I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Genentech (South San Francisco, CA)
Interview
If you are interviewing at Genentech, please go with "zero expectation". The entire process can easily take 3+ months. Even if you are confident you nailed it at the interview, it is always best to keep your expectations low unless they call you and make a final offer. The position I interviewed for included a phone screen and onsite interviews. Both went pretty well and the overall experience meeting people at Genentech was great. Something that really inspired me and I seriously wanted the job.
Unfortunately, more than 2 months passed and there was barely any response from their end except that the interview process was still ongoing. They never really care to reach out and provide an update on what really happened about the position. My strong feedback is a company should be courteous and respectful enough to reach out to a candidate especially if they make it to the final onsite round. If they can spend an entire day interviewing candidates, they can spend few minutes of their time to reach out to them in regards to their final decision. I was extremely disappointed by the way the interview process was carried out and it poorly reflects on the company culture and employees. I hope the interview process gets better and less painful for people aspiring to get into Genentech.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Several questions around why Genentech? How do you work in a team based environment? Several situational questions around how do you handle challenges, changes etc.? Describe the depth of your knowledge in pharma industry.
Three rounds of interviews, first with hiring manager, then with two panels of three people. Focus on diverse hiring processes and behavioral questions. A few technical questions, but generally a relaxed atmosphere.
Up to 12 different interviews over multiple days including international video interviews. My interviews took place over 3 rounds with a bulk of them in the first round. Up to 8 in a single day with multiple directors in the final rounds.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Process and results-focused looking for experience in the field and especially what was learned during the process.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Genentech
Interview
Process was disorganized and seemed like they were just trying to check a "diversity" box at the last minute. Interview typically involves recruiter screening where they low ball the pay (pay band is specific to your ZIP CODE), then a hiring manager interview, and a final panel.