I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Solvay (Bristol, PA) in Feb 2013
Interview
Challenging interview. 1st was a 30 min phone interview. Was asked to come in for an in person interview. Scheduled me for 2 hours. 30 min with H.R., 30 min with lab manager, 30 min with senior scientist, 30 min with all of them together. They all asked a different variety of questions. Lab manager was safety, senior scientist was my scientific background, and all of them together was getting to know me on a personal level.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Could you please draw the structure for isopropanol?
I had a skype interview with HR, the lady was nice and told me at the end of the interview that she wanted to put me through for a second interview. She told me she would be in contact with more details, however I didn't hear from her for a while so I sent an email, I didn't get a response for about 2 weeks. I was disappointed at the time, but when she got back to me she apologised and told me that the site manager hadn't got back to her. They then decided to take on someone internal for the role. It was abit of a shame as I like the sound of the company, it wouldn't stop me from applying to other roles in the future.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
What skill have i improved upon the most over the past 5 years?
I was first taken to HR. I met with a woman who was very very rude. She appeared too busy and not interested in the least. She asked me questions, and at one point rolled her eyes at my response. Next, I was taken to the Payroll Manager. This turned out to be even worse. I could not understand him at all. Very broken English.....horrible when you have to ask the interviewer to repeat and repeat his questions to the point where he would point to and show me examples of what he wanted. Worst interview experience I have ever had.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Can you work in a very small room with 2 other people?