I applied online. I interviewed at European Commission (Brussels) in Jun 2017
Interview
First you subscribe in the online database. If you succeed to enter the BlueBook, you have to lobby for traineeship positions or, if you're confident, wait for the different units to call you. The process varies per DG and even per Unit. The decision is always with the head of unit, who relays his preferences. But sometimes the head of units delegates the decision to a particular person. Bottom line is this: you will likely receive a call from a unit which is specialized in a topic you might never heard of. Think quick on your feet and be enthusiastic. There is always overlap with what you did and what you want, and what they are doing and what they are looking for.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
What is your experience with communication and policy dissemination work?
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at European Commission (Phnom Penh) in May 2025
Interview
Very good, panel was professional and direct. Their questions were challenging but if you do your research you will be prepared, I got caught a little by surprise with a question on Cambodia's current policies on the environment, so make sure to know about the more niche aspects of the traineeship ahead of time as well.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
How would you utilise online resources to extend the reach of the European Commission in Cambodia?
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at European Commission (Madrid)
Interview
Short interview with very few questions on the phone. I didn't have time to plan my answers because I wasn't noticed in advance. The interview was quite informal and it lasted less than 5 minutes.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. Motivation for working at the EU 2. Background 3. Personal value This interview was not technical at all. I wasn't given time to prepare, it came out of the blue.
Very easy and quick, just a telephone call with questions about my past experiences and education. It usually depend on the Unit you are applying to but in general for the traineeship the selection procedure is fairly easy.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me more about your past experiences and your skills
