Our recruitment process
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How our recruitment process works
At Sappi, we believe in fostering a culture of trust, respect, and transparency. Our interview process is designed to provide you with a fair and positive experience – one that reflects our values and commitment to our people. Inviting you to an interview is our way of getting to know you better and giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for joining our team.
We value every candidate who takes the time to explore a career with us, and we are committed to making the experience as open and engaging as possible. Throughout the process, we encourage you to ask questions, share your thoughts, and learn more about Sappi, our mission, and the role you could play in shaping our future.
How our recruitment process works
Our process has been designed to build a talented and diverse workforce. And to discover the candidates who best fit with our values and our innovative culture. But it works both ways. Allowing you to make sure we’re right for you, too.
How it works
Through a combination of behavioural, technical, and situational interviews and assessments, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm. So, we can get to know you, and you, us.
Depending on the role and where it is, our process may differ slightly. But the following will give you a good overview of how works.
Our recruitment process across the globe
• Initial interview – Typically, the first interview is on the phone or online.
• Panel interview – 1-3 panel interviews depending on the level of role (with a mix of virtual and face-to-face).
• Case study – Some roles may require for you to prepare a case study or presentation.
• Psychometric assessments – To assess your skills, capabilities and culture fit.
• Office tour – So you can get a feel for your future workplace environment.
• Phone interview – Typically, the first interview is on the phone or online.
• Panel interview – Typically conducted onsite (or in certain cases virtually can be arranged).
• Technical & culture fit interviews – Face-to-face, focusing on technical ability and team integration.
• Assessments – May include both technical and psychometric evaluations.
• Mill tour – So you can get a feel for your future workplace environment.
Phone interview
This is often the first step. If you receive a call from us, it means we were impressed by your profile and want to learn more about you.
Commonly asked questions
- How did you come to know about the position?
- What do you know about Sappi?
- What interests you about the position?
- What is your current career status?
Quick tips for success
- Find a quiet and comfortable space with no distractions.
- Ensure good network coverage and connectivity.
- Test sound and video (if necessary) beforehand.
- Keep a copy of your CV nearby.
Here we’ll typically spend 45 to 90 minutes talking in detail about your background, expertise and the expectations of the role. This is your time to shine.
Commonly asked questions
- How have you used your skills effectively in the past to achieve results?
- What were the outcomes?
- What do you know about Sappi and how we work?
- You may also be asked to prepare a case study or presentation to showcase your depth of knowledge and communication skills.
Quick tips for success
- Research Sappi and understand our mission, values and products.
- Be ready to provide specific examples of your past achievements.
- Have questions ready so you can get to know us too.
- Take notes and follow up after with any questions.
- If in a mill, wearing flat and closed shoes are a must.
For some positions, we’ll ask you to undertake technical and/or psychometric assessments. These are designed to help us get a deeper understanding of you and your working style.
What to expect
- A variety of tests depending on the role – these could be technical, cognitive or personality based.
- Most assessments are conducted online, in partnership with an external assessment provider.
- We’ll ask you beforehand about the timeframe needed to perform at your best.
Quick tips for success
- Take advantage of the practice tests available.
- Feel free to ask questions before starting the assessment(s).
- Ensure a quiet and comfortable environment for optimal focus.
We believe it’s really important for you to visit your future workplace. So, we always recommend having a tour as soon as possible.
Why it works
- You can interact with future colleagues and ask questions.
- You can get a feel for where you’ll be working.
- It will help you to think about your commute, working hours and any other day-to-day impacts.
What to expect
Our interview process is structured to be comprehensive and insightful, ensuring the best mutual fit. You can expect a mix of behavioral, technical, and situational questions that allow you to demonstrate your expertise and potential. But just as importantly, our interviews give you a chance to evaluate us – to understand who we are, what we stand for, and how we work.
If you are shortlisted for an interview, the next steps will depend on the type of role you have applied for.
A supportive process from start to finish
At Sappi, we believe recruitment is a two-way journey. While we assess your skills and potential, we also encourage you to assess us – our culture, values, and the opportunities we offer.
We appreciate the time and effort you put into the process and are committed to making it a positive experience for you. If you ever need support, have questions, or require any adjustments to the process, our recruitment team is here to help.
We look forward to getting to know you and, hopefully, welcoming you to Sappi.
Our interview process is structured to be comprehensive and insightful, ensuring the best mutual fit. You can expect a mix of behavioural, technical, and situational questions that allow you to demonstrate your expertise and potential. But just as importantly, our interviews give you a chance to evaluate us – to understand who we are, what we stand for, and how we work.
If you are shortlisted for an interview, the next steps will depend on the type of role you have applied for:
- Panel interviews – One to three interviews depending on the level of the role (a mix of virtual and face-to-face)
- Case study – Some roles may require a case study presentation or PowerPoint presentation
- Psychometric assessments – Used to assess skills, capabilities, and culture fit
• Panel interview – Typically conducted onsite (or in certain cases virtually can be arranged).
• Technical & culture fit interviews – Face-to-face, focusing on technical ability and team integration.
• Assessments – May include both technical and psychometric evaluations.
Phone interview
This is often the first step. If you receive a call from us, it means we were impressed by your profile and want to learn more about you.
Commonly asked questions
- How did you come to know about this opportunity?
- What do you know about Sappi?
- What interests you about this role?
- What is your current career situation?
Quick tips for success
- Find a quiet and comfortable space with no distractions.
- Ensure good network coverage and connectivity.
- Test video and sound availability
- Keep a copy of your CV nearby for reference
These in-depth discussions (lasting 45 to 90 minutes) give us the chance to explore your expertise and past experiences. Expect to discuss real-life scenarios where you’ve applied your skills to achieve results.
What to expect
- A mix of behavioural and technical questions.
- Insights into how we work and our expectations for the role.
- A potential case study or presentation to assess your problem-solving and communication skills.
How to prepare
- Research Sappi and understand our mission, values, and products.
- Be ready to provide specific examples of your past achievements.
- Have questions ready – this is your chance to get to know us too.
- You may take notes during the conversation and follow up if you need clarification.
- The mill has a safety rule: flat, closed shoes are a must. Please remember to wear them.
For certain roles, we may use assessments to gain a deeper understanding of your skills, working style, and potential fit within our team.
What to expect
- Online assessments provided by accredited partners.
- A variety of tests depending on the role (technical, cognitive, or personality-based).
- A structured and transparent process – you will be informed well in advance.
Tips for success
- Take advantage of any practice tests provided.
- Feel free to ask any questions before starting the assessment.
- Ensure a quiet, comfortable environment for optimal focus.
At Sappi, we believe recruitment is a two-way journey. While we assess your skills and potential, we also encourage you to assess us – our culture, values, and the opportunities we offer.
We appreciate the time and effort you put into the process and are committed to making it a positive experience for you. If you ever need support, have questions, or require any adjustments to the process, our recruitment team is here to help.
We look forward to getting to know you and, hopefully, welcoming you to Sappi.
Start your Sappi Story
In the same way we’ll assess your skills and potential, you can assess ours. So do look closely at our culture, our opportunities and decide if we’re the right fit for you.
If so, your next job is waiting. Search our live roles to find it.
Get in touch
Interested in joining our team? Get in touch with us by filling out the form below. Whether you're exploring career opportunities or have questions about working with us, we’re here to help. Let’s shape the future together