Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Project Manager Interview

Interview Details – You'll submit a resume online and it will be reviewed by a "resume robot". You probably won't hear anything for many months, and then you'll be extremely surprised to receive a call from HR. HR will schedule your interviews, which will include an one interview (approximately an hour) with the group you'll be working with and another interview with HR during which they'll explain the nuts and bolts, including benefits, compensation, etc. Most of the questions will come from the group that you'll be working with and there's really no way to predict what questions they'll ask you, but it will probably be pretty typical interview stuff for the field. There will be another very long wait period during which you'll think they forgot about it - possibly months. Then, you'll be asked in for a second interview, possibly with a larger group of people you'll be working with. Again, the questions will depend on the group. The whole interview process is long and drawn out so you'll have to be patient. Feel free to hound HR with phone calls, but be polite.

Negotiation Details – After the second interview, it won't be as long a wait before you receive an offer. It will be low-ball and you should definitely bargain. You'll probably be told that it's the highest starting salary they can offer for that position, at which point you should negotiate for the next highest position. You should also make sure you get the same amount of paid vacation you are accustomed to, otherwise they will start you out at 2 weeks/year. Raises do not come easily so be sure to negotiate for the highest starting salary you can.