Frequently asked questions – Digital talent programme

Do you have any questions about our Digital Talent Programme? This FAQ may have the answers you need to start you future career at Vattenfall.

 
Application
Selection Process
Job details
Assignments – Job Rotations – Travel
Talent Programme content
Starting a Talent Programme in the middle of a pandemic

Application

1. When can I apply for the talent programme positions?
Vacancies are published between mid-January to mid-February or mid-September to mid-October each year. We will not be able to consider applications after the closing date.
2. What should my application include?
Please answer the screening questions as stated. We may also require transcripts for positions in some countries so please check the specific requirements of vacancies when you apply.
3. What should I include in my application to make it stand out?
To make your application stand out, emphasize why you’re excited about the role and how it aligns with your goals. Highlight specific skills and experiences that match the requirements, and share unique achievements or projects that demonstrate your value. Show enthusiasm and personalize your application to the company and position.
4. What degree is required to be eligible to apply?
You need to graduate from your studies before the start of the programme in September. You can find the specific educational requirements within each job advert. PhD candidates are also eligible to apply.
5. What is the maximum amount of work experience I can have after my most recent degree to still be eligible for the programme?
You can apply for the programme if you have up to 3 years of work experience or less from your latest degree.
6. Do internships count as work experience?

Although internships provide valuable experience, for the purposes of our talent programme they are not regarded as work experience. Work experience is counted from when you graduate from your most recent degree.

7. Can I apply if I do not speak the local language (e.g. Swedish, Dutch, German, Polish)?
All talent vacancies require a good command of the English language. For some positions a local language is also required which will be specified in the job description.
8. Can I apply for multiple positions at once?

Yes, if you feel that your skills and experience are a good match. However it is important to think carefully about which positions to apply for and to elaborate on your motivation for each. Make sure to submit a separate application for every role.

9. Do you require a valid working permit to apply?
Depending on the Vattenfall country, and the country of your origin, different agreements and country policies apply. In case you are a shortlisted candidate for the position please indicate your residence status to the recruiter so that we can discuss your specific situation.
10. Does Vattenfall help me to get a Visa/working permit?

Vattenfall can apply for the working permit for a candidate selected for the programme. Please note that this remains country specific and may vary depending on specific country policies. A relocation package is not provided as a part of the programme. In case you are selected for the programme please mention your status to the recruiter responsible for the position so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

11. Can I apply whilst I am a student?
Yes – we recommend applying during your final year of study as our programme starts in September each year and applications close in April. You can apply up to 3 years after you have completed your studies.
12. I submitted my application but did not receive a confirmation. How do I know if my application was received?
After submitting your application you should receive an automatic response acknowledging it. Please also check your Spam folder. In most cases, the recruiter will review your application within 10 working days after the vacancy closes. If you have not heard from us, please contact us through the recruiter details within the job ad.
13. How does COVID-19 influence the application process?

Vattenfall is committed to acting responsibly in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and is taking all necessary measures to protect employees and applicants. We have adapted the application process to reflect the current situation. Most of our employees are working from home, and we are conducting interviews via telephone and video conference. Please be aware that there may be some delays to the application process.

Please visit Frequently asked questions where you can find answers to further questions regarding the application process during COVID-19.

Selection process

1. What does the selection process look like? What steps are there and what is the timeline?

a. Application
All vacancies will be published from the 8th of March up to the 4th of April 2021. After submitting your application, you will receive an automatic response confirming the receipt of your application.

b. Screening

We aim to respond to you within 2 weeks of the closing deadline.

c. Online tests

In April an online personality test will be sent out to the all the candidates from which four will be selected to progress to the next stage.

d. Interviews

At the end of April – beginning of May we will conduct interviews with four prospective talents. Interviews may take place via phone/digital meeting. Two candidates for each position will move to the next round and will be invited for a second interview in May.
e. Offer

We aim to notify successful candidates at the end of May. You must successfully complete pre-employment checks to progress to the contracting phase. In cases where security vetting may be required, candidates will be notified after this has taken place. In addition, in Germany employment offers may need to be approved by the works council.

We aim to finish the recruitment process in June.

f. Security vetting

Our Pre-employment screening differs depending on the country and the vacancy. Some roles require a higher level of security clearance – this will be clear in the advert. If so, you will be asked to submit information via the Security Vetting process which takes place from May to June with final hiring decisions taken afterwards.

2. What does security vetting entail?
We are required to confirm the identity of our staff, their right to work in the country they have applied for and to seek assurances as to their trustworthiness, integrity and reliability. Some roles require a higher level of security clearance – this will be clear in the advert. Security vetting can differ between countries.

Job details

1. What are the advantages of starting as a talent at Vattenfall? How does a talent position differ from Junior positions?
Talents benefit from an unlimited contract and are fully immersed in the company. During the talent year you spend approximately 50% of the time working within your ‘home’ business area and 50% in different elements of the programme such as assignments, hackathons and huddles. Through the assignments you learn and build contacts with other employees and departments – a great opportunity for networking and personal development.
2. Are there positions which don’t require an IT/technical background?
Yes, there may be, but it depends on what vacancies are available in a particular year. All of our vacancies within the programme are however connected to digitalization in some way. Please check each vacancy for details.
3. Can I choose a specific area/department to spend my year in as a talent?
As all the talent positions are unique, you choose the specific team, department and business area you apply to. The freedom to choose where to carry out the assignments which are part of the programme means you also have opportunities to experience other departments and business units.
4. Can I switch to another team at the end of the talent programme?
As the two year talent journey aims to develop you towards a target profile, the objective is to employ you in that role at the end of the programme. However, internal movements are encouraged and common in Vattenfall and there will be opportunities to apply to other positions in the future.
5. What happens after the talent programme is finished? Does the programme lead to a full-time position?
Yes, the talent position leads to full-time employment with some different setup of contract depending which country the position is in. What is common for all positions is that after the Talent programme a permanent position will be offered.
6. What is the salary for the talent programme?

We closely follow the market to ensure we remain competitive.

7. How does COVID-19 influence the talent programme?

We will adapt the programme depending on current restrictions and are continuously monitoring the situation together with Vattenfall Health & Safety. We will do what we can in person when possible and arrange digital solutions if necessary.

Assignments – Job Rotations – Travel

1. Do I have to go abroad for my assignment?
This depends both on your own wishes and where the specific position is located. However, at least one of the two rotations is usually abroad.

Please read more below regarding the Covid-19 situation.
2. Can I choose where I do my assignments?
Yes, you choose your assignments yourself but of course your manager and mentor will help you. Each talent is assigned a mentor who is a former talent themselves and who will be able to provide the best advice based on their own experience.
3. How long do the assignments last?
The length of the assignments varies from 4 to 8 weeks.

Talent Programme content

1. What type of training will I receive during the programme?

During the programme you will receive training aimed at giving you a broad understanding of Vattenfall’s business and operations, as well as how we work and our code of conduct. It will cover a wide range of different topics including management training, and will help you build your personal development portfolio and equip you for your future career at Vattenfall.

2. Can you explain a bit more about the different elements of the talent programme?
a. Seminar weeks:

During Seminar weeks you will work on different topics and themes, to increase your knowledge and help you network with other talents.

b. Assignments

During the programme you will also take part in two assignments in different departments. These will help you gain new knowledge, ideas and get inspired for the future.

c. Hackathons: 

Hackathons are fun and challenging activities where the talents are given 50 hours to develop complete business plans for fast charging solutions.

d. Huddles: 

The programme includes five huddle meetings with interesting topics to train independency and creativity as well as proactivity.

e. Site visits: 

Site visits will be hosted across our different facilities. These will increase your knowledge about Vattenfall and enable you get to know our entire portfolio and facilities. Please read more below on the Covid-19 situation and how we are handling the physical aspects of the programme.

Starting a Talent Programme in the middle of a pandemic

1. How will the talent programme adapt to the current situation?
We are continuously monitoring the Covid-19 situation together with our Health and Safety experts to make sure we find the best solutions for our talents and help them to stay safe. As many of us are already working from home, you could work on an international assignment from home. You may also be able to do your assignment locally and travel within the country you are located if restrictions allow.

The situation can change quickly, and we will adapt. Where possible, the programme will be carried out in person with digital alternatives provided if necessary.
2. Will I work remotely, or do I have to travel to an office?
Where possible you will work in an office but remotely if not. Of course, we also offer the flexibility to help you find the perfect work-life balance.