I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Pfizer (Groton, CT) in May 2011
Interview
HR pre-screening phone interview to basically assure you have the qualifications listed (20min). Followed by a phone interview with the hiring manager for specific questions on experience, career goals and what I would contribute (20min) - they want to see what your ideas are, what you plans are. They want you to be proactive and hungry for the chance to join them. This was followed by a full day on-site interview with a research talk, meeting with all the department managers and department head. Basically, will you fit in, does anyone see any red flags and are you trying to impress them. They throw HR in there to get a face to face psychological review - you can't want it too much or you'll be a risk. But they do want you to have your own goals, your own reasons for why this job would be good for you (other than the pay, benefits and rep). Overall, professional and useful.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What would be my solution to a very specific research project issue (multi-parameter optimization)?
I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Pfizer (La Jolla, CA)
Interview
Pretty intense interview process, 45 minute seminar followed by questions, defence style. 6 panel interviews with 2-4 subject matter experts throughout the day, and 3 1:1 interviews with leadership. Lunch and dinner provided. Decision was communicated almost 4 weeks later.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why did the result you were trying to get in your previous job did not pan out and what would you do differently?
Initial interview was conducted by HR, which was about a 30 minute interview going over your skills and experience in high level. Hiring manager reached out directly after ~2-3 weeks of time and had a ~1 hr interview via Teams.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
- 5 questions on a scale 1-5 regarding specific skills they are looking for
- Technical scientific questions to evaluate your familiarity on the subject
I had 4 rounds of interviews. First screening call with the HR. Then teams interview with the hiring manager followed by an onsite visit with 10 interviewers and final teams interview with one of the senior team mates.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. How to prioritize between projects?
2. They asked a few technical questions.
