Straumann

Application

I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Straumann (Andover, MA (US)) in December 2014.

Interview

I applied through the company's website in December 2014 for a Social Media Manager position in the Andover, MA office. About a week later, a HR generalist reached out to me and asked what the salary range was that I had in mind. This was a little off-putting because I feel that companies should be disclosing to employees in the job description what they offering to pay, but nonetheless, I emailed her back with a range based on the median U.S. salary for that job title. She said our ranges were aligned and then emailed me a few questions to answer; questions asking if I had worked in a regulated industry before and what social media channels and platforms I had experience with.

She passed my answers onto the hiring manager, and I had an interview with her and two other people on her team a few days before Christmas. She was very nice, friendly, professional and personable -- honestly, it was one of the best interview experiences I have had because she treated me like a human being and there were no real curveball questions that were unrelated to the position or industry. I emailed thank you messages to all three of them and followed up with hand written cards in the mail. And then I waited...

Sometime in mid-January, I reached out to the HR contact for an update on the position. She informed me that Straumann was in a hiring freeze. I then connected with the hiring manager on LinkedIn (because I figured even if I was not a match for the job, then perhaps later on down the line if there was another appropriate opening for my background she may make me aware of it.) She told me the freeze had to do with the devaluation of the franc overseas and that they were not going to be any internal promotions for several months. I was told the hiring may resume in July.

Well, I believe the hiring resumed quicker than that because in March I looked at the job listings on the company site and there were several posted. I never did hear from anyone again regarding the social media manager position and I have no idea if it was filled or if they chose another candidate. Although it's a moot point by now (I have accepted a new job with a wonderful company) I really wish companies such as this one would put themselves in the candidate's shoes and ask themselves how they would feel if they were holding out hope for a job only to never receive any follow up.

Interview Questions