Relatively short and informal meeting with the recruiting management in Rostock, who left me waiting for about 20minutes... Questions were circling around problems the company was trying to solve. I was left with the impression that the main purpose of the interview was to collect know-how that is currently not present at Centogene. I did not receive any particular questions concerning my CV, neither was I probed about established technologies at Centogene. I prepared a short presentation and after about 35-40min the interview was over. After the interview I was given a tour around the labs.
Everyone I met on the day was friendly and I felt very welcome.
The reply to my questions concerning the bad reviews from former staff members and the apparently high throughput of laboratory scientists were not able to strengthen my believe in a good working atmosphere at Centogene. I asked for an opportunity to talk to the a lab-based employee over lunch or a coffee. I was told by the manager that unfortunately, nobody was available. (remember: a company with a good working atmosphere encourages its employees to talk about positive experiences and share them with applicants)
Reimbursement of travel costs is not up to the standards that I experienced from previous interviews with companies working in a similar field. For anyone shortlisted for an interview I recommend to discuss every single item of travel expenses and get it approved in writing before you spend your money.
I was claiming for reimbursement well within the previously agreed range, still I only received 75% of my cost back. I complained to only get brushed aside. My query for the underlying arithmetics of the reimbursement calculation was ignored. Following my complaint to Centogene I was told that:
- taxi rides are not reimbursed (even if your cost stays below the agreed travel cost equivalent of a train ticket)
- hotel costs are reimbursed but not the breakfast at the hotel (Centogene left it to me to book the hotel of their choice)
- airport parking is not reimbursed (no matter, if its cheaper than public transportation or if there is no public transport available in the early hours of the day)
- no ticket - no reimbursement (ok, that is to some extend understandable - I have to mention though that Centogene didn't show the flexibility to pay for a bus ticket half the cost of a train ticket. This should not be a problem, since other travel arrangements (e.g. car travel) can be paid for without direct prove.
I probably needed this experience as a reminder, that courtesy and good will gestures on such minor issues divide the good employers from the bad ones. All my previous employers would not accept, that Centogene is on a good way to build a positive reputation for its company.
By the way, the salary that had been in discussion reached also only about 75% of what the industry pays on average.
Overall verdict: a waste of my time and money
