Biogen Idec Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – Generally a very slow process to get started but at the end they give you the rush/hard press. Expect the process to be disorganized and poorly managed.

Interviewers are not very well trained so you will see a large variation in meetings. Usually you'll come in for a whole day (once you pass a phone screen).

Interview Details – Was contacted by a headhunter and put in touch with the hiring manager. There were a couple of mis-fires getting connected (missed calls, etc) but finally did speak on the phone for 45min or so. About 30min was him asking me about my experience, then 15min or so for me to ask questions. Then did a phone interview with an HR contact. Then a full day of in-person interviews with 6 people across departments and within the group I'd be hired into. Nothing out of the ordinary, just questions about my experience, why BioGen, etc.

Reason for Declining – Timing in my personal life did not allow me to make a change at the time

Interview Details – I submitted my resume and cover letter through the company's website and was contacted by a recruiter five days later. A phone interview was scheduled for the following week. I spoke to two scientists from the department, and they asked me details about my job duties and experience. A few days later I received an email to schedule a formal interview. It was a half day interview where I met with all of the scientists from the department as well as the VP and department manager. Each interview lasted 30 minutes, and the final 30 minutes of the day was spent having a casual lunch with associate scientists from the department. The scientists and the VP asked standard questions about things listed on my resume as well as general questions about my work experience. Nothing too surprising. The department manager asked about how I dealt with difficult situations from my past jobs. Those questions were a bit trickier but, having taken time to prepare before the interview, it went well. I was contacted with the job offer two weeks later.

Negotiation Details – Coming from academia, my mind was clouded and I was drooling over the initial offer of an industry salary and, like a fool, I missed my opportunity to negotiate. The offer was good, but I regretted not asking for more money. When you get the call with the job offer, wipe that stupid smile off of your face 'cause it's business time.

Interview Details – Submitted my resume online. Recruiter emailed me after a week to schedule the phone interview. Phone interview went very well. Almost two weeks later, have heard nothing. I assume they moved onto other candidates.

Interview Details – phone interview,3 1/2 hour face to face interviews with 1 team member, 1 supervisor and the manager.

Interview Details – I received a call soon after I applied for the position from HR. We spoke about the position, and then I spoke with the lead manager. I was very up front with my background and my skill set, and the hiring manager was keen to get me in for an interview. HR scheduled an all day session where I met with a number of individuals on the team, but it became clear that I did not have the background they were looking for. I was never contacted after the interview with an offer.

Interview Details – One phone screen, one interview with the hiring manager, second interview with panel of 6 employees from various areas.

Negotiation Details – no negotiation

Interview Details – Quick but robust - met with 3 people on an individual basis then a panel interview. Lasted about 4 hours total. Was not called in for a second round before I was offered the job, which was appreciated! Overall I had limited HR contact, which I did not appreciate - would have liked to know more about benefits offered up front, rather than at the end.

Negotiation Details – I did not negotiate, as the salary was already above what I had expected. Benefits and stock options were very generous.

Interview Details – Two rounds of full day interviews with total of 10 people (From Associates to VPs). Very good experience. Got lots of information about company. Got an offer and accepted it. BUT got my foot in first through "networking".

Negotiation Details – Simple: was coming from academia with significantly less salary.