Brussels, 23/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a bold shake-up of its current practices, the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is preparing to radically alter the way it selects people to work in the European civil service.
The most significant change is in the type of testing to be used to select people from 2010. Currently, written tests and interviews focus on candidates' specialised knowledge. In future, focus will also be put assessing the practical and professional abilities they possess, and their potential for carrying out the job effectively. The two years currently required to select and recruit personnel will be significantly reduced. Competitions will take just five to nine months, depending on the type of post. There will also be separate cycles for administrators and linguists (university graduates), and for assistants (secretaries and technicians).
Each cycle will have two stages: computer-based testing (such as abstract, verbal and numerical reasoning, including professional skills tests) and interviews at an assessment centre. Cognitive tests are widely recognised by human resources specialists as being among the most accurate ways of predicting candidates' in-job performance. These tests will also include situational/behavioural, profession competence and language testing where appropriate. Current “pre-selection” testing of candidates' knowledge of the EU is to be discontinued.
The second stage of assessment will include a number of group and individual exercises, allowing candidates to demonstrate their know-how and individual expertise. For administrators and linguists, in-house assessment will be organised. Assistants and technicians will go through a series of tests that focus on their professional and practical competence. (L.C./transl.rt)