Indeed, competitions for AD generalists can attract tens of thousands of candidates as according to the Staff Regulations (the official document describing the rules, principles and working conditions of the European civil service), one only needs a graduate degree to apply. For candidates with a certain level of professional experience, EPSO organises many specialist competitions with specific selection criteria which take into account professional experience.

These tailored selection procedures for specialists (lawyers, economists, researchers, etc.) have very specific requirements when it comes to professional experience, education, etc., so it is really only eligible candidates who are able to apply.