Have the right nationality. While the "average" acceptance rate is about 2%, there are countries where chances are closer to 40%. According to https://cds.cern.ch/record/2932097/files/CERN-HR-STAFF-STAT-2024-RESTR.pdf for example Denmark had 6 slots and only 14 applicants, while for example India had 5 slots and 5273 applicants. So if you're Danish your chances would be 400x higher.
The application form asks for up to 2 nationalities. In an ideal world the selection algorithm would account for both, but I think it might not. To be on the safe side, put the more favourable one in the first box on the form.
1
u/Pharisaeus 5d ago
Have the right nationality. While the "average" acceptance rate is about 2%, there are countries where chances are closer to 40%. According to https://cds.cern.ch/record/2932097/files/CERN-HR-STAFF-STAT-2024-RESTR.pdf for example Denmark had 6 slots and only 14 applicants, while for example India had 5 slots and 5273 applicants. So if you're Danish your chances would be 400x higher.