Unilab Interview Questions
& Process

I had my first interview (online) in January with HR, it took them 2 months to get back to me regarding my 2nd interview (onsite) with the team leads. It then took 2 weeks for them to notify me on my 3rd onsite interview with the director. After the 3rd interview I had to follow up several times until they notified me I was not shortlisted and they did not specify why. Very hassle and time consuming process just to get rejected without proper reason. Each interview got more complex per stage.

I went through 4 rounds of interviews. First was a phone interview, then an exam, then HR, and finally a panel interview. The interview process was smooth, and the people were nice. They asked about my family, my siblings' jobs, and where I studied, which I think shows they value both professional skills and personal background for cultural fit. Unilab is a proud MNC with Filipino-Chinese roots, built on 'Bayanihan.' Despite negative talk about local Filipino companies, Unilab seems to have kept Filipino culture and work ethics. I stayed for 2 years mainly to experience Western-led MNCs, as career growth within Unilab can be slow. The culture is great and warm with good work-life balance, but MNCs can accelerate careers faster, especially when you're younger. I don't regret leaving Unilab 10 years ago for an MNC, where I've been for 10 years, but I'd consider going back to retire.

The interview process was quite lengthy, with interviews spaced out monthly. Initially, they asked about any failed grades during undergraduate studies, as this could lead to automatic rejection. Standard questions included introducing yourself, assessing your numerical aptitude, and inquiring about your willingness to work overtime, which offered a higher rate (x1.75) compared to the usual overtime rate (x1.25). Additionally, they emphasized a preference for hiring candidates who lived in close proximity to their company.

So I applied for a job and they first had me take an IQ test at their main building, then I spoke with HR. She suggested I go for an entry-level role instead of the one I applied for, even though I have 3 years of experience. After that, I went to the lab building for another interview with a department head. The lab building is really depressing, not like the main one. Then there was a third interview where I met all the department heads. Most were nice, but the Director asked me repeatedly "What can you offer this company?" When I explained my skills, he kept saying someone else already does that and asked what I could offer that no one else could. He was like that for an entry-level position. I eventually said I'd need to see everyone's skillset. He just said "okay" and ended the interview.