As everyone winds down for the holidays and EPSO has pretty much closed up shop for the end of this year, you may be surprised to find there is still some competition action happening. There are the COM internal competitions and a European Parliament competition for translators. Plus, one tiny one for Economists.
In this article we posted in mid-November we detailed the AD5 Internal Competition. A couple of weeks later the Commission released four more competitions. We will cover those additional 4 grades plus a couple of smaller open competitions below.
European Commission 2023 Internal Competitions
Here are the internal competitions announced this year:
- COM/AD5/2023 (AD5) | 120 laureates sought | applications closed
- COM/AST4/2023 (AST4) | 75 laureates sought
- COM/AD8/2023 (AD8) | 90 laureates sought
- COM/AD10/2023 (AD10) | 56 laureates sought
- COM/AD12/2023 (AD12) | 66 laureates sought
That is a total of 407 successful laureates sought in total. That's quite a large number, all told. The remaining 4 competitions' applications close on 21 December, 2023. These competitions also differ from the AD5 in that a Talent Screener is required and there is no EU Knowledge Test or Written test.
What all 5 competitions have in common, however, is the Oral Test. How to prepare for the, you ask? Look no further, EU Training has got it all covered.
Starting with the Talent Screener:
- Watch this Talent Screener webinar before you fill out your talent screener - get pointers on what to include, and what to avoid
- Application Assistance - You've already filled it out, you just need someone to check your Talent Screener
- Personal Coaching - if you need help filling it out and tailoring it to the position you're applying for
Oral Test
- Start with this webinar: How to Succeed in the Commission Oral Test | Internal Competitions. Join this interactive, live event and seize the opportunity to ask all your questions from experts Andras Baneth and Susanne Lindahl.
- Next, hone your skills by practising with these simulations, where you can elevate your technique and receive valuable feedback from your dedicated trainer and fellow candidates. Click here to see the internal competitions online training classroom schedule.
- Lastly, as you practice improv presentations and responding to interview questions, illuminate the areas where your strengths and weaknesses converge. Achieve success with personal coaching, ensuring a tailored and focused approach to your Commission aspirations.
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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT | OPEN COMPETITION
Here is an exciting non-EPSO, open competition with a total of 60 successful laureates sought. That's not so large-scale, but it's not peanuts either. This is a great opportunity for translators!
- Link: OPEN COMPETITION PE/AD/299/2023/TRAD - INTERCULTURAL AND LANGUAGE PROFESSIONAL
- Reference no.: PE/AD/299/2023/TRAD
- Location: Luxembourg | Directorate-General for Translation (DG TRAD)
- Profile sought: INTERCULTURAL AND LANGUAGE PROFESSIONAL
- Grade / step / salary: AD 5 / first step / 5 453.02 EUR per month
- Languages sought:
- German (12 successful candidates)
- Croatian (12 successful candidates)
- Lithuanian (12 successful candidates)
- Hungarian (12 successful candidates)
- Slovenian (12 successful candidates)
- Apply by: 12 January 2024 (17:00, Luxembourg time)
- Full details about eligibility, etc., here in the Notice of Competition.
How to Prepare?
---> Talent Evaluator
A talent screener, in other words. This plays a crucial role in the selection process.
- Talent Screener webinar: During this webinar, our experts will talk about how it is scored, how to avoid common mistakes and will give their best tips on how to prepare a stellar Talent Screener.
- Application assistance: If you've filled it out and would like maximise your chances of success, have it checked by one of our experts
- Personal Coaching: If you're having trouble getting started, try a focused personal coaching session to get expert tips on how to approach filling the talent evaluator out.
---> Language Test MCQ
Anyone who applies will sit this pre-selection MCQ consisting of 40 questions assessing the ability to identify information relating to the values of the European Union and the role of the European Parliament. According to the NoC candidates will have maximum 80 minutes to complete the test.
---> Translation tests
Practice, practice, practice! Based on the job description in the NoC, you should practice by translating press releases, social media content and any other documentation released by the European Parliament. You can create subtitles for audio-visual content. Any translations or text you create you can then cross-check with friends or colleagues. Ask them for honest feedback.
A wide range of topics and areas are covered but all are related to the European Union. As it states in the job description, these topics are 'often complex and generally deal with political, legal, economic, financial, scientific or technical issues.'
---> Oral Tests
The interview is field-related. This means your knowledge related to the duties required will be tested. Study the Job Description part of the NoC carefully, make sure you are up to speed on those areas, and do a lot of reading to catch up if you feel you're lacking in some of those areas.
Read through all available materials released by the EP and DG TRAD to become familiar with policies and with the lingo.
Watch the Group Exercise Webinar to gain insights into how this role-play exercise works and how to prepare for it. Although this webinar was based on the EPSO Assessment Centre, much of the information is still relevant.
EU Training may also hold training sessions for to help candidates prepare for this competition's Oral test, depending on demand. If you would be interested in participating in a training session, please write directly to our customer support with 'PE/AD/299/2023/TRAD Oral Test Training Session' in the subject line.
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Chief Economist Team | OPEN COMPETITION
Although there are only 4 positions available, this is a good opportunity for those who are uncertain what will happen with the big EPSO Economists competition. Keep your brain trained and apply - you never know, this could be your dream EU job!
- Link to NoC: CET_TA_AD5_2023_Competition_notice_all_languages.zip
- Reference no.: COM/TA/COMP/23/AD5
- Job location: Brussels
- Profile sought: administrators (economists and financial analysts)
- Grade / salary: AD5 / 5 453.02 EUR
- 4-year contract, possible extension for two more years
- Applications due: 8 January 2024 (Brussels time / CET)
- Application form
- Languages:
- Knowledge of at least 2 official EU languages
- One at least at C1 level and the other at least at B2 level
- Language 2 MUST be English or French
SELECTION EXAMS
WRITTEN TEST
A written test in L2 assessing the following competencies:
- analysis and problem solving;
- quality and results;
- prioritising and organising;
- written communication,
INTERVIEW
Motivational and competency-based interview in L2 assessing the following competencies:
- analysis and problem solving;
- quality and results;
- learning and development;
- oral communication,
Prepare with...
Personal coaching - Get focused attention and excellent, expert advice to prepare for these tests.
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