They asked the most difficult questions for an initial phone interview. Lots of specific problem solving questions, rather than trying to get to know me. It was basically an oral exam about proteins. I thought I was qualified for the position, since I had relevant lab experience, but they didn't ask about anything on my resume. They were only concerned about my knowledge on proteins, rather than how I have reduced processes for other companies. The company took about two weeks to set up a phone interview after they initially contacted me. (I honestly thought they forgot about me since it took so long.)

I interviewed for a position in one of Genentech's process development groups. Half of my interviewers had not even glanced at my resume and failed to ask any technical questions relevant to the job description. Most technical questions were presented in a quiz-like manner: I was asked to regurgitate freshman-year-of-college course material I haven't used since, rather than to discuss my specific expertise. Some interviewers were downright unfriendly; for example, one asked why I was interested in the position "other than wanting to get into Genentech," though I currently work for a similarly prestigious company, and another complained (after volunteering to take me to dinner after the interview) that he'd had to cancel his plans for the evening. Finally, the hiring manager contacted me after the interview and asked for permission to contact my employment references, then never bothered to do so, which was embarrassing for me. When I emailed to follow up a week later, (s)he said (s)he had been "busy." I understand that there is fierce competition for employment at Genentech, I don't think there is any justification for how disrespectfully I was treated at my interview.