2017 EPSO Proofreaders/Editors (EPSO/AST/142/17) Competition Released

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) released the PROOFREADERS/EDITORS (EPSO/AST/142/17) Notice of Competition.

Under the PROOFREADERS/EDITORS competition, these six languages have been advertised:

Croatian (HR)
Danish (DA)
Dutch (NL)
Maltese (MT)
Slovenian (SL)
Swedish (SV)

While this notice covers six languages, you can only apply to ONE and select only ONE OPTION. It is important to note that you will not be able to change your choice once you have confirmed and validated your online application form.

Below we will explore the specifics of this competition and the selection process that you will need to undertake.

Getting ready for the EPSO Proofreaders/Editors competition?

Access practice packages here (these are labelled Linguist / Translator practice packages, but are the same as you will need for the Proofreaders/Editors competition).

Join the Proofreaders / Editors Facebook group.

View our list of webinars available to help boost your knowledge and confidence. For example:

Beginner’s Guide to the EPSO Verbal Reasoning Test - FREE

Pro Tips for the EPSO Verbal Reasoning Test

Snapshot of the 2017 EPSO PROOFREADERS/EDITORS Competition

The deadline for registrations is 7 November 2017 at 12.00 (midday), CET giving you less than one month to apply.

The European Parliament in Luxembourg is looking for proofreaders / language editors to perform linguistic tasks, including executive and technical duties, within their language services.

Working under supervision in a computerised environment, proofreaders / language editors are responsible for proofreading manuscripts / language editing in the language of the competition. For full details see ANNEX I.

The number of successful candidates sought for each language is 7.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates will need to satisfy the following:

Have EU citizenship
Fulfilled any military service requirements
Meet the character requirements for the duties concerned
Have perfect knowledge (minimum C2 level) of one of the 24 official EU languages – this will be defined as your Language 1
Have good command (minimum B2 level) of 1 of the 24 official EU languages – this will be defined as your Language 2. (Read below for more details).
Qualifications & Work Experience:
Completed university studies attested by a diploma, followed by minimum 3 years professional experience in a field directly related to the required duties. The diploma and the professional experience must be proven to be gained in your chosen language for the competition.
OR completed secondary education studies attested by a diploma/certificate giving access to university studies, followed by minimum 6 years professional experience in a field directly related to the required duties. The diploma and the professional experience must be proven to be gained in your chosen language for the competition.

Competition Highlights

How Language 1 and 2 are determined. Your Language 1 must be one of the six competition languages (Croatian, Danish, Dutch, Maltese, Slovenian or Swedish), while your Language 2 must be English or French.

It is important to remember that the documents drafted for the needs of the European Parliament are almost all in English or French, so do keep in mind your language knowledge requirement for your Language 2.

Selection Process

1. APPLICATION FORM

On the application form you will have to select your language 1 (one of the competition languages) and your language 2 (English or French). PLEASE NOTE: You will have to fill out the application form in your chosen language 2 (English or French).

To apply you will have to prove your eligibility and you will be asked to provide further information relevant to the competition (e.g. diplomas and work experience information)

2. TALENT SCREENER

During the application process, you will be required to complete a Talent Screener. Be careful how you fill this section out as your responses will be awarded points! Therefore, what you include in the Talent Screener may help you greatly in the selection process, when your qualifications are being assessed against other candidates.

You may be interested in reading this short Tips & Tricks article to get better acquainted with the specifics of the Talent Screener and how to maximise your score - How To Make The Most Of Your EPSO Talent Screener.

3. MCQ Tests

This phase of the competition is made up of a series of computer-based multiple-choice questions and competency-based tests that will include the following:

Tests	Language	Question	Duration	Pass mark
Verbal Reasoning	Language 1	20 questions	35 min	10/20
Numerical Reasoning	Language 1	10 questions	20 min	Numerical + Abstract combined: 10/20
Abstract Reasoning	Language 1	10 questions	10 min	Numerical + Abstract combined: 10/20
Language Comprehension	Language 1	24 Questions (2 sets of 12 questions)	60 min (2x30 min)	14/24

4. ASSESSMENT CENTRE

A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought will be invited to the Assessment Centre.

The Assessment Centre component of the competition will most likely be held in Luxembourg and you will be take the tests in your chosen languages 1 AND 2.

Seven general competencies, as well as specific competences required for this competition, will be tested through 4 tests:

Competency-based Interview (Language 2)
Group Exercise (Language 2)
Case Study (Language 2)
- For the 3 above the threshold is 3/10 per competency and 60/100 total
Field-specific Test (Languages 1 and 2) – 2.5 hours
- You will have to proofread and correct a test using your Language 1
  - For the first part of the test you will compare the source text in your Language 2
  - The second part of the test will be done without comparison to the source text
- Proofreading will cover linguistic aspects and typography. You will have to give reasons for the corrections made.
- The threshold for this component of the AC is 30/50 for each part and 60/100 in total

5. RESERVE LIST

After checking candidates’ supporting documents, the selection board will draw up a Reserve List, for each language, of those eligible candidates who have obtained the highest overall competition scores, until the number of successful candidates sought is reached.

How to apply

Make sure to ALWAYS check the official Notice of Competition and understand the rules relating to the exams. For full details on the PROOFREADERS/EDITORS competition and the selection procedure read the official Notice of Competition and the General Rules Governing Open Competitions to ensure you have the required qualifications and satisfy the eligibility criteria before applying.

To start the application process, click on your language below:

Proofreaders/language editors - Croatian (HR)

Proofreaders/language editors - Danish (DA)

Proofreaders/language editors - Dutch (NL)

Proofreaders/language editors - Maltese (MT)

Proofreaders/language editors - Slovenian (SL)

Proofreaders/language editors - Swedish (SV)