How to ace an EU foreign aid job competition

Thousands apply each time the European Union launches a competition, the first step in seeking a job with EuropeAid and other EU agencies. Yet only a small fraction gets through, about four per 100 takers. Given such stiff competition, what can candidates do to improve their chances of success throughout the selection process? Although it doesn’t provide any preparatory training for the exams, the European Personnel Selection Office, though its website and YouTube channel, provides a wealth of useful information on the competitions, including test samples. It also hosts events that allow candidates to meet and talk with, and in turn get advice from, its staff. Beyond that, it helps to have a multidisciplinary education, practice simulations, possess solid writing skills, and, most especially, be where the action is. Here are some additional tips for acing the EU application process and landing a job with one of the world’s most generous supporters of international development. Go multidisciplinary Candidates with multidisciplinary degrees are likely to have an edge. That’s because competitions, usually, don’t seek specialized profiles. Successful candidates, according to EU experts interviewed for this article, need to possess knowledge in EU policies and practices as well as a good grasp of history, economics and global affairs. Taking advantage of exchange programs such as Erasmus is one way to enhance international learning. Do simulations Some European universities offer courses enabling students to learn the role of an EU official, such as a commissioner or director-general, and simulate the dynamics and jobs within EU institutions. The experience can prove especially useful during the assessment phase, which tests candidates’ skills in a workplace setting. Institutions that offer simulations include the College of Europe, Centre International de Formation Européenne, European University Institute and European Institute of Public Administration. Write well Aside from those with a background in project management, people with solid writing skills stand out as EuropeAid officials do a lot of writing, from preparing an audit to drafting a communication. “I think you should practice [writing] when you are taking a competition to become an official because it is very important that you message come across in a clear way,” an EU human resource official told Devex. Be in Brussels The final assessment stage for EU competitions usually takes place in the Belgian capital. But that’s not the only reason to spend time in Brussels: It’s also the best way to learn the intricacies of the EU system, including its development cooperation policies. “It is hard to pass a competition from abroad [because] it is not anymore only theoretical, so you need to familiarize yourself with how the institutional system works,” said Cesira D’Aniello, director of transparency of the Council of the European Union’s General Secretariat, at an event in Siena, Italy, organized by the Institute for International Political Studies last year. Another plus: Some EU member states, through their permanent representations in Brussels, organize information sessions to prepare their citizens for the competitions. Visit epsoforum.com On the Internet, there’s a forum that tackles pretty much everything related to the competitions. Epsoforum.com, which is not sanctioned by EPSO, covers topics such working for the EU, tips on preparing for the different stages of the selection process, and published competitions. To view the discussions, users need to log into the forum. However, registration approval is not automatic, with new accounts requiring activation by the forum administrator. Got any more tips on how to ace the EU application process and land an international development job with EuropeAid? Let us know by leaving a comment below! Read more: - How to get a job with EuropeAid - How to become a EuropeAid consultant - How to get a EuropeAid job: The EU assessment center - How to apply for an EU job - Foreign aid jobs at the EU: A primer - EU staff reform at a crossroads - Successful consulting with EuropeAid - What eurozone crisis? – EuropeAid consulting trends and pay rates - The need for strong managers: Claus Sorensen on hiring ECHO experts