Follow-up on interview's review of 21 Mar 2018.
I was contacted by a headhunter who depicted me the job and asked me for short description of my background and incentives (early Jan 2018).
First phone interview with CRL employees in Feb 2018. Feedback was positive in April after CRL checked the possibility of sponsoring for visa if right person. Next phone interview with the manager in early May. Invited for on-site interviews in early July.
2 day-interviews with site's visit and presentation to the team.
I met people from BA, QA, Tox and HR. Very friendly people and nice facilities. The site shows old stuff but building is ongoing.
They all explained me the purpose of their respective job and what was the role I was applying for.
1st day 8.30am to 8.00pm:
- on-site security check to enter
- 4 rounds F2F interviews: BA folks
- F2F lunch and BA lab tour
- 4 rounds F2F: QA/BA folks
- diner with the BA team off-site in a pub along the Saint-Laurent river
2nd day 9.30am to 4.30pm:
- F2F with BA manager
- Tox facility tour
- presentation on an imposed topic (see below the description)
- lunch with the BA team
- F2F with top management of the site
- F2F with HR
Lots of expats; did not feel like a foreigner. Friendly atmosphere. People were watching the world championship of soccer all together at the coffee corner.
Did not sound like interviews but really like discussions.
After 2 days, I was tired (6h time shift) but really happy/eager to go further with it. I could enjoy visiting 2 days in Montréal in order to see if this could be a good place to move from Europe.
I've talked in a really opened manner with everybody.
Travel planning and accommodations very nice and comfortable.
I got a first offer, which I declined.
The 2nd was better but still unsufficient compared to my current benefits: 50% less salary and vacation for a higher level position. I put my wishes on the table and they declined them.
They have already been looking for 1.5 year for somebody. Difficulties in finding candidates and not attractive enough. That's a pity because they really deserve to find the right person.
Definitely a good experience at all stages from telephone screening with HH until the last interview.
It’s just too bad we couldn’t find arrangements that suit both sides. Maybe next time.