Questions and answers

Applications from all nationalities are considered. The ESM promotes and values diversity and inclusion among staff, irrespective of their gender, nationality, age, race, culture, education, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability.

While evaluating and selecting candidates, the ESM ensures fair competition based on the relative merit of applicants.

Candidates are expected to have an excellent command of written and spoken English, which is the working language at the ESM. The knowledge of any additional EU language is considered an asset but is not required.

The ESM does not use competitions to pre-select applications. Candidates are considered based on a number of factors, including qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, competencies, anticipated fit with the ESM, reference checks, and other methods available. 

We publish our vacancies on our website, other job websites and social media outlets and in specialised press of the Member States of the European Union.

Initial staff appointments to the ESM are for a fixed term, usually between two and five years, which may be extended or converted into a permanent contract. All appointments are subject to a probationary period of up to one year, depending on the level of seniority.

The ESM hires trainees who are currently studying at the university level or have recently (within one year) graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD. Trainee contracts are generally for six months, with renewal potential for an additional six months. All nationalities can apply provided that they have an excellent command of written and spoken English.

In order to guarantee a neutral stance in all stages of our recruitment and selection process, we only accept applications via our e-recruitment candidate portal.

Candidates must submit a CV and a cover letter in English. If not provided during the initial phase, copies of diplomas, certificates, reference letters, etc. may be requested at a later stage of the recruitment process. 

Upon submitting the online application, candidates certify that the information provided is complete and true. Pre-employment screening is performed as part of the ESM’s appointment procedures to ensure the accuracy of the backgrounds presented in the candidates’ application.

You just need to create an account in our e-recruitment system, by accessing Vacancies and clicking on “Click here to login” (top right hand side of the page). You can then select the option to be notified each time a vacancy is published on the ESM website.

Applications are accepted as long as the vacancy is posted on our website. Certain third parties may also publish our job advertisements, but the ESM does not accept responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of this information.

Once the application process is completed, candidates will be automatically notified by email, confirming receipt of their application.

The duration of the selection process depends on many components, such as the volume of applications received, the qualifications required, and the availability of the hiring panel. Our aim is to fill all vacancies in the shortest possible time frame.

Only candidates identified as suitable for an assignment will be contacted to discuss their application and availability. Unsuccessful candidates will receive notification of the outcome of the selection process. Due to the volume of applications received, we will unfortunately not be able to provide individual feedback on applications.

Please refer to the specific Privacy Statement on the ESM Careers Webpage in relation to the retention periods of the personal data processed on that page. In relation to the retention periods of other personal data, such as recorded video interviews, please refer to the Cammio approval form. For other questions on the retention periods of your personal data and their deletion, please reach out to HR at recruitment@esm.europa.eu.

The ESM Administrative Tribunal is open to ESM staff members only, and not to external candidates. However, should you have any questions or comments in relation to your unsuccessful application to a vacancy, you can write to Recruitment@esm.europa.eu.

Candidates are selected based on an examination of their application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in a series of interviews, which can include phone/video interviews, personal interviews, and if required, tests or written exams. Subject to prior approval from the candidate, background and reference checks will also be performed.