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Working for the European Union is a dream job for many young graduates.  It is well-paid (unmarried officers get just under 4000 euros per month to start), sophisticated, and it is a job for life – a career.  This March, around 320 positions will become available.  Incredibly, the EU expects the personnel office to receive 50,000 to 100,000 applicants, all of whom must have at least a bachelor’s degree. But how does one nag one of the most sought after jobs in Europe?  Let’s just say, you have to be pretty awesome.

First of all, one has to have a great background.  University degrees with good grades and related experience in the form of an internship are preferable.  Languages are also a great asset.  Do you speak English, French and German fluently? Even better.  Statistically, one in five successful candidates come from Germany.  This could be related to their education backgrounds and their general domination of foreign languages.

One of the most challenging aspects is the amount of the tests one has to take.  Candidates are first given a multiple-choice test in logic and reading comprehension in English, French or German. Those who pass are then invited to the final round where they will participate in case studies, group exercises and a formal interview (If you need help, check out some resume tips and interview advice we wrote about a couple of days ago).

The lucky few selected will be able to work in various countries in Europe and have something to tell mom and dad about.  Want to be one of them? Bulk up on your European awareness by taking some courses in European Studies, Business in Europe, or European Governance and Public Policy.  With these extra courses you might be able to stand out when they evaluate the other 99,999 applicants.

Tags: EU, European Union, Jobs