“It’s mainly our relaxed, informal atmosphere that attracts new colleagues.”

• What led you to Aurubis Olen, Kathleen?
  I studied engineering and worked for 18 years in the public sector. I had a very interesting technical role there, but I missed the human aspect. I wanted a more social job, one where I could really work with people.
  
  When I saw this job openings, I immediately felt the click: the technical environment at Aurubis Olen combined with the social aspects of the job was the perfect fit for me. The application process went smoothly: after the first and second interviews, I had the medical examination, and a few weeks later I could start. The fact that Aurubis gave me this opportunity despite my background says a lot about the trust the company puts in me.

• What exactly does your job as HR Business Partner Recruiting involve?
  My focus is on recruitment and selection. We check whether job descriptions are complete and determine which knowledge, skills, and personality are needed. Then we write job ads, publish them, and start the candidate selection process.
  
  I also follow up on internships and student workers, and I contribute to the job classification system and evaluations of both blue- and white-collar employees. In addition, we represent Aurubis Olen at job fairs and school expos, where we build strong connections with schools.

• Did you take additional training to get started smoothly in your new role?
  I completed a coaching program on interviewing and training on social legislation, such as collective agreements and employment contracts. Aurubis Olen invests strongly in training—you really get the chance here to further develop yourself both professionally and personally.

• What do you look for during applications?
  For me, it’s about the complete picture: education, experience, and motivation. Motivation is often decisive.
  
  For example, our operators come from very diverse backgrounds—from carpenters to bakers. The most important things are a good fit with the team and the right motivation. The selection process starts with online tests, followed by a short phone interview. After that, there’s an interview at our site together with the direct supervisor.

• How does onboarding new colleagues work?
  New colleagues are introduced to their department and team in advance, so they already get a feel for the company and the people they’ll be working with. We also provide practical information: where to report, which team they’ll be joining, and so on.
  
  On their first day, they watch the safety video and receive an onboarding folder with information on salary, benefits, and internal procedures such as sick leave. After three months, there’s a second welcome day: colleagues from different departments give additional insights, and retired colleagues take them on a tour through production. This way, they get a complete picture of the company and its processes.

• What do you hear most from colleagues who just started?
  I often hear that our working atmosphere is excellent. You can also sense that during job interviews: they are informal, relaxed, and genuine. Job security, a good salary package, and career opportunities are important, but it’s mainly the atmosphere that convinces people.
  
  About 75% of our new hires come through internal referrals, because colleagues speak so positively about their experiences. The international character and informal vibe also stand out, making Aurubis a warm and attractive place to work.

• What do you enjoy most about your job?
  The contact with people and the variety. You constantly meet new colleagues and visit different departments, which means you’re always learning.
  
  I also like that we look beyond the CV. The right motivation and team fit are what matter most—I’m the perfect example of that. There are also many small things that make a difference: ice cream on a hot day, family days, and more. The local Kempish spirit, the international environment, and the great colleagues make it all complete!

Looking for a new challenge?

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