From Preparation to Submission: Tips for Success
- Match Your Profile and Apply Online: Target positions that align with your skills and interests, and apply online. Eligibility criteria are non-negotiable—ensure you meet them before applying to avoid any setbacks.
- Stay Informed: If you don’t find a suitable position right now, you can create a job alert on our careers page to be notified when new opportunities that match your profile become available. We only accept complete applications submitted through our careers site. Applications via social media, email, or post will not be considered.
- Apply to Multiple Jobs: If multiple positions catch your interest, you can apply to each one. We understand you have diverse skills and interests, and there’s no judgment for pursuing multiple opportunities at CERN. Each application is reviewed independently, so don’t hesitate to explore all the roles that align with your aspirations.
- Craft a CV: Your CV is your opportunity to show that you may be the right person for the job. The content of your CV is entirely up to you—you can include not only your professional achievements but also any personal information you believe is relevant and showcases who you are. It’s important to keep job-unrelated material to a minimum. Typically, a strong CV includes sections such as personal details, a profile summary, key skills, relevant work experience, and your educational background. Make sure your CV is short, clear, and concise, ideally no more than two A4 pages. Additionally, it’s best to submit your CV in English or French to ensure it is fully understood.
- Prepare Your Motivation Message and Additional Documents: While a motivation message is not always required, it can be a valuable addition to your application, allowing you to express why you’re the perfect fit for the role. For certain positions, it’s imperative to include additional documents such as copies of diplomas, reference letters, or certifications. Ensure that all your documents are well labelled, complete, clear, and free of errors. Only complete applications submitted through our careers site will be considered. Pay close attention to the requirements outlined in the job posting to ensure your application is fully compliant.
- Follow the Process: Our application process is straightforward, but it’s essential to follow it carefully. Use SmartRecruiters, our Applicant Tracking System, to submit your application. Ensure that you complete the application form in full and follow all the guidelines. Including all required documents and accurately filling out each section shows your commitment and attention to detail, both of which are highly valued at CERN.
- Show Your Passion: Demonstrate your genuine interest in CERN and its mission. Clearly articulate why this opportunity excites you and how your goals align with the work being done here. Your motivation and enthusiasm are key factors we consider in the selection process.
- Ensure Accuracy: We sometimes ask specific questions on the application form that are crucial to the evaluation of your candidacy. Providing accurate and truthful information is critical—any incorrect or misleading answers can lead to the rejection of your application. By affirming the truthfulness of your responses, you help maintain the integrity of the selection process.
- Review Before Submitting: Before you hit “submit,” take the time for a final review of your application. Double-check that all information is accurate and that you’ve followed all instructions. A thorough review helps catch any errors you might have missed, ensuring that your application is as strong as possible before it reaches our team.
- Be Patient: At CERN, our recruitment process is thorough and can take time due to several factors, including the involvement of many people, a high volume of candidates, and sometimes fixed timelines. If you haven’t heard back yet, don’t worry—it’s normal. We ensure that every candidate receives a response, but due to the large number of applications, personalized feedback isn’t feasible. If you haven’t received a response, it simply means that the process is still ongoing and your application is still under consideration.
- Track Your Application: You can monitor your application at any time using this link. If, for any reason, you decide to withdraw your application, this can also be done through the same link.
- Prepare for the Next Steps: If you pass the first stage of the application process, it’s important to start preparing for the interview. Begin by thoroughly researching CERN—understand our mission, values, and the specific team you’re applying to join. Demonstrating knowledge of our work and how your skills contribute to our goals can significantly enhance your candidacy. Additionally, review the job description in detail and practice answering common interview questions. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the job and why you’re excited to be part of CERN. Showing confidence and an understanding of CERN’s work will leave a positive impression on the interviewers.
- Don’t Be Discouraged: If you aren’t selected for a position, don’t be discouraged—it doesn’t mean your journey with CERN is over. We have many opportunities throughout the year, so just because you weren’t chosen for one position doesn’t mean you won’t be successful with another. You’re welcome to reapply.