October 2020 Traineeship

kmh504 wrote:

nadinae wrote:Guys, since yesterday on my application page this message has been displayed [The application deadline for this training period has passed, and you may no longer submit an application form. The deadline for applications was reached on the following date: 31/01/2020 (12:00 Brussels time) ] however, up until yesterday that corner section used to display my candidate number and status of my application. Now, I am wondering, is there perhaps a link between me not being shortlisted by any unit and this change? Maybe all the stress makes me reading too much into it, but if my application would still be ongoing, shouldn't the status say active, etc?
Has this change occurred on your pages as well? What are your thoughts on this?

Mine says the same thing. No idea - maybe just an automatic update now that they are caught up with the process?

Yes I agree! It’s just an update that has nothing to do with the preselection process all Blue Books are going through right now

Let's hope it's just that! I have the same on my account, the previous day it was even "Application forms March 2021"....

I think it might be connected with the fact that they briefly opened applications on 16 July and now it is closed again and on the official website there is an information that for openings for March 2021 "dates to be confirmed". It might mean they are really taking into account the e-mail some of us signed, it might be a good sign and a ray of hope

Hello guys any news? can someone provide me with the email of TO?

arta2020 wrote:Hello guys any news? can someone provide me with the email of TO?

No news, except for one of the candidates who sent our open letter to the EC has updated us on the situation via email and also created a secret Facebook group. I’ll send you a private message with the link to it.

As for contacting the TO, there is no email address, you can go to the BB Traineeship website and you’ll find the contact option at the bottom.

Hi guys,

I was also preselected but so far i have not been contacted by anyone. I did some lobbying and the dg eac told me one week ago that they hadnt started selecting yet.
Still no news though.

I saw about this letter you guys sent but i didnt get the chance to read it or sing it. Could I also be involved in this group?

Thx in advance!

angepsi wrote:Hi guys,

I was also preselected but so far i have not been contacted by anyone. I did some lobbying and the dg eac told me one week ago that they hadnt started selecting yet.
Still no news though.

I saw about this letter you guys sent but i didnt get the chance to read it or sing it. Could I also be involved in this group?

Thx in advance!

Aren’t you in the Facebook group for EC Trainees? There were threads about signing a petition and what not. Anywho, one of the candidates created the secret facebook group only for those who applied for the October 2020 session. I just sent you the link in private message.

I joined the group just after you guys sent the letter! thanks for the link i just send a join request

Hey guys,

Let me tell you my experience so far with this procedure which lacks any transparency or decency (in my view). Any feedback is welcome because honestly I do not know what the best approach would be.

1. Before the results of the eligibility check I was contacted by a Unit at my second choice on the list (DG COMP). I lobbied somewhere in April I think. After a nice conversation (I would say they were impressed/ satisfied of my application and there seemed to be a match there) I was asked "for transparency reasons" weather DG COMP was my first choice as they only pick people who chose them first. I said no and they said maybe I can contact my first choice to make sure they do not chose me. However, I was not guaranteed any position within the Unit.

2. After eligibility check, I lobbied for some Units of interest in my first chosen DG, knowing that the DG COMP (second choice) only want people who chose them first. Unbelievable if you ask me. I was contacted by a Unit in the DG GROW who was interested in me. I said I was also interested, despite that it was not my main interest, but knowing that with the current covid situation there are few positions and I had no answers from the Units where I lobbied . Then they said they reserved me (without me knowing what that means) and that I will be given the chance to accept or refuse their offer within 1 week after receiving it, from my account. It seemed great. Side note: no phone call here, all by email.

This week, I was contacted by another Unit for which I lobbied, by e-mail (the HoU said their trainee who was supposed to be in this spring session, after having confirmed that will continue in October, eventually said no). They were excited about me and this Unit which was actually my main interest in applying with the EC. My CV, experience, academic records was perfect for this Unit. The email seemed the dream.. So I was very excited and they said they will chose me and that we should schedule a call next week to get to know each other better. Then they came back with an email and said I was already reserved by another Unit so there is no point in talking further. I said I was still interested and that I do not mean what reserved means, I have not accepted any offer formally. (Side note, for what I understood in that discussion with the guy from the EC, if several Units are interested in us, we could choose). Further they said that unfortunately they do not have the official confirmation that they will be able to actually take a trainee (haha..), but nothing stops me from talking to the Unit that reserved me to "unbook" me. Bold right?.. they do not know if they have a position open, but I could give it a try to risk a position which is certain for them?
Just like the guys at the DG COMP.. "hey.. we are interviewing other people, no position guaranteed for you, but you may contact your first DG to make sure nobody chooses you in case we might pick you)..

So my questions are:
1. What am I supposed to do now?
2. What is this thing with the reservation? I see it as totally not fair.. why be reserved by someone so that others cannot have access to you? Why can't we turn down an offer for one that we appreciate fits us better? The Units can choose 2-4 candidates, but we do not have this chance?

To me, this situation is unbelievable, with rules that are not clear and we are talking about a European Institution with people applying from all over the world. I honestly feel everybody is mocking us and taking advantage for our interest to work with the EC, but instead they are giving us nothing but uncertainty, no engagement from anybody, only promises and the burden is all on us.. I plan on writing a message to the TO.. I won't probably solve anything, but I least I draw attention on this situation..

AdaT wrote:Hey guys,

Let me tell you my experience so far with this procedure which lacks any transparency or decency (in my view). Any feedback is welcome because honestly I do not know what the best approach would be.

1. Before the results of the eligibility check  I was contacted by a Unit at my second choice on the list (DG COMP). I lobbied somewhere in April I think. After a nice conversation (I would say they were impressed/ satisfied of my application and there seemed to be a match there) I was asked "for transparency reasons" weather DG COMP was my first choice as they only pick people who chose them first. I said no and they said maybe I can contact my first choice to make sure they do not chose me. However, I was not guaranteed any position within the Unit.

2. After eligibility check, I lobbied for some Units of interest in my first chosen DG, knowing that the DG COMP (second choice) only want people who chose them first. Unbelievable if you ask me. I was contacted by a Unit in the DG GROW who was interested in me. I said I was also interested, despite that it was not my main interest, but knowing that with the current covid situation there are few positions and I had no answers from the Units where I lobbied . Then they said they reserved me (without me knowing what that means) and that I will be given the chance to accept or refuse their offer within 1 week after receiving it, from my account. It seemed great. Side note: no phone call here, all by email.

This week, I was contacted by another Unit for which I lobbied, by e-mail (the HoU said their trainee who was supposed to be in this spring session, after having confirmed that will continue in October, eventually said no). They were excited about me and this Unit which was actually my main interest in applying with the EC. My CV, experience, academic records was perfect for this Unit. The email seemed the dream.. So I was very excited and they said they will chose me and that we should schedule a call next week to get to know each other better. Then they came back with an email and said I was already reserved by another Unit so there is no point in talking further. I said I was still interested and that I do not mean what reserved means, I have not accepted any offer formally. (Side note, for what I understood in that discussion with the guy from the EC, if several Units are interested in us, we could choose). Further they said that unfortunately they do not have the official confirmation that they will be able to actually take a trainee (haha..), but nothing stops me from talking to the Unit that reserved me to "unbook" me. Bold right?.. they do not know if they have a position open, but I could give it a try to risk a position which is certain for them?
Just like the guys at the DG COMP.. "hey.. we are interviewing other people, no position guaranteed for you, but you may contact your first DG to make sure nobody chooses you in case we might pick you)..

So my questions are:
1. What am I supposed to do now?
2. What is this thing with the reservation? I see it as totally not fair.. why be reserved by someone so that others cannot have access to you? Why can't we turn down an offer for one that we appreciate fits us better? The Units can choose 2-4 candidates, but we do not have this chance?

To me, this situation is unbelievable, with rules that are not clear and we are talking about a European Institution with people applying from all over the world. I honestly feel everybody is mocking us and taking advantage for our interest to work with the EC, but instead they are giving us nothing but uncertainty, no engagement from anybody, only promises and the burden is all on us.. I plan on writing a message to the TO.. I won't probably  solve anything, but I least I draw attention on this situation..

According to the info section on our accounts, it is possible for a trainee to be booked by several DG's / units, in this case the TO office intervenes in order to make sure that the candidate is being offered the most suitable / preferred option. At least that's what I understood when I read that section a while ago. Now, if the last unit which contacted you is also your first option, I don't see why is not possible for them to book you, maybe they are not aware of this option in which case you should confirm with them (I highly doubt it though). Personally, I would contact the TO clarify this misunderstanding and to make sure you are offered a place in a unit that suits you and your interests the best.
I agree with you that more transparency would work wonders. A system through which we would be notified when someone is booking us would allow us to know that at least we are on the right track, etc.

Guys, do you think we who haven't been contacted by no one, still we have a chance?

nadinae wrote:

AdaT wrote:Hey guys,

Let me tell you my experience so far with this procedure which lacks any transparency or decency (in my view). Any feedback is welcome because honestly I do not know what the best approach would be.

1. Before the results of the eligibility check  I was contacted by a Unit at my second choice on the list (DG COMP). I lobbied somewhere in April I think. After a nice conversation (I would say they were impressed/ satisfied of my application and there seemed to be a match there) I was asked "for transparency reasons" weather DG COMP was my first choice as they only pick people who chose them first. I said no and they said maybe I can contact my first choice to make sure they do not chose me. However, I was not guaranteed any position within the Unit.

2. After eligibility check, I lobbied for some Units of interest in my first chosen DG, knowing that the DG COMP (second choice) only want people who chose them first. Unbelievable if you ask me. I was contacted by a Unit in the DG GROW who was interested in me. I said I was also interested, despite that it was not my main interest, but knowing that with the current covid situation there are few positions and I had no answers from the Units where I lobbied . Then they said they reserved me (without me knowing what that means) and that I will be given the chance to accept or refuse their offer within 1 week after receiving it, from my account. It seemed great. Side note: no phone call here, all by email.

This week, I was contacted by another Unit for which I lobbied, by e-mail (the HoU said their trainee who was supposed to be in this spring session, after having confirmed that will continue in October, eventually said no). They were excited about me and this Unit which was actually my main interest in applying with the EC. My CV, experience, academic records was perfect for this Unit. The email seemed the dream.. So I was very excited and they said they will chose me and that we should schedule a call next week to get to know each other better. Then they came back with an email and said I was already reserved by another Unit so there is no point in talking further. I said I was still interested and that I do not mean what reserved means, I have not accepted any offer formally. (Side note, for what I understood in that discussion with the guy from the EC, if several Units are interested in us, we could choose). Further they said that unfortunately they do not have the official confirmation that they will be able to actually take a trainee (haha..), but nothing stops me from talking to the Unit that reserved me to "unbook" me. Bold right?.. they do not know if they have a position open, but I could give it a try to risk a position which is certain for them?
Just like the guys at the DG COMP.. "hey.. we are interviewing other people, no position guaranteed for you, but you may contact your first DG to make sure nobody chooses you in case we might pick you)..

So my questions are:
1. What am I supposed to do now?
2. What is this thing with the reservation? I see it as totally not fair.. why be reserved by someone so that others cannot have access to you? Why can't we turn down an offer for one that we appreciate fits us better? The Units can choose 2-4 candidates, but we do not have this chance?

To me, this situation is unbelievable, with rules that are not clear and we are talking about a European Institution with people applying from all over the world. I honestly feel everybody is mocking us and taking advantage for our interest to work with the EC, but instead they are giving us nothing but uncertainty, no engagement from anybody, only promises and the burden is all on us.. I plan on writing a message to the TO.. I won't probably  solve anything, but I least I draw attention on this situation..

According to the info section on our accounts, it is possible for a trainee to be booked by several  DG's / units, in this case the TO office intervenes in order to make sure that the candidate is being offered the most suitable / preferred option. At least that's what I understood when I read that section a while ago. Now, if the last unit which contacted you is also your first option, I don't see why is not possible for them to book you, maybe they are not aware of this option in which case you should confirm with them  (I highly doubt it though). Personally, I would contact the TO clarify this misunderstanding and to make sure you are offered a place in a unit that suits you and your interests the best.
I agree with you that more transparency would work wonders. A system through which we would be notified when someone is booking us would allow us to know that at least we are on the right track, etc.

As for the lack of decency, I really don't think this is the case. Nowadays any recruitment process is very difficult, this one even more, taking into account the huge number of applicants.

Arta2020, I didn't have a proposal or a real interview either! But I have been highly recommended to apply again for March 2021 .. I believe there is not much hope

Hello guys, do you think if one of the DGs has not responded can we resend the lobbying emails, or is it too much?

Have any other Schuman applicants heard back about whether they were shortlisted? I just got the 3 notifications.

DGTapplicant wrote:Have any other Schuman applicants heard back about whether they were shortlisted? I just got the 3 notifications.

I got a text as well! I was shortlisted for one of the Units. I'm wondering whether this means that in case my documents are ok, I will most probably receive an offer? I think there won't be any interviews at this stage?

dr652 wrote:

DGTapplicant wrote:Have any other Schuman applicants heard back about whether they were shortlisted? I just got the 3 notifications.

I got a text as well! I was shortlisted for one of the Units. I'm wondering whether this means that in case my documents are ok, I will most probably receive an offer? I think there won't be any interviews at this stage?

I haven’t received anything yet

I received that I'm short-listed for one, but no news from my other 2 options, which is a bummer as I was hoping for a positive answear for them does that mean that I'm rejected from them. I was already interviewed from the one I am now shortlisted, but they already told me that i am not their 1st choice so I have lost all hope for them.

If we did not received any email saying you were shortlisted (my applications said still in treatment) does that means that we have not been selected and its over?

Momou wrote:If we did not received any email saying you were shortlisted (my applications said still in treatment) does that means that we have not been selected and its over?

No, I'm sure the process is still ongoing. You'll probably hear from them at some point soon.

DGTapplicant wrote:

Momou wrote:If we did not received any email saying you were shortlisted (my applications said still in treatment) does that means that we have not been selected and its over?

No, I'm sure the process is still ongoing. You'll probably hear from them at some point soon.

Thanks for pointing that out, I forgot that the status says it's still ongoing, so there's still a chance, haha.
If I may ask, has anyone here applied for the Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union?

Edit: Also, I'm surprised that some of you guys received a notification during the weekend lol. I'd expect it in the working days.

brianstorm wrote:

DGTapplicant wrote:

Momou wrote:If we did not received any email saying you were shortlisted (my applications said still in treatment) does that means that we have not been selected and its over?

No, I'm sure the process is still ongoing. You'll probably hear from them at some point soon.

Thanks for pointing that out, I forgot that the status says it's still ongoing, so there's still a chance, haha.
If I may ask, has anyone here applied for the Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union?

Edit: Also, I'm surprised that some of you guys received a notification during the weekend lol. I'd expect it in the working days.

I applied to DG EXPO and got a message today that I'm shortlisted.
And yeah, I'm sure this is just the beginning of the process, I haven't received any info on my 2 remaining choices.
Indeed, it was a nice surprise to get this message today

For the Schuman traineeship, do you think it would be in poor form to ask if we are the top candidate on the shortlist versus second or third? Do you think the traineeship outreach office would even be able to divulge this information to us? Thanks.

Also, does anyone know if they shortlist two applicants or three applicants per successful application? I know that for the EC traineeship they shortlist 3 per post.

DGTapplicant wrote:Also, does anyone know if they shortlist two applicants or three applicants per successful application? I know that for the EC traineeship they shortlist 3 per post.

I just read the FAQs and according to the French version they can select up to 4 candidates per positions. The English version does not mention any number tho ("If the first shortlisted candidate rejects the offer, fails to respond by the set deadline or is not eligible for the position, the next shortlisted candidate on the list will be contacted and so forth.")

Hi,

Are there any BB candidates here who received an official offer yet? From my previous understanding I thought that successful candidates will be notified by the end of July, however, I haven't heard of anyone being emailed.

nadinae wrote:Hi,

Are there any BB candidates here who received an official offer yet? From my previous understanding I thought that successful candidates will be notified by the end of July, however, I haven't heard of anyone being emailed.

There’s a rumour that the EC will add vacancies, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they delayed the selection process, since they kinda have to start it again. Also one of the units replied that they will select their candidates until mid-August. So I guess there’s another delay

It looks like European Parliament rejections are out (check your profile, I didn't get any e-mail notification)

Hi guys! Looks like the results from the EC O2020 selection process are coming in. Anyone here who already received an offer from DG EAC, DG REGIO or DG EMPL? Thanks!

Hi everyone

I saw that the applications for the March Blue Book session opened yesterday. However since then I can't access the page (The EUROPA server is temporarily unavailable). Am I the only one?