Good to know

FAQs on the
application process
at RATIONAL

Good to know

FAQs on the application process at RATIONAL

Your application process at RATIONAL

We want to make sure that you are fully informed about the application process at RATIONAL and that no questions remain unanswered. In the following FAQs, we have collected the most common concerns and questions and provided detailed answers so that you can prepare for your application at RATIONAL in the best possible way and start your journey with us with a good feeling.

How do I apply for a job?
The application process is carried out exclusively via our online application system. You will find an online form at the end of the job advertisement, which you can use to apply easily. If the online form does not open, please check your settings or change your internet browser.

Can I also apply by post?
No, please use our online application system only. 

I am interested in a position that has been advertised for some time. Can I still apply? 
As long as a vacancy is posted on our careers page, you are welcome to apply online. 

Is there an application deadline?
If there is no deadline specified in the job advertisement, you can apply as long as the advertisement is online.

What documents should I include with my application? 
We require a detailed CV. You are also welcome to submit a covering letter, other educational certificates and work references (in the online form under 'Other documents').

Who can I contact if I have any questions or problems with my application?
You will find the relevant contact person in the job advertisement.

Can I apply for more than one position at the same time?
Yes. You are welcome to apply for all the positions you are interested in. 

Can I apply if I want to work part-time?
Most of our vacancies are for full-time positions, but in some cases part-time work is possible. If you have any questions, please contact the person listed in the job advertisement. 

How soon will I hear back about my application?
You will receive confirmation as soon as your application has been received in our application portal. We process applications promptly. However, this may take several weeks as we carefully review each application.

In which language should I apply?
If possible, please apply in the language in which the vacancy is advertised.

Can I speak to someone in the department? 
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer telephone interviews with our departments in advance. However, during the interview you will meet colleagues from the department and have the opportunity to ask questions.

How long will my application documents be kept?
Your personal data will be deleted at the latest 6 months after completion of the application process, unless there are other legitimate interests on our part that prevent deletion or you have given us permission to store it for longer. For more information, please see our privacy policy.

How does an interview work? 
We start with a short round of introductions and then move on to an exchange about your background, experience and skills. You will, of course, be given detailed information about the role and the team. Finally, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and we will discuss the next steps in the application process.

How does the video interview work and what do I need? 
Ideally you will have a computer, laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone. There is no software to install.
We conduct our interviews through Microsoft Teams, which you can access through your web browser. The link will be sent to you by email with the interview invitation.

What is the dress code for the interview?
Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and is appropriate for an interview.

What are the working hours? 
At RATIONAL we have a 38-hour week and work on a flexitime model.
For white-collar employees, the core hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 14:30 and Friday from 9:30 to 12:00.
For blue-collar employees, the core working hours are 7:00 to 12:00 Monday to Thursday and 7:00 to 11:00 on Friday.
Certain departments, such as security, have different working hours.

What kind of induction or onboarding programme does RATIONAL offer? 
When you join RATIONAL, we provide you with intensive support to make your start as easy as possible. Workshops are held to familiarise you with our products and the RATIONAL corporate culture. Your manager will provide you with a detailed induction plan tailored to your role and responsibilities. This will give you the opportunity to get to know all areas of your new workplace step by step and quickly develop a feel for how we work.

What salary will I earn?
At RATIONAL, your salary is made up of fixed and variable components, depending on your position. Your salary will be reviewed every year in a salary review. In the salary review we follow benchmarks such as that of the Bavarian metal working association (Metallindustrie Bayern). Please state your salary requirements in your application. We will then discuss this with you.

Is there an application deadline for apprenticeships and dual programme studies? 
We always start selecting applicants in the summer for the following year's training year (e.g. in July 2029 for the 2030 training year). You can apply for an apprenticeship or dual study programme as long as it is advertised on our careers page. After that, all places will have been filled.

How do I apply? 
We can only accept online applications. Please apply via our careers page and the relevant job advertisement. Unfortunately we cannot consider applications by post or email.

What documents should I submit? 
Your application should include a current CV and a covering letter. If you are applying for an internship, please include your preferred dates. Please always send us your most recent half-yearly report and your annual report from the previous school year.

What school leaving certificate do I need to do an apprenticeship at RATIONAL?
We offer apprenticeships for all school-leaving qualifications. You can find more information on this in the job advertisement for the respective training occupation.
A (technical) higher education entrance qualification is required for the dual study programmes. 

Will I be taken on after my apprenticeship? 
The chances of being taken on at RATIONAL after successfully completing your training or dual study programme are good. It is important to us to support, look after and retain our trainees and students in the long term.

What is the pay like? 
At RATIONAL you will have a 38-hour week with 30 days' holiday (which can be freely planned, except for Christmas in the technical area).
We will pay you:                                                           
1st year of apprenticeship €1,225
2nd year of apprenticeship €1,314
3rd year of apprenticeship €1,428
4th year of apprenticeship €1,496
We also pay holiday and Christmas bonuses, as well as a travel allowance. Other great benefits await you.

Can I do an internship at RATIONAL and how old do I need to be?
Compulsory work experience for school pupils is possible from the age of 14. You will need a certificate from your school. We can offer a voluntary internship from the age of 15. If we are currently offering a work placement for school pupils, you will find the vacancy on our careers page. Please always state the period you are interested in when you apply. We will also need to see your most recent half yearly report and annual report from the previous school year.

Can I get a holiday job at RATIONAL?
Yes, you must be at least 15 years old. Placements are only available in production and logistics and you should be available for at least two weeks. If we offer holiday jobs, you will find the job advertisement on our careers page. If there are no holiday jobs advertised, then unfortunately we are not currently offering any.