited to the final round of group and panel interviews. For advice on the group and panel interviews, please see the video interview preparation plan and interviews module on Ace the YPP.
Question 1: What would your colleagues say your strength is?
Applicant’s answer: Her colleagues would say that she is a good teacher and cite an example of a student that she worked one-on-one with to improve
Why is this a weak answer? While this would have been a good answer for a teaching job, this strength is not applicable to World Bank YPs. YPs often do not have anyone reporting to them at all except for the occasional consultant. In contrast, data analysis skills are valued among World Bank YPs
Better answer: Her colleagues would say that she has strong quantitative skills (in data program X, Y, Z) and that people in her team turn to her for her data analysis skills.
Question 2: Describe a challenge you faced at work
Applicant’s answer: It was difficult to find data for her dissertation and she contacted numerous organizations until she could get it.
Why is this a weak answer? This is a generic answer and does not distinguish her from all the PhD candidates who have difficulties finding data.
Better answer: She could have told a story about a time she worked on something out of her area of expertise and quantified the impact of her work. Use the STAR method (see Ace the YPP’s interview guide for more details)
Question 3: Why do you want to work at the World Bank?
Applicant’s answer: She grew up in a developing country (Egypt) where it was difficult to access quality education. She was fortunate to receive private education and wants to give back.
Why is this a weak answer? This is a generic answer and does not distinguish her from all the YPP candidates who come from developing countries. More importantly, she wasted an opportunity to sell her experience to the World Bank and how she can be an asset to a World Bank global practice.
Better answer: The candidate worked in development consulting prior to her PhD. She could have described her projects and aligned her experience to her target World Bank practice’s goals and sold her skills. See our home page article: The Quickest Way to Strengthen your Application for details. She should have use it as another opportunity to highlight the impact of her previous work.
Question 4: Describe a challenge facing your sector
Applicant’s answer: Her master’s thesis focused on microfinance. In the microfinance sector, the problems lie on the supply side i.e. the microfinance institutions, rather than the demand side, i.e. the borrowers. Longer repayment schedules are associated with higher default rates. Therefore, the government can impose guidelines on microfinance institutions to require shorter repayment schedules to increase repayment rates.
This is a decent answer, but it can be stronger.
Better answer: If she read the World Bank YPP’s official website, she would know that the World Bank (public sector arm), IFC (private sector arm), and MIGA YPPs were merged into one. One of the World Bank Group’s priorities is to foster closer private-public partnerships. The applicant could have applied this to her answer by adding that the government and private microfinance industry can work together to adopt unified lending standards based on research findings.
Key takeaway: Align each answer to the goals of the World Bank global practice, think of what the World Bank needs. You need to sell yourself to be selected to move onto the next round. For more extensive advice, read and listen to Ace the YPP's modules.
About this course
This course was created due to overwhelming demand for career coaching. The advice is geared towards preparing for the YPP selection process but can be used for other development jobs.
This course is geared towards the World Bank YPP and does not cover the IFC or MIGA YPP.
What is included in this course?
Online audio advice on how to write your CV, essay, and valuable tips for the reference letters and interviews. Firsthand advice on the application process, packaging yourself, and what the World Bank is looking for. It includes two real YP CVs and a successful YP application essay.
How long will I have access to this course after purchasing it?
2 years or 730 days (even after enrollment closes, you will continue to have access for 2 years)
Apart from the online materials, do you provide a support community?
Yes, enrolled students are invited to join a hidden closed Facebook group and LinkedIn group. The groups are only for enrolled students and will not include any mentors. The community aims to enable you to practice the techniques with other serious YPP applicants.
Who are the people providing advice and why are their names not mentioned?
They are all former YPs from different cohorts, global practices, and countries of origins. Over a dozen former YPs from different academic and professional backgrounds gave advice and they have asked to be kept anonymous.
Do you offer personalized advice for my situation? Will you answer individual questions?
We are very sorry that due to work commitments, we cannot offer personalized advice tailored to your situation. This course provides advice to a broad range of applicants- economists, non-economists, reapplicants, new applicants, working professionals without PhDs, etc. We will not be able to answer any questions unless it is a technical question on using the website. [email protected]
Can you review my essay, CV or practice a mock interview with me?
Unfortunately, due to our work commitments, we cannot review your materials or practice interviews with you. Apologies, we do not plan to offer this as a paid service in the future. This course aims to provide comprehensive guidance throughout the full process.
Are you concerned that people might copy your YPP application essay?
We provided a real essay as a sample because we cannot accommodate people asking for essay review services. It is meant to provide inspiration for writing your own essay. If people copy the essay, it will be to their own application's detriment as the selection committee will realize it was copied and untruthful.
Can we contact the former YPs for follow up questions?
Unfortunately, they have asked to be kept anonymous so we will not be able to put you in touch. Please don't ask.
Read the Official WBG YPP Webpage
Excerpt: Do you have a passion for international development/finance? Do you have skills in economics, finance and political risk insurance in emerging markets, education, health, social sciences, infrastructure development, engineering, urban planning, agriculture, natural resource management or other areas relevant to public/private sector development? The WBG YPP is a two-year leadership development program at the start of a five-year employment contract with the World Bank, IFC or MIGA. YPs must have a graduate degree and been born on or after October 1, 1989.
YPP Mentor (this site) is an unofficial website that does not represent the views of the World Bank Group. The former Young Professionals are speaking only of their own personal experiences. They are not representing the World Bank Group.
Contact us: [email protected]
Please read the Official WBG YPP FAQs page before emailing us. We apologize that we do not have the capacity to respond to questions that can be answered by reading the official site.
This sample memorandum of indefinite assignment forms part of the 10-page letter of appointment. To view the full sample offer letter at no cost, click on the Free Preview button
THE WORLD BANK/Bank Group/M.I.G.A./IFC OFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: July X
TO: X (UPI X)
FROM: X
EXTENSION: X
SUBJECT: Memorandum of Indefinite Assignment
We are pleased to confirm your Indefinite Assignment to Washington D.C. This memorandum summarizes the provisions that apply to this assignment. Enclosed with this Memorandum is an estimation of the benefits you are eligible to receive under this Indefinite Assignment, calculated as of July X.
If you reach your mandatory retirement date or Term Appointment end date while you are on this Assignment, your Indefinite Assignment will end on your term end date/mandatory retirement date whichever comes earlier.
Staff Rule and Procedures on Global Mobility Support for Indefinite Assignments
The benefits defined for this assignment are described in Staff Rule 6.25, on Global Mobility Support for Indefinite Assignments. These benefits are summarized in the following paragraphs.
All allowances and benefits described below will be paid in the currency of your salary unless specified in the directives and procedures of indefinite assignments.
Relocation Benefits
For relocation to Washington D.C on an indefinite assignment, you will be provided a relocation benefits. The benefits are cost limited to relocation from X, X to Washington DC, and include the following:
I. Relocation Travel
For relocation to Washington D.C, we will provide one-way air ticket between X, X and Washington D.C for you and each eligible member of your immediate family who relocates with you, by the most direct routing and cost effective route as follows.
a. Less than business class air, if the flight duration is less than five hours, and less than first class, if the flight duration is more than five hours;
b. First class rail or bus where no air travel facilities are available for all or a portion of the relocation travel, or
c. Payment for mileage for travel by private or rental automobile in accordance with AMS 3.10
Children less than 6 months old will be eligible for an infant fare with no seat. The fares will be determined in accordance with airline regulations. Children traveling by rail or bus will be provided with the most cost-effective fares available under the regulations of the carrier.
II. Shipping of Household Goods
You may choose to have the Bank Group handle your shipping arrangements, or you may elect the Optional Removal Grant. The Bank Group’s Shipping Office cannot assist staff members who elect the Optional Removal Grant. Please advise us as soon as you have made a decision regarding shipping.
Surface/Air Shipments (available only to staff who do not choose the Optional Removal Grant) Shipment and/or storage includes packing/unpacking (except the disconnection and connection of electronic devices including but not limited to sound/entertainment systems and computers), and will be paid to the following limits:
Shipping of up to one 40-foot container of household goods;
Excess baggage grant of $X;
Transportation grant of $X
Storage in transit for up to 90 days either at origin or destination of the shipment;
Up to $200,000 insurance coverage provided for all shipments and the World Bank will pay half the premium for any additional insurance coverage that you may purchase;
The Bank Group will not pay any customs, import, export or related charges which may be levied on any goods or any automobile you may decide to ship.
The Bank Group will not arrange for the transportation, shipment, storage or insurance of pets, livestock or other animals, plants, firearms, ammunition, heavy machinery, watercraft, aircraft, or motor vehicles other than automobiles.
Optional Removal Grant
You may elect a cash lump-sum Optional Removal Grant as follows:
For staff relocating with one or more eligible dependents - $X
For staff relocating with no dependents - $X
If you choose the Optional Removal Grant, you must make your own shipping arrangements and may not contact the Bank Group’s Shipping Office for assistance. The optional removal grant is in lieu of surface shipment, storage in transit, insurance coverage for the shipment, excess baggage grant of $X and Transportation Grant of $X.
III. Relocation Grant
To help defray relocation expenses, staff will be paid a lump sum relocation grant in the amount of $X if relocating without dependent children or $X if relocating with dependent children. Such expenses include in-and-out transportation, airport taxes, meals, and all other expenses related to relocation. As such, travel expense reimbursements cannot be claimed on a relocation travel Statement of Expenses. As you will be relocating with no dependent children, you are eligible to receive $X as relocation grant.
IV. Temporary Living Allowance
You will receive a temporary living allowance for the first 30 days after reporting in your duty station. Your allowance will be equal to 125% of the hotel per-diem since you are relocating without dependent children or 175% of the hotel per-diem since you are relocating with dependent children.
As you will be relocating with no dependent children, you are eligible to receive 125% of the hotel per-diem as Temporary Living Allowance.
Resettlement upon Termination
Upon your termination, you may be eligible for Resettlement Benefits, as provided in Staff Rule 7.02, Benefits on Ending Employment, as amended from time to time.
Expatriate Benefits
Expatriate staff members holding G4 visas on indefinite assignments at grade GF+ and whose duty station is Washington D.C are eligible to receive a Mobility Premium for up to 5 years from the start of their indefinite assignment in Washington D.C.
Special provisions apply to:
- Staff members who are appointed eligible for mobility premium, but are married to or partnered with staff members of the Bank Group or International Monetary Fund who also are eligible to receive expatriate benefits.
- Staff members who are reappointed to the Bank Group within three years of end of employment and who received expatriate benefits during the prior appointment.
Amount of mobility premium
The amount of the mobility premium will be calculated and paid over an Eligibility Period of five years, with respect to a staff member appointed after January X, his/her spouse or domestic partner, and each dependent child by multiplying the Midpoint of grade GG by the sum of the applicable percentages for each of these individuals:
The premium is paid quarterly in arrears based on family status on the first day of the quarter at the end of March, June, September and December.
Suspension of Eligibility Period
Mobility premium is suspended when a staff member is on a temporary assignment outside the United States, on leave without pay, on a telecommuting outside of the duty station, or on external service.
Mobility premium is reduced while a staff member is on reduced work schedule. Once an eligible staff member returns to full pay status, or from telecommuting/external service/temporary assignments mobility premium resumes.
Termination of Eligibility
Please be aware that if you relinquish your G4 Visa status, you will lose eligibility for the Mobility Premium.
Conflicts with Staff Rules and Procedures
If there is any conflict between the information provided in this memorandum and the Staff Rules on Global Mobility Support for Indefinite Assignments and Procedure on Global Mobility Support for Indefinite Assignments, the Staff Rules and Procedure will govern. Please note that the Directive and Procedure are subject to change from time to time, and that you are subject to these changes.
Agreement to Terms and Conditions
Additional policies and procedures relating to this assignment are set forth in the guide (directives and procedures), Summary of Benefits for Open and Term Staff. Full information will be obtainable when you report for duty.
Please indicate your acceptance of this offer of memorandum and your understanding of its terms and conditions by electronically signing your memorandum and submitting via POINT.
The memorandum of indefinite assignment forms part of the 10-page letter of appointment. To view the full sample offer letter at no cost, click on the free preview button
YPP Mentor (this site) is an unofficial website that does not represent the views of the World Bank Group. The former Young Professionals are speaking only of their own personal experiences. They are not representing the World Bank Group.
Contact us: [email protected]
Please read the Official WBG YPP FAQs page before emailing us. We apologize that we do not have the capacity to respond to questions that can be answered by reading the official site.