Introduction During every intake, tens of thousands of hopefuls apply for the European Union’s AD5 Generalist competition, known simply as the concours. It is a fierce competition that pits 30-40.000 candidates from across the European Union against each other to secure one of just a few hundred spots on the reserve list — the official…
Developing your brand can be a worthwhile investment, especially in a field as competitive as international affairs, where standing apart from the crowd can be the difference between making or breaking it. Studies have shown that recruiters consult LinkedIn profiles of candidates in over 90% of the cases, so whether you want it or not,…
With a quality CV and cover letter paving the way towards your dream entry-level IR position, you might face a few final challenges before you land the job. Increasingly, rigorous testing and competency-based interviews have become the hallmark of entering one of the most competitive fields out there. While both challenges might sound daunting, there…
Where a CV is the bread and butter of your application, your cover letter is the garnished cold cuts you put on top to satisfy recruiters. While relatively short and very limited in scope, the cover letter can be handy in explaining exactly why your relevant experiences make you a perfect match for the job…
First impressions matter, and while countless hours are often invested into producing strong and marketable CVs, they will only have seconds to sell a candidate to a potential recruiter. In a field as competitive as international affairs, it is crucial to invest time and effort into producing a CV that attracts and captivates, especially when…
For some, breaking into a field as challenging as international affairs can be a rather time-consuming process, and it is not uncommon to hear about people who have spent years trying without success. This process can be pretty demoralising, especially after having spent so many years dedicated to studies within this field and likely having…
After half a decade of academic struggles, having a diploma in hand marks the end of an era and the dawn of a daunting new future. Once the celebrations subside and reality kicks in, it can be hard to find your footing as long days of structured studies and working with a clear-cut purpose in…
Finding your footing in a field as competitive as international affairs, can be quite a challenge. It is a process that for many turns into a war of attrition, as progress can easily grind to a halt, making the job hunt turn sour. However, victory tastes the sweetest if you have struggled to get there,…
Getting the ball rolling on a career in international affairs can be a massive undertaking. It is both daunting and, at times, quite confusing, as the paths are many, and the competition is stiff. With this in mind, it can be a good idea to prioritise efforts and push for the top-tier opportunities out there….