Target group
This seminar is designed mainly, but not exclusively, for those applying for administrator (AD), assistant (AST), linguist and certain specialist positions within the EU institutions.
For detailed information about specific target groups see descriptions of the training modules.
Purpose of training
The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), within a modernised process of staff selection, annually announces open competitions for positions within the EU institutions. These are highly competitive, which makes good preparation essential.
EIPA will offer you comprehensive training on how to prepare for both stages of the competitions: the pre-selection tests and the admission assessment centre (AC). The training will thus explain the methodology as well as providing tips and tricks on how to first pass the verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests and situational judgement tests. It will subsequently prepare the participants for all elements of the AC: a case study, group exercise, oral presentation and structure interview.
What aspects of the competition can we prepare you for?
The seminar offers two one-day training modules. Participants can choose one or two module(s) and thus have more flexibility. The modular structure of the seminar allows the participants to compose their training programme according to the nature of the position they are applying for, without being obliged to pay for other elements of the training that they do not deem to be essential for themselves. Moreover, this seminar type reflects the fact that participants are most often at different stages of open competitions, from those only planning to apply, to those who are in the final stage of an open competition. The two modules are briefly described below:
Module 1
Training in preparation for the first stage of the competition i.e. the pre-selection phase. It aims at explaining the methodology and practice of verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests. Moreover, it tackles the situational judgement test which is not only decisive but also its results may be relevant during the structured interview in the second stage of the competition.
Target group: AD in all fields, AST in all fields, linguists and specialists. NOTE: This Module does not tackle professional/linguistic skills tests relevant for AST and linguists competitions.
Date: 17 September 2012
Module 2
Training in preparation for the second stage of the competition i.e. Assessment Centre. It will present the running of the AC and allow for the practice of its particular components. In particular, the group exercise and case study will be discussed and performed. Volunteers will be invited to give an oral presentation and will take part in a mock structured interviews.
Target group: AD in all fields , linguists and specialists. NOTE: This module does not offer training for practical linguistic tests relevant for linguists.
Date: 18 September 2012
Method
Both modules will incorporate concise presentations on the most efficient methods of solving given tests or assignments and will be complemented with discussions and sharing of best practices. They will however focus mostly on practical exercises in order to give the participants a chance to take part in simulated exams and AC tasks, offering the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the format and time pressure of the tests in a real-life situation.
NEW - Individual, tailor-made coaching sessions can be organised upon request. Please contact us to learn about all the modalities of these personalised, intensive training courses.
MODULE 1: PRE-SELECTION – THE FIRST STAGE OF OPEN COMPETITION
The module will start by explaining the main axes of the new EPSO selection procedures. The consecutive sessions will cover four tests constituting the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) pre-selection stage i.e. verbal, numerical, abstract reasoning and situational judgement test. It will explain the methodology to be used and will offer tips and tricks for efficient and successful solving of the different tests. Subsequently, the participants will have the opportunity to take part in a test of multiple choice questions (MCQ). The module will conclude with a tutorial on preparation of an online application and further discussion on practical aspects of EPSO competitions.
Monday 17 September 2012
The new design of EPSO competitions
This session will briefly explain the key features of the main types of competitions run by EPSO. It will be completed by a discussion on experiences with the EPSO selection procedures gathered so far. Note: the last session of this module will provide additional information for those participants who had little or no exposure to EPSO competitions.
Tomasz Kramer
Situational judgment test
Ansgar Berger
Lunch
Numerical reasoning
Fernando Diaz Alonso
Verbal reasoning
Tomasz Kramer
Abstract reasoning
Tomasz Kramer
Further insights into the reformed EPSO competitions
The last session of the day completes the module with supplementary information on the new-style competitions. It is mostly dedicated to the participants who have not yet participated in the open competitions and seek practical advice on how to approach the prospect of EU career from the very beginning.
Tomasz Kramer
MODULE 2: ASSESSMENT CENTRE (AC) – THE SECOND STAGE OF OPEN COMPETITIONS
The AC replaces the previous lengthy system of separate written and oral examinations. It is composed of four constitutive elements: a written case study in the field, a group exercise, an oral presentation and a structured interview. As such, it constitutes a final filter to select the best candidates who will then be placed on the reserve lists. This module is designed to fulfil a double role. Firstly, it prepares the participants to successfully take and pass each component of the AC by presenting the methodology, best practices and some useful tips and tricks. Secondly, it allows the participants to test themselves in the assignments and moreover, gives a unique chance to observe the performance of other candidates.
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Welcome and introduction to the Assessment Centre
Ansgar Berger and Tomasz Kramer
Group exercises
Explaining the rules of the game. The participants will be split into groups of five to six members. One group will be given an exercise while the other will act as assessors. Consequently these roles will be swapped. Each group will be given a topic to discuss with a view to reaching a conclusion.
Ansgar Berger
Structured interviews
Presentation of typical design of the structured interview. Questions related to the input from the situation judgement test from the pre-selection test. Interviews with the volunteering participants and feedback.
Ansgar Berger
Lunch
Oral presentations
Techniques used for successful oral presentations. Managing stress while speaking in public and avoiding most frequent bad habits. Mock oral presentations by the volunteering participants and feedback.
Tomasz Kramer
Case studies
Presentation of good practices when approaching a documentation file of a case study. Overview of various types and forms of cases and content requirements. Examples from the recent competitions. NOTE: Depending on the number and profiles of the participants, specific groups might be created to tackle separate case studies matching their profile.
Tomasz Kramer
Conclusion of the seminar and debriefing
Seminar Venue
European Centre for Judges and Lawyers, EIPA Luxembourg
Building of the Chambre des Métiers – 4th Floor, 2 Circuit de la Foire Internationale, 1347 Luxembourg
Language of the training
The training will be conducted in English since this will be the second language of many of the participants. Please note that from 2011 the pre-selection will run in the candidates’ first languages. Nevertheless, the AC will normally be conducted in the second language.
Hotel reservations
The European Institute Public Administration has negotiated prices with the following hotels. All rates are including breakfast and tourist tax.
Kirchberg
•Hotel Novotel Kirchberg****, at the rate of €148. Tel.: +352 43 77-6851; fax: +352 43 9195; e-mail: H1930-RE2@accor.com; booking page (Client code: SC000002048 – Contract No 308506).
•Hotel Melia****, at the rate of €140. Tel.: +352 27 333-1; fax: + 352 27 333-999, e-mail: reservations.melia.luxembourg@solmelia.com; www.melia-luxembourg.com.
•Hotel D’Coque***, at a rate of €79. Tel.: +352 43 6060-1; fax: +352 42 3315; e-mail: info@coque.lu; booking page.
City Centre
•Hotel Simoncini****, at the rate of €135. Tel.: +352 22 28 44; fax: +352 26 26 2900; e-mail: info@hotelsimoncini.lu; www.hotelsimoncini.lu (Reservation code: EIPA).
•Hotel Français***, at the rate of €115. Tel.: +352 47 4534; fax: +352 46 4274; e-mail: info@hotelfrancais.lu; www.hotelfrancais.lu (Reservation code: EIPA).
•Hotel Parc Plaza****, at the rate of €138, (Reservation Code PLEIPA12).
•Hotel Parc Bellevue***, at the rate of €95, (Reservation Code BVEIPA12).
Tel.: +352 44 2323-2323; fax: +352 45 6141-220; e-mail: reservation@goeres-group.com; www.goeres-group.com
•Hotel Domus***, at the rate between €99 and €139. Tel.: +352 46 7878-1; fax: +352 46 7879; e-mail: info@domus.lu; www.domus.lu (Reservation code: EIPA).
Railway Station Area
•Hotel Carlton****, at the rate of €110. Tel.: +352 29 9660; fax: +352 29 9664; e-mail: carlton@pt.lu; www.carlton.lu (Reservation code: EIPA).
•Hotel City****, at the rate of €126 (Monday to Thursday) and €100 (Friday to Sunday). Tel.: +352 29 1122; fax: +352 29 1133; e-mail: mail@cityhotle.lu ; www.cityhotel.lu (Reservation code: EIPA).
Findel (Airport)
•NH Luxembourg***, at the rate of €121 (Monday to Thursday) and €105 (Friday to Sunday). Tel.: 352 34 8931-607; fax: +352 34 8931-9413; booking page.
Surroundings
•Hotel Légère Premium****, rate on request. Tel.: +352 49 0006-507; fax: +352 49 0680; e-mail reservations: luxembourg@legerehotels.com; www.legerehotels.com.
Meals
Should you require a special menu (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic), please inform the Programme Organiser so that this can be arranged.
Participation
The fee applicable to each activity is clearly indicated on the registration form. Unless stated differently on the registration form, the fee includes participation in the activity, lunches and beverages during the activity, documentation and participation in the reception/cocktail.
Travel and accommodation costs are at the expense of the participant or his/her administration.
Pre-payment of the fee is a condition for participation in an activity. Prior to the activity each participant will receive an invoice which can be paid by bank transfer or by credit card.
Discounts
EIPA’s Civil Servants Special Discount
EIPA offers its members a reduction of 10% of the registration fee. For details, please click here.
Other discounts
For this seminar, EIPA Luxembourg offers a €50 discount for all registrations received and paid before 6 August 2012.
Please note that discounts cannot be accumulated.
Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed registration form.
Cancellation policy
EIPA reserves the right to cancel the seminar up to two weeks before the seminar starting date. In that case, registration fees received will be fully reimbursed. EIPA accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred (travel, accommodation, etc.).
For administrative reasons, a fee of €150 will be charged for cancellations received after 27 August 2012. There is no charge for qualified substitute participants. For EIPA's cancellation policy, please visit our website.
The mention of a speaker's name in the programme does not commit EIPA. In the event that an announced speaker does not appear, EIPA will do its utmost to find a suitable replacement.