I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Novartis in Aug 2021
Interview
Applied online on the career site. Was reached out to by a recruiter a few days later. Went through an initial conversation with the recruiter then spoke with 6 additional team members adding up to 8 conversations total over the span of 1 month. What initially seemed promising and positive, even after speaking with the hiring manager 2 times, another 2 weeks pass with absolutely no word from anyone. Followup was ignored. At least an automated declined email would have been appreciated after the lengthy process. Just left with a distasteful, frustrating, and disrespected feeling. Unprofessional.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about your experience. Why are you looking to leave? Why do you want to join Novartis?
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Novartis (Ciudad de México) in Jan 2015
Interview
El proceso fue muy rápido en términos generales, entrevistas en inglés en su mayoría, con personas fuera de México. No es una entrevista técnica, creo que contratan más por habilidades adicionales a tu preparación formal.
I applied through a staffing agency. I interviewed at Novartis
Interview
Not sure where to start. Novartis is hiring in big in Prague (Czech Republic). Lots of open positions on different portals. Applied, no reply.
However I was contacted by more than 20 different head hunters (local, European, from India), about many different Project Manager positions. When I said I am interested, the first question was "what are your salary expectations" without a number you do not move forward.
Organization of the interview was a challenge by itself, stating availability after 4:00 PM, I got call at 10:00 AM. Was asked to confirm offered time of interview without supplying information if the interview is in the office or via phone.
Finally when the interview took place, I was told: we were asked to meet with you, tell us what position we are talking about!!!
and then I was asked to share my work experience which I think is relevant, after 5 minutes of me describing a project, I was told that the call ended.
Not sure if that means yes or no. Very bad candidate experience.
ADVICE TO MANAGEMENT:
Hiring process is two sides decision. Looking for a people in a small market with more than 20 headhunters, will end up with the same candidate being approached again and again.
Good organization of interview, and trained and interested panel members do make a difference.
All what the headhunters are doing is check Linkedin and send emails. Save money, get rid of them, train your recruiters, setup process, train your Hiring Managers. Do not become the company that no one wants to work in because your Recruiting Process does not work.