Good to know - FAQ

We have compiled some general information as well as the most frequently asked questions and answers in order to facilitate your application to Volkswagen Financial Services.

How does VW FS pursue the topic of diversity?
Diversity means to accept people with all their differences. Diversity management is the conscious use and promotion of the diversity of employees to transform them into success-generating advantages, thus ensuring continuous competitiveness. Our employees are just as colourful and varied as our business area. A versatility that we recognise as value and that we promote. Equal opportunities are ensured for all to the same extent at Volkswagen Financial Services AG, thus strengthening the cooperation.

How can the corporate culture be described?
PRACTICED CUSTOMER PROXIMITY, RESPONSIBILITY, TRUST, COURAGE and ENTHUSIASM are the central basis of our management and corporate culture. The attitude of our employees to always be seeking improvements and therefore actively implementing accompanying amendments is connected to this. We believe that we only reach our goals if we all help together - in a balanced give-and-take between employees and company.

What is the work time regulation?
We practice the trust and flexitime system. In many corporate areas we can offer home office or flexible work. 

Is there a dress code?
Don’t worry - we do not have any strict rules. Wear whatever you deem appropriate.

What does integrity and compliance mean to us?

At Volkswagen Financial Services, we are committed to integrity and compliance. We adhere to rules and guidelines and align our actions with ethical principles and our corporate values. It is important to us that every employee acts responsibly out of their own conviction – in dealing with colleagues and especially with our customers. That’s why we make sure that our new employees not only know these values, but also live them.

Can I submit an unsolicited application?
Kindly apply exclusively for specific tenders by means of online application. We add new vacancies to our website every day. In case you do not find the right vacancy right away, simply visit us again from time to time. You can also follow us on XING and LinkedIn to keep yourself up-to-date.

How long does it take to register and apply for a job?
Nobody of us would like to waste unnecessary time, therefore an application with us incl. registration does not take longer than 5 minutes.

What documents do I need to apply?
Kindly send us your CV - e.g. via Dropbox or Google Drive. If you would like you can also add a covering letter or other documents to your application.

Why are most fields in the application marked as “optional”?
Not all information is recorded as mandatory by us. However, keep in mind: The more information you provide, the better we can get to know you.

Can I use the data I already entered for another application?
Yes, almost all data stored are automatically available for a new online application. In the new application please complete only the mandatory fields specific to the vacancy. In order to compose another application, simply select a new profession.

Will I receive an order confirmation after I sent the application?
Yes. You will immediately receive a confirmation as soon as the data is received in the system.

Can I change my information later on?
Information such as name, address, telephone number, your password or your email address can be changed for an application that has already been sent. Log in to your applicant cockpit for this. Via the applicant cockpit you can also withdraw your application.

Can I stop while creating an application and log in again later on?
You can leave the application assistant at any time and complete your application later on and send it. If you have not sent your application yet, you can open it at any time via the applicant cockpit and complete it.

What can I do if my password is not accepted?
Please click on the field “Forgot password” and wait 5-10 minutes. Your password will be reset and you can log in again.

Why is the connection reset if I have not saved for some time?
This procedure is used to protect your personal data. It should prevent that unauthorised persons can access your data. Therefore, save the data you entered regularly and the connection will not be reset involuntarily. The system will always save automatically, if you change from one menu item (e.g. personal data) to the next (e.g. school/training/degree).

What system requirements/Internet browsers are supported by the online application?
You will need a PC with a standard operating system (Windows, Apple Mac OS, most Linux distributions) as well as one of the following web browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, Mozilla Firefox.

What happens to the data I entered?
The protection of your personal data is very important to us. When using the system you provide Volkswagen Financial Services AG with your personal data and information. We process and use your data in our online application system exclusively for the required purposes that ensure an effective and correct handling of the application procedure. For further information see “Data protection” at the bottom of each page of this website.

Will my travel cost be reimbursed?
You will receive the form for the reimbursement with the invitation to the Match Day.

When does the training/the dual course of study start?
Official start of the training/the dual course of study is August 1.

How much does one earn in the training/in the course of study?
The training allowance is determined in accordance with the collective agreements of the labour union IG Metall.

How much knowledge of the specific topic do I need to have?
In any case you should be interested, however, explicit knowledge is not required. You will learn the basics required for your practical deployment in the departments in fundamental training sessions.

What documents do I need to enclose with the application?
It is mandatory to attach the last two certificates of the mainstream school as well as a CV. Applicants who are visiting a high school, should attach - if already available - the most current certificate of this school. Please note that applications without completely attached certificates will not be processed.

When will the grades be compared?
In the invitation to the interview you will be asked to bring your certificate. At this time the information will be confirmed. Applicants who have made false statements will be excluded from the selection process.

What is the online test and when do I take it?
In order to get to know you better, all applicants for a skilled occupation, who meet our entry requirements, will receive an invitation to take an online aptitude test. It takes about 45 minutes and can be done from any internet-compatible PC. The password send with the invitation is valid for one week. For reasons of fairness to other candidates, online tests cannot be repeated once started. Please ensure therefore that you are not disturbed during the online test. Please note that each applicant may take the test only once! In case of doubt, please contact us by phone +49 (0) 531-212-899543 or by email at recruiting@vwfs.com.

The login site for the online test cannot be shown.
Ensure that you have a connection to the Internet. If you have entered the participation link manually in your browser, check your entry for typing errors. You will find detailed information about the required browsers under the menu item “Help”. There you can also download the required software on your computer.

After logging in I see a home page, however I cannot start the test.
Scroll down on the home page. Click on the button “Start now” - the test opens in a new window. If no new window opens after clicking on the “Start now” button, deactivate the pop-up blocker of your browser (however this is only necessary in exceptional cases).

The test cannot be shown - only an empty page appears or the message
“This website cannot be displayed”. You may have lost connection to the Internet. Make sure that you have an Internet connection by opening any website in a new window. If you have an Internet connection, reload the test by refreshing the page. If this does not help, close the window and log off. Log in again using your login data and restart the test. If the problem persists, check if you have installed a suitable browser. You will find detailed information about the required browsers under the menu item “Help”. There you can also download the required software on your computer.

I did not receive any confirmation of receipt.
Please check if your provider may have flagged our email correspondence as spam. If you should still find out that you have not received any automated confirmation of receipt after submitting your application, please inform us by phone under +49 (0) 531-212-899543 or write us an email to recruiting@vwfs.com.

I do not have an email address.
Different providers offer free email addresses and associated with it the free sending and receiving of emails.  Setting up the addresses is described on the respective home pages.

How can I apply for an internship/student work?
Please send us your complete application documents by means of online application about three months prior to your desired date when you would like to start the internship.
Please add a CV in the form of a table without any gaps and copies of relevant certificates (A-levels, vocational training, internship). These open internship vacancies can be found in our job exchange which is updated daily for the different functional areas. Ideally, an internship with us lasts between three and six months.

Do I have to be enrolled with a University?
If you apply for an internship, student work or thesis you should have a valid certificate of enrolment. Unfortunately we can only take your application for these vacancies in consideration if you are a registered student.

What are the entry requirements to become a trainee at Volkswagen Financial Services?
As a direct entry employee you have gained thorough knowledge either during your studies or you possess expertise that makes you a specialist in this area. With experience and knowledge that you have collected in your studies, while working or during a stay abroad you are equally welcome at our company.

How many months in advance should I apply?
Please apply both for the trainee programme and direct entry about three months prior to your desired starting date. Kindly send us your complete application documents by means of online application. Vacancies are published in the current job offers.

Are there fixed entry dates for the trainee programme?
No. The respective entry dates will be announced in the job advertisements.

What modules are part of the 12-month trainee programme “Digital Talent“?
The mandatory modules include a wide range of project assignments in Germany and abroad with focus on digital topics. These are discussed together with your mentor and the training coordination in the so-called programme planning meetings. In this way an individual programme plan is created for each trainee. Furthermore, seminars, internships in production and customers service as well as network meetings are relevant components. Excursions and also deployment at a brand of the group can also be optional components. The Digital Talent is responsible from the beginning for the organisation of the deployments.

What happens at the end of the trainee programme?
In the context of a permanent employment contract, following the programme you will be deployed in a technical department (depending on qualification, business needs and personal interest) for further digital topics and can qualify yourself in the context of our existing personnel instruments and development offers. Surely by now you can profit from your set up network, your experience and the acquired knowledge!

Are you a citizen of a country outside the EU and would like to enter Germany to be able to work at Volkswagen Financial Services AG?
In the following you will find general information as well as frequently asked questions and answers on the topic of immigration to Germany and especially on the application of a visa or the “EU Blue Card”.

What do I need to know before leaving for Germany?
In order to enter Germany and to be able to work here, you require a working visa or other valid residence permit that will also entitle you to employment. In order to get the working visa or the residence permit you will need a valid passport. Preferably it should be valid for at least another 4 years.
If you have applied for a working visa you can, as soon as you have it in hand, enter Germany and you can start to work right away.
If you are a citizen of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States of America, you can enter Germany at first also without the required residence permit. However, within 3 months you will have to apply for a residence permit at the immigration authorities that entitles you to employment (ideally the “EU Blue Card”). Please note that you can only start to work in this case after you have received the “EU Blue Card”.

Where can/must I apply for the working visa?
You must apply for the working visa at the German embassy or at the consulate general in your home country. Please bring your employment contract or a concrete offer, if available, documents on your planned accommodation (rental agreement etc.) along. Detailed information on the required documents can be found in the website of the German diplomatic representation in your home country.
Please also point out that you after receiving the visa in Germany you would like to apply for the “EU Blue Card”.

What do I need to know after arriving in Germany?
After arriving in Germany you will have to apply for a residence permit to be able to stay in Germany for a longer time and to be able to work, ideally the so-called “EU Blue Card”. Please make sure that you apply for the residence permit or the “EU Blue Card” in good time before the expiry of your working visa.

Are there particular conditions for the acquisition of a “EU Blue Card”?
Yes. You can get a good overview of the requirements (in German and English) on the website of the Federal Foreign Office:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/buergerservice-faq-kontakt/faq/02a-blue-card-eu/606572 (Link zum FAQ: What is the EU Blue Card? Who can get it? Where can I get it?)

Where can/must I apply for the “EU Blue Card”?
The “EU Blue Card” is issued by the immigration authority in Braunschweig. You will have to apply for the “EU Blue Card” yourself at the immigration authorities after you have entered Germany.
The competent immigration authority can be found in the Fallersleber Straße 1, 38100 Braunschweig and the opening hours are as follows:
Monday 08:30 - 13:00 hours and 15:00 - 18:00 hours, Tuesday 12:00 - 15:30 hours, Wednesday 09:00 - 12:00 hours, Thursday 12:00 - 15:30 hours and Friday 08:30 - 13:00 hours.
Please arrange an appointment beforehand for the application of the “EU Blue Card”. You can make this appointment either by phone or using a corresponding online form. Detailed information about your phone contacts and the link to the online form can be found under the following link: https://www.braunschweig.de/politik_verwaltung/fb_institutionen/fachbereiche_referate/fb32/fb32_4/auslaender/32_42_terminanfrage.html

What documents do I need to submit to apply for the “EU Blue Card”?
The application to acquire the “EU Blue Card” can either be found directly at the immigration authorities in Braunschweig or online via the following link:
https://formular-server.de/BS_FS/findform?shortname=Aufenthaltserlaubnis&formtecid=2&areashortname=BS

In addition to this application, please also submit the following documents at the immigration authority:
. valid passport/national passport (please pay attention to the date of validity! – see next question)
. current biometric passport photo
. high school leaving certificate
. employment contract or concrete job offer
At present, a fee of € 100 needs to be paid for the issue of the “EU Blue Card” (as of 2018).

For how long is the EU Blue Card issued?
The “EU Blue Card” can be issued for a maximum of 4 years. If the employment relationship is less than four years (fixed term employment contract), the Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months.
Please note: The “EU Blue Card” can only be issued for as long as your national passport is valid. Therefore, please check the validity of your passport in good time and, if needed, have a new passport issued prior to entering Germany.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Should you have any questions that were not answered here or that are unclear, please contact [contact at VW FS AG?] or directly by email to the immigration authority (auslaenderbehoerde@braunschweig.de).