Oh, Boston, yet here we are (again). Have you ever experienced the nicest receptionist/secretary at a doctor’s office, yet, the doctor in question lacks even the slightest bit of bedside manner, and upon exiting the office you vow never to return to said doctor again? That’s precisely how I would describe my Sanofi interview experience. While the recruiter was the nicest recruiter that I’ve ever spoken to in some time on the phone/via e-mail, and I enjoyed my conversation with a few interviewers, the interview left me simultaneously in disbelief and questioning my faith in humanity/people in Boston/MA. You may try as hard as you may Sanofi to attract the type of employees that you claim you are seeking however, you cannot fix ‘bedside manner’ or ‘culture’ that simply doesn’t exist or fall short. I’m not sure if this is an absurd test or a ‘Sanofi interview tactic,’ but having an interviewer proceed to tell you that “This is not a role where we hold your hand” and “This is a sink or swim environment” certainly does not leave a positive impression or the desire for anyone to join your company for any open position. You may feel as though you have the upper hand, but please be mindful that interviews are a two way street. If you are seeking employees based on the reputation that you try oh so hard to uphold, try a little harder. While I appreciated the transparency to some degree, I just can’t help but wonder how anyone has a chance to ‘succeed’ at Sanofi. My first interviewer gushed how “Sanofi is invested in having their employees grow and succeed,” yet I experienced the complete opposite during my interview. Shame on you Sanofi, as you clearly have a backwards way of retaining quality talent and showing the true colors of your ‘bedside manner’ and ‘culture.’ Your career website is simply a ruse that doesn’t fully divulge into the inner workings of your true ‘culture.’If you want to harbour a ‘wolf like culture,’ then you have succeeded. I wish you luck in filling all of your vacant roles.

About 8 years ago, the only way I could get an interview with Genzyme was through an employee referral, otherwise it was impossible to get through the door. Once I received my initial interview with the company, the process took about 3 weeks to be offered a job. I found everyone from HR to people I intereviewed with were professional and friendly. As for internal transfers, I had built a very good working relationship among senior executives and I had proven that I did an exemplary job in my role as an administrative assistant resulting my landing a job within the company (this happened during the Sanofi's acquisition of Genzyme when my boss would leave and I was forced to find another administrative assistant position). The interview process took a record 3 days to complete the internal transfer(s).