The company's HR contacted me about my application. They asked a few basic questions about my experience and then we scheduled a face to face interview. Quintiles almost always has 2 people interview you. One in-person and one via teleconference by one of their managers who work from home. The secretary took me to a small conference room where the telecon was already set up and I spoke on the phone with one of their managers. Shortly after that, I had the face-to-face interview with another manager who is office-based. They generally asked the same questions. They started with asking me about my previous experience and what I did there. Then, they explained a little bit about the job. They asked questions about how I would handle a large workload with competing deadlines (since you are usually put on multiple projects and report to differen't team leads for each project). They asked what kind of management style I like - someone who is very involved (micro-manage) or someone who doesn't get too involved but is there for you when you need it. They asked me how I handle stress and about my work habits. They asked me to describe myself in 3 words. They also ask a little bit about the company's core values so you have to "study" those on their website. They might ask you to name some of the core values and what they mean or how yuo would apply them. There is a chance for you to ask questions, too. the manager on the phone was not so friendly and seemed a bit abrupt. The manager in-person was much nicer and the interview was very conversational. Many Quintiles employees are home-based and when you are put on a project, it is usually on a team of people located pretty much anywhere but the office you are in. So on my projects, my clinical team leads were all home-based and other team members on the projects were in other Quintiles offices all over the world. It is rare that you actually see these people face to face unless there is a big meeting you have to travel to or if your clinical team lead comes in office for a file audit, etc. Once you are hired, they will fly you to their North Carolina HQ for a 2 day orientation. Other than a few administrative things like giving you IDs, etc. they pretty much use the time to toot their own horn and make you psyched about the company. You will also come home with a lot of useless Quintiles swag. this company is definitely a good 'starter' company. I have learned A LOT about the clinical trials process while here but CTAs (the position I am in) do not stay long. Their life span here is generally about 1-2 yrs. Most people take this job in order to get to the next level of CRA. If that doesn't happen soon enough, they usually leave to work for private pharma companies who pay a lot more for often the same work. Quinties can't compete in terms of pay. The line manager you get can make or break the experience. Some are laid back and very flexible about things like vacation, time off, your daily schedule. Some watch you like hawks and are strictly by the book. Some are just plain jerks (like the one who interviewed me on the phone...as I later found out). I have had all positive experiences with my clinical team leads. They are pretty easy-going and don't treat you like you're lower than them. they were always asking me for my input and understanding and flexible when you were in a difficult circumstance. To sum up, I would recommend this company as a good starting point. Stay here and learn for max. 2 yrs and move on to bigger and better things. Quintiles is known for it's training so definitely try to get as much of that as possible before you leave. The way I see it, this company is good for the two ends of the spectrum -- newbies to gain experience and people who can be hired in more senior level positions (Managers, etc.). The higher level employees have a lot more flexibility - can work from home, etc. so it's good for working moms. Also, in general Quintiles has good job security and benefits/perks. Job security is one thing private pharmaceutical companies can't offer. Interview advice: Explore the company website and familiarize yourself with it and definitely learn the core values because they will ask you. Find out about the position you are interviewing for and sell yourself for it at the interview. Ask questions even if you don't really have any -- they like to see the motivation.