Henkel Application & Selection

Talk about significant stages of your life/career in your résumé with additional bullet points. That is how you can show off your 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. An additional third page with further personal information is not necessary. You may also want to include a front page with name, address and photo.

Certain information isn’t necessary to include, such as your parents’ profession and your religion. That being said, an application photo is still suggested in Germany. Refer to past internships and part-time jobs only if there is a connection to the position you are applying for.

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
Orientation at the demands of the job description does not mean that you might 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 higher 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 or confession is not wanted.

The application photo serves as your first impression. If you want to come across as open and professional, pictures taken on your holiday or in a photo booth are a no-go. The picture also shouldn’t be older than two years.

Ideally, the application photo reflects your character and shows your charisma and personality. If you know what you want to say about yourself, you can use your clothing, body language, and general aesthetic to support your application.

It’s important to choose clothing which is appropriate for your profession and that 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.

Score with accuracy
Please create your documents carefully and watch out for spelling mistakes. 

Be reliable
Use a serious email 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 combine 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 in a way that’s unique to you. Experienced HR employees can easily detect copied, standard phrases.

Proofread first, then send it out
Please check your online application and documents very thoroughly before sending.

Answering the phone in any situation
Choose a quiet surrounding. If you happen to 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 their sentences. 

Speaking too fast
Take your time, even if you’re 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 in your application.

Not asking any questions
Ask questions and show that you are interested.

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!