HOW TO APPLY

APPRENTICE CAREER-FAQ

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

ONLINE APPLICATION

CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT

PRE-SELECTION

INTERVIEW

SHADOWING

APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACT

Your application will land directly on our desk as soon as you have applied online via our careers page.

After you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. That way you can be sure everything went smoothly!

The pre-selection process is in full swing! We are now gathering an overview of the applications received and will get back to you within two weeks.

Was your application successful? The next step will be an interview with our store management. We’re looking forward to meeting you in person!

Not sure yet whether the profession suits you and aren’t ready to make any rash decisions? We’d be happy to invite you to come to our store for a few days of shadowing.

Here comes your training contract! If you would like to start an apprenticeship with us and we decide we want you on our team, there's nothing standing in the way of you starting your training with us!

Your application will land directly on our desk as soon as you have applied online via our careers page.
  • You can find more information about this on our FAQs page.
  • After you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.
  • That way you can be sure everything went smoothly!

WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?

As soon as our positions are advertised, you can start with your application! As a rule, our job openings go online in the fall of the previous year. But don't wait too long: Many of our apprenticeship positions are limited and fill up quickly.

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING CAN I TAKE WITH YOUR COMPANY?

We offer apprenticeships in many areas (m/f/d). Whether retail salespersons, office management, wholesale and foreign trade management, e-commerce, IT specialists, cooks, warehouse logistics specialists, interior decorators, floor layers, tailors, or dual studies - we have something for everyone.

WHEN DOES TRAINING START?

We officially begin training in all areas of the company on August 1. In some cases, we offer apprenticeships on September 1, but this does not put you at a disadvantage. You can find more information about the start date in our respective job advertisements.

HOW DO I APPLY?

You can apply directly online via our website. This way, your application will reach the right contact person immediately.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO SUBMIT WITH MY APPLICATION?

Your CV and last two school reports are sufficient. A detailed cover letter is not necessary - just tell us in 1-2 short sentences why you are interested in the position and why you are exactly the right person for our team!

HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE APPRENTICESHIP IS STILL AVAILABLE?

For all vacancies that you find on our careers page, we are still searching for the perfect match. Looking forward to your application!

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE APPRENTICESHIP?

Of course! It is not always easy to decide on a career path. If you are interested in multiple apprenticeships, feel free to apply more than once. We treat every application the same and check individually whether or not you fit into our team.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT A RESPONSE?

We will do everything in our power to ensure that you hear back from us within two weeks. If you have already received an acceptance from other companies in the meantime and are not sure about your decision, feel free to call us and ask about the current status of your application. Perhaps we can already give you some initial feedback.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I APPLY?

The first step is to receive confirmation of receipt of your application documents. These are reviewed by us and - depending on the apprenticeship - discussed with the relevant departments. We do our best to ensure you will hear from us again as soon as possible.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY APPLICATION?

If you have any questions about your application, you can always call or send us an e-mail. The most important contact information can be found here.

CAN I COMPLETE WORK EXPERIENCE IN ADVANCE?

Absolutely! We offer work experience placements in a wide range of areas within our group of companies. Whether warehouse, administration, retail or wholesale: We provide a peek behind the scenes! Please have a look at our job offers Internship at Hammer, Internship at Schlauoder or Internship at Brueder Schlau.

HOW DOES MY APPRENTICESHIP START?

The training phases are as varied as our apprenticeship professions! However, you can be sure that you will receive an individual welcome package at the beginning of your training, which contains the most important information about the program. In addition, various training courses and events await you to make your start in the professional world easier. In some cases, trainees from all over Germany come together for this. That’s pretty cool, isn't it?

ARE THERE ANY DEADLINES I SHOULD BE AWARE OF FOR MY APPLICATION?

Yes, there are deadlines, especially for an apprenticeship or our dual degree programmes. Therefore, you should send in your application early. However, the basic rule also applies here: As long as a position is listed on our careers page, you can apply.

Career FAQ

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR HAMMER / SCHLAU

ONLINE-APPLICATION

REVIEW

INTERVIEW

SHADOWING

DECISION

As soon as you have sent us your application via our online application system, including your CV, relevant employment references and your salary expectations, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt by e-mail, as well as an e-mail confirming our data protection policy.

Your application is now in our recruiting department where it will be carefully reviewed and forwarded to the relevant departments. Depending on the position, the evaluation of your documents may take a little time. If you have any queries in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If your application has been successful, the department will contact you to arrange a personal interview at the store so that we can get to know each other better.

Still not sure whether the trade suits you and aren’t ready to make any rash decisions? You are welcome to visit our store for a shadowing session.

We were able to win you over and the department would like to welcome you on board? The employment contract will be drawn up and sent to you.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE HEAD OFFICE

APPLICATION

PRE-SELECTION

IN-PERSON INTERVIEW

SHADOWING

CONTRACT PREPARATION

ON-BOARDING

Your application documents with CV, relevant employment references and your salary expectations are available to us online via the button on our careers page. You will receive a confirmation of receipt and an e-mail confirming our data protection policy directly afterwards.

The HR and specialist departments will check your documents and we will contact you again as soon as possible. Your documents have won us over and we would like to get to know you. For this purpose, we will schedule an online interview with you, the recruiting department and the specialist department. 24 hours later, you will receive an email with the opportunity to evaluate the application process.

We really liked your background and personality and would like to get to know you better. In a further on-site interview, you will meet the specialist department and potential colleagues. The exchange takes place on a deeper professional level.

Still not sure whether the trade suits you and aren’t ready to make any rash decisions? You are welcome to visit our store for a shadowing session.

The right fit. For you and for us. After we have clarified the final framework conditions, we will now draw up the employment contract.

Your first day at work is just around the corner. We are now preparing everything accordingly and soon it will be time.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR AN APPLICATION?

Apply directly online via the button on our careers page with your CV and relevant employment references. Please also state your term of notice and your salary expectations and send us your application documents as digital PDF files.

CAN I ALSO APPLY IN WRITING TO THE BRUEDER SCHLAU GROUP OF COMPANIES?

We prefer an online submission of applications. All incoming applications must be entered into our application system and your email address is necessary for this. With a paper application, the data must be entered manually, so the process takes more time. This is why it's best to apply online via our careers page so that your application will reach the right person without delay.

ARE THERE ANY DEADLINES I SHOULD BE AWARE OF FOR MY APPLICATION?

Yes, there are deadlines, especially for an apprenticeship or our dual degree programmes. Therefore, you should apply early. However, the basic rule also applies here: As long as a position is listed on our careers page, you can apply.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE POSITION IS STILL OPEN?

All positions that appear on our careers page are open and you are welcome to apply for your desired position.

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE JOB AT THE SAME TIME?

Yes, it’s possible. We’re delighted to hear that you’re interested in more than one position with the Brueder Schlau Group of Companies!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE I GET A RESPONSE?

The duration of the feedback may vary depending on the position and the number of applications so it could take some time. However, we will do our best to give you feedback as soon as possible. In any case, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application documents by e-mail.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY ONLINE APPLICATION?

Subsequent steps in the application process depend on the desired position and number of applications. If you are considered for a position, you will be invited for an interview after submitting your application, where we can get to know you personally. When applying for our Hammer and Schlau stores, this usually takes place directly in the store. At our central locations in Porta Westfalica and Berlin, the first step is to arrange a team meeting. Afterwards, a personal interview will take place on site where you can meet your potential colleagues. During the application process, you will be informed continuously about the status of your application and any further progress.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY APPLICATION?

If you have any questions about your application, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. You can find our contact informationhere.

CAN I DO A WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT?

Yes, work experience is also possible with us, regardless of your previous career. You can apply for the position Internship at Hammer, Internship at Brueder Schlau or Internship at Schlau. Write your desired position and location in the subject line if you would like to complete an internship at one of our central locations. We will then check whether one in this area is possible and contact you. An internship is also possible for career changers as an introduction to a new profession.

WHAT TRAINING CAN I DO AT BRUEDER SCHLAU?

We offer many different apprenticeships (m/f/d) in a variety of departments. From interior decorator, floor layer or retail salesperson - you are sure to find the right apprenticeship with us. We also offer dual study programmes. You can find more information about our apprenticeships here.

ARE THERE ANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORKING STUDENTS?

We regularly advertise jobs open to working students for activities of up to 20 hours per week. The prerequisite for this is a current student record. Subscribe to our job offers to be informed about vacant positions at Brueder Schlau.

WHERE ARE THE BRUEDER SCHLAU LOCATIONS?

The Brueder Schlau Group is represented by the strong Hammer and Schlau brands. With over 60 Schlau craft stores and more than 200 Hammer specialist stores, we are available for you throughout Germany. You can find a location map with all stores and vacancies here.

DO YOU OFFER INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT?

Yes, we offer internships for students. For all other professional groups, a work shadowing is also possible, regardless of your previous professional career. For this, you can apply for the position Internship at Hammer, Internship at Brueder Schlau or Internship at Schlau. Write your desired position and location in the subject line if you would like to complete an internship at one of our central locations. We will then check whether an internship in this area is possible and contact you. A work shadowing placement is also possible for lateral entrants as an orientation to the new career path.

TIPS FOR YOUR APPLICATION

7 TIPS FOR YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION

1. Check the information you have provided is complete
F The accuracy of your application is essential for a smooth and efficient recruitment process. Therefore, take the time to check your application once again to ensure that it is correct and complete. This will help us to forward your application quickly to the relevant department for review. The following information and attachments are particularly important to us: CV with contact details (e-mail address, telephone number), employer's reference and current school reports.

2. Make sure that the documents are easy to read
Pay attention to the sequencing and a consistent format of your application. If you would like to send us a cover letter, it is best to save it separately. Afterwards, it is advisable to consider the following order: Curriculum vitae, employer's reference, current school reports and references. For optimal readability, we recommend sending your application documents in PDF format.

3. Resubmit missing attachments
After sending your application, did you notice that an important attachment was missing? No problem at all. Submit the missing documents in your personal processing area of our online tool or send them to us via e-mail. You will find our contact details in the respective job advertisement or here.

4. Avoid incorrect information due to copying errors
We are aware that you have also applied to other companies within your job search. Nevertheless, you should avoid cursory copying errors in your application so as not to negatively influence the overall picture. Therefore, make sure that the salutation or the mention of the company name or the job, for example, is correct.

5. Refrain from using standard phrases
Your application is the first written impression you make on us. In this step, we would like to get to know you better and learn more about your motivation. It is best to avoid standard phrases from relevant application guides. Be authentic and tell us about yourself and why you think you would be a good fit for us.

6. Unprofessional photos
An application photo is not a must. If you would like to send us one to complete the impression of you, we are of course happy to receive it. However, when choosing a photo, make sure it gives a positive overall impression and has a high resolution. A little tip: If you have photos taken of yourself, ask if you can have them digitally as well.

7. Check your mailboxes and phone
We liked your application and want to get to know you better. To do this, we will contact you - so please check your phone, your email inboxes and also your spam folder.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE INTERVIEW

Create a pleasant interview environment An invitation to an online interview will be arranged and scheduled with you in advance. You will also be informed of the participants beforehand. Plan the interview so that you can participate in the appointment without being disturbed. Find a place where you feel comfortable. Since we will be conducting the interview with a camera, please also pay attention to the background, internet quality and properly functioning technology. Feel free to dial into the appointment earlier to familiarise yourself with the virtual environment. This way you can start the interview at ease.   Check your technology When preparing, make sure you have a stable internet connection and functioning technology. You may have the opportunity to test your setting in advance. For a smooth start, plan some buffer time before the interview to dial into the appointment and familiarise yourself with the environment.   Ensure a professional and personable greeting Even if your interview takes place digitally, common courtesies still apply. Think about a friendly greeting to make your first impression as positive as possible. We are very much looking forward to getting to know you and hope that we find the same sense of pleasure when meeting you.   Write down the names of all participants Naturally, we will be introducing ourselves as well - in this case, it is advisable to have the names at hand so that you can address specific questions to the respective person. It is best to make a note of the names so that you do not forget or confuse them.   Take time to prepare well An online interview is no different from an on-site interview. Therefore, prepare as carefully as you would as if it were a traditional interview. We do not expect you to know our company history by heart, we are much more interested in your knowledge of the job and your genuine interest in working for us.   Be curious and ask questions Show interest in the prospective job and make a note of any queries you have about the position and the company. We are very much looking forward to answering them. Also, please don't be afraid to follow up if something is unclear to you or you would like to learn more about a certain topic.   Be relaxed and look forward to the exchange It is perfectly okay to be excited. Just try to stay calm and focus on the content of the conversation. Perhaps it will help to briefly address the fact that you are excited and a bit nervous - this can also serve as a nice little icebreaker, because at the end of the day we are all human and everyone has been in similar situations.   Pay attention to your (body) language Try to present yourself in an approachable way and pay attention to your facial expressions and gestures, even if we are not sitting across from each other face to face. This way you avoid a discrepancy between what you say and your body language. Furthermore, it is of course important that you speak clearly and distinctly.

CHECKLIST FOR THE INTERVIEW

You can download a PDF checklist for your application here.

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