The ten most frequently asked questions
How long does the process take from the first interview to being hired?
The process takes around six to eight weeks from the first interview or the application to hiring. This may vary depending on the job position and the number of applications. It is very important to us to give as many candidates as possible the space and time for an interview.
When will I hear back from you?
We usually try to let all candidates know within two weeks whether they will be invited for an interview or not. This may also vary depending on the job position and the number of applications.
Are interviews currently being held on-site?
Owing to the current situation, we are holding the first interviews digitally only. However, in exceptional cases there are also interviews that take place on-site, following the coronavirus safety measures.
What safety measures need to be observed for on-site interviews?
We take compliance with the coronavirus safety measures very seriously. For on-site interviews, the following points must therefore be noted: Please always keep a distance of 1.5 meters from other people Do not shake hands Masks must be worn in all of our buildings, so please bring a mask to wear while you are in the waiting area If at any time there is more than one person in a room, a mask covering your mouth and nose must be worn.
What do I need to know with regard to video interviews?
You will receive a link to the video interview from us in an e-mail. Interviews are usually held via WebEx or MS Teams. To improve the quality, we would ask you to use a camera and a headset.
Does SMA use other selection methods as well as interviews?
We do not use any artificial intelligence or robotic selection procedures. What counts for us is the person behind the formal documents. For this reason, at SMA every application is evaluated in person and given sufficient time. Depending on the job position, tasks such as reading or work tests may be set. These tasks are to be performed as part of the interview. In some cases, we will send you a scientific personality test before the interviews. You are always entitled to feedback.
How does induction training work during the coronavirus pandemic?
The induction training process varies considerably depending on the team and department. In the commercial sector, work is mostly performed remotely or from home - and this also applies to induction training in some cases. In areas where work is still performed on-site (e.g., in Production and in the laboratories), induction training is provided on-site, following the coronavirus safety measures.
What IT equipment does SMA provide for remote working?
If the basic requirements for remote working are met and a regulation on remote working has been agreed, the necessary technical work equipment is provided. This includes a laptop, a headset and a webcam. SMA does not share any costs that may arise from remote working.
What is SMA’s general stance on the possibility of remote working?
In consultation with your manager and team, you can decide for yourself whether to work at a workstation set up by SMA on its premises or at another location, provided this can be done without any negative impact on your work performance. Do certain groups (e.g., service technicians) still have to go to customers during the lockdown? We are reducing business trips wherever possible. However, we still have to carry out external assignments when there are contractual obligations.
Frequently asked questions from school students and trainees
How does induction training for trainees work during the coronavirus pandemic?
The induction training process varies considerably depending on the department. In the commercial sector, work is mostly performed remotely or from home - and this also applies to induction training in some cases. Since the start of their training, the technical trainees have been divided into two groups. While one group is on-site in the training workshop, the other group works remotely or from home. The two groups thus alternate on a daily basis between remote working and the workshop. When working remotely, the trainees cover the theoretical content (mostly calculations) that accompanies the practical part in the workshop.
In addition to remote working, can I travel to SMA and work there, because my internet connection at home is not very stable?
If your internet connection at home is not stable enough to be able to work online there, you can also work on-site at SMA. It is important to coordinate with your colleagues on-site so that you can maintain the necessary distances.
I have my children at home, can I work from home?
If you have consulted your vocational trainer, you can also work from home.
Can I start work at 6 o’clock in the morning already?
With our flextime regulation, it is possible to start work at 6 a.m. It is important for the training supervisor/vocational trainer to be aware of this and for your colleagues in the respective department also to know when they can contact you.
How can we catch up on the school subjects we have missed that we need for the interim or final exam?
The school will try to catch up as much as possible with online lessons. As the training company, we can keep training and supporting you with in-house teaching on specific topics.
Can we digitally submit documents that we would usually hand over in the original version?
All documents, such as certificates and exams, can of course be submitted digitally in the current situation. All other documents that need to be submitted or signed have already been converted into digital formats, enabling us to work together better in this regard.
If as a trainee I can only work remotely or from home, then how do I receive my tasks and who is my contact person?
Each department has a designated training supervisor who is there for you throughout your assignment in the department and regularly provides you with new tasks. The training supervisors regularly discuss matters with you, give feedback on your work results and provide you with new tasks. Your vocational trainer from the Talent Campus department is also in regular contact with you and supports you as a contact person.
What happens if there is another lockdown when I start my training and all companies are required to have as many employees as possible working from home? Do I then also have to work remotely or from home right at the start of my training?
We will always try to be on-site at SMA as much as possible at the start of your training to make it easier for you. With the last cohort of trainees in 2020, we had to do a lot of things differently than what we were used to from the previous years. However, we adapted well to the new situation and spent the first two weeks of training together at SMA. Although we had to split up the training groups and welcome each one individually, we made it possible for everyone to have the same induction training on-site. In fact, some trainees in their first year of training very quickly started working remotely or from home, but they did not have any technical problems so everything went smoothly.
How will remote working affect training at SMA in the long term?
Many discussions will continue to be held digitally. Simply because not all trainees are based here at the headquarters. In this way, we can save travel time in the long term. More digital, in-house teaching will also be offered in the future. This has the benefit that the trainees do not have to leave their current department for a couple of hours of teaching (saving travel time, expenses and room planning). All documents that we used to print out and sign before the coronavirus pandemic but have now converted into a digital form will continue to be used in their digital form. Likewise, more digital tools (MS Teams, Whiteboard, etc.) are to be used and developed with our trainees. We would like to hold interviews on-site again. In this application process, we noticed that many candidates are more nervous when they are sitting in front of a computer than when we invite them for an interview on-site. The start of an interview therefore tends to go more smoothly on-site, as we can calm the candidates’ anxiety better than in an online interview.
