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      FAQs

      Find the answers to frequently asked questions.

      FAQs about the application process

      Warning of dubious job offers: money transfers in the application process

      Be careful of fraudulent emails and direct messages on social media from people who falsely claim to be Continental recruiters. Continental recruiters have an email address with a Continental domain.

      Continental would never offer you a job without a formal interview and we would never ask you to transfer money to be invited to an interview or to get a job, even if the job is in another country and a visa is required.

      If you receive such an email or direct message, please do not open any links. If you feel suspicious about the email, but you are unsure, please use our contact form to receive confirmation as to whether the email is legitimate or not.

      You can find more information here.

      What prerequisites do I have to meet as an applicant?

      Our selection criteria are generally based on the requirements of the respective position. Basically, the overall profile of the applicants is decisive for us, i.e., their professional experience is just as important as their personality. It is also important for us that candidates identify with our four values: Trust, Passion to Win, Freedom to Act, and For One Another.

      How can I submit my application?

      Applications can only be submitted to us online for specific advertised positions via our Continental job portal. Please note that we are therefore unable to accept applications sent to us by email or by post, as well as unsolicited applications.  

      Can I submit an unsolicited application to Continental?

      Please note that we do not accept unsolicited applications. Our job portal lists all vacant positions and allows you to apply for them online. You can also set up a job subscription based on your search criteria. You will then receive newly published vacancies by email.

      How long does the application process take?

      You can check your application status online and keep track of what’s happening at any time. Once you have submitted your application documents, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. We will contact you if any information or documents are missing. Once this has been done, the application process will proceed as shown on the website.

      Which application documents do I have to submit?

      The Continental job portal guides you through the application process step by step. In general, we require the following documents from you:

      • Optional: Cover letter
      • Résumé
      • Certificates of relevant qualifications and training
      • References from previous employers
      • Proof of further training
      • Work samples, if applicable (depending on the position advertised)
      What is the application process at Continental?

      Please see here for an overview of the application process.

      What do I need to bear in mind when writing a cover letter?

      Your cover letter gives you the opportunity to present your strengths clearly and impress us. The aim of a good cover letter is to explain why you are the right candidate for the advertised position. Briefly describe who you are, where you acquired the required skills and knowledge, and why you are applying for the advertised position.

      What do I need to bear in mind in my résumé?

      Consider your résumé as your personal, detailed business card: with this document, we want to gain a first impression of your professional qualifications and suitability for the advertised position. In addition to your personal information, such as name and contact details, the following information should be included (depending on your level of professional experience):

      • Your professional career, including apprenticeships and relevant professional experience
      • Continuing education and training
      • Stays abroad
      • Other experience and talents: additional qualifications, language skills, digital proficiency, etc.
      What questions are asked during the online assessment?

      On the topic of the online assessment, simply take a look at our related FAQs (see below).

      How can I prepare for the personal interview?

      Remember: you’ve already overcome one hurdle! We were impressed by your application documents, which is why we would like to get to know you even better. In a personal interview, which is often with both the HR and specialist departments, we talk more about your professional background, your professional knowledge, and your suitability for the advertised position. We will also go into detail about the advertised position and would like to gain a personal impression of you. Tip: think about what sets you apart and what milestones have shaped your life. Take this opportunity to impress us – the stage is yours.

      How can I prepare for a telephone interview?

      For telephone interviews, we use MS TEAMS. If you don’t have a camera, we then use the telephone. A video is, of course, very welcome. You should test your technical equipment beforehand. Please note that this may take some time.

      Try to concentrate fully on the telephone interview. Since it is a bit more difficult to “read” the other person than in a face-to-face conversation, it is important that you are fully focused.

      FAQs from experienced professionals

      Warning of dubious job offers: money transfers in the application process

      Be careful of fraudulent emails and direct messages on social media from people who falsely claim to be Continental recruiters. Continental recruiters have an email address with a Continental domain.

      Continental would never offer you a job without a formal interview and we would never ask you to transfer money to be invited to an interview or to get a job, even if the job is in another country and a visa is required.

      If you receive such an email or direct message, please do not open any links. If you feel suspicious about the email, but you are unsure, please use our contact form [link to new contact form] to receive confirmation as to whether the email is legitimate or not.

      You can find more information here.

      Can I submit an unsolicited application to Continental?

      Please note that we do not accept unsolicited applications. Our job portal lists all vacant positions and allows you to apply for them online. You also have the option of setting up a job subscription based on your search criteria. You will then receive newly published vacancies by email.

      How long does the application process take?

      You can check your application status online and keep track of what’s happening at any time. Once you have submitted your application documents, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. We will contact you if any information or documents are missing. Once this has been done, the application process will proceed as shown on the website.

      Does Continental also offer opportunities for experienced professionals who do not come from the automotive sector?

      Professionals from other fields are also welcome at Continental. Our recruitment policy is based solely on the professional and personal qualifications of the applicants.

      Does Continental allow employees to work flexibly, for example from home?

      We offer our employees flexible working models around the world – across all hierarchical levels. In concrete terms, this means that our employees are free to choose where they work – on the train, in a café between two appointments, or from home. In principle, every employee is allowed to work remotely if this is compatible with their duties. We also offer sabbaticals, working in other European countries, and part-time and flextime models. Find out more  here.

      Does Continental offer a company pension plan?

      In Germany, Continental offers its employees the ContiPLUS program as a company pension plan. We recommend that you think about a comprehensive retirement plan right from the start of your career. With ContiPLUS, we support our employees in securing their retirement financially.

      FAQs from graduates/trainees

      Can I also send an unsolicited application?

      Please note that we do not accept unsolicited applications for our trainee programs.

      How long does the application process take?

      You can check your application status online and keep track of what’s happening at any time. Once you have submitted your application documents, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. We will contact you if any information or documents are missing. Once this has been done, the application process will proceed as shown on the website.

      To what extent is the trainee program different from direct entry into the company?

      A trainee program not only prepares you for your future role and the business area in which you will be working, but also enables you to develop a holistic understanding of different areas of the company. This will allow you to acquire a wide range of skills and knowledge and create a solid foundation for building your personal network and career. Of course, you can also join the company directly after your studies. However, unlike a trainee, you will not be able to gain any experience in advance for the position you are applying for at Continental.

      My subject is not listed in the trainee program description. Can I still apply?

      Yes, because our trainee programs cover several areas. We are also looking for applicants with a wide range of educational backgrounds.

      I have my doctorate. Am I classed as a career starter or a professional?

      It depends on how intensively you worked with a company when you earned your doctorate. If you have had the opportunity to gain work experience, you can apply for jobs that require work experience – similar to a young professional.

      Can I also apply for a trainee program in a country where I am not resident?

      In principle, the trainee programs are open to all applicants. However, some require local knowledge or fluency in the local language. Trainees are employed at the respective location in accordance with the country’s customary contracts.

      If I apply for a specific program that is offered at different locations, can I apply for more than one location?

      If the program is offered in different locations within a country, you only need to apply once and can state your location preference in your cover letter. In some cases, certain positions within a trainee program are tied to a location that cannot be changed.

      Is there a minimum age for applications as a trainee?

      The trainee programs are aimed at graduates with internship experience who are currently completing or have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral thesis.

      Do I have to meet all the requirements to apply for a trainee program?

      Yes, in order to apply for a trainee program, you must meet all requirements.

      How can I prepare for the assessment center?

      Our assessment centers (ACs) consist of individual and team tasks, presentations, interviews, and practical situations from the trainee programs. At the AC, you will receive detailed information on the tasks. We recommend that you find out about Continental, our vision, values, divisions, and, most importantly, our products and services in relation to your future career, as well as innovative trends in the automotive industry. Be yourself, show motivation and interest in the program, and concentrate. The assessment center will be held in English.

      If my application is unsuccessful, can I reapply for the same or a different Continental trainee program?

      In general, you can apply for any program and any position. However, you can increase your chances if you pay close attention to the requirements of each program and apply only to those for which you are best suited. We recommend reapplying for the same program only if Continental had already filled all of the trainee positions before your application was received or if your qualifications have changed, for example because you have obtained a higher degree. You are welcome to apply for another program if your qualifications also meet its requirements.

      What kind of contract do I receive as a trainee?

      Participants in the trainee program receive a permanent contract that includes full-time employment.

      FAQs from students

      Which programs of study are preferred when selecting trainees, theses, and bachelor’s/master’s graduates?

      In general, Continental offers internships and theses for students of almost all degree programs. However, the following areas are of particular interest to us:

      • Software engineers/developers
      • Engineering/mechanical engineering
      • STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
      • Economics
      Can I submit an unsolicited application to Continental?

      Please note that we do not accept unsolicited applications. You can find all the vacancies in our job portal and apply for them online. You also have the option of setting up a job subscription based on your search criteria. You will then receive newly published vacancies by email.

      At which locations can I apply for an internship or a thesis at Continental?

      Detailed information on the respective vacancies can be found on our job portal. Here, you can filter your search results by location.

      Is there a fixed time frame within which a thesis must be completed?

      That depends on the requirements of your university. As a rule, the duration of a thesis is between three and six months.

      Do I need to have completed an internship at Continental before I can work on my thesis?

      An internship is not a general requirement – but a successfully completed internship is, of course, an advantage for you.

      As a student at a foreign university, can I also apply for an internship at Continental in Germany or write my thesis there?

      In Germany, we only offer internships to students who are enrolled at a university within the European Union. Please note that applicants may require a special visa.

      Does Continental offer vacation jobs during the semester break?

      Some locations offer vacation jobs, e.g., in production. However, where these positions are published varies from one location to another. We recommend checking vacancies in our job portal on a regular basis (possibly with the help of a job subscription) and contacting the local HR departments.

      FAQs from school students

      How do I find an apprenticeship that suits me?

      Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you can make for your future. For this reason, you should invest some time researching in advance to identify training or study programs that both suit your interests and offer good prospects.

      Where can I find information about Continental?

      On our website www.continental-corporation.com you will find a wealth of information about our company, our products, and the training and degree programs on offer. Information about career fairs and other events is also available on the site. On our various social media profiles we will keep you up to date on the latest topics and answer your questions directly.

      What do I need to consider when applying?

      All apprenticeship and dual study places can be found on the Continental application portal (de). Various filter options take you to the job of your choice and the corresponding application form. Our online system guides you through the process step by step. A cover letter is optional – so you can apply quickly and easily. Additional documents, such as certificates of completed internships or references, can be attached to your application in PDF or MS Office format.

      What grades do I need to apply to Continental?

      Grades alone are not everything. Above all, we want to get to know you as a person and find out what motivates you. So be yourself.

      In the interview, tell us about your interests and which school subjects you enjoy and we will see together whether it matches. Have you already done an internship or a vacation job? Great, please tell us about it.

      How many trainees and dual study students does Continental currently employ?

      Continental currently employs around 1,200 trainees and dual-study students.

      How are trainees and dual study students paid at Continental?

      Payment depends on the collective-bargaining agreement drawn up with the trade unions. This agreement varies from site to site.

      What qualifications do I need to apply for an apprenticeship or dual study program at Continental?

      Depending on the apprenticeship profession, there are various prerequisites, which can be found in the respective job advertisements. In principle, the high school diploma is not everything: we want to know that you are passionate about the advertised position, have an honest interest in the training topics, and are eager to develop and learn.

      For a dual study program – i.e., the ContiBachelor program – the general university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent) is required from the cooperating universities.

      Does Continental offer vacation jobs for school students?

      Some locations offer vacation jobs, for example in production. Certain prerequisites, such as the applicant being of legal working age, may have to be met. Where such positions are published, however, varies from one location to another. We recommend checking vacancies in our job portal on a regular basis (possibly with the help of a job subscription) and contacting the local HR departments.

      Can I complete a school internship at Continental?

      Some locations offer school students the opportunity to gain an insight into the working world of our company for a few weeks. To find out more about school internships in a particular location, please use the contact form on our website. Please let us know your preferred location and approximate time frame for the internship. 

      FAQs about the online assessment

      Why do we use the online assessment as part of the recruitment process?

      Online assessments are a reliable and valid method for assessing the suitability of candidates for Continental. The assessments also help to ensure a fair and standardized selection process.

      What type of online assessment does Continental use?

      Continental uses various online assessments. Depending on the position you are applying for, two or three assessments must be completed; the first two parts of the test include a numerical and a logical assessment, while a further assessment focuses on a self-description of your personality.

      Is there a time limit for answering the questions?

      Yes, there are time limits for answering the questions. You will be informed of the relevant time limits before you start the online assessment or the individual module.

      Can I take a break during the online assessments?

      A break can only be taken between the two online assessments. Unfortunately, no breaks are possible during an online assessment. 

      Why should I complete the online assessment as soon as possible?

      The online assessment is part of your application profile. We therefore ask that you complete the online assessment as soon as possible after your application. This allows us to work together to ensure the fastest possible recruitment process.

      What is the process if I am unable to complete the assessment due to a disability?

      Please get in touch with us to find a solution so that we can support you through the process.

      What happens if my Internet connection is interrupted while the assessment is being completed?

      It is important that you have an Internet connection at the beginning of each test and at the end of each test, as the data is loaded at the beginning and transferred at the end of the test. In between, the test can be taken without a connection. If there is no Internet connection for data transmission, the instrument being completed will be locked and the assessment data you entered will be lost.

      If the session is suddenly interrupted (e.g,. due to loss of Internet connection), the session is immediately locked and unlocked up to three times. After that, the session will not be automatically unlocked and you will need to contact the recruiter/IT support (see next question).

      Who can I contact in the event of technical problems?

      Please contact our Technical Support team via the following email address: continental.support@aon.com. They will help you with any inconvenience. Please note that communication with our technical support will take place in English.

      Which browsers and operating systems can I use for the online assessment?

      Please make sure you are using one of the browsers listed below. The use of tablets or smartphones is also possible, but we recommend using a computer.

      • Firefox 69.0, Windows 8/MacOS X  
      • Chrome 45. in Windows 8/MacOS X 
      • Safari 12.0 in MacOS X 10.12  
      • Edge in Windows 10 
      • Chromium Edge 79+ 
      • Android 4.4 (and above) 
      • iOS 12.0 (and above)