They needed skilled experienced drug pharmacoviligence RNs or PharmD's for this department and were having challenges to finding them. I had heard of the culture clash between Genentech and Roche (they were merging). At the urging of the outside recruiter, I decided to apply for this contract job. I was surprised after turning in my resume, that I heard from them 2 days later. They wanted to schedule an interview the following week. I had an in-person interview with the hiring director; she knew from my prior experience in bio-pharma that I was a "thumbs up" and had already passed the qualifications part. The questions she asked were casual and easy based on my experience. I felt comfortable with her interview style and her management philosophy. Three days later, I found out I had the job. It's typical that Genentech hires people on as contractors and then convert them into full time hires. So as long as you feel comfortable paying for your own medical benefits, contracting is the way they bring people into the dept. The agency also offers some medical benefits you can purchase if desired.

It took two weeks between my initial contact with HR and the scheduling of an onsite face-to-face interview. I anticipated the interview to be structure and containing lots of behavioural interview questions. However, to my surprise and delight the interview was quite casual. I was interviewed by 7 people in total, 30 minutes per person. They all seemed very nice and dedicated to their job. They wanted to find someone who had some experience, was young and able to adapt to the work culture of Genentech.