I applied online. I interviewed at Symogen (London, England) in Mar 2018
Interview
It was good and a little stressful. There were 3 interviewers. The focus was on communication skills and general knowledge of pharmacovigilance. The interview was also preceded by other medical writers and it is important to have full knowledge of the skills you put on your resume as there were questions from the resume.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Do they have pharmacovigilance in clinical trials' initial phases?
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Symogen (Bourne End, East of England, England) in Dec 2017
Interview
Interviewed in 2018. The interviewer was dismissive., rude and frankly unprofessional throughout. The interview started well, but the tone quickly changed. Their personal phone went off constantly throughout the interview, with several pauses for the interviewer to answer it. My interviewer also asked to see my Masters dissertation and after reading the first page asked several questions. This started as scientific queries into the background and results, but the main focus was on why certain methods had been used in experiments. The interviewer felt that they knew my field better than my entire academic research lab, felt that methods for a parasitology project should have used virology HIV/AIDS standards, and tried to undermine the project based on their inaccurate understanding of the science.. I politely disagreed and they were displeased that I was "unaware" that their opinion was correct. The company director also entered the room at one point and instead of introducing themselves ignored my handshake and walked past me. The whole interview felt like a lesson in how to be misogynistic against female scientists, so I was surprised to get an offer. After I accepted the offer and started to relocate to their area, Symogen changed the job title and duties in the contract to drop half the role and delayed the start date by 2 months. I asked for a phone call to discuss the role differences and starting date, they said several times they had tried to contact me but never made contact, and never answered their office phone. Make of this what you will, but I'd avoid the entire company.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Asked questions on Masters dissertation, pharmacovigilance understanding etc
I applied online. I interviewed at Symogen (London, England)
Interview
I had a hard time. They responded to my job application after 2 months. And later after the interview, they didn't even respond to me with yes or no. Even if it is yes, I won't go to work there.
The interview went on for approx 2 hours. One after another question coming up. The voice tone of one of the interviewer is very rude.
I got hurt when one of them said bad about one of the hospitals I worked at. I love all healthcare settings where I worked at. Just because that person got the opportunity to work and establish in this country, they don't have the right to make bad comments on other's native country healthcare settings.
The interviewer was blaming my last manager and company for not teaching things which the few questions were about. I really felt bad hearing this. You can blame me for not knowing them but don't blame them for it. My last manager was the best manager I worked with. I got to learn so much from my manager and the company.
I had tears after that interview.