I applied for a role at Henkel through their careers page. The interview process included two rounds, both conducted in person.
Round 1:
The first round was with the reporting manager. He was extremely polite, respectful, and understanding. Although the interview was scheduled for 30 minutes, it extended to 1 hour and 30 minutes due to the engaging and healthy conversation. It was a very positive and insightful interaction, leaving me with a strong impression of the company’s culture. The HR coordination for this round was also very professional and supportive.
Round 2:
The second round was with the Head of Supply Chain – India. This session focused more on cultural fit and a discussion of my previous experiences. It lasted about 45 minutes and went smoothly. Once again, the HR team handled the process efficiently.
Post-Interview Communication:
Henkel has been one of my dream companies since my Master’s, especially because of its reputed work culture. However, the post-interview communication left me disappointed. After the interviews, there was a long silence—about 50 days—with no clear update. Despite multiple follow-ups, I was repeatedly told I was “on hold.” Eventually, I received an automated update via the careers portal stating that the position had been closed. When I reached out again, I was informed that the role had been filled and I had not been selected.
While I completely understand not being selected, clearer and more transparent communication from the HR team would have been appreciated. A direct response—such as, “We’ve moved forward with other candidates,” or “We are looking for someone with more experience”—would have been more helpful and respectful of a candidate’s time and emotional investment, rather than vague and delayed responses.