Belgium in Brief: Europe's most-wanted jobs? How to get an EU contract

Belgium in Brief: Europe's most-wanted jobs? How to get an EU contract
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As careers go, the Eurocrat life is undeniably appealing: treading the corridors of power; passing legislation that impacts citizens across the EU; enjoying the company of a strikingly diverse and intelligent group of colleagues... For many, an EU job is a dream.

However in the majority of cases, it will remain a dream as the number of prospective candidates that actually succeed in securing a coveted place within the institutions is statistically very small. Of the tens of thousands who apply each year, typically less than 10% will pass the tests and interviews to be offered a permanent job.

To make it onto one of the trainee programmes already entails standing out from a vast number of applicants; the competition heats up even more when it comes to gaining a permanent contract. And competition is the name of the game as the rigorous EPSO tests are only the precursor to interviews that seek the cream of EU talent.

There is no question that the small proportion who make it through are eminently capable for their job, which is reassuring given how integral they are to the function of life in the EU. But if the importance of the function and interest in the work itself weren't reason enough to make it worth the challenge of selection, the perks that EU employees enjoy make it easy to see why you might wish to give it a shot.

For anyone wondering why you might want to go through the process or who is unsure about what exactly is required, this insider's guide covers the key information from the team that actually manages the selection procedures. You might even be inspired to give it a go yourself.

Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:

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