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Careers

Questions and Answers

General questions

How do I apply?

Use the job search to find a role you're interested in applying for. Then use the "Apply now" link in the job ad to apply directly online.

How can I find out about the status of my application?

You can see the current status of your application at any time in your online application profile.

Are the positions advertised online up-to-date?

Yes. All the roles we advertise on our career pages are current vacancies. The job postings are only removed once the positions have been filled.

What should I expect from the application process? Will I have to attend an assessment center?

We will review your application to identify roles that best match your profile and then the relevant business unit will decide whether to invite you to an interview day.
If you're invited, you will take part in several interviews with the technical team and our recruitment colleagues. These conversations give you the opportunity to showcase your skills, get to know potential managers and colleagues, and learn more about the role. At the same time, we'll assess how well your experience and strengths align with the position. As we value these personal interactions, BASF does not use assessment centers.

Can I use documents that I have already provided BASF for another application?

Yes. You can access your documents on your application profile in our application system and decide if you want to use them again for another application or upload anything new e.g. a different cover letter.

Can I apply to several locations or for several positions at the same time?

Yes, you can apply to several locations or for different positions if you want to.

What's your data protection policy regarding the online application system?

All data provided to BASF is handled strictly in accordance to local data protection legislation. All candidate information obtained through our online application system is treated in the strictest confidence and is used exclusively for staffing, recruitment marketing or talent relationship activities.

Can I send an unsolicited application?

We do not accept unsolicited applications. You can use our job search to find roles that match your interests and apply directly for any that fit your profile.

Internships

How many months in advance should I apply to an internship position?

The application deadlines vary for the individual positions. You can apply to a job posting as long as it is still advertised. We only show open roles on our career site search.

How long do the internships last at BASF?

The length of an internship will vary depending on the country, local regulations and business needs. They typically last between three and six months for most locations. However, the exact duration may differ depending on local legal requirements and whether the internship is mandatory or voluntary. In some countries, longer internship periods may be possible.

Do I need to be enrolled at a university for the internship?

It's important to check the requirements for each specific internship and location. In most cases, internships at BASF are designed for students and you are typically expected to be enrolled at a university or other recognized higher education institution during your internship. However, this may vary depending on the type of internship and the country. For example, enrollment is usually mandatory for study-related internships, while certain formats, such as gap-year internships, may not require active enrollment. In some countries, additional local regulations apply, including specific eligibility criteria related to the stage of studies. 

Are internships at BASF paid?

Generally, we offer compensation for most internships, but this can vary depending on the country, local regulations and the type of internship. We always recommend you check the details of each specific internship job posting. In some cases, legal requirements or specific internship formats (e.g., mandatory internships) may influence compensation, which means that unpaid internships may also be possible in certain locations.

Which documents do I need to submit with my application for an internship?

The documents you need to apply for internships will vary depending on the country and local regulations. In general, you'll typically be asked to submit your CV/resume and relevant certificates. In some locations, additional documents may be needed, for example proof of enrollment, academic transcripts or documentation related to mandatory internships. Please check the specific job posting to find out which documents you need to apply.

Is it possible to do an internship between a bachelor and master's or a master's and doctorate? (Gap-Year internship)?

In many cases, it is possible to complete an internship at BASF between study phases, such as between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree or between a master’s and a doctorate.
However, requirements may vary depending on the country and local regulations. In some locations, you may be asked to provide confirmation of your intention to continue your studies (e.g., starting a master’s program or doctorate).
Overall, eligibility criteria for gap-year internships can differ by location, so it is recommended to review the specific job posting for detailed requirements.

Trainee or entry programs for university graduates

Does BASF offer trainee or entry programs for university graduates?

Yes, BASF offers a range of entry-level opportunities for university graduates, including trainee programs in selected business areas. Depending on your interests and background, you can join through structured trainee programs or start directly in a permanent position.
These options allow you to gain hands-on experience, grow your skills and develop your career within an international environment.

Are there fixed entry dates for trainee programs?

In most cases, BASF trainee programs do not have fixed entry dates. Instead, start dates are typically arranged individually based on business needs and candidate availability.

Online assessment

When does the online assessment take place in the application process?

We use the online assessment for selected positions during the preselection process. If we're interesting in progressing your application after reviewing your documents, then you'll be invited to take part in the online assessment. After this, we will conduct a telephone interview, before inviting you to a personal interview.

What does the online assessment measure?

The online assessment measures the aspects that we have identified which help people to be successful at BASF in the long term. Cognitive performance tests and personality questionnaires assess your individual skills and your potential, and then compare them with the job requirements for a specific role. You'll also be asked questions about your professional interests.

Will I receive feedback after the online assessment?

In Europe, participants typically receive a feedback report after completing the online assessment. In other regions (e.g., Americas and APAC), the availability of feedback may vary depending on local processes. If a report is provided, we usually include an overview of your performance across the different test modules, highlighting areas where you achieved higher or lower scores. Please note that no further individual details about the results will be shared. Where applicable, the report can often be accessed a few days after completing the test, by logging in again using the access data provided in your invitation.

How can I prepare for the online assessment?

There is no need to prepare for the online assessment. It does not include knowledge-based or study-related questions. Instead, you will receive clear instructions and sample questions for each section, so you can get comfortable with the format before starting the assessed part.

How long will the online assessment take?

The test as a whole takes 60-90 minutes. It consists of different modules. We recommend you complete the test modules all at once, but if needed, you can complete the different modules of the test separately.

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