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About the company
Lidl is an international discount food retailer and part of the Schwarz Group, headquartered in Neckarsulm. Lidl operates around 12,000 stores in more than 30 European countries and the United States and is one of the largest food retailers in the world.
Program details
Key facts
Program length
18 months
Number of rotations
3
Departments
All departments
International assignment
Mandatory
Working hours / week
38h
Gross salary per year
Not public
Program description
The International Graduate Program at Lidl
The International Graduate Program prepares graduates for an international career at one of the foreign subsidiaries. Graduates rotate through different functions, gain experience at several international locations and are prepared for a specialist or management role abroad through structured training.
Application requirements
Who applies successfully?
Degree
Bachelor's or master's degree
Field of study
Any discipline relevant to the designated department
Work experience
First relevant practical experience (e.g. internships or working student jobs)
International experience
First international experience (e.g. semester abroad or internship abroad)
Languages
Fluent German and English
Other
Willingness to travel internationally
Application process
How does the application work?
01
Online application
Application documents, typically a CV, cover letter and relevant certificates, are submitted via the company's career portal. An automatic confirmation follows, while substantive feedback from HR is generally provided within one to four weeks.
02
Online test
A standardized aptitude test completed online, typically covering logical reasoning, numerical and verbal skills as well as personality. The total duration ranges from 20 to 90 minutes.
not required
Recorded video interview
An interview without a live interviewer, in which candidates respond to predefined questions on camera. It typically comprises five to seven questions, each with two minutes to respond.
03
Interview with HR
An interview with the HR department, usually conducted via video and lasting 30 to 60 minutes. It focuses predominantly on academic background, motivation, cultural fit and behavioral questions on soft skills.
not required
Department interview
An interview with the manager or team of the department you are applying to, usually conducted via video and lasting 45 to 90 minutes. It centers on technical questions, situational cases and the alignment of mutual expectations.
04
Assessment center
A multi-stage selection day comprising presentations, case studies, group exercises and individual interviews. The format varies by company and may take place on site or virtually.
Questions about Lidl International Graduate Program
What salary does Lidl pay in its graduate program?
Lidl does not publicly disclose the gross salary of its graduate program. Remuneration is communicated individually during the selection process.
How many months does the Lidl graduate program last?
The International Graduate Program lasts 18 months and comprises three rotations in different areas. The program is designed as a structured career entry, in which graduates acquire practical experience across different areas and contribute to their own projects. Upon completion, graduates typically move into a permanent position within the company.
What requirements do I need to meet for the Lidl graduate program?
The International Graduate Program requires a suitable professional profile. A bachelor's or master's degree is required. Candidates from any discipline relevant to the designated department are considered. Fluent German and English are essential. Beyond the formal criteria, companies typically place significant emphasis on relevant practical experience, confident English and a convincing presence in interviews.
How does the application process for the Lidl graduate program work?
The application process for the International Graduate Program comprises four stages: online application, online test, interview with HR and assessment center. Application documents, typically a CV and cover letter, are submitted via the Lidl career portal. The stages are completed consecutively and may extend over several weeks, depending on the application round. Thorough preparation for the interviews and subsequent selection stages significantly increases the likelihood of success.
Does the Lidl graduate program include an international assignment?
The Lidl graduate program includes a mandatory international assignment as an integral part of its rotation plan. The international rotation forms a fixed part of the program and is planned jointly with the graduates.
When does the application portal for the Lidl graduate program open?
The application portal for the Lidl graduate program is currently open. Applications are submitted via the official Lidl application portal.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Lidl |
| Program | International Graduate Program |
| Industry | Grocery retail |
| Main location | Neckarsulm, Baden-Württemberg |
| Program length | 18 months |
| Gross annual salary | Not publicly disclosed |
