I applied through other source. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at European Commission
Interview
Hiring process is a tragedy, called "EPSO competitions, aka Selection Process" a euphemism for blind chance, luck, lottery and the process of elimination. That has nothing to do with one's skills, experiences, merits or talents. It's pure luck only.
If one is fortunate to get on a "list", than that is the way to go.
The real "hiring" is done at the interview level.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I don't recall any unexpected or specifically difficult interview question.
I applied online. The process took 12 months. I interviewed at European Commission (Brüssel) in Jan 2009
Interview
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.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Nothing too detailed, just show good knowledge of your field and make sure you're aware of the EU's general policy vis-à-vis certain sectors, industries, challenges, etc.