Testimonial by Marie-Claire

Human Resources Manager at Saint-Gobain Recherche, Marie-Claire Parent outlines the recruitment policy and stages as well as the qualities needed to join the Saint-Gobain Recherche teams. Interview.


What is Saint-Gobain Recherche's recruitment policy?
We have a fairly active recruitment policy. Each year we take on an average of forty people in the R & D section to enhance our existing expertise, develop new areas and support our internal mobility policy.

What is the recruitment process?
All our vacancies are published on our website as well as on the Saint-Gobain Group website. We also work a lot through the Bernard Gregory Association which is a good relay for PhD graduates.

The network has an important role to play: our scientific advisers are regularly consulted and it is not uncommon to receive CVs through the centre's researchers who have kept in touch with their laboratory colleagues. Finally, we conduct on-going monitoring by being present at student forums and paying particular attention to unsolicited applications.

What are Saint-Gobain Recherche's values and what is their influence on recruitment?
When we initiated the project to identify Saint-Gobain Recherche's values in line with the principles of behaviour and action of the Group, we chose to express what distinguishes us the most, namely the sharing of knowledge , openness, enthusiasm, team spirit and initiative.

These five values are part of our everyday work enabling us to progress smoothly in the centre and complete the projects successfully. This involves working with others, putting forward new ideas, being open-minded, curious, and attentive. Enthusiasm is often stirred up when we meet to share our impressions about applicants.

What are the recruitment stages?
Our recruitment process is relatively straightforward.  The selection of scientific CVs is first made by the operational staff who are best able to confirm the relevance of the applications. Following this initial screening, applicants are seen by managers and group leaders. I also meet them for an HR interview during which I use the PAPI personality test which is a good medium for enriching discussion about the way the person works.

Once this first step is completed (we usually get a dozen applicants), we select what we call the "finalists" who meet our Managing Director. The decision is then taken collegiately at a special meeting in which all the interested parties take part.

Is there an integration process?
An induction course is organised in the first month to present the company's operating rules with a particular focus on the environment and safety.

Integration days are also held during the year to learn about all the centre's activities and the Saint-Gobain Group.
Special monitoring is conducted during the trial period through several meetings with the person's supervisor and a set programme of activities. The trial period ends with an interview with the Managing Director and the Corporate Secretary. Finally, the newly taken-on member follows a training course on the topics of management, innovation and industrial property.

Is mobility possible within Saint-Gobain?
R & D is a recognised and valued integration channel. After several years of research, researchers often want to move on to more operational positions (development, production, marketing, etc.). It's part of our role to support them in their careers and enable them to benefit from the many "gateways" into other professions possible within the Saint-Gobain Group.

Mobility within the R & D sector and inside Saint-Gobain Recherche is equally dynamic by moving to the position of Group, Department or Project Manager. Mobility between departments is also possible and encouraged.

If you had to define a profile of the ideal applicant for Saint-Gobain Recherche, what would it be?
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of scientific aptitude to meet our clients' requirements. In addition, the person must have a genuine taste for research and demonstrate a real desire to get involved in industrial projects and take part in the life of the centre.