EU Career Compass: Guidance from the Pros | Thomas A. Williams
After the first post in our EU Career Compass Series with Malene Bresson about CVs and EU job tips, we jump to the beginning of the selection process with Thomas Williams, EPSO CBT guru and reasoning skills test expert. One of the first things a candidate generally must do when submitting their application for an EPSO competition or into the CAST database, is to choose a Language 1 and Language 2. But this is not as easy as it sounds. Thomas tackles this complex quandary below:
Thomas A. Williams | 5 Tips | How to Choose Your Language 1 and Language 2
One of the questions I am asked most often about the EPSO computer-based tests is which languages to choose for the exams.
- “Is it better to take the reasoning tests in my native tongue?”
- “I’ve heard the translations on the Verbal reasoning are pretty bad in my native tongue, so should I take it in English then?”
It is, however, never a straightforward answer. This is because there are many factors to consider when choosing Language 1 and Language 2 for your EPSO or CAST exams.
Here is the advice I give my students on how to approach this dilemma.
- If you are lucky enough to, for example, be equally strong in both English and French, but perhaps your French is even stronger than your English, then you might try English for the CBT (computer-based abstract, verbal, numerical reasoning tests) and French for the rest.
- However, if you do choose your native language as your Language 1, then it is best to practise accordingly so you can get used to how it all looks in your chosen language.
- In regards to the translation issues, if there's an occasional, slightly odd-looking sentence in your native language, I recommend quickly back-translating it to consider what it might have looked like in the original English, or French.
- Another thing I highly recommend if you do pick your native language as Language 1, is to do a lot of nonfiction reading in that language, especially in areas that are covered a lot on the Verbal Reasoning test, such as economics, science and technology, and EU processes. Then write a summary of what you’ve read.
- Ultimately, I think the most important point to consider is that Language 2 is the one that will help you shine on the other tests, e.g. the case study. That's where you need to showcase excellent writing skills. These are skills we normally develop to a high level at university and in our profession. Whereas reading, a receptive skill, is the main language skill you’ll need for the EPSO / CAST CBT.
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More about the EPSO / CAST CBT
- Get focused personal coaching for your reasoning skills test - get in touch directly with Thomas to book an appointment.
- Join and interactive training where you can ask questions and try an EPSO-style test simulation - sign up for an online training session..
- Watch and learn - these webinars focus on the reasoning skills needed to pass the EPSO / CAST CBT.