Henkel Application & Selection

You got questions considering the application process? Here you will find the answers!

During our application and selection process we use standardized criteria – objective and fair. We are looking for employees who share our vision and our values. In particular, we are looking for people who excel in the following areas:

Initiative & Determination to achieve
Decisiveness & Risk taking
Driving Change & Innovation
Perspective & Judgment
Convincing & Influencing
Coaching & Developing people ‏(for jobs with personnel responsibility)

Application process

An application always means to take some risk. We want you to feel comfortable during the application process. That is why it is good to know what you can rely on during the application process.

Our employees contribute with their individual performance to our company’s success. Therefore, we value know-how and encourage competences. We are looking for employees who inspire with talent and passion. Do you feel challenged by this? Then get to know us during the application and selection process. There is room for your questions and a discussion on an equal footing. To get to know you as quick as possible, you can only apply online for jobs. Read more about the steps you will be taking here.

For graduates, professionals and executives: Application for a position

During the first step we are happy to receive your comprehensive online application on our Henkel job portal. You will need your résumé/CV ‏(preferably as a PDF file) and your letter of motivation. Please make use of the opportunity to upload further relevant documents ‏(e.g. certificates, overview of grades), so we have all documents to hand, which are relevant for our decision. In case you have a LinkedIn-profile, you can easily import your data with one click.

After a first screening, we would like to get to know you during a telephone interview. We will talk about your career history and your goals. You will also get more information about Henkel and the position that has to be filled.

We invite you for a structured online test before the one-on-one interview. This test is about your abilities, views and personality.

In the personal interview with future managers we tackle more profound questions about you – from your professional knowledge to your goals. You can ask questions about the position, your future team or career opportunities. Depending on the position, there will be a second interview.

If we want to work with you, we will make you an offer. And then we will be glad if you say ‘yes’, too.

More information for graduates

More information for professionals

Application tips

Score at Henkel

We want you to know what you can expect and how you can score with your application. For this reason we gathered a few tips and Do’s and Don’ts for you.

Checklist for your letter of motivation

Proof read by another person for comprehensibility and spelling?
No longer than one page?
Own strengths are named?
Connection to the requirements from the job ad?
Connection to the company?
Not just listing résumé data?

Stand out with your letter of motivation

3 tips for standing out positively from other applicants:

Look for an individual first sentence which reveals information about your personality and your career aspiration.
Find proof for your qualifications by picking up the requirements from the job ad.
Make connections between you and the company. Explain why you apply to Henkel.

How to write for HR managers
Prevent typical pitfalls
Use your application photo as an eye-catcher

Explain important stages in your résumé with additional bullet points. That is how you can highlight work experience, areas of activity and responsibilities. As a rule of thumb: the résumé should be two pages maximum. Save space by critically assessing what information about yourself you would like to present. Adding a third page with further personal information is not necessary. Depending on the length, a front page with name, address and photo is an option. Add internships and side jobs only if there is a connection to the position to which you aspire.

The central theme is missing
Add a central theme to your résumé. Document your professional career clearly and without any gaps. Check critically, if side jobs and additional qualifications meet the job requirements.

No significance
In addition to structure, significance is meaningful. Explain the single stations of your professional career with a few bullet points, which explain your tasks and responsibilities. Often, especially abroad, the job title does not clearly explain the area of operation.

Exaggerating or lying
Fitting the demands of the job description to your CV does not mean that you should exaggerate or even lie. This will be detected and in the worst case, it is a crime.

Bad presentation
Structure your résumé and present your competences very clearly. Do not extend it to more than two pages and choose a readable font and font size of at least 11 point.

Too many details
Your highest educational qualification is important to name. We do not ask for any details about your parents, siblings or your nationality. Also information about political party memberships is not wanted.

Should you choose to upload an application photo, then this can serve as a first impression of you. So we suggest that you avoid pictures taken during your holidays or from a photo booth. The picture should not be older than one or two years.

Ideally, the application photo would reflect your character and show your charisma and personality. If you know what you want to say about yourself, you can use options like clothing, body language, display detail and format to support your application.

Important: Choose clothing which is appropriate for your profession and you feel comfortable in. You are free to choose the image format and image detail. Ideally, the picture size is 6 x 4.5 cm. Prevent full body shots and pictures that are too large.

7 tips for your online application

Score with accuracy

Please compose your documents carefully and watch out for spelling mistakes

Be reliable

Use a serious e-mail address in the format firstname.lastname@provider.com

The subject line is important

Please always attach the reference number and name of the position.

Consider the size of the upload file

In our job portal you can upload files with a size of up to 5 MB. Please make sure to resize your documents by reducing the resolution.

Be organized

Please collect all documents into one PDF in the following order: letter of motivation, résumé and additional documents ‏(references, credentials and certificates).

Commitment pays off

Write and design your letter of motivation individually. Experienced HR employees will detect copied standard phrases.

Proof read first, then send it out

Please check your online application and documents very carefully.

Typical pitfalls during the telephone interview

Answering the phone in any situation

Choose a quiet surrounding. This means should you be on the road, just call back later.

Interrupting the other person on the phone

Do not interrupt and always stay respectful and let the other person finish the sentence.

Speaking too fast

Take your time, even when you are nervous, to speak clearly and slowly.

Not knowing your own documents

It is expected that you have a good overview of your application documents and the statements you made.

Not asking any questions

Ask questions and show that you are interested.

Checklist for the job interview

Be organized

Confirm the appointment?
Clothing chosen and prepared?
Journey planned with additional buffer time?
Name of the contact person memorized?
Phone number of the contact person noted?

Prepare the content

Knowledge of your application documents?
Gathered information about the company?
Know personal strengths and weaknesses?
Questions of your own?
Personal questions documented?

Be convincing in the interview

Be respectful and self-confident!
Open body language!
Speak loudly and clearly!
Listen carefully!
Prevent monologues!
Do not interrupt your interview partner!

Additional Information

Contact

You have any further question? Please use our contact form.

FAQ

Apply now

Please only apply online at our job portal. You will find all current vacancies and job offers worldwide.