Goodbye 2021, welcome 2022. The EPSO-year in one post

31 diciembre, 202131 diciembre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ Deja un comentario

Dear all,

The year is coming to an end and it’s time to recapitulate a little bit. What a year, right!? Nobody expected we would still have to keep suffering from COVID and its consequences, but there it is, making us score 10 points in resilience, altering our peaceful existence, and above all, altering our beloved EPSO competitions. Still, 2021 brought us quite many things, let’s see it. [If you want to read the Spanish version of this article – click here]

What were the 2021 EPSO competitions like from the candidate‘s perspective?

Long, very long, but as our favorite Pisan physicist used to say «Eppur si muove». Competitions that started in 2019 and got blocked by the pandemic, like Administrators in Competition Law EPSO/AD/374/19, Administrators in the field of Audit EPSO/AD/372/19 – AD 5 and AD 7 , Graduate Administrators EPSO/AD/373/19, went through and reached their end. Competition law and Audit were particularly challenging, part of the candidates took the Assessment Centre in person, while others did so online. Last, the candidates in Administrators in international cooperation and managing aid to non-EU countries EPSO/AD/380/19 – AD7 and AD7, after the longest Assessment Centre ever (each test was done in separate dates for each candidate, the tortu… Assessmen Centre lasted from May until the end of October). Now, we are waiting, fingers crossed for their results.

2021: a year full of hope… or new competitions

Despite the bleak prospect, life and EPSO went on and new competitions came to life, so we published more than 15 posts analysing different competitions, among others: Administrators AD6 in the area of Agriculture- EPSO/AD/389/21; Administrators in the field of Chemicals Policy- EPSO/AD/390/21 ; Administrators (AD 6) in the field of DATA PROTECTION -EPSO/AD/393/21; Anti-fraud investigators (AD7) and Anti-fraud experts (AD9) -EPSO/AD/394/21 and Administrators in the field of maritime affairs and fisheries competition- EPSO/AD/397/21. In total, more than 500 vacancies were released in 2021, in addition to the 700 coming from 2020 competitions that were still going on (EU law, Secretaries, External relations).

After so many competitions released in 2021 and more still lagging from 2020, candidates are facing a fantastic traffic jam of assessments, talent screeners and eligibility checks that drive them crazy. We tried to update all of them at once several times (in January, July and November- info still valid). We also organized some free webinars to tackle the talent screeners, which were uploaded to our Youtube channel. Sometimes we received bad news, such as the announcement of no-competition for AD5 generalist in 2021, of which we tried to make semse in the broader context. Finally, in other occasions we gave you a boost when an Agency announced large hiring processes.

2022 is coming

Full of new opportunities, 2022 will open with 9 competitions for IT profiles (AD7, AD8 and AST 4 levels), right after Auditors will open again, with Space and Defense in parallel and many more. To be seen if AD5 generalist is back in town too, and what other specialist competitions are coming.

This is only the beginning, stay tuned and ready!

*EPSO opportunities right before the year ends, we’ll see what 2022 brings more*

And the YSE team did…

Each of these croqUEtillas (tender nickname for our candidates) has a name and a story behind, we are very happy we helped them to join the reserve list and soon, become EU-officials. We’ll be even happier when we can celebrate this properly

For us 2021 was hectic too, the team increased and we came up with new possibilities to help you. Wether it is our classic CBT trainings our Assessment sessions ( Competency based interview, Oral presentation, Situational Competency Based Interview, Field related interview, Case Study, Written test, etc.) CAST sessions , coaching or application review, we did our best to assist you. Did we succeed? We would like to think so. Dozens of candidates joined the reserve list in Competition law, Generalist AD5 (Graduate administrators), Audit or in specialized profiles such as Lawyer linguist, where we helped 2 of our candidates to get into the reserve list. However, our record is for one of our candidates who passed… 3 competitions! in 2 years. Last but not least, the Graduate Administrators in Spanish language, who suffered all possible curses with their case study and after a long long wait, got their results (4 months later than the rest of the candidates) but as the good stories, it ended well (at least for our candidates).

In the meantime, we have managed to create a TELEGRAM channel (EN/ES): Haz click aquí para unirte/Click here to join to keep you updated on vacancies, new competitions and all kinds of useful information for you. We also try to keep up to the expectations in our instagram,linkedin, facebook (don’t forget to subscribe and click on «like» 🙂 ).

Now it’s time to wish you a happy new year 2022!!! We are getting ready to help you achieve your goal of starting or continuing your career in the European institutions.

All of our 2021 posts in one list (from older to more recent)

Adios al 2021 y bienvenido 2022. El año EPSO en un post

30 diciembre, 202131 diciembre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 1 Comentario

¡Hola a todos!

*Nuestros mejores deseos van en esta foto*

El año está llegando a su fin y es hora de recapitular un poco. ¡¡¡Qué año !!!! ¿¡A que sí!? nadie esperaba que tuviéramos que seguir sufriendo la COVID y sus consecuencias, pero ahí está, sumando 10 puntos en resiliencia y alterando nuestra pacífica existencia y peor aún, alterando nuestras queridas competiciones EPSO. Aún así el 2021 nos está dejando mucho, veámoslo

¿Cómo fue el 2021 en esto de las oposiciones europeas desde la perspectiva de los candidatos?

Largo, muy largo, pero como solía decir nuestro físico pisano favorito «Eppur si muove». Concursos que comenzaron en 2019 y estuvieron bloqueados por las pandemias, como Administradores en Derecho de la CompetenciaEPSO/AD/374/19, Administradores en el campo de la Auditoría EPSO/AD/372/19 – AD 5 y AD 7, Generalistas AD5 EPSO/AD/373/19, llegaron a su fin en este año. Las oposiciones de Derecho de la Competencia y Auditoria supusieron un reto particularmente difícil, parte de los candidatos realizó el asseessment en persona, otros, tras un parón de varios meses, estrenaron la evaluación en línea ¡Menudo cambio! (más adelante os contamos que tal le fue). Por último, los candidatos en Administradores en cooperación internacional EPSO/AD/380/19 – AD7 y AD9, después del assessment más largo de la historia (cada prueba se realizó en una fechas distinta para cada candidato), desde mayo hasta finales de octubre duró la tortu … evaluación. Ahora, estamos esperando, con el dedo cruzado, sus resultados.

2021 un año lleno de nuevas esperanzas… o nuevas oposiciones

A pesar de que en 2021 parecía pintar bastos para todos, EPSO incluido, las oportunidades se abrieron paso y se convocaron nuevas oposiciónes, con ellas llegaron nuestros análisis y estos fueron más numerosos que nunca (más de 15 análisis), entre otros.: Administrators AD6 area of Agriculture- EPSO/AD/389/21; Administrators in the field of Chemicals Policy- EPSO/AD/390/21 ; Administrators (AD 6) in the field of DATA PROTECTION -EPSO/AD/393/21; Anti-fraud investigators (AD7) and Anti-fraud experts (AD9) -EPSO/AD/394/21 y el último del año, no por ello menos importante Administrators in the field of maritime affairs and fisheries competition- EPSO/AD/397/21(la lista completa abajo). En total más de 500 vacantes publicadas en 2021, además de más de 700 en liza desde 2020 y que se decidirán en 2022 (Derecho de la UE, Secretaries, External relations).

Con todas las oposiciones lanzadas en 2021 y las rezagadas desde 2020, los candidatos se enfrentan a un fantástico atasco de evaluaciones, talent screener, controles de elegibilidad que los vuelven locos. Intentamos actualizar la situación, todos a una, en nuestros post (en Enero, Julio y Novviembre- este último la info sigue siendo válida). Además de ir organizando webinars para preparar los Talent Screener, todos ellos disponibles en nuestro canal de Youtube. A veces hemos recibido malas noticias e hicimos todo lo posible por ponerlas en contexto y ver que no eran tan malas, como el anuncio de no convocatoria para la oposición de generalistas AD5 en 2021. O darle un impulso adicional cuando REA anunció un gran proceso de contratación (65 plazas de una tacada).

Además, 2021 siguió siendo un año en el cual mucha gente comenzó a interesarse por primera vez por esto de las oposiciones europeas y nos preguntaba si su perfil tenía cabida, con lo que nuestro post Mi perfil es … ¿qué oportunidades tengo de trabajar en la Unión Europea? ha seguido de plena actualidad, así como Los 10 mandamientos del opositor las claves que todo buen opositor debe considerar para triunfar y acceder a su plaza.

¿Qué nos trae 2022?

El 2022 viene cargadito de nuevas oportunidades, el año se abrirá con 9 oposiciones para perfiles de informático (niveles AD7, AD8 y AST 4), justo después de que Auditores se abra nuevamente, con Espacio y Defensa en paralelo y muchas más. A ver si el generalista AD5 también está de vuelta en la ciudad y qué otras competiciones especializadas se avecinan.

Y esto es sólo el comienzo ¡Atento que vienen más!

*EPSO oportunidades publicados en la web de EPSO al acabar el año, veremos que nos trae el 2022.*

Y mientras el equipo YSE …

Cada una de estas croqUEtillas tiene un nombre y una historia detrás. Estamos encantados que se hayan unido a la lista de reserva y pronto entren a formar parte del cuerpo de funcionarios de la UE. Más contentos estaremos cuando podamos organizar la fiesta para celebrarlo en persona.

Para nosotros 2021 también fue un no parar, el equipo creció y abrimos más formaciones que nunca para ayudaros. Ya sea por la via de nuestras cursos clásicos de CBT (9 cursos en 2021 y el próximo arranca el 18 de Enero), nuestras sesiones de assessment (entrevista de competencias, presentación oral, estudio de caso, SCBI, prueba escrita de especialidad, ) sesiones de CAST , coaching o revisiones de candidatura, hicimos todo lo posible para ayudaros.

¿Lo logramos? nos gustar pensar que sí. Los candidatos YSE (o croquetillas, como nos gusta llamaros cariñosamente) que se sumaron a la lista de reserva en 2021 los contamos por decenas en Derecho de la Competencia, Generalistas AD5, Auditoría y en perfiles tan especializados como Abogado lingüista, ayudamos también a nuestros candidatos a entrar en la lista de reserva. Pero si algo nos rellena aún más de orgullo y satisfacción es haber batido nuestro propio record, ayudando a uno de nuestros candidatos a superar 3 oposiciones EPSO(AD y AST)en menos de 2 años. Por último, pero no menos importante, los Generalistas AD5 que se examinaron en Español sufrieron todas las maldiciones posibles con su caso práctico, lo que les hizo tener que sufrir una larga espera hasta obtener sus resultados (4 meses más tarde que el resto de candidatos de la misma oposición) pero como las buenas historias, acabó bien (al menos para nuestras croquetillas) y dos croquetillas más se sumaron a las que ya estaban en la lista. Y por ahi tenemos a todas las croquetillas (más de 150) que confiaron en nosotros para las pruebas intermedias de EU law (Conocimientos de derecho de la UE) y Secretariado (examen de word) este verano, pronto nos veremos las caras para preparar sus asessment. Por ultimo, no nos olvidemos que a medio camino de 2021-2022 tenemos nuestros cursos para la competición interna de las instituciones.

Mientras, nuestra presencia fue creciendo via el canal de TELEGRAM(EN/ES) : Haz click aquí para unirte/Click here to join donde os mantenemos actualizados de todas las vacantes, oposiciones y otras informaciones útiles para vosotros. Igualmente, trabajamos día a día para estar a vuestra altura en otras redes instagram,linkedin, facebook o Youtube ( Subcribiros o dadle al like, nuestra becaria -croqUEta os lo agradecerá eternamente 🙂

Sólo nos queda desearos un feliz y prospero 2022. Desde Ya Semos Europeos nos compromentemos a darlo todo una año más y dedicar este post de forma muy especial a todos los que nos leéis con asididuad y confíais en nuestros cursos para ayudaros.

Nuestras publicaciones de 2021 (de más antigua a más reciente)

Analysis of the Administrators in the field of maritime affairs and fisheries competition- EPSO/AD/397/21

23 diciembre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 4 comentarios

Dear all,

*Ready to catch a slippery vacancy? All on board!!*

They say the ocean is full of fish, probably is true and also of micro plastics but If something is also true is the fact the the new competition for maritime affairs and fisheries comes bursting of vacancies, in total 86 spots for future AD6 officers of the European Commission. This is the last competition of 2021 and you have until 11 January at noon to send your application (by EPSO portal, don’t throw it at the see in a bottle).

This competition comes at the same time other competitions, such the ones for Administrators in the field of sustainable agriculture , EU law, Secretaries and External Relations are reaching their climax…we meant.. their assessment centre. Anyway, if something thrilling and exciting is coming is our analysis of the competition, composed of fresh and finest catches .

How many spots? When does it begin?

*Believe it or not, having the index at the beginning of the notice of competition is most unusual. Annex III and IV are worth reading*

A good number of spots are available in total 86 spots, There is for all!!! be careful, the process has begun the 9 December and it will be open for joining until 11 January NOON (let’s say 11.59 AM CET). Until then, you can fill in and validate your application. Approximately you have been given one month +2 days , that’s more than enough but don’t fell sleep or party too much during the Christmas break.

What are criteria to be a candidate?

The classic(or general): Enjoy full rights as a citizen of a Member State of the EU (UK is not longer an option), meet any obligations under national laws on military service and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned

Specific criteria – languages

*Voilà! a short summary of the languages thing. Be careful not to mix them.*

LANGUAGE 1: You can choose among the 24 official languages of the EU and you should have, minimum, C1. If you are a native speaker, you should qualify yourself as C2 and CAREFUL! do not put any item of the level of language under C1 (otherwise you will be disqualified automatically). The CBT (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning) test will be taken in this language 1 and also we can fill in our application (INCLUDING the ‘Talent Screener’ section) in this language. Yes! first time the talent is done in language 1.

LANGUAGE 2: You can choose among the 24 official languages of the EU (Yes, we said 24, it’s not a typo) provided the language 2 is different than language 1. Here we need a B2 level minimum (no need of having a degree to justify it, the assessment will be in this language and if you can work through it, then you have the level required). Remember not to put any item (written, oral level, or any other) below B2 level in your application.

*In case you didn’t believe us , check with your own eyes than language 1 and 2 can NOT be the same*

REMINDER – language 1 and language 2 can not be the same. Even if you try, the application form will alert you. On the bright side, communication with EPSO can take place in one of the languages you have declared in your application form at B2 level or higher.

Specific conditions – Work experience and studies

These are the typical (and long) duties for an officer in the area of fisheries (annex I of the notice). Good to know they don’t ask you to know how to cook the fish

Option 1 : LONGER ACADEMIC BACKGROUND+PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – you’ll need a university degree (of minimum 4 years length attested by a diploma (they don’t say in what) , followed by at least 3 years’ professional experience directly related to the duties as indicated in Annex I.

Option 2 : SHORTER ACADEMIC BACKGROUND+PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – this time with a 3 years degree attested by a diploma followed by at least 4 years’ professional experience directly related to the duties as indicated in Annex I.

REMEMBER! To explain the part «professional experience directly related to the duties» means that when describing your professional experience in the application (CV- work experience), you must clearly identify the experiences and activities equal or similar to those you are expected to do in the European Institutions and described in the notice (annex I, check our photo too). In order to do so, our past webinar could help or check our youtube channel where we’ll publish a video talking about it.

What are the test I have to pass? and the competition phases?

Based on the notice + our experience we split the process in 5 phases : 1) fill in the application, 2) Eligibility check and talent screener , 3) The CBT test, 4) the assesment. 5) Check of supporting documents.

Phase 1 – You got until 11 January (noon) to send your application and before that, complete all its pages with love and care. This is the first step of a competition and the way to differentiate you from many other, perhaps hundreds, of candidates and also it gives you the green light from phase 2 to phase 3.

*There you have the questions. No need to have a crystal boll to know them, just the notice of competition*

(wait we are still in phase 1) What is a TALENT SCREENER? This is a list of questions according to the selection criteria that you must answer in your application, these questions are on the Annex II of the call . The board of the competition is in charge of evaluating the answers. Keep in mind that all candidates answer the same questions. In this way, the responses of all the candidates are structured in the same way, which allows the board to make an evaluation (as objective as such type of test allows) of the compared merits of all the candidates. To sum up, the points that will assessed in the talent (look annex III for full detail or the application form), you really need to have real experience dealing with policy in the areas of fisheries and similar.

Phase 2 – The eligibility check involves verifying compliance with the eligibility conditions. For that part, EPSO have made some changes in the form (see photos) to make easier the assessment of the professional experience length and use it to create a ranking of candidates, from the most experiences to the less one.

The items introduced to make quantifiable your relevant work experience

If you pass the eligibility, you’ll get a communication informing you that you are in the Talent screener evaluation. Again, here you can do nothing but wait. It is the task of the board to read your talent and rate it. We remind you the selection based on qualifications will be carried out, only for those candidates deemed eligible… , using solely the information provided in the Talent Screener section (in language 1). You should therefore include all relevant information in your Talent Screener answers, even if already mentioned in other sections of your application form. The questions are based on the selection criteria included in this notice (see above). Our past webinar could help on this step , also check our youtube channel where we’ll publish a video talking about this competition in particular.

*the list of question, piece of (fish)cake to answer them.*

Phase 3 Reasoning tests: The wait is over and you are one of the candidates who pass, up to a total of 3 times the places, we are talking about 255 candidates. The first test will be the classic CBT (computer based test) This includes our classic verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning, remember, for your mental peace, you only need to get a 10 out 20 in verbal or 10 points with numerical+abstract. This phase will be passed by all those who exceed the minimum score, so relax and don’t get too nervous, this is easier than it looks, trust yourself!

About verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning won’t talk here too much (you can visit our blog and also you can find here our resources and trainings .

Phase 4 Assessment. We have reached the final test, in addition to having to present all our papers in digital format, the famous USB memory stick from the past, now the «Link supporting documents» button in your EPSO profile to upload the pertinent papers before your assessment, so prepare them in advance). And from the test perspective, the things get peculiar, VERY peculiar. While the test are the old ones : Case study and Competency based interview , we see that each competence will be assessed with one test only (for AD’s usually was 2 test) and you don’t need minimum mark per competence (usually 3 or 4 out of 10) but an overall of 40 out of 80. This shouldn’t change much , if any, make things more accessible from the competence part.
The key part is the field-related test where you will have to demonstrate your applied knowledge, and above all, your relevant experience for this position. To do so, you will have the Interview in the Field (also structured but with clear focus on your work experience; yes, we insist on this). You can obtain up to 100 points in that test. (we can help with that too) so prepare it well!

Do you see? simple case study and competency-based interview, then the field related and ready!!! It’s easier than it looks, trust us, we know it 😉

Phase 5 Check of supporting documents. With the results in hand, just to avoid a waste of time checking those candidates who didn’t make it, EPSO will verify your papers and give you the final OK to put you in the reserve list. The validity of that list is 1-1.5 years and you will have to find your place in the Institutions (mostly DG MARE) , in any case, don’t panic, list are renovated yearly until they run out of available candidates. EU/EPSO budget can’t afford to waste money not taking you onboard after the resources spent in your evaluation.

What can I expect of this job? Is my degree valid?

Both are typical questions of all the candidates, therefore we invite you to check Annex I and Annex III from the notice of competition. In Annex I (image at the beginning of this post) you can find the expected tasks to be performed once you are an administrator in the area of fisheries policy (you won’t be caught by surprise). Also we remind you an AD6 will join the institutions with a net salary above 5.000 € and this can be higher depending if you have family dependent on you and other conditions.

In the Annex II we have a fantastic list of degrees and academic titles with the corresponding competition level we can candidate, also order by country, so you can check if your degree is enough and the right one to apply for this competition.

Can you help me?

Yes, we can!! (this sounds familiar , isn’t it?). First be attentive to our youtube channel where we’ll post a video explaining some main points of the application (send your questions to our email yasemoseuropeos@gmail.com if you want to cover a particular aspect in it, you have until the 26th) . Then, if this is not enough, we can offer our service of application review . Of course, we can’t forget our CBT trainings in Spanish and our preparation of the Assessment centre where the practice can be done in English, Spanish, French or Italian.

List of useful resources

Guide to practice(for free) the translation test of the European Parliament Language Professional competitions

17 noviembre, 202118 noviembre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 3 comentarios

Dear all,

Some of you asked for advice on the Parliament competitions and how to handle the translation test, and of course we couldn’t ignore those request, so here we are ready to help you with some free resources. The competitions we are talking about are the following:

*Yes, the competitions are for this one*

Both competitions will take place at the same time and will be evaluated with the same type of tests, so let’s give you some tips to pass them with honors. Before we continue, we should remember the languages in which we are taking the exams (adapted from the notice):

language 1: English;
language 2: one of the 24 official languages of the EU; NOT English;
language 3: one of the 24 official languages of the EU; NOT English, NOT language 2. .

What is key?

Hard work. There are no shortcuts for this test. You need to master the vocabulary and writing style of the institution, particularly the Parliament (here a couple of examples: first example, second example-any of these reports). This means that you will have to master two levels of the language: formal or legal language and plain language, which should be understood by someone who doesn’t know anything about the EU (like this) .

Also, to bear in mind that the tests will be held online and in principle all on the same day, so it’s good if you are ready to spend 240 min in front of your screen while working hard. Be sure you are in a good shape by them!

The test

Three are the consecutive test will face

so, *all the 3 tests (a,b,c)* count equally and we can’t falter

Test A – Translation of a text connected with the legislative activities of the European Parliament from language 2 into language 1 (English)
Test B -Translation of a speech or a notice intended for citizens from language 3 into language 1 (English)
Test C – Adaptation of a text into clear language: on the basis of a complex document written in language 2, draft a new text, in language 1 (English), which reflects the content of the original but in a style and register that make the gist of the text clear to citizens.

Let’s go now test by test. We need to do well in all 3 of them, as only if we get the passing mark in test A will our test B will be reviewed, and so happens for B with C. The 20 candidates who obtain the highest number of points in the written tests (A+B+C) will be invited to the oral tests, provided they have achieved the pass mark in all of the written tests (ie you can’t pass with 19/40 in one test -below passing mark even if you got a 40/40 in the other two test, but you can pass with 20/40 in each test if 60 points is among the 20 highest scores), which are:

(a) Translation of a text connected with the legislative activities of the European Parliament from language 2 into language 1 (English). Time 90 minutes for a text with a maximum of 450 words

A nice proposal would be to practice with the Reform of the European Ombudsman’s Statute, you can divide it in two parts (it’s longer than 450 words) and you have it in Spanish ; French ;Italian ; German . Another example available in the 24 official languages are the Factsheets of the European Parliament as they cover a wide list of subjects and allow you to practice with some legal & policy terms. This test just implies translation, so any document from the institutions officially translated to our language 2 can help us as practice.

(b) Translation of a speech or a notice intended for citizens from language 3 into language 1 (English). Time 90 minutes for a text with a maximum of 450 words

Now it’s time for speeches, or similar documents presenting a less technical language than in the previous test. Here any official speech of the President of the Parliament could work. If your language 3 is French or Italian, you can use European Parliament’s president site to practice. Moreover, of course, we can’t forget about the State of the Union 2021 (which you have it in the 24 official languages), or any SOTEU speech from previous years (here for instance 2020 and 2018). Finally, the documents about the Political priorities of the Commission or other similar documents can also help you practice for test B.

(c) Adaptation of a text into clear language: on the basis of a complex document written in language 2, draft a new text, in language 1 (English), which reflects the content of the original but in a style and register that make the gist of the text clear to citizens. Maximum time allowed: 60 minutes

Consider it as a token for good luck

This is a tricky one, you need a complex document to practice. But what is considered to be a complex document? Something technical or on a subject not often seen in the media. For example, we propose the following report “The Use of SLAPPs to Silence Journalists, NGOs and Civil Society” from the European Parliament think tank. You can divide it into two parts, (the first from page 12 to 31 and the second from page 33 to 51), summarize each part, and then check your summary with the executive summary in ES, IT,FR , DE. Still, it is good if you can use even a more plain English when doing the summary. Another option would be the press release about any policy or political proposal, like this one for projects to decarbonise the economy

That is it for now! All the best to all the candidates who will be reading this post and also to those who just came here just out of curiosity. We really hope it will be useful for you.

If you liked this post or considered it useful, don’t forget to click on «like». If interested in more info, news and updates on EPSO competitions and our trainings to pass the them, you can join our Telegram channel or check or register for our next trainig sessions for the Assessment Centre (for both Parliament and Commission competitions).

Winter is coming!!! Well… Assessment Centres are coming (major update of all competitions)

3 noviembre, 20211 diciembre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 3 comentarios

Dear all,

We found the way to the way to the Assessment!!!

The cold is coming but EPSO is warming up and speeding up all the competitions. As many of you are asking about what will happen in your competitions, particularly : what are the next steps? When will I be invited to the assessment? When should I start to prepare the assessment? How should I prepare? Then let’s try to answer to all of you with the latest information available and our prediction for the calendars of each competition. In this post, you will find the information for the following competitions (by reference number order, just scroll down until you find the ones that interest you):

AD-Administrators competitions

Administrator in the field of Data protection EPSO/AD/393/21
Administrators in policymaking and law-making in the field of health, food safety, auditing inspection and evaluation EPSO/AD/392/21
Member States’ Structural Reforms and Experts in the Schengen acquis EPSO/AD/391/21
Administrators in the field of Chemicals Policy EPSO/AD/390/21
Administrators in the field of sustainable agriculture and rural development EPSO/AD/389/21 – AD6
Lawyer-Linguist – (BG); (CS); (FR); (GA); (HU); (PL) EPSO/AD/383 to 388/21
Administrators in the field of external relations EPSO/AD/382/20 (AD5 and AD7)
Administrators in the field of European Law EPSO/AD/381/20

AST and AST/SC competitions

Technicians and support workers- Technicians( AST3) EPSO/AST/150/21 In 3 fields and Laboratory support workers (AST-SC EPSO/AST-SC/11/21)
Proofreaders/language editors – Greek, Spanish, Estonian, Gaelic, Italian, Portuguese – EPSO/AST/148/21
Secretaries SC 1 and SC2 EPSO/AST-SC/10/20

Almost finalised Competitions

Administrators in international cooperation and managing aid to non-EU countries EPSO/AD/380/19 – AD7 and AD7
Nuclear inspectors EPSO/AST/149/21

*How candidates see themselves when they get an invitation to the Assessment Centre.*

WARNING – as we see too much drama around the competitions, we have made an extra effort to make all this a bit more palatable and funny. You can pass the competitions with a smile! (Still, note that the information is as accurate as EPSO competitions allow us to be).

When should I start to prepare the Assessment Centre?

This a recurring question and very relevant to prepare successfully for the Assessment Centre. Our answer is based on our experience and the experience of our successful candidates. We would advise you to begin the preparation for the Assessment Centre the moment you get an invitation for it. Assessment Centres (or at least the EPSO ones) are based on (or aim to measure your) competences and your expertise on a certain domain, they don’t require you to show knowledge, you will rather have to present to the board all that you can offer to the European institutions. To do so, you need practice above all.

What if I start to prepare as soon as I get a message saying that my competition is in the Talent Screener phase? Well, of course you can do it. However, you need to take several elements into consideration :

*Your face when you get the invitation for the Assessment*.

It can take months until the Talent Screener evaluations are over . EPSO doesn’t have a standard duration so you study without a clear horizon and you may run of stamina before the process really begins.
There are more candidates than spots in the Assessment Centre. Depending on the competition, the proportion of candidates who make it to the Talent Screener evaluation phase varies from 8 up to 12 times the number of openings. So it’s not easy. You can end up studying without being selected afterward. Is this a waste of time? NO! It can be reused in other EPSO competitions and other selection processes but it could also trigger some lose of hope in our chances to work in the EU. Lack of motivation is probably your worse enemy in this process.
Waiting time can be used to set up an action plan when you get the invitation for Assessment Centre. Because the moment you get the invitation, you have to run! Time and energy must be devoted to this goal. And don’t mind if EPSO is ruining your holidays because you have to prepare for the Assessment Centre. It is for your own good! (it happened to us too!)

What about my competition?

Let’s go competition by competition (from highest to lowest EPSO reference number). Please be aware that the following analysis is done based on the information published on the EPSO webpage and our experience as candidates (yes, we once were where you are now) and trainers.

1.- Administrator in the field of Data protection EPSO/AD/393/21

*That’s all the info we got. EPSO is publishing some dates step by step*

Status: At the moment we are writing this, no news from this competition, but the Computer-based field-related Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) test is ~~expected before the year ends~~ announced for the beginning of 2022, good! few more weeks to study with the risk of Christmas time in the middle (mind that!). Also, don’t forget to check your EPSO profile twice per week!. We did our full analysis of this competition here that we suggest to read, specially because the marking system is a bit different from what we are used to.
Next steps: Computer-based field-related Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) test from EPSO’s accredited centres or remotely.
What to prepare: obviously the field test. As regards the material you should study, we suggest to have a look at all the regulations and procedures on data protection quoted in the point «WHAT TASKS CAN I EXPECT TO PERFORM?» from the notice of competition and the Annex- I.

2.-Administrators in policymaking and law-making in the field of health EPSO/AD/392/21 – 1 food safety EPSO/AD/392/21 – 2 auditing inspection and evaluation in the field of health and food safety EPSO/AD/392/21 – 3

Status: Remember our analysis of this competition (profile 1, profile 2 and profile 3)? Well, not much has changed. In total, there has been 1454 applications (split in 710, 465 and 289 respectively on each profile). As for the spots available, there are 47, 30 and 30 respectively. So the wise EPSO decided to do the eligibility check first (CV screening) and then continue to the Talent Screener evaluation.
Next steps: CV screening and Talent Screener evaluations will take a while so we expect the Assessment Centre not sooner than the beginning of 2022, even later in Spring, considering there are other competitions a bit ahead of this one and will overlap in time.
What to prepare: When the Assessment Centre comes, you will have to prepare the following: Case Study , Situational Competency base interview (SCBI) and Field test (interview and written test). If you think we can help you with our trainings, you can check our next sessions or register for the next ones.

3.-Experts in technical support to Member States’ Structural Reforms EPSO/AD/391/21 – 1
Experts in the Schengen acquis EPSO/AD/391/21 – 2

Status: As you remember, the candidates applying for the Structural Reforms competition were far more than expected and the CBT was called upfront. Results were out at end of October and (again) candidates must be patient and wait for the results of the Talent Screener. After that, for those of you with the highest marks, around 135 for structural reforms and 75 for Schengen acquis will be invited to the Assessment Centre (end 2021 or most likely beginning of 2022).
Next Steps: drink some hot mild tea to relax, this will take a while. We don’t expect the results of the Talent Screener evaluations and the invitations to the Assessment Centre until Spring 2022 (if lucky by the end of winter 2022)
What to prepare: When the Assessment Centre comes, you will have to prepare the following: Case Study, General competency-based interview, Situational Competency base interview (SCBI) and then the Field test (interview and written test). If you think we can help you with our training, remember to check our next sessions or join our Telegram information channel where we’ll alert you when the moment comes.

4.-Administrators in the field of Chemicals Policy EPSO/AD/390/21

Status: It has been a long time since we did our analysis of this competition but it’s still valid. The eligibility checks were done and the Talent Screener evaluation results for 518 lucky candidates are expected in any moment of the coming days (early November).
Next Steps: EPSO usually prefers to execute the Assessment Centre in single blocks, without any holidays in the middle. Considering there are 135 candidates to be invited to the Assessment Centre, it will be difficult to get them through the oral test before Christmas. However, the written part could come before or right after Christmas time. Stay alert and ready!
What to prepare: Candidates will face the following tests: Case study; General competency-based interview; Situational competency-based interview and the Field-related ones (Interview and written test). Check our next training sessions if you think we can help you (we think we can).

5.-Administrators in the field of sustainable agriculture and rural development EPSO/AD/389/21 – AD6

*We thought about putting a screenshot from the competition but you know that one too well so we found our Agri-croqueta funnier and more encouraging.*

Status: So the CBT was done in summer but results took time to settle on the earth and germinate (bad joke). So first, candidates got the CBT results and then the eligibility checks were performed (whole analysis here). The last week of October candidates got their results for that and were informed about who made it to the Talent Screener evaluation phase.
Next Steps: Now EPSO has to evaluate more than 500 Talent Screeners, so this will take a while. We don’t count to see any results until February next year (at least), so your Assessment Centre invitations will blossom with the Spring lights.
What to do: Wait for the formal invitation to the Assessment Centre, then the hard work begins! Make some slots in your agenda for the time the Assessment Centre comes. You will have to prepare tests such as: Case study ; General competency-based interview; Situational competency-based interview and the Field related ones (the interview and the written test). And stay tuned to any news by joining our Telegram channel where we’ll alert you when the moment comes.

6.-LAWYER-LINGUISTS (AD 7) EPSO/AD/383/21 – Bulgarian (BG); EPSO/AD/384/21 – Czech (CS); EPSO/AD/385/21 – French (FR); EPSO/AD/386/21 – Irish (GA); EPSO/AD/387/21 – Hungarian (HU); EPSO/AD/388/21 – Polish (PL)

Status: The brave candidates of this competition faced the CBT in summer and now have been called to to the Translation Test (up to 8 times the number of available spots). It will take place in December and after its evaluation, those with the highest marks (4 times the number of spots) will be invited to the Assessment Centre.
Next Steps: The correction of this kind of test takes time, we don’t expect further news until end February or later, and the Assessment Centre for Spring.
What to do: Once the Assessment Centre becomes a reality, candidates will face: General competency-based interview; Situational competency-based interview and the not so common Oral presentation. As for the the Field related tests, there will be another Oral presentation and a summary in language 1 from the Language 3 without dictionary (that will be tough). Don’t forget to stay tuned for what will come next by joining our telegram channel where we’ll alert you when the moment comes.

7.-Administrators in the field of external relations EPSO/AD/382/20 (AD5 and AD7)

*Yes! EPSO committed itself with an indicative date for the results, we hope this will be the good one.*

Status: After a very long wait, candidates received their results by the end of September. But no further information was provided. EPSO is currently running the eligibility checks and we expect to know who has passed to the Talent Screener evaluation phase in the second half of November.
Next Steps: Still in the preliminary phases, the evaluation of the Talent Screeners will take a couple of months (at least), so we bet its results will be published at end of winter (end-feb/begining march) and the Assessment Centre will come in Spring.
What to do: Once the Assessment Centre becomes a reality, Candidates will face: Case study ; General competency-based interview; Situational competency-based interview and the Field related tests (Interview and written test). Stay tuned for our next training sessions if you think we can help you with our training. Another way of staying tuned is to join our telegram channel where we’ll alert you when the moment comes.

8.-Administrators in the field of European Law EPSO/AD/381/20

EU law results are in the balance. Hope it will be swing in your favour!

Status: It looks like yesterday when we shared our analysis and the sources to study EU law. Then, we spent summer struggling with the intermediate EU Law test (big applause for the 70 candidates who spent this summer with us and suffered our hard tests to prepare for this phase), and then came the long wait to get the results. Good news!!! The results were published mid November and now candidates are waiting to know the passing mark and with it, the invitation to the Assessment Centre.
Next Steps: We can expect this Assessment Centre to be the first of the year and begin in January (there is no time to do it before Christmas). So make sure you devote some time during the Christmas season to prepare all the tests. After that, there won’t be any time.
What to do: Right, after cheering for the new year, we can expect to face the following tests in the Assessment Centre: General competency-based interview; Role Play (yes, the new test); Oral Presentation and last but not least, well it’s even more important, the Field Written test. If you think we can help you with our training, you can check our next sessions or register for the next ones or join our Telegram channel where we’ll alert you when the moment comes.

AST and AST/SC competitions

1.-Technicians and support workers- Technicians( AST3) EPSO/AST/150/21 In 3 fields : Field 1: Audiovisual and conference technicians; Field 2: Building technicians; Field 3: Laboratory technicians and Laboratory support workers (AST-SC 1) EPSO/AST-SC/11/21

Status (updated after EPSO info release): At the moment we are writing this, the application period has just closed and ~~no disclosure of~~ the number of applications has just been released (389 candidates for 92 spots in Audiovisual, 663 for 114 spots in building, 378 for 20 in Laboratory spots and 176 for 15 spots on laboratory support) , and we know that EPSO will start with the Talent Screener evaluations, the computer-based MCQ tests (also known CBT for friends) will take place during the assessment. Full analysis here: 1st part, 2nd part.
Next steps: check your EPSO profile regularly. ~~In the unlikely scenario of the CBT coming first, it could be done by December.~~ The most likely scenario is that the first thing to come will be the CV/eligibility check and then the Talent Screener evaluation. If so, don’t expect your Assessment Centre until end of Spring 2022.
What to prepare: Good moment to briefly review your CBT notes and warm up a little, just in case, but don’t exhaust yourself practicing. Remember that the formula for success in the CBT is 3/4 of calm and 1/4 of practice.

2.-Proofreaders/language editors – EPSO/AST/148/21 – Greek, Spanish, Estonian, Gaelic, Italian, Portuguese

Status: It has been a while since candidates were informed that this competition was moving towards the Talent Screener evaluation. Results should be soon published.
Next Step : EPSO usually prefers to execute the Assessment Centre in single blocks, without any holidays in the middle. Considering there will be135 candidates invited to the Assessment Centre, we see difficult to get them through the oral test before Christmas but the written part could come before or right after Christmas time. Stay alert and ready!
What to prepare: Candidates will face: Case study ; General competency-based interview; Situational competency-based interview and the Field related tests (Proofreading and correcting a text). Check our next training sessions if you think we can help you (we think we can).

3.-Secretaries EPSO/AST-SC/10/20 – SC 1 and SC2

Status: After a long summer struggling with the Word test, (Word-MS Office skills to be EPSO-precise) and a long waiting until some candidates left behind could take their exam (their Prometric centre was not available), the results are expected ~~in the second half of November,~~ in December (following EPSO information) fingers crossed for all of you.
Next step: If not done when they publish the results, they have to perform the eligibility check afterwards so the process will put us in the beginning of 2022 to get the invitations for the Assessment Centre.
What to prepare: If you pass the Word test and have a CV that matches the profile of this competition, your chances of being invited to the Assessment Centre are quite high (remember that the number of candidates who took the Word test was relatively low, nearly 2 times those who will be invited to the Assessment Centre). Then, when the Assessment Centre comes, you will have to prepare 2 role play tests (yes, a new type of test but not such a big deal ;-)) and the Field-related interview. The positive thing about this Assessment Centre is that you can focus all your strength in the preparation on only two types of tests. Of course, if you think we can help you with our training, you can check our next sessions or register for the next ones or join our Telegram channel where we’ll alert you when the moment comes.

Almost finalised

1.-Administrators in international cooperation and managing aid to non-EU countries EPSO/AD/380/19 – AD7 and AD7

Evidence of the last try to do the Case Study. We don’t post all the previous attempts or this will look like an never ending soap-opera.

Status: Your are right, this competition opened in December 2019. However, as international cooperation projects experts know, nobody said it would be easy or short. The COVID crisis made things quite difficult and this competition got stuck for many months. Then the Assessment Centre was organised on a test by test basis, instead of taking all the Assessment Centre tests in the same day, which took a big part of 2021. But the «best» came at the end: the Case study and the Field written test, put the candidates in a very difficult situation as the interface/platform of the exam didn’t work as expected (or at all) and many candidates have to repeat the exam now.
Next Steps: Only the case study is left for those candidates taking it again. We really hope this N-time will be the good one. Perhaps you will be lucky and get the results of this competition before the Christmas break (crossing our fingers for you!).
What to prepare: to wish all the best of luck (with the IT platform) to the candidates for their exam and for those who trusted us to help them with preparation of the test: Do it as you know! You have prepared hard for it and you are more than ready.

2.-Nuclear inspectors EPSO/AST/149/21

*Most likely status of the candidates in this competition, until the results are out.*

Status: After a long struggle , this competition is about to end. Also, it is a good example of the evaluation procedure. Applications closed in April, and 440 brave candidates presented theirs. Around 80 didn’t fulfill the eligibility criteria, so 359 went to the Talent Screener phase, of which 118 were invited now to the Assessment Centre that took place this Autumn. As a souvenir, here some images of the process.
Next Steps: Wait, then stock some hot drinks, amusements and think of any other activity. If lucky, results will come by the end of this year, otherwise by the beginning of 2022.
What to prepare: Get ready for the Christmas holiday and get yourself a bottle of champagne. If you pass, open it to celebrate, if not, open it to close the long wait and boost your morale for next time. Your experience will be very valuable.

There you have the next moves in this competition. Only case study has been formally announced

Life after the competition… Let’s end with a sweet story

Each of these croqUEtillas has a name and a story behind, we are very happy we helped them to join the reserve list and soon, become AD officials. We’ll be even happier when we can celebrate this properly

There is light at the end of the tunnel!! In the last months we got the results of three competitions, namely Specialists in legal research-Lawyers-EPSO/AD/365/19, to EPSO/AD/370/19, Administrators in the field of Audit EPSO/AD/372/19 – AD 5 and AD 7, and graduate Administrators (AD5 Generalist) EPSO/AD/373/19 AD5. Two dozens of former-candidates, now laurates, to join the reserve lists and become officers in the European Institutions. Despite the challenges, the long waiting periods, the uncertainty and the new SCBI, 24 people (our «croqUEtillas» as we fondly nicknamed them) are now in the reserve list and most of them are already or right in the process of becoming Officers of the European Institutions. They did their best and we helped them to perform at their maximum level, now this effort has its reward. In YaSemosEuropeos (YSE) we’ll remain at your service to help you with the EPSO challenge and sooner or later, to celebrate your success.

Analysis of Administrators in digital forensics and in operational and strategic analysis competition-EPSO/AD/395/21

15 octubre, 202118 octubre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 3 comentarios

Dear all,

If you are a big fan of CSI and an IT expert in digital forensics, this competition is for you. Even more, if you didn’t like CSI but still you are an IT expert in digital forensics, this competition is still for you. The European Institutions need more and more highly specialized technical profiles, the world is changing and you can be a part of that change. Before we begin with our analysis, remember, if you want to read about the competition in the field of EU expenditure and anti-corruption and in the field of customs and trade, tobacco and counterfeit goods, which was published the same day, go to the article where we explain every detail.

How many spots are available? When does the process begin?

A good number of spots are available, 40 spots in total, distributed in 2 fields with 20 spots for Digital forensics (field 1) and 20 more spots for Operational and strategic analysis (field 2). Please note that you can only apply to one single field. Be careful! the process began on the 7th October and it will be open for joining until 9 November NOON (let’s say 11.59 AM CET). Until then, you can fill in and validate your application. Approximately, you have been given one month +2 days , that’s more than enough but don’t fall asleep.

What are the criteria to be a candidate?

The general criteria, as usual: Enjoy full rights as a citizen of a Member State of the EU (UK is not longer an option), meet any obligations under national laws on military service, and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned

Specific criteria – languages

Here you have the task for Digital forensics:

LANGUAGE 1: You can choose among the 24 official languages of the EU and you should have, minimum, a C1 level. If you are a native speaker, you should qualify yourself as C2 and be CAREFUL! do not say you have a level below C1 for any language competence (listening, reading, oral communication, written communication…), otherwise you will be disqualified automatically. The computer-based tests or CBT (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning) will be taken in Language 1 and also we can fill in our application (except the Talent Screener) in this language.

LANGUAGE 2: ENGLISH or FRENCH (sorry, you can only choose between these 2, duty calls for it and EPSO explain it long and clear why). Here we need a B2 level minimum (no need to have a degree to justify it, the tests in the Assessment Centre will be done in this language and if you can work through them, then you will qualify as having the level required). Remember not to put any item (written, oral level, or any other) below B2 level in your application.

REMINDER – Language 1 and Language 2 cannot be the same. Even if you try, the application form will alert you. On the bright side, communication with EPSO can take place in any of the languages you have declared in your application form at B2 level or higher.

Specific conditions – Work experience and studies

Let’s go field by field

Field 1: Digital forensics

*Bear in mind it will take time to fill in all the information that reflects the experience required*

Field 2: Operational and strategic analysis

To explain the part «professional experience in the field» means that when describing your professional experience in the application (CV- work experience), you must clearly identify the experiences and activities equal or similar to those you are expected to do in the European Institutions and described in the notice, so take a good look at the third column. In order to do so, our past webinar could help .

What are test I have to pass? and the competition phases?

Based on the notice of competition + our experience we split the process in 3 phases: 1) fill in the application, 2) Talent Screener evaluation 3) the Assessment Centre. Once you have passed the competition, you will have to decide how to celebrate it..

Phase 1 Fill in the Application – You’ve got until 9 November (noon) to send your application and before that, fill it in with love and care. This is the first step of the process, and the moment to differentiate yourself from the other candidates and all their experience (honestly, we don’t think EPSO expects a lot of candidates, but rather a few good ones with long CVs) in relation with the two different profiles.

Get ready to explain your IT Digital forensics skills

(wait we are still in phase 1) What is a TALENT SCREENER? The Talent Screener is a set of questions related to your academic and professional background that you must answer in your application, you can find the questions on the Annex II of the notice of competition. The board of the competition is in charge of evaluating the answers. Keep in mind that all candidates in the same profile and field answer the same questions. In this way, the responses of all the candidates are structured in the same way, which allows the board to make an evaluation (as objective as such a type of test allows) of the compared merits of all the candidates. Remember to look at Annex II or the application form for all the details, and if you think we can be of help, our expected to do in the European Institutions and described in the notice, so take a good look at the third column. In order to do so, our past webinar could help where we focused on tips to fill in the Talent Screener for specialist competitions.

PHASE 2 – Talent Screener evaluation. Here you can do nothing but wait. It is the task of the board to read your Talent Screener and rate it. We remind you that the selection based on qualifications will be carried out only for those candidates deemed eligible… , using solely the information provided in this Talent Screener section (in language 2) WITHOUT cross-checking with the rest of your application. You should therefore include all relevant information in your answers, even if already mentioned in other sections of your application form. The questions are based on the selection criteria included in this notice (check the photo above). The best of all this is that up to 3 times the openings will go to the Assessment Centre. We are talking about about 120 candidates, 60 per field (if our math is right… yes it is :-)!
Phase 3 – Assessment. Congrats! You are one of the 204 candidates with the highest marks in the Talent Screener and you have been invited to the Assessment Centre. We have reached the final round, in which we will also have to present all our documents related to education and professional experience in digital format (they need to be uploaded into a platform before doing the Assessment Centre tests), so prepare them in advance to avoid last minute rush.
First we’ll have the computer-based tests (CBT). We know, you though you have escape it… keep dreaming. Still, there is no need to get a high mark, only passing it is enough (like it is the case for CAST exams).

Now talking about the other tests, the competition turns classic. In front of you two of the most classic test you may face : Case Study and Competence Based Interview. Between the two tests you can gather a total of 80 points, with the particularity that you need and overall 40/80 to pass, but not minimum marks per competence.

Some practice, some effort and a some guidance and it will be done 😉

Anyway, although the more points we get in competences part the better (we can help with that), the key part is the field-related test where you will have to demonstrate your knowledge, and above all, your relevant experience for this position. To do so, you will have the Interview in the Field (also structured but with clear focus on your work experience) up to 100 points in that test. (we can help with that too)

When will EPSO contact me?

*All the situations under which EPSO will write you in your profile, not by email, although sometimes we may get a warning message.*

Many of you ask about when EPSO will tell you that you have passed to the next phased, or have been invited to the Assessment Centre, or…. you read/heard rumors about the development of the competitions somewhere. Better to isolate yourself from that noise and focus on the real messages. EPSO commits itself (it’s in Annex III of the notice of competition) to communicate with you after the Talent Screeners have been evaluated to inform you on the results and to invite you to the Assessment Centre. In the meantime, it can take weeks or months to receive any information, so keep calm. You can always contact EPSO too, as candidates you are entitled to do so but be careful, replies can be a bit cryptic or copy/paste from the notice.

What can I expect of this job? Is my degree valid?

Both are typical questions of the candidates, therefore we invite you to check Annex I and Annex II from the notice of competition. As you can see from the image, it sends you to Annex I to find all the details of your expected tasks to be performed once you are an administrator in the area of anti-fraud (OLAF counts on you!!!). Let us remind you an AD7 will join the institutions with a net salary above 6.000 € and this can be higher depending if you have family dependent on you and other conditions.

*Like close cousins, they look very similar but each field has its own details and differentiated task*

Can you help me?

Let share some useful links for this competition and any other. In the mean time don’t forget our training for Assessment and our past webinars .

List of useful resources

Analysis of ANTI-FRAUD INVESTIGATORS (AD 7) AND ANTI-FRAUD EXPERTS (AD 9) competition-EPSO/AD/394/21

13 octubre, 202118 octubre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 4 comentarios

Dear all,

*Not the same working in OLAF than working with OLAF*

What a season we are having! Instead of tree leaves falling, we have plenty of competitions blossoming. Rare flowers in form of competitions for specialist appear in front of our eyes, full with colors and small details to take into account if we want to apply. So after the competition for Technicians in audiovisual, building or laboratory, we got a new competition aimed for specialist and experts in two areas of Anti-fraud investigation : In the field of EU expenditure and anti-corruption and in the field of customs and trade, tobacco and counterfeit goods.

How many spots are available? When does it begin?

A good number of spots are available, in total 68 spots, distributed in 2 fields and 2 grades but you can only apply to one single grade and field. Be careful! the process began on the 7th October and it will be open for joining until 9 November NOON (let’s say 11.59 AM CET). Until then, you can fulfill and validate your application. Approximately you have been given one month +2 days , that’s more than enough but don’t fell sleep.

What are the criteria to be a candidate?

General criteria: Enjoy full rights as a citizen of a Member State of the EU (UK is not longer an option), meet any obligations under national laws on military service , and meet the character requirements for the duties concerned

Specific criteria – languages

*You will be able to use your languages in the above task*

LANGUAGE 2: ENGLISH or FRENCH (sorry, you can only choose between these 2, duty calls for it and EPSO explain it long and clear why). Here we need a B2 level minimum (no need of having a degree to justify it, the assessment centre will be in this language and if you can work through it, then you have the level required). Remember not to put any item (written, oral level, or any other) below B2 level in your application.

Specific conditions – Work experience and studies

Let’s go field by field

Field 1: Anti-fraud investigations and operations in the field of EU expenditure and anti-corruption

*If you go for AD9, don’t forget to explain the 3 years of professional experience in managing complex investigation*

Field 2: Anti-fraud investigations and operations in the field of customs and trade, tobacco and counterfeit goods

To explain the part «professional experience in the field» means that when describing your professional experience in the application (CV- work experience), you must clearly identify the experiences and activities equal or similar to those you are expected to do in the European Institutions and describe in the notice. In order to do so, our past webinar could help.

What are test I have to pass? and the competition phases?

Based on the notice of competition + our experience we split the process in 3 phases : 1) fill in the application, 2) The Talent evaluation 3) the Assessment Centre and the party at the end is optional.

Phase 1 Fill in the Application – You’ve got until 9 November (noon) to send your application and before that, fill it in with love and care. This is the first step of a competition and the way to differentiate yourself from the other candidates and all their experience (honestly, we don’t think EPSO expects a lot of candidates, but a few good ones with long CVs) in relation with the two different profiles.

*There you go! A poker of talents, remember you can play only one*

(wait we are still in phase 1) What is a TALENT SCREENER? This is a list of questions related to your academic and professional background that you must answer in your application, you can find the questions on the Annex II of the notice of competition. The board of the competition is in charge of evaluating the answers. Keep in mind that all candidates in the same profile and field answer the same questions. In this way, the responses of all the candidates are structured in the same way, which allows the board to make an evaluation (as objective as such a type of test allows) of the compared merits of all the candidates. Remember to look at annex II or the application form for all the details, and if you think we can be of help, ouexpected to do in the European Institutions and described in the notice, so take a good look at the third column. In order to do so, our past webinar could help.

*Remember that successful candidates will be mainly recruited by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).*

PHASE 2 – Talent Screener evaluation. Here you can do nothing but wait. It is the task of the board to read your Talent Screener and rate it. We remind you the selection based on qualifications will be carried out only for those candidates deemed eligible… , using solely the information provided in this Talent Screener section (in language 2). You should therefore include all relevant information in your answers, even if already mentioned in other sections of your application form. The questions are based on the selection criteria included in this notice (check the photo above). The best of all this is that up to a total of 3 times the openings will go to the Assessment Centre. We are talking about about 204 candidates (if our math is right..yes it is :-)!
Phase 3 Assessment. Congrats! you are one of the 204 candidates with the highest marks in the Talent Screener and you have been invited to the Assessment Centre, the final round. In this round, you will also have to present all your papers in digital format (it used to be a USB memory stick before, now in the online Assessment Centre you will have to upload the pertinent papers before having the test), so prepare them in advance to avoid last minute rush.
First we’ll have the CBT (computer-based test). We know, you thought you have escape it… keep dreaming. Still you don’t need much to pass it (like an ordinary CAST exam) and there is no need of having a high mark, only passing it is enough.

Now talking about the other tests, the competition turns into a classic. In front of you two of the most classic test you may face : Case Study and Competence Based Interview. Between the two tests you can gather a total of 80 points, with the particularity that you need and overall 40/80 to pass but not minimum marks per competence.

Anyway, although the more points we get in competences part, the better (we can help with that). Still, the key part is the field-related test, where you will have to demonstrate your knowledge, and above all, your relevant experience for this position. To do so, you will have the Interview in the Field (also structured but with clear focus on your work experience) up to 100 points in that test (we can help with that too).

When will EPSO contact me?

Many of you ask about when EPSO will tell you that you have passed to the next phase, or have been invited to the Assessment, or…. you read/heard rumors about the development of the competitions. Better to isolate yourself from that noise and focus on the real messages. EPSO commits itself (it’s in Annex III of the notice) to communicate with you after the Talent Screeners have been evaluated to inform you on the results and to invite you to the Assessment Centre. In the meantime, it can take weeks or months to receive any information, so keep calm. You can always contact EPSO too, as candidates you are entitled to do so but be careful, replies can be a bit cryptic or copy/paste from the notice.

What can I expect of this job? Is my degree valid?

Both are typical questions of the candidates, therefore we invite you to check Annex I and Annex II from the notice of competition. As you can see from the image, it sends you to Annex I to find all the details of your expected tasks to be performed once you are an administrator in the area of anti-fraud (OLAF counts on you!!!). Let’s us remind you an AD7 will join the institutions with a net salary above 6.000 € and this can be higher depending if you have family dependent on you and other conditions. If you enter as AD9 …. the next round of beers is on you?

*Like non-identical twins, they look very similar but each field and profile has its own details and differentiated task*

Can you help me?

Let share some useful links for this competition and any other. In the mean time don’t forget our training for Assessment and our past webinars .

List of useful resources

Analizamos la convocatoria de Técnicos y asistentes EPSO/AST/150/21-ámbito 3 Técnicos de laboratorio y EPSO/AST-SC/11/21 asistentes de laboratorio

26 septiembre, 20217 octubre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 7 comentarios

Hola a todos,

Donde dice técnico, también lease asistente que son muy parecidos los requisitos

¡El final de Septiembre viene cargado! Caen las hojas y con ellas caen las plazas de EPSO, 231 vacantes que nos llegan repartidas en 4 perfiles : Técnicos audiovisuales y de conferencia, Técnicos de la construcción, Técnicos de laboratorio y Asistentes de laboratorio. En el presente post nos vamos a centrar en los dos perfiles de laboratorio, Técnicos de laboratorio y Asistentes de laboratorio ya que presentan más similitudes y en esta otra entrada, hablaremos de los dos perfiles de Técnicos audiovisuales y de construcción. Para ello, lo presentaríamos en formato cinemascope, aprovechando que hay técnicos audiovisuales en nuestro laboratorio recién acondicionado, bueno más bien no,así que vamos a lo que sabemos hacer bien . Así que aquí va nuestro análisis ¿con arial 12 y formato justificado? bueno en formato blog, legible, dispuesto a informar y arrancar una sonrisa a partes iguales. Si lo que estabas buscando era nuestro análisis de la oposición de Data protection, pincha aquí

¿Cuántas plazas? y ¿Cuándo arranca?

*Parece un pocker de oposiciones, pero no lo es, EPSO va a tope y se parece más a un ordago.*

una introducción rápida al puesto.

Pues la cosa viene con un pleno de oportunidades, en total 35 vacantes divididas en 20 para Técnicos de laboratorio y 15 para asistentes. Con una limitación, únicamente podemos presentarnos a uno de los perfiles bajo código AST/150/21 (es decir, perfiles de técnico audovisiual, construcción o laboratorio) y si podemos presentarnos a técnico y asistente de laboratorio, ya que son dos oposiciones distintas. (tiene otro código (AST-SC/11/21 y por tanto es otra oposición) ¡Hay para tod@s! Atentos que esto ha arrancado ya y tenéis hasta el 26 de Octubre AL MEDIODIA para validar vuestra inscripción. Es decir un mes aproximadamente. Aquí tenéis la convocatoria por si no la encontráis. (y siendo así de fácil, seguro os la leéis de cabo a rabo)

¿Condiciones para poder presentarse? ¿idiomas? ¿experiencia profesional?

Las condiciones clásicas (o generales) aplican : tener nacionalidad de Estado miembro de la UE, el servicio militar cumplido y cumplir con los demás requisitos para las tareas del puesto.

Condiciones específicas – idiomas

LENGUA 1: A elegir entre las 24 lenguas de la Unión y debemos tener mínimo C2. Que nadie ponga en la aplicación ningún apartado (expresión escrita, expresión oral, comprensión escrita y comprensión oral) por debajo de C2 o seréis automáticamente eliminados. En esta lengua haremos el CBT (razonamiento verbal, numérico y abstracto) y también podemos rellenar nuestra candidatura.

LENGUA 2: INGLÉS o FRANCÉS (si, sólo podeis elegir una de esas dos, el curro obliga) aquí piden tener mínimo B2 (no hay que mandar título, si sois autodidactas y eficaces trabajando en esos idiomas esto es lo vuestro). En este idioma, no pongáis en la aplicación ningún apartado por debajo de ese nivel. Además, recordad que será la lengua en la que vamos a rellenar el Talent Screener y haremos el Assessment.

OJO – Lengua 1 y lengua 2 no pueden ser la misma, no seamos pillines y para comunicaros con EPSO, si fuera necesario, tendréis que usar la lengua 2. . Nadie se agobie, al rellenar la candidatura, el formulario os avisa si habéis seleccionado la misma lengua.

Condiciones específicas – Experiencia de Estudios y laboral

Pues aquí tenemos 2 estupendas opciones para cumplir el requisito de la experiencia profesional en cada uno de los perfiles

OPCIÓN 1- Técnico : EDUCACIÓN+EXPERIENCIA LABORAL – para poder presentarnos nos van a pedir estudios superiores FP grado superior (Técnico superior) y de ahí para arriba. , en línea con las tareas a desarrollar (en el anexo I, perfil 1 para audiovisual, perfil 2 para construcción, se describen o en la foto que tenéis un poco más abajo). A esto habrá que sumarle 3 años más de experiencia profesional en el ámbito de la oposición.
OPCIÓN 2-Técnico : SÓLO EXPERIENCIA PROFESIONAL –pues si, con que tengas un de enseñanza secundaria y 6 años de experiencia relacionados con las tareas a realizar ( el famoso anexo I nos las describe) ¡adelante!
OPCIÓN 1- Asistente : EDUCACIÓN – Un nivel de enseñanza superior de un mínimo de un año, acreditado por un título directamente relacionado con las funciones, tal como se indica en el anexo I
OPCIÓN 2-Asistente : EDUCACIÓN Y EXPERIENCIA PROFESIONAL -Un nivel de estudios secundarios acreditado por un título que dé acceso a estudios superiores o una formación profesional de 1 año al menos (equivalente al nivel 4 del Marco Europeo de Cualificaciones) y relacionada con el puesto , seguido de un mínimo de tres años de experiencia profesional directamente relacionada con las funciones, tal como se indica en el anexo I.

¿Qué quiere decir «en relación con el puesto»?

Ejemplos prácticos :

«en relación con el puesto» = si tengo 20 años de experiencia de investigación en mecánica cuantica y piden 3 años de experiencia como abogado, no lo cumplo. (y seré descalificado de la oposición)
«en relación con el puesto» = si tengo 3 años de experiencia cocinando croqUEtas y piden 3 años de experiencia en cocinado de croqUEtas, si lo cumplo

En esta oposición eso significa que nuestra experiencia deberá estar lo más cercana a lo que se indica en la naturaleza de las funciones, es decir, en el anexo I de la convocatoria.

¡OJITO! esto son tareas, no una profesión en si misma. Pensad que muchos de vosotros podéis haber realizado estas tareas trabajando en otros oficios, así que preguntaros ¿Qué he hecho de esta lista? (anexo I y II) y nada de «esto no es para mi/no me van a coger». Seguro tenéis más experiencia relevante de la que pensais.

¿A qué pruebas me voy a enfrentar? ¿cuántas fases son?

Siendo realistas, nosotros lo dividimos en 5 fases, todas ellas de suma importancia : 1) rellenar la candidatura (más importante de lo que piensas), 2) los test CBT, 3) la verificación de cumplimiento de las condiciones 4) evaluación de vuestro Talent Screener 5) el assesment. Y si os queréis hacer una idea de los tiempos para la oposición, al menos cuando no había pandemia de por medio, aquí tenéis un análisis

Fase 1 – la candidatura. Tenéis hasta el 26 de Octubre (al mediodía) para presentarla y antes rellenarla con cariño. Será clave rellenar con esmero confirmar que cumplimos con los requisitos, añadir toda la información relevante y demostrable (títulos, experiencia, etc. que tendremos que subir a nuestra aplicación cuando nos inviten al assessment.) y por último el Talent Screener. Espera …
(seguimos en fase 1) ¿Qué es un talent screener? es un formulario que hay en vuestra candidatura donde hay que responder a una serie de preguntas basadas en los criterios de selección del anuncio de oposición (anexo II de la convocatoria) . El tribunal es el encargado de evaluar las respuestas. A tener en cuenta que todos los candidatos contestan las mismas preguntas. De este modo, las respuestas de todos los candidatos se estructuran de la misma manera, lo que permite al tribunal efectuar una evaluación, todo lo objetiva que permite una prueba así, de los méritos comparados de todos los candidatos. Si necesitas una manita para encararlo, puedes ver nuestro webinar(no olvides darle al me gusta 😉 para esta convocatoria o si te quieres ver otra perspectiva, el webinar que hicimos sobre el talent screener para la oposición de agricultura.

Para los técnicos de laboratorio tenemos, en version resumida :

Experiencia en laboratorios: instalación, organización, calibración de equipos, mantenimiento y práctica de experimentos, redacción de informes o en la compilación de resultados técnicos de experimentos
Experiencia profesional en el desarrollo y la realización de procedimientos normalizados de trabajo en un laboratorio. Diseño y la realización de los elementos necesarios para crear, modificar o mejorar los equipos e infraestructuras experimentales de laboratorio y la verificación de la conformidad de las infraestructura o instalaciones del laboratorio con arreglo a las normas de seguridad y protección y las normas de aseguramiento de la calidad aplicables.
Experiencia profesional en la redacción de pliegos de condiciones técnicas para la selección y adquisición de material de laboratorio y equipos de ensayo.

Ahora vamos con los Asistentes de Laboratorio ( si los del código EPSO/AST-SC/11/21) que son como lo anterior pero desde la perspectiva de dar apoyo

Experiencia en laboratorio pero más que liderar el asunto, en cuestión de ejecución práctica de tareas de apoyo relacionadas con la realización física de instalaciones técnicas sobre la base de un diseño y unas especificaciones determinadas, fabricación y mantenimiento de componentes, utilización de máquinas herramienta.; la realización de experimentos.; modificación, mejora o personalización de instalaciones físicas.
trabajo con protocolos de seguridad y protección y en el cumplimiento de las normas de calidad.

Fase 2 – Las prueLas pruebas preliminares de opciones múltiples por ordenador (CBT- Computer Based Test para los iniciados y para hacerlo más corto) se harán a continuación en función del número de candidatos . Es decir si sois muchos, pongamos 10 candidatos por plaza (por redondear), haréis el CBT inmediatamente y si no llegais a esa cifra pasamos a la fase 3, dejamos el CBT para el Assessment. ¡Aviso! El número de candidatos que decidirá si esto va antes o después, será a criterio del President@ del tribunal. Si se realiza al comienzo, esta fase pasarán todos los que superen la puntación mínima, pero la evaluación de méritos y el talent (fases siguientes) se hará por orden de nota. toca apretar y sacar buen resultado.

*Sencillito de superar. Sacar nota será fácil para todos vosotros*

De la parte de razonamiento verbal, numérico y abstracto no hablaremos mucho por aquí (podéis visitar otras entradas donde si lo hacemos y aquí recursos y cursos, el próximo arranca el martes 28 Septiembre)

Fase 3 – Evaluacion de meritos (tu CV) verificación de cumplimiento de las condiciones (cacheo de tu CV para ver que realmente cumples el perfil y la experiencia). Asegurate bien que tu CV se ajusta en la parte de experiencia profesional a lo que se pide como perfil en la convocatoria. A medida que revisen CV, por el orden de nota del CBT (o todos en bloque si el CBT queda relegado al Assessment) y cumplan requisitos, se irá llenando la bolsa de candidatos que pasen a la fase 3, hasta un total de candidatos que EPSO marca internamente.
Fase 4 – Talent screener Aquí evalúan las preguntas que hemos resumido antes y tu has rellenado con tu candidatura, recuerda que las preguntas son literalmente el anexo II. Los que saquen las mejoras notas de esta evaluación pasarán a la fase final. Repetimos lo dicho antes, si necesitas una manita para encararlo, puedes apuntarte en el webinar que vamos a organizar el 6 octubre para esta convocatoria o ver el webinar que hicimos para la oposición de agricultura. Aproximadamente pasarán esta fase un número de candidatos igual a 3 veces el número de plazas es decir : 60 para Técnicos de laboratorio y 45 para asistentes. .

Fase 5 – Assessment. Llegamos a la ronda final, además de tener que presentar todos nuestros papeles en formato digital (la famosa memoria USB), aquí la cosa se pone clásica, para evaluar vuestras competencias tenemos las pruebas de toda la vida el caso práctico y la ~~dinámica de grupo~~ entrevista situacional sobre competencias ( ya todo un clásico del repertorio EPSO desde que arrancó la pandemia y también de nuestras formaciones ) todo ello en lengua 2

*Tranquilos, no es tan fiero el león( o el assessment) como lo pintan*.

Prueba especifica o de competencias del ámbito de especialización , como en las mejores oposiciones de especialistas tenemos una entrevista “de campo” donde evaluarán nuestra experiencia en el ánbito de la oposición. Recuerda que aquí te juegas 100 puntos de los 170 en juego, así que de las 3 pruebas, aquí hay que darlo todo y más . Esto se hará en lengua 2 (inglés o francés). ¡Recuerda prepararla bien! (si necesitas una ayudita, siempre puedes contar con nosotros, aquí nuestras formaciones).

¿ Qué puedo esperar en este trabajo? ¿y donde?

Aquí no va nada que no hayamos dicho antes, pero dado que mucha gente no se lee los anexo, os lo ponemos por si las moscas. Antes de eso, os recordamos que un AST 3 se incorpora con un sueldo base de unos 3.500 € netos (incluida cuota de expatriación) y que puede aumentar si tenéis familia al cargo y otras condiciones.

¿Y dónde es este curro estupendo? ¡OJO! – ¡AVISO A CANDIDATOS! La intención de EPSO es que los candidatos contratados a partir de la oposición EPSO/AST/150/21 para los ámbitos 1-audovisual y 2-construcción serán contratados principalmente en Bruselas y Luxemburgo (para la Comisión Europea, se dará prioridad a las contrataciones en Luxemburgo). Para los contratados en el ámbito 3-Técnicos de laboratorio y la oposición EPSO/AST-SC/11/21 de asistentes de laboratorios , se contratarán principalmente en los locales del Centro Común de Investigación de la Comisión Europea en Ispra (IT), Karlsruhe (DE), Petten (NL) y Geel (BE).

Estas son las tareas en detalle de los perfiles (famoso anexo I)

Listado de Recursos útiles

El CBT o los test psicotécnicos
El Assesment centre
- La entrevista estructurada
- Presentación oral
10 recursos gratuitos para preparar esto.
los Cursos YSE ( y si quieres apuntarte al de CBT, el próximo arranca en breve, puedes apuntarte aquí )

Analizamos la convocatoria de Técnicos y asistentes EPSO/AST/150/21-ámbito 1-Técnicos audiovisuales y 2- Técnicos de construcción.

26 septiembre, 20217 octubre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 7 comentarios

Hola a todos,

¡El final de Septiembre viene cargado! Caen las hojas y con ellas caen las plazas de EPSO, 231 vacantes que nos llegan repartidas en 4 perfiles : Técnicos audiovisuales y de conferencia, Técnicos de la construcción, Técnicos de laboratorio y Asistentes de laboratorio. En el presente post nos vamos a centrar en los dos primeros perfiles, Técnicos audiovisuales y Técnicos de construcción ya que presentan más similitudes y en esta otra entrada, hablaremos de los dos perfiles de laboratorio (Técnico y asistente). Para ello, lo presentaríamos en formato cinemascope, aprovechando que hay técnicos audiovisuales en la sala recién acondicionada, pero como nosotros no lo somos, vamos a lo que sabemos hacer bien . Así que aquí va nuestro análisis ¿con arial 12 y formato justificado? bueno en formato blog, legible, dispuesto a informar y arrancar una sonrisa a partes iguales. Si lo que estabas buscando era nuestro análisis de la oposición de Data protection, pincha aquí

¿Cuántas plazas? y ¿Cuándo arranca?

una introducción rápida al puesto.

Pues la cosa viene con un pleno de oportunidades, en total 206 vacantes divididas en 92 para Audiovisual y Conferencias y 114 para técnicos de construcción. Con una limitación, únicamente podemos presentarnos a uno de esos perfiles o audovisiual o construcción pero no a los dos (esto también afecta a los técnicos de laboratorio). Por contra, podríamos presentarnos a uno de estos perfiles y además a la oposición de asistentes de laboratorio (ya que tiene otro código (AST-SC/11/21 y por tanto es otra oposición) ¡Hay para tod@s! Atentos que esto ha arrancado ya y tenéis hasta el 26 de Octubre AL MEDIODIA para validar vuestra inscripción. Es decir un mes aproximadamente. Aquí tenéis la convocatoria por si no la encontráis. (y siendo así de fácil, seguro os la leéis de cabo a rabo)

¿Condiciones para poder presentarse? ¿idiomas? ¿experiencia profesional?

Las condiciones clásicas (o generales) aplican : tener nacionalidad de Estado miembro de la UE, el servicio militar cumplido y cumplir con los demás requisitos para las tareas del puesto.

Condiciones específicas – idiomas

Condiciones específicas – Experiencia de Estudios y laboral

Pues aquí tenemos 2 estupendas opciones para cumplir el requisito de la experiencia profesional en cada uno de los perfiles

OPCIÓN 1 : EDUCACIÓN+EXPERIENCIA LABORAL – para poder presentarnos nos van a pedir estudios superiores FP grado superior (Técnico superior) y de ahí para arriba. , en línea con las tareas a desarrollar (en el anexo I, perfil 1 para audiovisual, perfil 2 para construcción, se describen o en la foto que tenéis un poco más abajo). A esto habrá que sumarle 3 años más de experiencia profesional en el ámbito de la oposición.
OPCIÓN 2 : SÓLO EXPERIENCIA PROFESIONAL –pues si, con que tengas un de enseñanza secundaria y 6 años de experiencia relacionados con las tareas a realizar ( el famoso anexo I nos las describe) ¡adelante!

¿Qué quiere decir «en relación con el puesto»?

Ejemplos prácticos :

«en relación con el puesto» = si tengo 20 años de experiencia de investigación en mecánica cuantica y piden 3 años de experiencia como abogado, no lo cumplo. (y seré descalificado de la oposición)
«en relación con el puesto» = si tengo 3 años de experiencia cocinando croqUEtas y piden 3 años de experiencia en cocinado de croqUEtas, si lo cumplo

En esta oposición eso significa que nuestra experiencia deberá estar lo más cercana a lo que se indica en la naturaleza de las funciones, es decir, los anexos I y II de la convocatoria.

¡OJITO! esto son tareas, no una profesión en si misma. Pensad que muchos de vosotros podéis haber realizado estas tareas trabajando en otros oficios, así que preguntaros ¿Qué he hecho de esta lista? (anexo I y II) y nada de «esto no es para mi/no me van a coger». Seguro tenéis más experiencia relevante de la que pensais.

¿A qué pruebas me voy a enfrentar? ¿cuántas fases son?

Fase 1 – la candidatura. Tenéis hasta el 26 de Octubre (al mediodía) para presentarla y antes rellenarla con cariño. Será clave rellenar con esmero confirmar que cumplimos con los requisitos, añadir toda la información relevante y demostrable (títulos, experiencia, etc. que tendremos que subir a nuestra aplicación cuando nos inviten al assessment.) y por último el Talent Screener. Espera …
(seguimos en fase 1) ¿Qué es un talent screener? es un formulario que hay en vuestra candidatura donde hay que responder a una serie de preguntas basadas en los criterios de selección del anuncio de oposición (anexo II de la convocatoria) . El tribunal es el encargado de evaluar las respuestas. A tener en cuenta que todos los candidatos contestan las mismas preguntas. De este modo, las respuestas de todos los candidatos se estructuran de la misma manera, lo que permite al tribunal efectuar una evaluación, todo lo objetiva que permite una prueba así, de los méritos comparados de todos los candidatos. Si necesitas una manita para encararlo, puedes ver nuestro webinar(no olvides darle al me gusta 😉 para esta convocatoria o si quieres ver otras perspectiva puedes ver el webinar que hicimos sobre el talent screener para la oposición de agricultura.

Para los técnicos audiovisuales y en version altamente resumida tendremos como requisitos

Diseño y configuración de soluciones audiovisuales
Mantenimiento y resolución de problemas relacionados
Manejo de equipos técnicos de toda clase en relación con lo audivisual
Experiencia en lo que cubre en anexo I de la convocatoria (ver imagen má en detalle)

Para los técnicos de construcción, igualmente en version resumida

Descontando el título que os da acceso a la competición (por ejemplo sois arquitectos técnicos) todos los títulos que podáis aportar (además tenéis un master, por ejemplo, u otro titulo relevante para el puesto)
Lo mismo para la experiencia, por encima de los 6 años que se piden, toda la que podáis aportar.
Experiencia en Gestión : de proyectos, de riesgos y salud, de contratos, de sistemas mediambientales y uso de herramientas IT pertinentes para le puesto

Fase 2 – Las prueLas pruebas preliminares de opciones múltiples por ordenador (CBT- Computer Based Test para los iniciados y para hacerlo más corto) se harán a continuación en función del número de candidatos . Es decir si sois muchos, pongamos 10 candidatos por plaza (por redondear), haréis el CBT inmediatamente y si no llegais a esa cifra pasamos a la fase 3, dejamos el CBT para el Assessment. ¡Aviso! El número de candidatos que decidirá si esto va antes o después, será a criterio del President@ del tribunal. Si se realiza al comienzo, esta fase pasarán todos los que superen la puntación mínima, pero la evaluación de méritos y el talent (fases siguientes) se hará por orden de nota. toca apretar y sacar buen resultado.

Fase 3 – Evaluacion de meritos (tu CV) verificación de cumplimiento de las condiciones (cacheo de tu CV para ver que realmente cumples el perfil y la experiencia). Asegurate bien que tu CV se ajusta en la parte de experiencia profesional a lo que se pide como perfil en la convocatoria. A medida que revisen CV, por el orden de nota del CBT (o todos en bloque si el CBT queda relegado al Assessment) y cumplan requisitos, se irá llenando la bolsa de candidatos que pasen a la fase 3, hasta un total de candidatos que EPSO marca internamente.
Fase 4 – Talent screener Aquí evalúan las preguntas que hemos resumido antes y tu has rellenado con tu candidatura, recuerda que las preguntas son literalmente el anexo II. Los que saquen las mejoras notas de esta evaluación pasarán a la fase final. Repetimos lo dicho antes, si necesitas una manita para encararlo, insistimos, puedes er nuestro webinar(no olvides darle al me gusta 😉 para esta convocatoria. Aproximadamente pasarán esta fase un número de candidatos igual a 3 veces el número de plazas es decir : 276 para audiovisuales y 342 para técnicos de edificios .

Fase 5 – Assessment. Llegamos a la ronda final, además de tener que presentar todos nuestros papeles en formato digital (la famosa memoria USB), aquí la cosa se pone clásica, para evaluar vuestras competencias tenemos las pruebas de toda la vida el caso práctico y la ~~dinámica de grupo~~ entrevista situacional sobre competencias ( ya todo un clásico del repertorio EPSO desde que arrancó la pandemia y también de nuestras formaciones ) todo ello en lengua 2

Prueba especifica o de competencias del ámbito de especialización , como en las mejores oposiciones de especialistas tenemos una entrevista “de campo” donde evaluarán nuestra experiencia en el ánbito de la oposición. Recuerda que aquí te juegas 100 puntos de los 170 en juego, así que de las 3 pruebas, aquí hay que darlo todo y más . Esto se hará en lengua 2 (inglés o francés). ¡Recuerda prepararla bien! (si necesitas una ayudita, siempre puedes contar con nosotros, aquí nuestras formaciones).

¿ Qué puedo esperar en este trabajo? ¿y donde?

Estas son las tareas en detalle de los perfiles (famoso anexo I)

Listado de Recursos útiles

El CBT o los test psicotécnicos
El Assesment centre
- La entrevista estructurada
- Presentación oral
10 recursos gratuitos para preparar esto.
los Cursos YSE ( y si quieres apuntarte al de CBT, el próximo arranca en breve, puedes apuntarte aquí

Analysis of the Administrators (AD 6) in the field of DATA PROTECTION -EPSO/AD/393/21

9 septiembre, 2021 ~ Ya semos Europeos ~ 7 comentarios

Dear all,

Summer is almost over and the competitions are coming back to life, The right chemicals have been combined! Administrators in the field of Data Protection AD6 has been released. 76 places for the zelous guardians of our personal data. This is competition is the first among a new wave of specialist competitions like : Audiovisual and conference technicians; Laboratory support workers ; Administrators in digital forensics and more.

How many spots? When does it begin?

A good number of spots are available in total 76 spots, There is for all!!! be careful, the process has begin the 9th September and it will be open for joining until 12 October NOON (let’s say 11.59 AM CET). Until then, you can fulfill and validate your application. Approximately you have been given one month +2 days , that’s more than enough but don’t fell sleep. All competition details by EPSO, here

What are criteria to be a candidate?

The classic(or general): Enjoy full rights as a citizen of a Member State of the EU (UK is not longer an option), meet any obligations under national laws on military service , Meet the character requirements for the duties concerned

Specific criteria – languages

*This time, they take a lot of time to justify the fact that you need 2 languages at C1 level.*

LANGUAGE 2: ENGLISH or FRENCH (sorry, you can only choose between these 2, duty calls for it and EPSO explain it long and clear why) Here we need a C1 level minimum (no need of having a degree to justify it, the assessment will be in this language and if you can work through it, then you have the level required). Remember not to put any item (written, oral level, or any other) below C1 level in your application.

Specific conditions – Work experience and studies

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND+PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – you’ll need a university degree (of minimum 3 years (EPSO doesn’t specified which) followed by followed by at least 3 years’ appropriate graduate-level professional experience related to the field of the competition, i.e. the development of data protection policies and/or the application of data protection legal framework.

REMEMBER! «professional experience in the field of data protection» means that when describing your professional experience in the application (CV- work experience), you must clearly identify the experiences and activities equal or similar to those you are expected to do in the European Institutions and describe in the notice. This webinar can help . Bear in mind EPSO is looking for people with real experience on the subject.

What are test I have to pass? and the competition phases?

Based on the notice + our experience we split the process in 5 phases : 1) fill in the application, 2) The Fiel Related MCQ, 3) the Assessment, 4) The CBT and 5) Final screening.

Phase 1 Fill in the Application – You got until 12 October (noon) to send your application and before that, fulfill it with love and care. This is the first step of a competition and the way to differentiate you from many other, perhaps hundreds, of candidates and also give you the green light into the reserve list. Remember to explain all your relevant working experience in relation with the competition areas.

PHase 2 Field Related test – The first test will be a field related test (contrary to other competitions)
This includes 40 questions related (most likely) to Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) and of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), of the Police Data Protection Directive (EU) 2016/680 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) and of other relevant Union legislation, as well as monitoring policy and legislative developments relating to the protection of personal data.
This test is eliminatory, which means that in order to proceed to the next phase of the competition, you must obtain at least the pass mark indicated in the table above. ALSO!! The mark obtained will be added to the other marks obtained at the assessment centre in the calculation of your total score (in total, in this competition you can get 300 points – spoiler alert!)
Phase 3 Assessment. Up to 3 times 76 , ie 228 candidates with the highest marks in the previous test, will be invited to the assessment. We have reached the final round, in addition to having to present all our papers in digital format (the famous USB memory stick,, now in the online assessment, turned into upload the pertinent papers before the assessment, so prepare them in advance but no need to do it during the CBT). Here things get peculiar, since last year, the competition tests replaced the group exercise by a Situational Competence interview. The rest, business as usual, SCBI is combined with the case study (for general competences) in total 80 points, and for this no knowledge is required, only your competences. BUT (yes, big but) the key part is the field-related test where you will have to demonstrate your knowledge, and above all, your relevant experience for this position. To do so, you will have the Interview in the Field (also structured but with clear focus on your work experience) up to 140 points in that test.

It’s easier than it looks, trust us, we know it 😉

Phase 4 –CBT – Despite the usual procedure in other competitions, this time the CBT comes at then and it has NO minimum threshold to pass it, great!!!!! (yes, you can breath now).About verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning, we won’t give too many details here (you can visit our blog and also here links to our resources and trainings. BUT where is the trap? yes, there is one. The 40 points at the stake in this test, are added to the total score to select the candidates so that´s why we got in this competition 300 points : 40 Field MCQ + 80 Asssessment + 140 Field interview + 40 CBT = 300 points
Phase 5 CV screeneing Check of the documents and fulfillment of the experience by order given in your marks,

*We don’t lie, look there is nothing before «out of 20» no minimum result to pass, yupi!!!!!!!*

What can I expect of this job? Is my degree valid?

Both are typical questions of all the candidates, therefore we invite you to check Annex I and Annex II from the notice of competition. As you can see from the image, it sends you to Annex I to find all the details of your expected tasks to be performed once you are an administrator in the area of data protection (you won’t be caught by surprise). Also we remind you an AD6 will join the institutions with a net salary above 5.000 € and this can be higher depending if you have family dependent on you and other conditions.

That’s your future job, challenging enough?

Can you help me?

The fact all other competitions at the CBT stage and with remaining candidates to take the CBT have adopted the same dates gives us some solid hope this time it will be the right one (in case you still need some help with the CBT check this (in English) and this for CBT trainings in Spanish .

What were the 2021 EPSO competitions like from the candidate‘s perspective?

2021: a year full of hope… or new competitions

2022 is coming

And the YSE team did…

All of our 2021 posts in one list (from older to more recent)

¿Cómo fue el 2021 en esto de las oposiciones europeas desde la perspectiva de los candidatos?

2021 un año lleno de nuevas esperanzas… o nuevas oposiciones

¿Qué nos trae 2022?

Y mientras el equipo YSE …

Nuestras publicaciones de 2021 (de más antigua a más reciente)

How many spots? When does it begin?

What are criteria to be a candidate?

Specific criteria – languages

Specific conditions – Work experience and studies

What are the test I have to pass? and the competition phases?

What can I expect of this job? Is my degree valid?

Can you help me?

List of useful resources

What is key?

The test

(a) Translation of a text connected with the legislative activities of the European Parliament from language 2 into language 1 (English). Time 90 minutes for a text with a maximum of 450 words

(b) Translation of a speech or a notice intended for citizens from language 3 into language 1 (English). Time 90 minutes for a text with a maximum of 450 words

When should I start to prepare the Assessment Centre?

What about my competition?

1.- Administrator in the field of Data protection EPSO/AD/393/21

2.-Administrators in policymaking and law-making in the field of health EPSO/AD/392/21 – 1 food safety EPSO/AD/392/21 – 2 auditing inspection and evaluation in the field of health and food safety EPSO/AD/392/21 – 3

3.-Experts in technical support to Member States’ Structural Reforms EPSO/AD/391/21 – 1Experts in the Schengen acquis EPSO/AD/391/21 – 2

4.-Administrators in the field of Chemicals Policy EPSO/AD/390/21

5.-Administrators in the field of sustainable agriculture and rural development EPSO/AD/389/21 – AD6

6.-LAWYER-LINGUISTS (AD 7) EPSO/AD/383/21 – Bulgarian (BG); EPSO/AD/384/21 – Czech (CS); EPSO/AD/385/21 – French (FR); EPSO/AD/386/21 – Irish (GA); EPSO/AD/387/21 – Hungarian (HU); EPSO/AD/388/21 – Polish (PL)

7.-Administrators in the field of external relations EPSO/AD/382/20 (AD5 and AD7)

8.-Administrators in the field of European Law EPSO/AD/381/20

AST and AST/SC competitions

1.-Technicians and support workers- Technicians( AST3) EPSO/AST/150/21 In 3 fields : Field 1: Audiovisual and conference technicians; Field 2: Building technicians; Field 3: Laboratory technicians and Laboratory support workers (AST-SC 1) EPSO/AST-SC/11/21

2.-Proofreaders/language editors – EPSO/AST/148/21 – Greek, Spanish, Estonian, Gaelic, Italian, Portuguese

3.-Secretaries EPSO/AST-SC/10/20 – SC 1 and SC2

Almost finalised

1.-Administrators in international cooperation and managing aid to non-EU countries EPSO/AD/380/19 – AD7 and AD7

2.-Nuclear inspectors EPSO/AST/149/21

Life after the competition… Let’s end with a sweet story

How many spots are available? When does the process begin?

What are the criteria to be a candidate?

Specific criteria – languages

Specific conditions – Work experience and studies

What are test I have to pass? and the competition phases?

When will EPSO contact me?

What can I expect of this job? Is my degree valid?

Can you help me?

List of useful resources

How many spots are available? When does it begin?

What are the criteria to be a candidate?

Specific criteria – languages

Specific conditions – Work experience and studies

What are test I have to pass? and the competition phases?

When will EPSO contact me?

What can I expect of this job? Is my degree valid?

Can you help me?

List of useful resources

¿Cuántas plazas? y ¿Cuándo arranca?

¿Condiciones para poder presentarse? ¿idiomas? ¿experiencia profesional?

Condiciones específicas – idiomas

Condiciones específicas – Experiencia de Estudios y laboral

¿Qué quiere decir «en relación con el puesto»?

¿A qué pruebas me voy a enfrentar? ¿cuántas fases son?

¿ Qué puedo esperar en este trabajo? ¿y donde?

Listado de Recursos útiles

¿Cuántas plazas? y ¿Cuándo arranca?

¿Condiciones para poder presentarse? ¿idiomas? ¿experiencia profesional?

Condiciones específicas – idiomas

Condiciones específicas – Experiencia de Estudios y laboral

¿Qué quiere decir «en relación con el puesto»?

¿A qué pruebas me voy a enfrentar? ¿cuántas fases son?

¿ Qué puedo esperar en este trabajo? ¿y donde?

Listado de Recursos útiles

How many spots? When does it begin?

What are criteria to be a candidate?

Specific criteria – languages

Specific conditions – Work experience and studies

What are test I have to pass? and the competition phases?

What can I expect of this job? Is my degree valid?

3.-Experts in technical support to Member States’ Structural Reforms EPSO/AD/391/21 – 1
Experts in the Schengen acquis EPSO/AD/391/21 – 2