Novartis Director interview questions

A recruiter called me out of the blue, asked if I had a few minutes to talk then and there, and then interviewed me on the spot. Several days later, I had a phone interview with the hiring manager for at least an hour. Then a couple weeks later, HR reached out to me to schedule an on-site interview with several individuals. Each interview was about 45 minutes, including the meeting with the hiring manager. Each interview went pleasantly with the exception of one individual who made it clear he was unenthusiastic about my background. HR emphasized to me that, regardless of the outcome, she would personally call me to let me know their final decision. She explicitly said that I would not receive a form email. After 4 months of radio silence, I received a form rejection email. Other than this last bit and the one interviewer, the interview process went smoothly.

Very difficult. Several interviews - 6 month decision process. I had a phone, in person, panel, and an in-house interview. Not a lot of typical HR questions. Background check VERY thorough and takes some time to complete. Bottom line - if you are not the best of the best, don't apply