The hiring process is an official competition, described on the European Commission recruitment website (EPSO). It usually involves replying to multiple choice questions (MCQ), writing an essay in one specific area (e.g. law, economics, audit, environment, etc), and then going through an oral interview. There are competitions every year in several areas. Only people having one of the nationality of one of the EU Member Sates can apply.

Long preparation to prepare for the general competition for a number of contractual agents for a max. 3 year contracts, renewable once under certain conditions. Now this period has been extended to 5 years. Passed the competition and ended up on a reserve list. Rang up several offices within the Directorate General I was interested in working for (Internal Market and Services) to ask for vacancies ... most of these materialise during maternity leaves. Got a call to see one hiring manager and after a 1/2 hours interview I was hired. When passing a general competition for permanent staff, after the multiple choice phase, you'll go to an Assessment Center for approx. 1 of testing involving several exercises, then if you do well, you'll go to another phase, that of a panel interview.