Career opportunities with the European Institutions Igor Merheim-Eyre EU Careers Ambassador Aberystwyth University

Choose EU Careers Commission Council Parliament Court of Justice Court of Auditors Economic & Social Ctte Ctte of Regions Data Protection Supervisor … and many other agencies of the EU Ombudsman

8) Why should I work for the EU?? A lifetime of different jobs Interesting and challenging work that makes a real difference for Europe The opportunity to work and travel abroad You are encouraged to learn new skills and languages An attractive benefits package.. have all of this…

What is an EU career? Two categories of staff – wide variety of profiles: Administrators (AD) e.g. policy officers, lawyers, auditors, scientific officers, translators, interpreters, communication & press officers … Assistants (AST) e.g. secretaries, HR assistants, financial assistants, conference technicians, accountants, ICT specialists…

More profiles and EU-tube Follow our “raconteurs” (blogging about their lives in the EU institutions) on: Read profiles/watch videos of officials in the EU institutions: Watch a video about EU Careers: All accessible via

What we look for Best candidates across Europe Motivation to work for Europe Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills Ability to adapt easily to a variety of environments and stakeholders

How to apply Single point of entry: –European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) Entry is by open competition –Notice of Competition published in Official Journal of European Union, also available via Organised in annual cycles for general profiles –More specialised profiles “on demand” Apply online at: EPSO selects candidates –Selection procedure = 5-9 months Institutions recruit from selected candidates

The competition

Who can apply – basic requirements Citizens of the 27 Member States Knowing at least 2 official EU languages –Currently 2 nd language must be EN, FR or DE

Who can apply - qualifications For Administrator grades: University degree (bachelor) For Assistant grades: Higher secondary education (at least) Relevant professional experience NB: Specific requirements for each competition – see Notice of Competition

Competition structure – general overview > 50,000 applicants < 300 successful typically 1 : 3 1. Admission Tests (CBT) – multiple-choice tests in 1st and 2 nd language – cognitive abilities – test centre in your country – all applicants 2. Assessment Centre – EPSO assessment centre in Brussels – competency-based – fixed quota 3. Reserve list – fixed quota See Notice of Competition for details

Computer based tests - overview Verbal reasoning1st language Numerical reasoning1st language Abstract reasoning 1st language Situational judgement 2nd language AST: Professional skills Linguists: Language skills (EU knowledge is no longer tested)

Assessment Centre Depending on the competition: Case study in the field in question Exercises relating to professional skills (AST) Oral presentation Structured interview Group exercises Practical language tests (ADL)

Assessment Centre - competencies Analysis & Problem-SolvingAnalysis & Problem-Solving CommunicatingCommunicating Delivering Quality & ResultsDelivering Quality & Results Learning & DevelopmentLearning & Development Prioritising & OrganisingPrioritising & Organising ResilienceResilience Working with othersWorking with others  Leadership (potential to lead)

EU Careers – recruitment process Institutions check profiles of successful candidates Candidates invited to job interviews Job offer Candidate accepts job offer, or remains on reserve list

EU Careers – the whole package An environment where you are encouraged to learn new skills and languages: –Strong focus on training and development –Language training encouraged (3rd language required for 1st promotion) Flexible working conditions: –Flexitime, part-time, telework, parental leave, career breaks … A great package of benefits: –Salary, allowances, pension, European Schools, childcare facilities

Other employment possibilities Temporary staff: temporary agents Contract staff: contract agents CAST published on 25 Oct for translators in all 23 languages Traineeships (5 months) Seconded national experts (typically 1-2 years) Interim Staff (6 months, drawn from local agencies) Commission Ambassadors: Training Seminar

More information, questions …