Two BASF employees walk and talk outside a modern office building, smiling as they head to work. Other colleagues can be seen in the background.

How to apply - Your path to BASF

We want to help you find a role that matches your strengths and feels right for you. It’s important to us that you feel comfortable throughout the entire application process. Learn more about BASF’s hiring process and get practical tips to help your application and interviews stand out.

Our application process

Process diagram outlining eight steps in the BASF recruitment journey: global job search, online application, recruiter CV screening, online assessment, telephone interview, manager review, interview days, and job offer.

Global job search

You can find all current job vacancies on our global job search. Vacancies are only removed once a position has been filled, so you can be sure that our online job postings are up to date.

Online application

When you find a role that interests you, you can begin the online application process by using the “Apply now” button in the job posting.

After you've submitted your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. Your application will then be reviewed in detail. In case we need any additional documents, we will ask you to upload them. We aim to provide you with feedback on your application within two weeks.

You can view the status of your job application at any time in your applicant profile.

CV screening by our recruiting team

Our recruiting specialists will form a first impression, based on your CV and relevant references during the preselection process.

Online assessment

For selected positions such as our trainee programs or direct entry into research, the preselection process is supplemented by an online assessment.

Telephone interview

If we feel that you would be a good fit for the role, we schedule a first interview call, with a member of the recruiting team. This will take about 30 minutes and aims for a first impression if you fit BASF and if we fit you. We are of course more than happy to answer any questions you might have at this point.

CV screening by the manager

If, after this initial interview call, we still believe you to be a good fit, we will forward your documents to the hiring manager. They will decide who is invited for a second interview.

Interview day(s)

We conduct panel interviews - either virtually or in person - during which we aim to understand how your previous experiences would fit with the role. The number of interviews depens on the role. We also want to get to know you beyond your CV and would like for you to meet potential colleagues.This way you can get a good impression of what it is like to work with BASF. Again, we of course provide space for all the questions you may have for us.

Job offer

Once all interviews are completed, our hiring team will make a final decision and, if the decision is favorable, extend an offer. As part of this process, we will provide detailed information about BASF's compensation and benefits package. We value transparency and encourage you to ask any questions you may have to ensure you fully understand the offer. 

Welcome to BASF

If you agree to our offer and a contract is signed, we will be thrilled to welcome you to BASF.


We ensure an enjoyable pre- and onboarding experience, which includes regular communication, relevant information, and resources to support your success at BASF, even before your official first day.

Please submit your application online if possible.
If you do choose to apply by mail, please note that we will not return your documents. We will destroy all application documents received by mail as soon as we have received and uploaded them into our application portal.

Application tips

Are you wondering how to make a great impression with your application and during the interview? Please find below a few tips to help you feel confident and well prepared. Please be aware that these tips are general guidelines and vary depending on local practices in different countries.

Cover letter

We are curious to learn more about you in a cover letter, should you decide to write one. If you do, please keep it concise and tailor it to the role. Tell us how your motivation and experiences can make an impact with BASF.

Keep it short

It should not exceed one page.

Show your motivation

Tell us why you are applying for this position with BASF.

Highlight your skills with examples

Tell us about your strengths and skills and include examples of how you apply them in practice.

Share what you are passionate about.

Give examples about topics or projects you are passionate about.

Keep the focus on your qualifications

Share perspectives or insights that make you unique.

Curriculum vitae

Your CV should give our recruiters and hiring managers a quick-to-understand overview of your experience and show how you can contribute to BASF.

Structure your CV clearly

  • Begin with your current/last role and work your way back through your career
  • Keep formatting consistent
  • Do not write long paragraphs, bullet points are fine

Be precise

  • Focus on experiences that fit the new role
  • No need to include information about marital status/family
  • A photo is optional, if you include one, make sure it is professional

Highlight what makes you unique

Share other relevant experiences and skills :

  • time spent abroad
  • volunteer work
  • languages
  • tools and/or technologies

Check your details

Make sure your contact information is complete and correct.

Gaps in your CV

We know that many careers are not linear. Be truthful about your development. Gaps do not need to be explained in writing, just be prepared to discuss them in an interview.

Interview

What’s important to us
Before your interview, please familiarize yourself with our CORE values and our Winning Behaviors. They are the baseline of how we work.

BASF news
You may stay up to date on BASF news and current topics via our press releases, the website, or social media.

Case studies
For some roles, we may ask you to work on a case study. We’re particularly interested to learn about your reasoning why and how you would approach a solution. In addition, we value hands-on experience and collaboration so, it’s likely that we will ask practical questions based on real-life scenarios.

Professional and personal skills and strengths
We want to learn about your professional and personal skills and strengths. Real-life examples from your work experience will help us to understand better how you would fit this role.

Mutual exchange
We see interviews as a conversation. Please bring all the questions you may have and share your perspectives at any time.

Confidence
We know interviews can be stressful. Try to relax and be yourself. Take a moment to breathe, be genuine and let your personality shine.

Phone or video interview

  • Find a quiet space
  • Eliminate distractions
  • Make sure your tech setup works in advance

Contact

Any questions?

Icon showing two people and a question mark, symbolizing application support and FAQs.

FAQs

How do I apply?

If you have found an interesting position using our job search, you can apply directly by clicking the "Apply now" link in the job advert. 

In your applicant profile, you can update your data and view the status of your application at any time.

Can I apply to more than one job?

You're welcome to apply to several locations or for different positions if you want to.

I have an unanswered question.

FAQs
Do you still have questions about the application process? 

Become part of our team!

We value diversity and welcome people with different skills and backgrounds. That's why we actively look for people with a wide range of qualifications and experiences.

Search open roles