John Harper Publishing

The Ultimate EU Test Book Assistant (AST) Edition 2016 is designed specifically for those preparing for Assistant and Secretaries (SC) level European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) competitions to be eligible for jobs in the EU institutions. (Note: A separate edition is available for Administrator exams.)The focus is on the so-called pre-selection tests as this is where the great majority of candidates fail. There are chapters on the skills and shortcuts needed in tackling verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning questions, with comprehensive practice exercises designed to simulate AST-level competitions. Multiple choice questions are accompanied by detailed answer explanations to enable you to understand your mistakes and improve your speed and accuracy. The book also includes situational judgement tests, with practice scenarios as well as the tests in prioritising and organising, and in accuracy, faced by AST candidates. Other chapters describe the EPSO exam process from start to finish and explain the competencies tested and exercises faced by those who win through to the Assessment Centre.Used by thousands of candidates every year, The Ultimate EU Test Book is an absolute must in preparing for your EPSO exams.show less

Facing the Assessment Centre, the final stage in selection competitions for permanent jobs in the EU institutions, can be a daunting challenge. This brand new edition of The Ultimate EU Test Book has been written by specialist trainers in EPSO competitions to give practical help to candidates. It explains what the assessors are really looking for and the important do's and don'ts it is essential to be aware of. Written in a lively hands-on style, this is a must-have resource for anyone preparing for the Assessment Centre.* How the EPSO Assessment Centre works, including a typical day* The EPSO competencies and how they are measured: Analysis and Problem Solving, Communicating, Delivering Quality and Results, Learning and Development, Prioritising and Organising, Resilience, Working with Others, Leadership * The exercises used to test the competencies, the keys to success and the pitfalls to avoid - the Case Study, the Oral Presentation, the Competency Based and Field Interviews, the Group Exercise, plus the In-tray* Full sample exercises with scoring keys * Recruitment & the Competency Passport * Relevant for all Administrator and Assistant competitions

This book is for all EU staff, at all levels, permanent, temporary or contract - and indeed anyone with ambitions to work in the European administration. It shows how to evaluate and improve your personal performance in the EU "core competencies" - for greater job satisfaction, positive performance reviews and career success.Coach, trainer and former EU official Jan De Sutter draws on the best ideas and practice in current management thinking and applies them to the specific context of EU institutions, explaining how the various competencies fit into the EU system for staff selection, appraisal and promotion. The book includes self-assessment worksheets to allow you to discover your strengths and weaknesses and create a personal action plan. In addition, a specially created FREE ONLINE TOOLKIT accompanying the book allows you to do your self-assessment easily online, automatically generating a personalised competency passport and priorities for action. You can even, if you wish, get anonymised 360-degree feedback from family, friends and colleagues so you can compare your self-assessment with other people's evaluation of you!Using the book and free online toolkit in conjunction, you have a complete package for understanding the competencies, evaluating your own performance and planning your personal development needs. With this book you will be able to:* Understand the EU core competencies of analysis and problem solving, communicating, delivering quality and results, learning and development, prioritising and organising, resilience, working with others, and leadership.* Assess your own strengths and weaknesses in each competency.* Learn how to improve your performance in each competency.* Create your own competency passport, goals and priorities.Individual chapters explain what each competency is about, and its related "behavioural anchors", moving on to insights and practical tips for self-improvement. The book is designed to be as accessible and as easy-to-read as possible, practical and informal, with plenty of useful checklists and learning aids - and cartoons by Ted Goff add moments of humour.