I cold-called the PI of the study I wanted to work on because I was frustrated by the lack of response by HR throughout the recruitment process. I went and met with the PI a few days later and he said he would love to have me on the team, however, it would be up to HR whether or not they wanted to hire me and saw me as a good fit for the company (School of Medicine). This was over two months ago. I assumed HR had gone in a different direction. Two weeks ago, I got an email asking for references and to fill out an internal application. I was also invited for an in-person interview. The interview was quick, since I had already met with the PI and he had given me a lot of information regarding the position. I still had to answer around 5 or 6 behavioral interview questions, which weren’t hard if you use the STAR method. Two days later I got a call saying I was chosen for the position and was to begin the onboarding process. Overall, it was 2+ month long process and between those two months HR is not really responsive, but I am glad I waited.

It was very relaxed. They mostly wanted to get to know me and my interests in the position. It was over zoom with two women. They wanted to give me information about the position and the research team and allowed plenty of time for my questions.