I applied online. The process took 5 months. I interviewed at Novartis (Cambridge, MA) in Mar 2007
Interview
Extremely passive-aggressive in their interview style and interest. An initial contact was made from an internal recruiter, where a standard phone interview was given. I received feedback the next day that it went well and I will move on to the 1:1. Then they went away for almost 6 weeks. I was then called after-hours on a Friday (I don't care about that personally, it goes to the company mindset) begging me to come in the next Monday because they HAD to get the position filled.
Had 2 1:1 interviews (HR, hiring manager) and received great feedback for both, I was on to the next round which was to consist of interviews with senior management and a full day of testing and tours.
After that, I heard nothing for 3 months (wrote the interview off after no response from the company) and then after the 3 months I got a lame excuse from HR saying that everyone I interviewed with was gone and he was out of the office.
I understand that things happen in business, BUT NOT THAT MANY. This was nothing that an email couldn't fix, and I figure if it is this difficult getting in, what is it like when one IS in?
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Given your extensive travel and experience, how would you cope with a position where you will not travel?
Had 1x 30 minute HR screen, 1x 1 hour call with team Vice President. Had lots of slots to choose from and a recruitment partner to assist througout the whole process.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me how research ethics have changed over the years in your career.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Novartis (Boston, MA) in Jul 2025
Interview
2 calls with HR, then 2 calls with HM, several 1:1 meetings with panel spread over 2 weeks, then 2 calls with HM, then zero further communication. Very disappointing experience, could have been much more efficient.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Discuss examples of when I faced a challenging colleague and how I dealt with it.
The interview started with a recruiter and continued with the hiring manager for 30 minutes. It was a collegial discussion with general questions about my background and experience. I felt that it went well, but I was not moved to the next interview. It seemed that a decision probably had already been made in advance of the meeting,
