Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any work permit requirements?
Any work permit requirements are set out in each individual job opportunity and vary depending on the country and its legislation. Your application won’t be considered unless you meet any requirements, so it’s important you check this section of the job description.
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There’s no suitable opportunity for me on the website. Can I submit a general application?
We don’t accept speculative applications, but if you register for updates you can specify where you’d like to work and which role would interest you. We’ll email you when there’s a vacancy for someone with your profile. You can also attach your CV to the registration form. Apply online.
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Will my details be kept on file? How long for?
We’ll ask you to agree to AkzoNobel recording the information you provide for recruitment and employment purposes. It means we can let you know when suitable vacancies arise, assess your application and avoid asking you to fill in more forms than necessary. Information on ethnicity or birthplace is voluntary, and any details you give will only be used to evaluate our progress towards our diversity hiring goals.
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When will you contact me once I’ve registered?
You’ll receive an automated confirmation of receipt once we have your details. If you’re registering for updates, we’ll be in touch when a suitable vacancy arises. If you’re applying for a specific vacancy, we’ll contact you within two weeks.
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What’s the minimum academic standard for opportunities at AkzoNobel?
Each vacancy is unique, which is why we’ve listed everything separately in the job search engine. You’ll need to check the vacancy you’re interested in to see if you meet the academic criteria. Applicants who don’t meet the necessary standards won’t be considered.
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What is the closing date for applications?
Each vacancy has a closing date listed on the description. Vacancies are taken off the website once the date is reached, and applications will no longer be accepted. Make sure you read the details properly to get your application in on time.
Vacancies are continuously updated, so if there isn’t anything to interest you now it would be worth registering for updates so we can inform you when we have something that does.
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What is the starting salary and what benefits do you offer?
Because we offer opportunities in so many different areas and in so many countries, it’s impossible to answer this – starting salaries will reflect the local market. It might also depend on your qualifications and/or work experience.
However, the packages we offer are highly competitive. Support and training for professional qualifications will be outlined by the business you’re applying to, and will usually be discussed once you have received an offer.
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Will I be able to choose where I work?
We try to give a broad overview of each vacancy so you can make an informed choice about whether you want to apply. This includes details on locations and placements.
Vacancies are continuously updated, so if there isn’t anything to interest you now it would be worth registering for updates so we can inform you when we have something that does.
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Do you offer work placements?
We offer both work placements and summer internships – they’re a great way of finding out what’s available at AkzoNobel once you graduate. It lets us see your talents and potential, too.
Details can be found in the Apply online section of the website. Information on internships is in the Opportunities section.
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Are there opportunities to work in different departments on the Graduate Development Program?
What you want from your career won’t be what somebody else wants. You’re unique – a bit like the opportunities at AkzoNobel. In some roles you might stay in one area, while in others you might get the chance to work in different departments or even countries.
It’s important to read the job description for each role before you apply to make sure you know what we’re offering.
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How do I contact you?
You can get in touch with the AkzoNobel Graduate Recruitment Team:
By email: grad.recruitment@akzonobel.com
By phone: +44 (0)1753 556053
If you’d like to apply for one of our graduate opportunities, fill out our online form. You can also register your details and request updates.
What are the equivalencies of the UK UCAS points and UK University degree?
Use this table to see how your qualifications compare to AkzoNobel's minimum standards
e.g. if you are studying in Germany you should have gained a minimum of 2.6 in your Arbitur or above and a degree grade of 2.5 or above.
| High school/Secondary education | Equivalency | 1st Degree level | Equivalency |
| AkzoNobel minimum Standard | | Top 40% of your class | | Top 40% of your class |
| UK | A Level | 22 Ucas Points | UK | 2:1 |
| Germany | Abitur | 1 - 2.6 | GERMANY | 1 - 2.5 |
| France | Baccalauréat | 12 - 20 | FRANCE | 12 - 20 |
| Italy | Esami di Maturità | 80 - 100 | ITALY | 85 - 110 |
| Spain | Bachillerato / Selectividad | 7 - 10 | Spain | Distinction or above |
| Netherlands | VWO | 7 - 10 | NETHERLANDS | 7 - 10 |
| Belgium | CESS | Qualification or above | BELGIUM | Minimum 80% - Grande distinction |
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