Hacks for your application
The better you prepare your application documents, the easier you will find it to send off your application. We ask for a cover letter, CV and credentials to be included in the attachments – whereby the cover letter is optional. In the video, we show you what we believe makes for a very good cover letter.
Your CV should be clearly structured. To this end, we recommend creating thematic blocks and listing your most recent information first. Subsections detailing the most relevant roles you have performed in each position make your CV more readable and comprehensible. Your credentials (e.g. academic certificates and references) round off your application documents.
All videos have English subtitles which you can activate by clicking the cc-button next to the timeline.
Our Applicant Portal
Once you have prepared your application documents, apply directly under Job Offers on our website and give the start signal for your career at HHLA!
Click on "Apply Now" in the vacancy that interests you. We will then guide you through the application form step by step. We only need a few details from you, your application only takes a few minutes and you receive confirmation of receipt straight away. This is followed by a review, pre-selection and transfer of the documents you submitted to the relevant department.

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What’s the best way to apply?
Please send your application preferably online using our application form.
Can I apply for several positions at once?
Yes, that's no problem, you are welcome to apply for several positions. Please make a note of this in your application to make it easier for us.
What can I do if there are no suitable job advertisements for me?
It’s best if you can apply directly for an available position, so that your application has a clear direction. But if there is currently no suitable position available we’re happy to receive your CV by using our application form for future openings.
How large can my application files be?
Attachments should not exceed 10 MB.
What do you look for in a CV?
The more structured and complete your CV is, the easier it is for us to understand your professional experience and knowledge. The personal details should be followed by blocks on professional experience, training/studies, language and IT skills. As we are also interested in what motivates you outside of work, we would be delighted to hear about your hobbies or other activities.
How can I find out what is happening with my application?
We will always try to inform you as quickly as possible about the status of your application. If you have any additional queries you can get in touch with the HR contact listed in the job advertisement at any time.
What is a structured selection process?
HHLA uses a structured selection process (SSP) to fill vacant positions. This can take place individually or in a group and usually includes a case study, a simulated discussion and an interview (individual SSP) or a personal presentation and group discussion (group SSP). This allows us to compare your professional knowledge and experience with the requirements of the position. In addition to professional skills, we will also evaluate whether team members fit together.
How can I best prepare for the interview or selection process?
Take the time to find out about HHLA, its business areas and values. Think about what interests you about the specific position and what you can contribute. And last but not least, think about what you would like to know from us.
What is particularly important in an interview or selection process?
We want to get to know you personally and find out about your professional qualifications. Be authentic and let us see the real you.
What will happen to my data during the application process?
The data you provide will be treated confidentially and used exclusively for the application process. We process your personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and all other relevant regulations.
Much more than just recruiting
Finding the right candidate for the right job – this is the goal our recruitment officers clearly have in mind. This task involves much more than just selecting applicants however.
To inspire potential employees from the outset, we give insights into working at HHLA and the attractive benefits we offer. Additional employer branding measures aim to ensure that we reach the right people for our existing and future vacancies. This is the only way for us to find ideal candidates who fit into our teams.
Marikka's motivation to recruit
No two days are the same for Marikka, our recruitment officer. She interacts with a broad range of people, confers with our managers on a regular basis about the status of open vacancies, and sifts through profiles and interviews applicants.
You can see what she likes best about her job in the video.

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