How to get a job at Stryker.

Do you work at Stryker? How did you find the job? How did you get that first interview?

Any advice for someone trying to get in?

Once you pass the HR phone interview you will be given a chance to speak with the hiring manager. If you pass that hurdle, you will be granted a "life patterns/themes" interview that is performed by the Gallup organization (same people as the Gallup poll). The life themes interview really is their (Stryker's) clearing house for candidates. If you pass that, then you will be considered a "good fit" for the organization and will be offered an onsite interview. If you don't pass, don't take it too hard - most don't. The questions such as "are you willing to put the company first?" can be tough to answer honestly. Make your choice as to how honest with yourself you are willing to be upfront. The goal is to look for best fit between company and candidate. If you are not honest with yourself then it will come through the life themes interview. If you are honest with yourself and you’re considered a “good fit” then you will most likely be successful at the company.

Host said: Do you work at Stryker? How did you find the job? How did you get that first interview?

Any advice for someone trying to get in?

I work at Stryker. My advice for anyone trying to get into Stryker is to turn around, walk away and never look back.

not me in Bellaire, Michigan said: I work at Stryker. My advice for anyone trying to get into Stryker is to turn around, walk away and never look back.

Was considering trying for some of Stryker's corp jobs in Kalamazoo/Portage. Are you speaking about their Sales jobs(which I fan into 1st hand and I agree with you) or about the company as a whole?

Thanks

wwv in Midvale, Utah said: Was considering trying for some of Stryker's corp jobs in Kalamazoo/Portage. Are you speaking about their Sales jobs(which I fan into 1st hand and I agree with you) or about the company as a whole?

Thanks

My suggestion to "walk away" applies company wide. My experience is with the Instruments division, though I understand that the philosophies at Instruments are common of the corporate culture as a whole (not surprisingly). While Stryker "rewards" hard work and performance, one must understand that these are defined at a much higher level than outside of Stryker. What is considered outstanding performance at another company would only be regarded as average performance at Stryker. With that said, if you are okay with a substandard starting salary, if you would like to place your family and personal life second to the advancement of the company, if you like long, hard hours working under extreme pressure with inadequate resource support (people), and if you want your past experience to count for squat in lieu of the "vast and superior" knowledge and wisdom of the Stryker veterans, then this is probably the company for you.

I currently work at Stryker and have a completely different opinion than the one posted previously. Stryker commands respect in the marketplace as a company that consistently delivers results (20% growth EVERY YEAR since the inception of the company) and that doesn't happen by accident. At Stryker, you are given substantial autonomy and are expected to deliver results. Trust me when I say that this culture of accountability is not for everyone (see previous post). If our sales reps don't hit their quota, they won't be around for long...we simply can't afford to keep them around if we expect to bury our competitors like we do. If that last two sentences frighten you, do not apply. Stryker hires competitors, those who strive to be the best, those who don't make excuses, who love conquering a challenge and thrive in a fast-paced environment. The company has been rated by Fortune as one of the best companies for Leaders. The fact is, there are a multitude of opportunities for advancement in this company, but the rewards go to those that work hard and find a way to "win" through adversity.

I definitely respect the previous opinion; hope this post highlights a different perspective.

Sounds a bit uber alles?

And a WHOLE lot like Enron (and many others) before their fall.

Good luck on the arrogance and where it leads you.

cheeseboots in Bridgewater, New Jersey said: Once you pass the HR phone interview you will be given a chance to speak with the hiring manager. If you pass that hurdle, you will be granted a "life patterns/themes" interview that is performed by the Gallup organization (same people as the Gallup poll). The life themes interview really is their (Stryker's) clearing house for candidates. If you pass that, then you will be considered a "good fit" for the organization and will be offered an onsite interview. If you don't pass, don't take it too hard - most don't. The questions such as "are you willing to put the company first?" can be tough to answer honestly. Make your choice as to how honest with yourself you are willing to be upfront. The goal is to look for best fit between company and candidate. If you are not honest with yourself then it will come through the life themes interview. If you are honest with yourself and you’re considered a “good fit” then you will most likely be successful at the company.

I helped a friend take that Gallup personality test. He didn't have access to a computer so he gave them my email address. I read him the questions and he gave me his answers over the phone and I entered them. Unfortunately, I realized half way through that I had been clicking 'strongly disagree' rather than strongly agree. I emailed Gallup to ask if he could do it again, and didn't hear back.

Have I ruined his chances for an interview? What can I do?

jennifer

I second that. I worked for Stryker and it was an awful company to work for, I would NEVER recommend anyone to work there. not focused on products but rather bottom line. doesn't focus on what customers have to say... All in all not a good company.

Is there anywhere I can find examples test questions or anyway to pass the Gallup interview ???

none in Malden, Massachusetts said: Is there anywhere I can find examples test questions or anyway to pass the Gallup interview ???

The Gallup interview is designed to identify a good fit for the company that commissioned it. If you pass it because you prepped for it and gave the answers you know the company wants, you may get hired. Once you start, I'd bet you won't be happy there. Read the comments above by the 'not me's and see how being a bad fit can feel.

This is in response to (Not Me). Although you wrote your comments months ago I still felt compelled to reply.

Not Me said:
"While Stryker "rewards" hard work and performance, one must understand that these are defined at a much higher level than outside of Stryker. What is considered outstanding performance at another company would only be regarded as average performance at Stryker."

Welcome to exact reason why they LOVE hiring prior military officers. I was just hired, and have spend the last 8 years dealing with "real" stress. The hassles of the typical American life dimmed in my eyes after watching a subordinate step on an IED. We then picked up the pieces and continued our mission. Above and beyond everyday... or you die. Yet, we don't ask for praise. Instead we are told we could have done better.

I don't need somebody to tell me that I did well to feel better about myself. I'm also not too upset about my salary... $80K with benefits to start seemed competitive to me.

Focus on the job and not the reward... you'll see that you move faster up that ladder.

Well stated Josh A, congrats on the hire. This is the reason I will apply with Stryker also. I don't need reasons or pats on the back to work hard, that is part of showing up every day.

Best of luck with the new gig, and thanks for serving the last 8 yrs.

What is so bad about Stryker that you would advise to just walk away?

I am still in the interviewing process with Stryker. I have endured the 2 phone interviews as well as 3 hours of onsite interviews with 5 different area managers. I find it quite refreshing to know that Stryker actually cares if you fit within their work community or not. When these companies hire anyone that walks in they are never quite able to compete in the global market because they do not have the same goal within their workforce. Everyone has to want to be the best and have pride in themselves as well as their job.

llisaraye in Kalamazoo, Michigan said: I am still in the interviewing process with Stryker. I have endured the 2 phone interviews as well as 3 hours of onsite interviews with 5 different area managers. I find it quite refreshing to know that Stryker actually cares if you fit within their work community or not. When these companies hire anyone that walks in they are never quite able to compete in the global market because they do not have the same goal within their workforce. Everyone has to want to be the best and have pride in themselves as well as their job.

i bet you are interviewing for the position i got shot down for recently. worked out though, got a similar position with another company. Stryker's loss.

I was wondering if anyone who has done the onsite interviews can give me an idea of what to expect i.e do they review resume with you, have you take proficency tests, ask more behavioral questions, etc. Thanks.

In the onsite interviews they are basically trying to find out about you as a person, so they ask a lot of questions about how you react to situations and what kind of people you work best with.

May I ask how far you were into the interview process before you were "shot down"? What simular comapny did you go to afterwards?

I made it to the final stage. the onsite was a great experience. I felt the manager's formulated their opinions near instantly after a couple questions. Each manager's style is different from the other. Basically you get taken to about 5 or so product managers for about 30-45 minutes of behavior interviewing. Most varied in age from mid 20's to lower 40's. They will have the copy of your gallup score and your resume (bring more). They are big on life themes. I was amazed/pissed at how fast they type-casted me off of a 2 minute glance of my resume. You will find a Marcus Buckingham book in each of their offices. I'm sure they are pre-determined on what age demographic they want to hire also. I really don't know where I went wrong. I knew I had an uphill battle though when the first manager that interviewed me nearly crapped his pants when he found out I knew nobody in the company, applied online, and made it through all the other screens. They will bash it into your skull that the job is a 24/7 job and they demand more than any other company. That's great, but all the manager's had pictures of wives and kids, and were young, so it's not an impossible gig. If you are 22-24 years old, former college athlete or military, you will have a strong shot depending on the position you applied for.

Like I said, I was offered a similar postion with another compnay. In the end, the position I accepted is a much better situation (Salary, bonus, car, expenses). I am not going to say who it is. I really wanted to work with Stryker and thought I interviewed well and had the experience and education. Just be yourself and don't let them intimidate you. There is alot of ego in the building.

Well written BadgerBall, sorry to hear you didn't get the job. But sounds like you landed on your feet and got a better one. Thanks for the details, that is great insight. Pharma is truly a difficult field to enter, and most enter through connections or referrals. You did very well for an online applicant. Hopefully that wasn't one of your red flags. You should be (and sound like you are) very confident that you would have been the best man for that position.

I am going through the process with Eli Lilly, and hoping to get in the door with Stryker and Novartis soon. In Cali these jobs are practically killed for.

And hey, Badgers in Sweet 16, I'm rooting for them, at least till they meet UNC.
;-)
My dad is a UW-M grad.

YOU KNOW IT!!!! GO BUCKY!!!

I went to school at UNC@Chapel Hill....GO TARHEELS! I was wondering if anyone could tell me if Stryker is a non-smoking establishment?

I have my first phone interview ("Get to know you" interview) with Stryker day after tomorrow but they have considered my resume for a position that I dont want and had not applied for. I had applied for a different position. Is there a chance that they might consider me for the original position I had applied for if I tell them that I am really interested in that position ? Should I make this clear to the HR person or should I just go ahead answer her questions for the Personal interview anyhow.

Of all the Stryker locations (geographically) and functions (sales, ops, R&D, HR) what is the least desireable combo?
Is it Mahwah, NJ ops? Is that the one w/least morale and highest turn rate?

Firefly100 in Harriman, New York said: Of all the Stryker locations (geographically) and functions (sales, ops, R&D, HR) what is the least desireable combo?
Is it Mahwah, NJ ops? Is that the one w/least morale and highest turn rate?

My vote goes for Mahwah NJ Ops as by far the worst combo. Low morale throughout nearly every Ops function, the highest turnover I've ever seen or heard of in any organization, a completely ineffective Operations VP, and a lack of support from the top brass - who focus on sales so much it is to Operation's detriment. They are not given the tools, management, or support needed to be an effective department.

I am just starting to work with a recruiter on an opportunity with Stryker. I think my personality in terms of drive, and work ethic, would compliment what they are looking for. But, I wonder if I can meet the expectations as a single parent. It sounds like I would have to hire a nanny to pull this off! I have a home office now and sell medical devices so my life is busy as it is. I know I could sell Stryker in this marketplace, but what about the time commitments? Does anyone know how may hours and evening etc are expected? Also, the other person who mentioned ego trips and not letting people intimidate you was right on. Be yourself! You are in charge! Its your job and your future. You choose them, not the other way around. (in the end get the job but don't take any crap. Don't let people demoralize or offend you. It sounds like Stryker wants to hire people who have high expectations of themselves and continually raise the bar for improved success. In our line of work as sales pros, we need to survive through competitive edge--survival of the fittest. A never say die attitude and a constant desire to be better than the next person have to be two constant themes. I love challenges, but I wonder if I can realistically pull this one off???

Stryker, Definitely the worst job experience I ever had.... Managers and higher up are insulting, and I agree with not me in Cadillac, Michigan, What would be exceptional work in other company would barely get any notice in Stryker, your in probation for the longest time, and after probation you still get harrass most of the time about your work.. even if you didn't do anything wron , they'll harass you to do more then what you are expected... they have little or no training you should also note that you probablly only last no more then 5 years if you dont choose to leave the company which I did but while I was there, I see people get fire left and right... they really do expect you to put the job first before EVERYTHING.
The only good thing I can say about stryker is after working there any other company you work for seems so much easier ... I also give them one other thing putting them in their resume is a big plus

ivshadow in New York, New York said: Stryker, Definitely the worst job experience I ever had.... Managers and higher up are insulting, and I agree with not me in Cadillac, Michigan, What would be exceptional work in other company would barely get any notice in Stryker, your in probation for the longest time, and after probation you still get harrass most of the time about your work.. even if you didn't do anything wron , they'll harass you to do more then what you are expected... they have little or no training you should also note that you probablly only last no more then 5 years if you dont choose to leave the company which I did but while I was there, I see people get fire left and right... they really do expect you to put the job first before EVERYTHING.
The only good thing I can say about stryker is after working there any other company you work for seems so much easier ... I also give them one other thing putting them in their resume is a big plus

Stryker is everyone's worst job experience, lol.

Mahwah Employee in Morristown, New Jersey said: Stryker is everyone's worst job experience, lol.

Funny.... Yeah it seems alot of people has had problem with Stryker....

Stryker is the worst company in terms of managers...And is a joke saying they have compliance comitee...managers are really punishing people, discrinate people and they have a bad behavior business wise.I am talking about Stryker Emea...Stay away from this Company

Popescu in London, United Kingdom said: Stryker is the worst company in terms of managers...And is a joke saying they have compliance comitee...managers are really punishing people, discriminating people and they have a bad behavior business wise.I am talking about Stryker Emea...Stay away from this Company...Harasment is a day to day word if I am reffering to Stryker.

Does anyone have any great experiences working for Stryker medical (Sales)? I have passed the Gallup and had a f2f. I think its great how they put such importance on finding the right employees.

Host said: Do you work at Stryker? How did you find the job? How did you get that first interview?

Any advice for someone trying to get in?

By far the worse place to work. if ur a hard devoted worker, well this is not the place for you, but if u just want a weekly check with out supervison then this is the place. Not an equal employer like they claim an d is all about who you know not what you know, so hard workers STAY AWAY!!!

cheeseboots in Bridgewater, New Jersey said: Once you pass the HR phone interview you will be given a chance to speak with the hiring manager. If you pass that hurdle, you will be granted a "life patterns/themes" interview that is performed by the Gallup organization (same people as the Gallup poll). The life themes interview really is their (Stryker's) clearing house for candidates. If you pass that, then you will be considered a "good fit" for the organization and will be offered an onsite interview. If you don't pass, don't take it too hard - most don't. The questions such as "are you willing to put the company first?" can be tough to answer honestly. Make your choice as to how honest with yourself you are willing to be upfront. The goal is to look for best fit between company and candidate. If you are not honest with yourself then it will come through the life themes interview. If you are honest with yourself and you’re considered a “good fit” then you will most likely be successful at the company.

I applied online for an Assistant Counsel position and several hours later received an email to complete the online Gallup Poll. Is this a new procedure since I had not yet had a phone interview or the other steps previously outlined?

I'll be honest with you, I got a job here because I was friends with the HR manager and she wanted a plant in the company, she put me in touch with a recruiter and they prepped me on all the questions and responses. She knew I was a prick as she had worked with me before, so fitting in wouldn't be an issue. And it worked. She helps me and I help her.

Personally, if you have any self respect, I'd go elsewhere, buts its a good fit for me. I get to be rude to these tards that work here!

JFo in Richland, Michigan said: I currently work at Stryker and have a completely different opinion than the one posted previously. Stryker commands respect in the marketplace as a company that consistently delivers results (20% growth EVERY YEAR since the inception of the company) and that doesn't happen by accident.

20% sales growth per year in any company would be damn near unprecedented.

Double digit growth in sales year in and year out is hard enough to achieve period much less in the recession economy that we have now.

I am going to have an on-site interview soon for an Finance position. I am wondering, besides behavior questions, will they ask a lot of technical questions?
And usually will have second on-site interview? or this is pretty much the final stage?

Thanks