Lufthansa Recruitment Process

How does the Lufthansa recruitment process work?

Lufthansa recruitment starts with the vacancy, not with a universal company-wide test sequence.

You apply through the Career Cockpit, submit the information and documents required for that position, and then complete whatever stages the role uses. For some jobs that can mean online testing plus interviews or a selection day. Other applications may move through document screening and interviews without an online test at all.

The Career Cockpit is therefore more than a place to upload a CV. It is where you see whether an application is actually submitted, whether another action is outstanding and what comes next.

Lufthansa recruitment stages at a glance

Stage	Possible activity
Vacancy search	Identify an open position matching your qualifications
Career Cockpit registration	Create an account and manage applications
Online application	Enter personal, educational and professional information
Document upload	Submit the CV, certificates and other requested evidence
Initial screening	Recruiters review whether the basic requirements are met
Online assessment	Complete tests selected for the specific position
Initial interview	Attend a telephone, video or live interview
Selection day	Complete interviews or computer-based achievement tests
Assessment centre	Complete group, role-play, case-study or presentation exercises
Decision	Receive the outcome and any additional instructions
Pre-employment stage	Complete role-specific checks, documentation or onboarding

This table is a general model.

Your individual process may contain fewer or additional stages.

Stage 1: Find the correct Lufthansa vacancy

The recruitment process begins with a live job advertisement.

Lufthansa Group includes several companies and professional areas.

A vacancy may belong to:

• Deutsche Lufthansa;
• Lufthansa Technik;
• Lufthansa Cargo;
• Lufthansa CityLine;
• Lufthansa City Airlines;
• another Lufthansa Group company.

Do not assume that every position advertised under the Lufthansa Group uses identical:

• requirements;
• online tests;
• interview questions;
• assessment-centre exercises;
• employment conditions.

Read the complete advertisement before applying.

What to check in the vacancy

Review:

• exact employer;
• job title;
• department;
• location;
• entry level;
• employment type;
• responsibilities;
• required education;
• professional experience;
• technical skills;
• language requirements;
• availability;
• shift requirements;
• travel requirements;
• work-right requirements;
• required documents;
• application deadline.

Create a simple comparison between the vacancy and your qualifications.

Requirement	Your evidence	Status
Education	Certificate or diploma	Confirmed / missing
Experience	CV and references	Confirmed / below requirement
German	Stated and demonstrable level	Confirmed / improvement needed
English	Stated and demonstrable level	Confirmed / improvement needed
Technical skill	Qualification or work example	Confirmed / unclear
Availability	Realistic starting date	Confirmed / restricted
Work rights	Passport or permit	Confirmed / requires verification

Do not claim that you satisfy a requirement without evidence.

Are all advertised Lufthansa positions still open?

Lufthansa Group states that positions displayed in its job market remain available while the advertisement is active.

A vacancy is removed when it is expected to be filled.

Candidates should still apply promptly.

A live vacancy can close when:

• sufficient suitable applications have been received;
• the recruitment need changes;
• a candidate is selected;
• the stated application period ends.

Do not wait until the final day if your documents are ready.

Job Subscription

If no suitable vacancy is currently available, candidates can create a Job Subscription.

A Job Subscription can be based on criteria such as:

• region;
• entry level;
• occupational area.

The candidate can choose to receive notifications when relevant vacancies are published.

This is more reliable than repeatedly applying to unsuitable positions.

Stage 2: Register for the Career Cockpit

Registration provides access to the Lufthansa Group Career Cockpit.

The Career Cockpit can be used to:

• start applications;
• monitor application status;
• receive messages;
• complete required actions;
• access online tests;
• manage interview appointments;
• manage job subscriptions;
• review active applications.

Use an email address that you check regularly.

Recruitment communications may contain:

• completion deadlines;
• requests for documents;
• test invitations;
• interview invitations;
• appointment information;
• result notifications.

Keep your login information secure.

Check account information

Before beginning an application, verify:

• legal name;
• email address;
• telephone number;
• current address;
• preferred language where applicable.

Your account details should correspond with your official documents.

Can you apply for several Lufthansa positions?

Yes.

Lufthansa Group permits candidates to apply for several positions or programmes at the same time.

Information from an active application may be stored and prefilled in later applications.

You can modify the information where the new application requires different or additional details.

Each application is processed separately.

Applying to several positions does not allow you to prioritise one application over another within the system.

All active applications are generally processed at the same level.

Should you apply to every open position?

You may technically be able to apply broadly, but recruiters will compare your qualifications with each vacancy.

Apply when there is a credible match between:

• your education;
• experience;
• skills;
• language level;
• availability;
• professional interests.

Submitting many weak applications can create inconsistent motivation and increase the risk of mistakes.

Stage 3: Prepare the application documents

The required documents depend on the vacancy.

Possible attachments include:

• CV;
• school-leaving certificate;
• vocational qualification;
• academic diploma;
• academic transcript;
• employment references;
• training certificates;
• language certificates;
• technical qualifications;
• work-right evidence;
• role-specific documents.

Mandatory attachments are generally identified within the application system.

Follow the document list shown for your position.

Lufthansa CV preparation

A clear CV may include:

• name and contact details;
• professional summary;
• employment history;
• education;
• vocational training;
• internships;
• technical skills;
• language skills;
• relevant certificates;
• additional responsibilities.

Use a logical and consistent structure.

For each position, include:

• employer;
• job title;
• location where relevant;
• dates;
• principal responsibilities;
• relevant achievements.

Avoid unnecessary personal information unless it is requested or customary for the application.

Employment dates

Check that employment dates are consistent across:

• CV;
• application form;
• reference letters;
• professional profiles;
• certificates.

If there is a gap, be prepared to explain it honestly.

A career gap is not necessarily a problem.

An unexplained contradiction can create concern about accuracy.

Education and qualifications

List qualifications accurately.

Do not describe an incomplete course as completed.

Distinguish between:

• currently studying;
• course completed;
• examination passed;
• certificate issued;
• qualification pending.

Attach evidence where requested.

References in German or English

Lufthansa’s general application guidance states that relevant references should be translated into German or English when they are written in another language.

The translation should preserve:

• employer;
• role;
• dates;
• duties;
• assessment;
• signature;
• document context.

Do not replace the original document unless the instructions request only the translated version.

Where necessary, obtain an appropriate professional translation.

Document quality

Before uploading a file, confirm that it is:

• readable;
• complete;
• correctly oriented;
• not password protected;
• within the file-size limit;
• in an accepted format;
• the correct version.

Check that:

• no page is missing;
• text is not blurred;
• signatures are visible;
• dates can be read;
• the file opens correctly;
• unrelated private information has not been included accidentally.

File naming

Use clear file names where the platform allows it.

Examples:

• FirstName-LastName-CV.pdf
• FirstName-LastName-Degree.pdf
• FirstName-LastName-Employment-Reference.pdf

Avoid names such as:

• scan001.pdf;
• newdocument-final-final2.pdf;
• photo.jpg.

Application consistency

The following should remain consistent:

• name;
• contact information;
• education dates;
• employment dates;
• qualifications;
• language levels;
• job titles;
• current availability.

Do not modify facts to match what you believe the recruiter wants.

Stage 4: Complete the online application

The online questionnaire is adapted to the position.

Lufthansa explains that it requests information relevant to the first selection stage rather than requiring every applicant to enter every possible CV detail.

Possible application sections include:

• personal information;
• education;
• training;
• professional experience;
• language skills;
• technical competencies;
• availability;
• role-specific questions;
• attachments.

Read each field carefully.

Do not assume that a similar question from another application requires the same answer.

Saved application versus submitted application

An application that has only been saved has not necessarily been officially transmitted.

Before submission, you may generally be able to:

• edit information;
• add details;
• change attachments;
• review responses.

Once the application has been transmitted, Lufthansa’s general guidance states that the submitted application can be viewed but cannot normally be changed or supplemented.

Basic account data may still be editable.

Review everything before clicking the final submission button.

Final application review

Check:

Personal information

• correct legal name;
• correct email address;
• correct telephone number;
• correct address.

Education

• qualification title;
• institution;
• start and completion dates;
• current status;
• results where requested.

Employment

• employer names;
• job titles;
• responsibilities;
• dates;
• current employment status.

Languages

• German level;
• English level;
• other languages;
• whether each level can be demonstrated in an interview.

Attachments

• correct CV;
• complete certificates;
• required translations;
• readable files;
• no incorrect document.

Vacancy questions

• every mandatory question answered;
• responses specific to the position;
• no copied answer referring to another employer.

Application completion deadline

Lufthansa’s general online-testing guidance states that candidates may have a limited period in which to complete the application and required tests.

The current general FAQ refers to a ten-day completion period once the application process has started.

However, your Career Cockpit may display a position-specific date.

Use the deadline shown in your individual application as the controlling instruction.

Do not assume that the deadline will be extended.

What happens if the deadline is missed?

According to Lufthansa’s general guidance, failure to complete the required tests within the applicable completion period can mean that the application is treated as not submitted.

If the vacancy remains active, the candidate may be able to submit the application again.

Previously entered data may be prefilled.

This does not guarantee that:

• the vacancy will remain open;
• the deadline will be restored;
• the same tests will be assigned;
• an exception will be granted.

Complete required actions early enough to handle technical problems.

Stage 5: Application confirmation and status

A complete application should appear in the Career Cockpit application overview.

Lufthansa states that candidates also receive an email confirmation when an application has been received as complete.

Monitor both:

• email;
• Career Cockpit.

Do not rely only on one channel.

“Submitted” status

An application in the “Submitted” category is being processed.

No current action is required from the candidate unless another instruction appears.

“Submitted - please complete” status

An application in the “Submitted - please complete” category requires candidate action.

This may involve:

• missing information;
• an incomplete step;
• required documents;
• online tests;
• another position-specific action.

The application may not progress until the required action is completed.

Status explanations

The Career Cockpit includes status information for active applications.

Read the status explanation rather than interpreting one word without context.

Possible application developments include:

• application received;
• candidate action required;
• screening in progress;
• test invitation;
• interview invitation;
• decision communicated.

The terminology may change with platform updates.

Stage 6: Initial application screening

After submission, Lufthansa reviews whether the candidate meets the functional requirements of the position.

Screening may consider:

• education;
• experience;
• qualifications;
• technical skills;
• language abilities;
• availability;
• work rights;
• document completeness;
• responses to job-specific questions.

The recruiting team and relevant department may both contribute to the review.

Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee progression.

Recruiters may also consider:

• application quality;
• relevance of experience;
• number of applicants;
• current hiring needs;
• comparison with other candidates.

Why did I not receive an online test invitation?

Lufthansa identifies several possible reasons:

• no online test is required for the position;
• relevant test results from a previous application are already available;
• the candidate does not meet the functional requirements;
• application information is incomplete.

Do not automatically assume that the platform has failed.

Check:

• Career Cockpit status;
• vacancy requirements;
• application completeness;
• previous Lufthansa test history.

Use the official help route if a genuine technical problem remains.

Stage 7: Lufthansa online tests

When a vacancy requires online testing, shortlisted applicants may receive a test invitation through the Career Cockpit.

The exact modules are selected according to the position.

Possible officially described areas include:

• numerical reasoning;
• linguistic reasoning;
• analytical comprehension;
• complex thinking;
• workplace situations;
• English.

Other third-party preparation sources discuss concentration, checking accuracy and related aptitude formats.

Only the modules shown in your official invitation should be treated as confirmed.

The Lufthansa online assessment guide covers all possible aptitude areas in detail.

Online test timing

Lufthansa’s general guidance states that:

• an individual test normally cannot be interrupted after it begins;
• individual tests generally last no more than approximately 15 minutes;
• several tests do not necessarily need to be completed in one sitting;
• candidates may take a break between separate modules.

Follow the current platform instructions because test systems and technical requirements can change.

Test result reuse

Lufthansa states that relevant online-test results may be reused for later applications.

The tests are designed to assess general abilities rather than recently memorised knowledge.

If the modules required for a new application have already been completed, the candidate may not receive another invitation.

This means that an immediate voluntary retake may not be available.

Treat each official test attempt seriously.

Stage 8: Telephone interview

Some Lufthansa positions include a short telephone interview.

For certain entry routes, Lufthansa describes an interview lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Possible topics include:

• educational development;
• professional history;
• motivation;
• service orientation;
• English conversation;
• availability;
• understanding of the role.

Not every position uses a telephone interview.

The invitation determines:

• date;
• time;
• language;
• interviewer;
• expected duration.

Stage 9: Video or live interview

A position may use:

• live video interview;
• prerecorded video interview;
• in-person personal interview.

Possible topics include:

• personal introduction;
• Why Lufthansa?;
• interest in the position;
• relevant experience;
• customer service;
• teamwork;
• conflict;
• pressure;
• communication;
• strengths;
• development areas.

The Lufthansa interview guide provides detailed preparation for each format.

Stage 10: Selection day

Lufthansa describes the selection day as an opportunity to meet the candidate personally.

Depending on the position, the day may include:

• a personal interview;
• computer-based achievement tests;
• both tests and interviews;
• information about the company;
• information about the position;
• an opportunity to ask questions.

The content is position-specific.

Do not assume that a candidate applying for a technical role will complete the same selection day as a customer-facing applicant.

Additional testing on selection day

Completing online tests does not guarantee that no further computer-based exercises will occur.

Additional testing may be used to:

• verify ability under controlled conditions;
• examine another job-related skill;
• combine testing with interviews;
• support the final decision.

Read the invitation for the expected duration and exercises.

Stage 11: Lufthansa assessment centre

Certain positions may use a broader assessment-centre format.

Possible exercises include:

• personal interview;
• group discussion;
• role play;
• case study;
• presentation;
• prioritisation exercise;
• e-tray or inbox task;
• computer-based tests.

The exact assessment-centre design depends on the role.

The Lufthansa assessment centre guide explains these exercises in detail.

What may be assessed?

Possible competencies include:

• analytical thinking;
• communication;
• customer orientation;
• teamwork;
• organisation;
• leadership;
• adaptability;
• accuracy;
• judgement;
• professional motivation.

Social competencies may be examined through:

• interviews;
• role plays;
• group discussions.

Lufthansa’s general online-test guidance states that it does not use one universal online personality test for these competencies.

Role-specific processes can still contain other behavioural or personality-oriented exercises, so follow the invitation for your vacancy.

Stage 12: Recruitment decision

After completing the required stages, Lufthansa reviews the available evidence.

This can include:

• application;
• documents;
• online-test performance;
• interview performance;
• selection-day exercises;
• assessment-centre observations;
• role-specific checks.

Possible outcomes include:

• progression;
• invitation to another stage;
• request for additional information;
• job offer;
• rejection;
• continued consideration.

Do not treat positive comments during an interview as a formal offer.

Wait for official communication.

How long does the Lufthansa application process take?

Lufthansa states that it cannot provide one general duration for each recruitment step.

Processing time depends on factors such as:

• number of vacancies;
• number of applications;
• position;
• assessment stages;
• recruiter availability;
• candidate response time;
• required checks.

Candidates are informed by email when new information becomes available.

The current application status can also be viewed in the Career Cockpit.

Some position-specific Lufthansa pages publish approximate timelines, but these should not be applied universally.

When should you contact Lufthansa?

Before contacting recruitment, check:

• email inbox;
• spam folder;
• Career Cockpit;
• status explanation;
• pending actions;
• vacancy information.

Use the official help form when:

• an urgent question remains;
• a technical problem prevents completion;
• the Career Cockpit displays an error;
• a required link does not work;
• an instruction is unclear and affects completion.

Repeated messages do not necessarily accelerate processing.

Feedback after an interview

Lufthansa’s general application information states that detailed feedback about a refusal may not be provided by telephone for data-security reasons.

A formal feedback appointment may be required where that option is available.

The availability and conditions of feedback can depend on:

• the position;
• recruitment route;
• location;
• current policy.

Follow the communication attached to your result.

Rejection and reapplication

Lufthansa’s general careers FAQ states that candidates may normally reapply to the same position after a waiting period.

The current general guidance refers to:

• one year after refusal or withdrawal for the same position;
• 180 days for apprenticeship applications.

The waiting period begins on the date of:

• refusal;
• application withdrawal.

The system may block a new application to the same position during this period.

Do not assume that the same rule applies identically to every specialised recruitment programme.

Check the result communication and current vacancy rules.

Withdrawing an application

An active application can generally be withdrawn through the Career Cockpit.

Before withdrawing, understand that the general waiting period for applying again to the same position may begin from the withdrawal date.

Do not withdraw only to correct a minor error without first reviewing the available options.

A withdrawal may have consequences for reapplication.

Can you prioritise one of several applications?

No.

Lufthansa’s general guidance states that applications are processed at the same level.

If one position is no longer relevant, the candidate may withdraw that application.

Consider the waiting-period implications before doing so.

Original Lufthansa application examples

The following examples are fictional.

They are not official Lufthansa application decisions.

Example 1: Complete application

A candidate submits:

• completed application form;
• current CV;
• requested qualification certificate;
• translated employment reference;
• accurate language levels.

The Career Cockpit displays the application under “Submitted”, and the candidate receives a confirmation email.

No immediate action is required.

The candidate should continue monitoring the Career Cockpit for updates.

Example 2: Application requiring completion

A candidate uploads the CV but does not complete the assigned online test.

The Career Cockpit displays the application under “Submitted - please complete”.

The candidate must complete the required action before the displayed deadline.

Submitting the form alone has not completed the entire application process.

Example 3: No online test invitation

A candidate submits an application and receives no test link.

This does not prove that the platform failed.

Possible explanations include:

• no test is required;
• previous results are being reused;
• the application is incomplete;
• the functional requirements are not met.

The candidate should check the status and vacancy before contacting support.

Example 4: Multiple applications

A candidate applies for:

• a customer-service role;
• a logistics role;
• an administrative role.

Each application is reviewed separately.

The candidate cannot mark one as the priority application.

Interview motivation should remain specific to each role.

Example 5: Application submitted with an error

A candidate transmits the application and then notices an incorrect employment date.

The general system guidance states that a submitted application cannot normally be changed or supplemented.

The candidate should:

• check whether basic data editing resolves the issue;
• review the Career Cockpit help options;
• use the official support route if the error is material.

Creating contradictory duplicate applications may make the situation worse.

How to prepare for the complete Lufthansa process

Step 1: Analyse the vacancy

Identify:

• essential requirements;
• preferred qualifications;
• principal duties;
• languages;
• likely assessment areas.

Step 2: Create an application folder

Save:

• vacancy;
• application confirmation;
• submitted CV;
• certificates;
• Career Cockpit messages;
• assessment invitations;
• interview details.

This prevents you from preparing from a different version of the application.

Step 3: Verify documents

Check:

• dates;
• qualification names;
• translations;
• reference letters;
• file quality;
• mandatory attachments.

Step 4: Review the Career Cockpit

Check regularly for:

• action requests;
• test invitations;
• deadlines;
• appointment options;
• status changes.

Step 5: Prepare for possible online tests

Depending on the position, practise:

• arithmetic;
• numerical reasoning;
• linguistic reasoning;
• analytical reasoning;
• complex thinking;
• work situations;
• English;
• checking accuracy.

Step 6: Prepare interview evidence

Develop genuine examples covering:

• customer service;
• teamwork;
• pressure;
• conflict;
• responsibility;
• communication;
• adaptability;
• mistakes;
• problem-solving.

Step 7: Prepare for selection-day exercises

Practise:

• personal interview;
• group discussion;
• role play;
• case study;
• presentation;
• prioritisation.

Step 8: Confirm logistics

Before an in-person assessment, confirm:

• location;
• arrival time;
• travel;
• identification;
• required documents;
• dress expectations;
• expected duration.

Follow the travel and expense instructions issued by the inviting division.

Do not assume that accommodation or travel will automatically be provided.

Four-week preparation plan

Week 1: Application accuracy

Focus on:

• vacancy analysis;
• CV;
• certificates;
• translations;
• application consistency;
• Career Cockpit setup.

Week 2: Online tests

Focus on:

• numerical reasoning;
• verbal reasoning;
• analytical reasoning;
• English;
• accuracy;
• timed practice.

Week 3: Interviews

Focus on:

• personal introduction;
• Why Lufthansa?;
• service orientation;
• teamwork;
• pressure;
• genuine competency examples.

Week 4: Selection day

Focus on:

• role play;
• group discussion;
• case study;
• presentation;
• complete process simulation;
• travel preparation.

Seven-day preparation plan

Day 1

Review:

• vacancy;
• application;
• Career Cockpit status;
• expected assessment stages.

Day 2

Practise:

• numerical reasoning;
• arithmetic;
• data interpretation.

Day 3

Practise:

• verbal reasoning;
• analytical reasoning;
• checking accuracy.

Day 4

Prepare:

• personal introduction;
• Why Lufthansa?;
• role motivation.

Day 5

Prepare examples involving:

• customer service;
• teamwork;
• pressure;
• mistakes;
• adaptability.

Day 6

Complete a mock:

• interview;
• role play;
• group exercise or case study.

Day 7

Complete light review and prepare:

• documents;
• equipment;
• clothing;
• travel or login details.

Where Lufthansa applications go wrong

The most preventable problems are administrative: applying to a role without meeting a clear requirement, leaving the application in a saved rather than submitted state, missing an outstanding test, or uploading documents that do not match the dates and qualifications entered in the form.

Applying to several roles is possible, but that is not the same as applying indiscriminately. Each application should make sense for your background.

Keep one clean application record

Save the vacancy, confirmation email, documents you uploaded, deadlines and any Career Cockpit messages. If a later stage asks about your history, you should be able to explain the same information consistently.

Prepare only for the stages you actually receive

If an online test is assigned, use the Lufthansa online assessment guide. If you receive an interview invitation, move to the Lufthansa interview guide. If a selection day or assessment centre follows, prepare for those exercises then.

If the process stalls

Check the status and outstanding actions before contacting recruitment. Some vacancies take longer than others, and there is no single Lufthansa timeline that applies to every job.

The practical takeaway

A clean, complete application gets you into the process. After that, let the Career Cockpit and each invitation tell you what to prepare next instead of trying to predict the entire selection journey in advance.