The hiring event starts off with you splitting off into pre-assigned groups that will work together in several exercises that will showcase your ability to interact with a "customer" needing support, to coming up with a step-by-step process for a non-technical activity and even having you come up with a new product complete with a sales presentation and a prototype made with various materials they give you (doesn't actually have to work). Each exercise will have one of the people in your group present to the entire room your findings, conclusions, etc. It's about 4 exercises with a break and a lunch break in between. And the end, each person also gets a one on one interview with a couple of the managers. First off, make every effort that you can to be noticed (in a positive way of course). Absolutely do not be shy and since every exercise touches on a unique aspect, volunteer to present if it's on a topic that you're familiar or comfortable with. Even if you're uncomfortable or do not know something, refer to your team, showing that you know when to say you don't know something and will make sure you find someone who does. On one of the exercises, your team might be combined with another, making a pretty big group for one exercise. This makes it hard to give your ideas or contribute, but you must try to get noticed and take the initiative. I overheard one of the managers mentioning to another that it seemed like only a few people in our big group actually did anything. Not good :( The people and the office culture seems to be very good. Unfortunately I think I was a bit intimidated at first with the environment (OMG Genentech!) and the people who showed up in their full suits (what happened to business casual?) and the first exercises I was still warming up to the whole experience of doing these exercises with a group of strangers. Not good in hindsight. One of the first exercises, I should have volunteered to present as it was actually my strength (was an exercise troubleshooting a technical issue), and when it came time for me to present, it was on a nontechnical exercise that I messed up on because I tried to stick in some humor instead of going with a clear thoughtout process which is what they were looking for. During each exercise and even during the breaks, managers would randomly sit down and each table taking notes and even chatting you up. The one on one interview was by far the most standard aspect of the event with the managers basically asking you the typical interview questions. The managers are actually quite nice in the personal interview and don't "grill" you. In fact, it was quite short compared to the many hours you spent on the exercises during the day. I have a feeling the prior events of the day were by far the most determining factor of your getting hired and the personal interviews are simply a factor for those they're on the fence about or those people that they didn't really get much info on during the exercises (some didn't get a chance to present, etc).