I initially applied for the position on the company web site in Aug 2009. In early September I received an e-mail from their HR department stating that they were interested in bringing me in to interview for the positions.
The on-site interview took place in October 2009. I was interviewed by 5 members of the group, including the hiring manager and the director above him. It seemed as though each interviewer was probing different skill sets, and the questions were fairly open ended. I had lunch with recent hire in the group, and we discussed the hiring process he went through, as well as how he adjusted to working in the group. I gave a presentation of my research, received a plant tour, and was interviewed in a group setting.
The group interview was the most challenging part of the day. I felt like the limits of my experience were really being probed, and being the end of the day, I was exhausted.
I was very impressed with group and the facilities. The group was very focused on their tasks, and all of the members appeared to have a high level of enthusiasm. I left the interview with a very positive impression of the organization, and a good feeling with regards to my chances of receiving a job offer.
After the interview I sent thank you cards to the people I met with and followed up with Human Resources every two weeks. At one point I was told that I was one of three candidates still under consideration, and the funding for the position was in question. The consequence of this, I was told, is that the hiring decision will likely be based on the level of funding that is granted. In December, two months after the on-site interview, I was told I would not be offered the job. Sometime later I learned that the job was filled at an entry level position, rather than a senior position.
