John Harper Publishing

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

The Ultimate EU Test Book – Assistant (AST) Edition 2016

The book is designed to provide a comprehensive FOUNDATION TEXT for students, libraries and practitioners alike and is UP-TO-DATE with the range of KEY CHANGES introduced under the Treaty of Lisbon.

Written by a team of EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS, including public affairs professionals, led by Alan Hardacre of the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) in Maastricht, the book is packed with EASY-TO-FOLLOW figures and diagrams.

This book is designed as a working tool and reference handbook for: 

- Those working for the Commission – whether as officials, temporary or contract agents, consultants/contractors, seconded national experts or trainees 
- Those working with the Commission – whether in other EU institutions, EU agencies, national and regional administrations, diplomats, policy-makers, NGOs, business groups, etc 
- Those preparing EPSO competitions or with a professional interest in EU affairs.

Julian Priestley, the European Parliament’s former Secretary General and Stephen Clark, its current head of web communications, paint an 'impressionist's canvas' that brings the European Parliament to life. In a vivid portrait they look behind and beyond the formal powers and procedures of the Parliament to explore its history, its culture and special atmosphere, its politics, the personalities who have led it, how it does its work and the army of staff who make it function. The book will entertain and inform both EU insiders and those for whom a trip to the Parliament is a new experience.

“No one can seek to understand the functioning of the European Union without understanding its Parliament. This book -- now in its eighth edition -- is recognised in academia and among practitioners as the authoritative guide to the European Parliament.”
Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council

For more than two decades this has been the premier textbook on the European Parliament, covering every aspect of how it is elected, organised and does it work. The current edition is the 8th published.

“The book provides an invaluable guide to the institution's history, power and politics... For academics and practitioners alike, Corbett, Jacobs and Shackleton offer a superb starting-point for any serious understanding of the world's only elected transnational parliament.”
Jerzy Buzek, as President of the European Parliament