Tell us something not on your resume.

"One of my first jobs was working as a personal assistant for a friend of the family who struggled with multiple sclerosis. This person is a doctor and a botanist. I learned a lot about how one's environment and diet impact the quality of life of someone with MS or anyone for that matter. This person managed to take control of their life by changing their environment and growing beneficial herbs in their garden. Soon, they reclaimed their life and abated all their symptoms. I learned a lot from them, which fueled my desire to pursue this field. I have to agree with the philosophy of Abbott. The first step to living your best life is through good health."

As they scout for viable candidates, your interviewers want to get to know you and your strengths. Gaining insights into your personality, work style, and work ethic will help them determine how well you'll fit into their environment.

Learn all you can about Abbott and the opportunities offered by their internship. Next, think about what your core values are and how they align with Abbott's. From there, you should be able to construct an in-depth answer.

The interviewers want to know more about your soft skills and what you have to offer that doesn't easily translate to a resume. Be true to yourself as opposed to telling them what you think they want to hear.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

"I'd have to say my inspiration is Elizabeth Blackwell. She became the first woman in the US to earn an MD degree back in 1849. She was turned away by ten colleges. One of her professors suggested she disguise herself as a male to gain admission., but she wasn't having that. She later wrote, 'It was to my mind a moral crusade, which must be pursued in the light of day, and with the public sanction, to accomplish its end.' She stayed focused on her goals and let nothing stand in her way. She overcame every obstacle."

The example you offer will provide insight into the values and principles that make up your character. By gaining this deeper understanding of your character, your interviewer will be better able to ascertain how well you'll fit in with the culture of their brand and which mentor in the program might be best suited for you.

Your life's inspiration can come from a character in a book, a mentor, a family member, or a celebrity. It likewise doesn't need to consist of only one person. Explain why these individuals had an impact on the shaping of your character.

Abbott's website says, "Interns are part of a structured program that augments their day-to-day work with professional development and additional learning opportunities. We assign them mentors, and take part in online and in-person training sessions on leadership, problem-solving, business case studies, careers and other topics. We are in the business of advancement, both in health solutions and in the lives and careers of our employees. Our work across the world and in many areas of healthcare provides a rich environment for our employees to explore career paths, interests, and opportunities. We encourage and promote this growth through training, mentoring, tuition reimbursement, development programs and more. We strive to provide careers full of challenging and rewarding work, as well as personal and professional growth."

What did you like about your last role?

"There was a real sense of camaraderie. We all kind of read each other's minds, anticipating the need of the team as a whole at every turn. I still have lasting relationships with many of them. I learned a lot from that collaboration. It was a great group, and the work was beyond rewarding. I can say that about every position I've held. I've often been described as a friend to all."

Your interviewer is curious about how your motivators align with what they offer. This question also serves to gauge the consistency of your answers. For example, if you go on and on about how much you loved your last job in a way that is inconsistent with your reasons for leaving, this will serve as a red flag.

Keep your answers positive, and emphasize the elements of your last job that are in line with what Abbott's work culture offers. Be confident and decisive in your answer, communicating clearly and with intention.

Notice they ask about your last role, not your last job. This gives you the opportunity to talk about your position as opposed to your job, which is beneficial if you were promoted to another position from within. Take the time to evaluate your five-year career plan, and determine how your previous position delivered you through your goals and how it led you to interview for Abbott's intern program.

What drove you to leave your last job?

"It was a temp job. We met all our mutual goals and objectives. I learned a lot there and developed some lasting relationships with my other team members. They'd welcome me back in a second, but my studies and career goals come first. Looking back, we had some great shared experiences, but now I have to look forward."

Similar to other questions in this set, this question seeks to further assess your dedication to your work and your employer and whether you would be a good investment. How you answer this question will also indicate what motivates you.

Focus on advancing your career goals and objectives. Stay true to the spirit of your core values and philosophy and passion for your work. Stick to the positives and keep your pursuits aligned with what Abbott's internship has to offer.

Avoid discussing pay, as this could indicate that you're only in it for the money. Avoid bad-mouthing your last position or their leadership, as this could make the interviewer think that you'd be discontent at any job you work in.

What would prompt you to leave a company?

"Early on, I recognized rework as a pet peeve. I'm a firm believer that the best way to perform work is by doing it the right way the first time. Any time I enter a contract of employment, I expect the agreement to be upheld. As long as everyone is upfront and honest from the get-go, I have no intention of leaving a job. If a company is acquired by another and its mission, core values, or philosophy changed and are no longer in line with my career goals, I'd consider leaving. If my career growth came to a halt, and I wasn't hitting my career objectives, only after exhausting every opportunity to work together would I consider leaving."

This question aims to gauge your level of dedication to an employer and whether your standards are too high or can't be met. Employee turnover can be expensive, and the money an employer puts into recruiting, hiring, and training an employee is an investment. As with any investment, the investor hopes it will pay off. This question aims to raise any red flags regarding your investment potential.

Focus on your career goals and your five-year career plan. A lack of growth potential is a credible reason for leaving a company behind. Another is an acquisition if the company taking over doesn't embrace or share in the core values or mission philosophy of the company they've taken over. However, a conflict with leadership or personnel could indicate that an applicant might not possess the soft interpersonal skills to be successful in their pursuits. Similarly, leaving one job for another that pays serves as a red flag that you're only in it for the money.

Abbott advertises their program offers, "Meaningful work, access to senior leadership, career development, rewards." These are incentives to develop and grow within a rewarding work environment. Consider these points when considering your answer.

What did you dislike about your last job?

"After a while, I stopped feeling challenged in my former position, and there was no growth opportunity. I achieved the goal I set out to accomplish and gained some great hands-on experience. Once I got to know the work, there was nothing new, and I didn't feel challenged. It felt like the goal was maintaining the status quo, which didn't feel conducive to innovation. It was the right job right then, but all parties were aware of that going into the work. I have nothing negative to say. I just prefer to feel challenged."

The interviewer asks this question to understand what motivates you, what distracts you, and what kind of work environment suits you best. They are also curious about what your general attitude towards life is. Someone who has a lot of negative things to say about their last position might feel that way about their workplace, no matter where they are.

Keep your answer focused on you and what you loved about your last job. Be honest about what you liked least, but stay focused on the positives. For example, saying that the leadership was toxic will indicate that you might have issues with people in positions of authority. Saying that you liked the break room the least at your last job and that the refrigerator kept breaking down says something different.

Focus on the positive impact you made on your work environment, which demonstrates the positive, collaborative impact you'll make beyond the team.

If you left your current job, what would your legacy be?

"I'm a firm believer that doing the job the right way should be the path of least resistance. Often, there are too many bureaucratic steps to follow to do something by the book. Then everyone takes shortcuts, and the work isn't performed as well. I take pride in streamlining work systems that make doing work the right way less effort than the shortcut or the previous method. I'd say that's my legacy. The systems I've streamlined and implemented create more productivity, improved efficiency, and a higher quality of work for the whole team."

This question serves to offer insight into your work ethic and gauge the level of passion you have for your career and professional pursuits. If you put your all into your work, this should be consistent from position to position. A person who is in it for the pay and is not passionate about their career or professional pursuits will put in the bare minimum and won't have much to leave as a legacy. How this person answers this question could offer the kind of red flags the interviewer is looking for as well.

How decisive you are in your career and the impact you make through your work, in tandem with your personality, is your brand. It is important to perceive yourself and your career in terms of a brand or a business. Even if you're not starting your own business and are pursuing a career working for someone else, this applies. The impact you want to make on the world is your mission statement. If you embody your brand consistently, the daily impact you make is your legacy. Consider this and the unique contributions you have to offer.

Every employer views a hire as an investment in the future of their company. Think about the systems you implemented at your current or former job. Discuss the role you took in transforming the systems of your workplace, the impact you made on improving the business, and how you mentored the personal development of others or yourself.

What work experience do you have relating to people with backgrounds different from your own?

"I've worked with people who have faced all sorts of physical and mental challenges. I've befriended individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds and am related to people from all walks of life and perspectives. I've suffered, but I've learned not to compare my experience to others. Some of us feel comfortable going for a run late at night or walking alone in an empty parking garage, and others do not. I approach everyone with heightened sensitivity, understanding that everyone's situation is unique. I do my best to avoid presumption at all costs. I am as empathetic as anyone I know, if not more so. I treat everyone as I would a friend or a family member, with sensitivity and an eagerness to learn about them more deeply, should they choose to share. I do my best to show that I genuinely care."

Most leading companies in any industry understand that to foster innovation to compete with an ever-changing world, talent needs to be drawn across boundaries. This requires everyone within their organization to have a high degree of cultural competence. Diversity questions are one way to determine your cultural competence.

When discussing diversity, focus on a general acceptance of the human experience and the sensitivities of those from underrepresented communities. When discussing inclusion, demonstrate empathy and acceptance. On even the most inherently human level, we are all driven by the same basic needs and the same unifying experiences. Focus on the unifiers of diversity. Communicate clearly and decisively. The last thing you want to do is come across as uncomfortable or out of your element when answering this question.

DiversityInc listed Abbot as one of the TOP 50 COMPANIES FOR DIVERSITY. Abbott states they are "in partnership with others to break down barriers. We serve vulnerable populations with focus on the most marginalized, including people from underrepresented diverse communities, and differently-abled and LGBTQ persons." This should give you an understanding of what they are looking for in those with values similar to their own.

How are your personal and professional interests connected to Abbott's philosophy and purpose?

"This is part of the reason I decided to pursue this opportunity. We both want everyone to have equal opportunity to live the best life a person can live, in a sustainable way, that crosses into marginalized communities, creating an everlasting, positive impact on the health of the world."

Most major brands achieve success by recruiting those who identify with, embody, and represent the ideology and personality of their marketing profile. Your interviewer wants to find candidates who already fully embody and embrace what their brand represents. This question is designed to determine how your values align with their values and pursuits. It will also test your knowledge of their company.

Study Abbott's philosophy and purpose. The information isn't difficult to find on their website. List the items you identify with. Compare how those align with your philosophy and core values and how they align with your career goals. Taking these steps should prepare you to answer this question.

Advice from Abbott employees ranges from "Be friendly and show you care for the products you will be making or testing, whether directly or indirectly. What you do at Abbott really does matter..." to "Be honest, don't try to be what you are not, HR will notice this..." and "Focus on communication." Abbott states on their website, "Our intern program is second-to-none. We offer real-world work that intersects with students' passion and experience, and the strategic needs of our business today. We're innovating for access and affordability from the first day of research and development, in partnership with others to break down barriers, bringing these innovations to the people who need them. It's ingrained in everything we do."

Tell us about a stressful situation and how you dealt with it.

"I led a team in a control group research study. At a crucial stage of the project, I went in early to set everything up. But on the way, my train stopped. We were stuck on the track for hours. It was my role to sit in a booth and appear on a monitor to the control group. Because of the nature of the work, it had to be me. I had my phone and my laptop with me. I reached out to my team, and with significant trial and error, we figured out a way to patch me in. We tried several options before we made it work. Using my phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, we used the camera on my laptop to patch me in. I didn't have my notes with me, so they had to take snapshots of them and text them to me, and I used my phone for my prompts. It was stressful working this way while on the train. After we took our first break, the train started moving. When I arrived on campus, I jogged the rest of the way, getting in some exercise, which is proven to relieve stress. As soon as I walked into the room, I picked up where I left off without missing a beat. The volunteers didn't even notice. Our study was a success."

This question seeks to gauge how you cope with stress in a high-paced work environment. It also aims to determine what kind of situations you find stressful. Someone who keeps calm under pressure will be beneficial to the company in this position.

Exhibit your leadership skills by detailing how you keep calm under pressure. Exemplify emotional maturity by acknowledging that we face stressful situations every day, and highlight your ability to take such situations in stride. Having a positive attitude can go a long way in demonstrating the ability to lead by example and foster a positive work environment.

A repeated tagline on Abbott's website is 'nourish your body.' A proven method to alleviate stress is performing physical exercise and providing your body with positive habits to improve health. These are core elements of Abbott's philosophy.

Describe a time you had to overcome a significant obstacle on a job.

"I had a temp research job in college. I enjoyed the team and the research work. They offered me a permanent position with some nice incentives. I was transparent with them that my priority was my studies, and I could only work during the summer when I had a lighter course load. They assured me that this was no problem. Within three weeks, they phased out my department and offered me a management position in another department. There were clues that led me to believe they'd planned this all along. This new position drew too much of my focus from my studies, so I asked if there was any other position I could fill more akin to my last. They took a hardline approach and tried to intimidate me to step in line. I struggled with this but determined this development was an obstacle of my own making, so I offered them two weeks' notice. I was polite, having communicated my expectations from the start. I learned at that moment the temp agency was more on my team than that firm. Before I knew it, the temp agency found me another research position that fell more in line with my studies."

The interviewer is interested in learning what you consider a significant obstacle, how relevant your answer will be to the job you're interviewing for, and what you learned from the experience you share. Determining these will help them ascertain whether you're a good fit for the advertised position.

Use the STAR method here. Describe the work-related Situation, the Task required, the Action you took, and the Result of your actions. Keep your example relevant to the kinds of challenges an intern or employee would likely face at Abbott. Exhibit emotional maturity and leadership skills to make yourself more appealing.

As they state on their website, "We need dynamic people to do things better, differently, with a curiosity and drive to learn." And from the interview with Vildan Stidham, the vice president of Abbott's Global Talent Acquisition, "Through these processes, they're receiving constant feedback and assurance. Beyond the structured program, interns know Abbott is an inclusive and open environment. We tell them that if there's something they don't understand, it's better to ask a question upfront rather than plow ahead and get it wrong." Consider these points when presenting your answer.

Tell us about a time you had a conflict at work.

"I was working with someone who was going through a hard time. We were working on a project together, and we were supposed to tackle different aspects of our project and then reconvene. Knowing they were distracted, I took the more difficult workload. That made them feel insecure, but they agreed. I finished long before they did. This also contributed to their sensitivity. So, after a while, I checked in with them. But somehow they misinterpreted my concern as insensitive and accused me of using a tone I didn't intend. After things de-escalated, I explained I was just checking in on their progress on the project. I think this embarrassed them. A couple of days later, they took time off to figure things out. When they returned, they apologized for the incident. I told them there was no need to apologize. We hashed it out and had no trouble working together."

This question is designed to determine what you consider a conflict and how you confront it. It aims to gauge your problem-solving skills and general perception or attitude.

It is worth considering how the question is phrased. A "conflict at work" could indicate a conflict between yourself and another employee or a time you exhibited strong leadership skills to resolve a dispute between two other members of the team. It could also mean you had a personal conflict of interest. In your answer, exhibit grounded decision-making and integrity.

Abbott is looking for interns and employees with 'strong leadership and communication skills.' This is an important consideration when describing any conflict you've experienced at work. Consider sharing a situation in which you exemplified those desirable traits.

What was the toughest challenge you've faced?

"Just as I started college, I plotted a course to achieve several attainable milestones on my career path towards achieving my bigger goals. I detailed where I wanted to be in one semester, one year, two, three, four, and five. I had to revise it many times for it to be sustainable and to realistically hit those targets. I wanted to go far, so I set some lofty goals for myself. By the time I was through my second year, I projected five years out again. I wasn't sure if I could stick to my goals and stay on target, but I did. I'd say sticking to my plan was the biggest challenge I've faced yet. There were a few goals that I didn't fit in the timeframes I'd hoped for, but I was determined to hit every marker for all my bigger goals. Overall, I'd say there were aspects I would have prioritized differently, but I am more weathered by the experience and am looking forward to continuing to achieve the goals I set for myself. I learned how to meet those goals sustainably without burning out and that anything you set your mind to can be made possible."

The interviewer wants to know what you perceive as a challenge and how you handle challenges. They will consider your answer when evaluating your fit into their company.

If you choose a personal example, be sure to use that as a source or inspiration for your career, your goals, or your work ethic. When using an academic or work challenge, make sure it speaks to your merits as a potential candidate. Steer clear of examples that are unrelated or random. If you don't have much work experience, using an example from school is fine as long as it is relevant.

As they state on their website, Abbott is looking for future employees and leaders who can deliver. As Vildan Stidham, the vice president of Abbott's Global Talent Acquisition says, "We set a tone with the interns that all ideas are valuable, regardless of whether they're coming from an intern or an employee with 20 years of experience. At Abbott, we don't differentiate between 'an intern idea' and an 'employee idea.' Our interns are engaged in real work and their ideas are important to our business. The same rules apply to an intern proposing an idea as a full-time employee: The intern is encouraged to use the team environment and support structures that are in place to help them succeed. It helps to first preview the idea with a co-worker to help frame the idea, then incorporates the idea into a fully built-out proposal that demonstrates the value of the idea and how it benefits the company. It's important for interns to understand that each brings an important perspective to the organization." This holds valuable information when considering what processes you followed when framing your example.

Tell us a little about yourself.

"My mother and father are both in healthcare. Since I was young, I've been passionate about health and the environment. I am a firm believer that one's environment affects one's health, and I decided to pursue a career in line with my passions. It's my dream to help make the world a healthier place. I am also a science nerd, and In high school, I won several consecutive science awards and graduated as the Valedictorian of my class. I'm also a fitness buff and a health nut. I took nutrition in college and am all about regular exercise and a well-balanced, organic, and healthy diet."

This question is an ice breaker. It's intended to lower your guard and get you to open up, thereby allowing the interviewer to assess how well your personality will fit in with the rest of the team.

Align your answer with the company and its core values, borrowing keywords from the job description when applicable. After performing the necessary research into the company and position, you should be able to tailor your answer in a way that advertises you as a good fit.

Thoroughly research the company before your interview. Ensure the role and the company is a good fit for you and that you are a good fit for their brand. Verse yourself in their language, keywords, mission statements, and core values. Doing so will provide you with the opportunity to align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate. It also exhibits a willingness to overachieve and go above and beyond in every aspect of what you do. These are the traits that translate to a strong employee and a strong work ethic. Some keywords and taglines from Abbott's website that you could use in your answer include 'Live your best life, now and in the future,' 'Be your best,' 'With good health, you can achieve almost anything,' and 'Stay at the top of your game.'

How do you like to spend your spare time?

"Like most people, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, whether over the phone, virtually, or in person. When I am alone, I enjoy reading, watching documentaries, learning, or cooking. I'm something of a health nut and a foodie. I try to avoid processed foods whenever possible, so I do a lot of cooking from scratch."

Your interviewers use this question to gauge how well your priorities align with those of Abbott. They are also keeping an eye out for any red flags that would make you a poor fit for their company.

You want to come across as relatable here. Also, avoid spelling out any conflicts your hobbies would present. If you say you are available to start and willing to relocate but tell them that in your spare time you are starting a restaurant, this poses an obvious conflict between commitments. Wellness, nutrition, and an active lifestyle are all attributes Abbott embraces in its philosophy. If you lead an active lifestyle, mention it.

Here are some strong taglines from their website that you can use in your answer - 'live better and healthier,' 'nourish your body,' and 'the first step to living your best life is good health and having the freedom to enjoy active lives.'

Why did you choose your major?

"I've been passionate about the positive and negative impacts of environmental health, from the benefits of botany and herbology to the negative impacts of industrialized farming. I decided to pursue my degrees based on my passions. My parents used to say that the more motivated you are to learn, the more successful you'll be at what you pursue. It's good advice, and I took it to heart at an early age."

Your interviewers want to determine if you're committed to pursuing a career with the degree you've chosen or thinking of taking your life in another direction.

Exhibit your commitment to your career path by detailing how you've come to pursue your career and how your degree led you here. If you weren't passionate about your studies when you started, that's fine, as long as your passion emerged along the path of your educational journey and as long as you confidently display your commitment now.

Align your aspirations and goals with those of Abbott. As they state on their site, Abbott values living your best life through good health and meeting rising global health needs by championing new areas of medical research.

Describe your dream job.

"My dream job is to work as a biomedical research scientist for a company at the forefront of innovation and to balance the health of our global population and the health of our planet. To achieve the change in the world I want to see, I hope to find a career with a company with a core focus on sustainability, performing meaningful work helping save the lives of people daily, and making the world a healthier habitat for all life."

Your answer to this question will show the interviewer how realistic your expectations are and how familiar you may be with their company and what their internship offers. It will also be an indicator of what motivates you as an employee and how they can incentivize you should you prove to be a viable candidate.

Take your time combing through everything you can about their company and program. List everything about what their company does that fits the description of your dream job. Use those items to build your answer.

Some taglines Abbott uses for their services and innovation are "living your best life, building life-changing technologies, and breakthrough products. Our interns want to start their careers making a positive impact in the world. A future full of possibilities." Consider this when describing your ideal company.

How would you describe your leadership philosophy and style?

"Everyone is different. Everyone is born different, comes from different backgrounds, has different perspectives, and has something unique to deliver. I believe when people are happy doing what they love, they're even more motivated to innovate. My leadership style ensures everyone is educated on the best routes to accomplish their goals or the goals of the team. If someone feels like they've contributed, they'll take greater pride in their work. This is how to achieve success. I'd say my leadership style is transparency, delivering clear and concise communication, and equal direction and feedback."

The interviewer asks this question to evaluate how compatible your leadership style would be with their work culture and environment. They're interested in learning more about how you approach your work.

Focus on the details when describing your style and your approach to your work. Abbott advertises that what makes their internship special is "Access to senior leadership; Interns have regular access to senior leadership and the opportunity to grow and learn from the best each day. Career development; We invest in future leaders. We provide interns with targeted training, a global intern community, and the opportunity to create their own networks which they can leverage for decades." Consider how you would lead by example and strive to be an over-achiever in your position.

You want to market yourself as a desirable asset. Exhibiting the qualities of a leader goes a long way towards affirming your value to their organization. Abbott considers themselves "Community-driven," and believes that a workplace is a community. "We focus on impact of transforming systems and people." Abbott hires employees with"academic excellence, strong leadership, communication skills and technical excellence in their respective fields."

What is your greatest weakness?

"In the past, I've been described as overly eager. I'm learning it's a marathon, not a sprint. I had a bad habit of confusing my impatience for ambition, but I'm learning how to separate and distinguish the two. Someone once told me a true sign of genius is when someone has several projects going on at the same time. I'm learning how to multitask, and when waiting is required, I move on to something else to capitalize on my time management."

This question will give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and how easily you identify your growth opportunities. Your answer should demonstrate your honesty and your desire to improve.

Identify a weakness that is also a growth opportunity. Describe your weakness and explain how you plan to improve upon that weakness.

As the vice president of Abbott's Global Talent Acquisition says, "Today's interns bring more to the table than ever before. They're tech-savvy and exhibit a strong comfort level with new media platforms. This has strengthened their ability to multitask and to perform tasks faster and more efficiently. They want to quickly succeed and advance, which sometimes can translate to impatience with how things work in the real world of business."

Tell us about a time you faced a problem with a team member.

"I was working on a research team, and in our experiments, we had trouble repeating any single result no matter what angle or approach we took. I determined we were working with inaccurate or inadequate data. We started over, doing all of our ground research again, and discovered three areas where numbers in our data had been transposed. That's when I learned my project partner was dyslexic. Moving forward, we agreed to proofread each other's work to ensure we didn't repeat that mistake."

This question can be interpreted in many ways. How you will interpret this question will give your interviewer insight into your outlook on the world. It will also inform them of what you perceive as a problem.

When relaying your example of a problem with a team member, pay close attention to the nuance of this question. It doesn't suggest a personal problem between you and the team member. It could imply a team issue with a team member, or it could imply a problem you solved with another team member.

Abbott states on their site that their interns are "receiving constant feedback and assurance" throughout their experience. Teamwork is integral to every aspect of their culture. They are looking for individuals who are team-oriented and foster collaboration. Take care to exemplify this mentality.

What are your long-term goals?

"My long-term goal is to do my part to increase the rate of exponential growth so the accomplishments in medical science will exceed our wildest dreams. I imagine that looks like working in partnership with a company that shares this passion, with integrity, and a shared passion for developing breakthrough products and life-changing technology, all towards the goal of making a sustainable and lasting impact on our global health."

How you answer this question will offer insights into your ambition and where you want to take your career. It'll also reveal how well your future aligns with the opportunities their program would provide.

This is different than your five-year career plan. This is speaking to your long-term goals. Exhibit your interest in growing within the company and align your long-term goals with your current career path.

What they're looking for in their candidates is "a capacity to grow. We're looking for future leaders." Approximately 43% of Abbott's U.S. interns have gone on to full-time positions at the company, with an 80 percent job offer acceptance rate.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"In five years, I aim to be collaborating on a team of the best of the best in my field, creating life-changing breakthroughs committed to the improved health of people and the planet. By then, I hope to have proven myself and be up for a promotion, climbing my way through the ranks. Some dream of a better life through better health. Others dream of changing the lives of others by bettering their health. I dream of both. In five years, I aim to accomplish that and be working towards even grander progress."

Your answer to this question will offer insights into your level of ambition. It'll reveal how familiar you are with Abbott and this program and how your future aligns with the opportunity.

Create a five-year plan, further defining your goals and breaking down how you'll reach those goals in attainable steps. Outline how those goals align with what the Abbott Internship Program offers. The program offers 10-12 week long assignments during the summer, adjusted to your academic schedule as well as the needs of individual businesses, and will potentially provide incredible opportunities from there.

Here are some of the key statements from Abbott's Internship Programs. "We offer real-world work that intersects with students' passion and experience, and the strategic needs of our business today." Ponder this when generating your answer to this question.

How did you hear about the position?

"When I was searching online to find companies in my field whose philosophy and values were similar to my own, I discovered Abbott's internship programs. I learned that Abbott is rated as one of the best companies to embrace diversity and support marginalized communities and was ranked by Vault as one of the top best internships. When I explored Abbott deeper, I felt a connection."

The interviewer wants to know whether their investment in advertising for this program has paid off. This question also offers you an opportunity to reveal how in-depth you've researched the position.

Be honest. Take note of the elements of this position that resonated most for you and detail exactly what prompted you to pursue the opportunity.

This is an opportunity to explore what interests you about the position. Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your knowledge and the thorough research you performed to learn more about the Abbott Internship Program.

Tell us about your education.

"I studied at the University of Washington and have two degrees, a Master's in Nutrition and a BS in Environmental Health with a focus on Biomedical Sciences. I founded a few clubs on campus surrounding exercise and nutrition. I've always been committed to helping improve the health of others and the planet. I'm proud of my accomplishments there and made a lot of progress towards my career goals."

They want to learn more about your academic record beyond your college degree, such as your high school education, extracurriculars, ambition, self-taught education, formal education, etc. In other words, anything and everything that would make you an excellent candidate.

This is an opportunity to sing your own praises. Prepare your answer in advance. Lay the foundation for your professional goals based on your educational pursuits, and explain how the decisions you've made led you to Abbott's doors. Showcase your accomplishments and highlight what makes you an appealing candidate for this program based on the thorough research you've performed.

There are several internships one can have in Abbott's program. These include Commercial MBA (Preferred qualifications include current enrollment in a leading MBA program with an average of five years of work experience.), Engineering, Environmental Health, Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, & Sales. As stated in a few places on their website, qualifications include Relevant experience. They state that "high achievement is one of our core values, academic excellence, strong leadership, communication skills and technical excellence in their respective fields."

What are your current professional goals?

"I just revised my five-year career plan. Now that I attained my second degree, my immediate professional goal is to find a position or an internship with a progressive and innovative company with shared values. I'm looking forward to learning how to apply what I've learned and develop some hands-on skills. My immediate goal is to go beyond my academic accomplishments, to attain real-world working experience, and learn how to apply my contributions to my field in a real-world setting."

This will test the consistency between where you see yourself in five years, where you see your long-term career heading, and where you currently stand. It will offer insights into how well you've planned your career and serves to reveal how consistent your work ethic is.

Revisit your five-year career plan. Evaluate where you've come from, where you are going, and where you currently stand in the framework of that plan. Then plan five years out from there. Using this model, you'll be able to answer this question aptly, evaluating where The Abbott Internship Program fits into that plan. Doing so will assist you in delivering the perfect answer to defining your current professional goals.

Don't repeat answers you've already given. Pay attention to the nuance of each question. Be consistent with your answers, and with each answer, convey that you've got more to offer.

Tell us about your greatest professional accomplishment.

"Every year, I look at my five-year career plan and revise it. Each time I look back, I consider how far I've come to achieve those goals as my greatest professional accomplishment. I can say with all honesty, being here, in this interview, is my greatest professional accomplishment to date."

This question aims to evaluate what you consider "putting your all in" and the level at which you are an overachiever. It will also serve to clue them in to your goals and motivators in your work. These will enable them to compare you to the other applicants in the interview pool.

Even if your example is on your resume, feel free to use it and explain why this accomplishment stands out. Detail everything that went into it and how this falls in line with the career milestones you want to meet.

Whether your accomplishment is great or small, consider Abbott's statement that "all ideas are valuable, we don't differentiate between 'an intern idea' and an 'employee idea.'" They want individuals who are "engaged in real work" with an enthusiasm to make a lasting impact.

What are your salary requirements?

"To answer that effectively, I'd like to know how frequently pay increases occur. I'm curious about how the pay structure works - salary or hourly. Also, to come up with a fair number, I'd like to understand what other benefits are offered with the position, primarily health insurance, as well as any incentives, bonuses, or other perks. At my last job, I earned a base salary of $45,000 per year, plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year, my earnings were $52,000. I didn't receive any health business and had an out-of-pocket premium of $260 a month with a $6000 deductible."

This tests how realistic your expectations are. A person familiar with the industry will be able to guestimate a realistic metric. Such a metric should be based on the duration and the level of experience a candidate contrasted with the industry-standard pay rate such a position offers. An employer's market versus a job seekers' market can likewise influence your number. How well you've performed in the interview so far and your self-awareness in this regard are likewise components to consider.

If you want the job, don't be too eager to accept a low offer. Likewise, don't throw out an unrealistically high number either. Doing so could be viewed as disrespectful of the time and energy the company has spent interviewing you.

It's never a good idea for the person being interviewed to bring up pay too early on, but once the interviewer addresses it, it's fair game. Good questions to ask when quantifying your number are how frequently pay increases occur and how pay structure works. You can also ask what other benefits are offered with the position. Health benefits cost an employer money and should be considered when coming up with your number, as well as any incentives, bonuses, or other perks they might offer.

What questions do you have for me?

"What does an average day look like for the environmental health interns at Abbott once onboarding and orientation are complete?"

This question will help them not only assess your genuine active interest in working for them but also clue them into whether you are the type of person to ask questions when training for a new job. The more questions you ask, the more enhanced your communications skills will seem, and the more likely you are to be self-guided and successful at your job.

You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. They've provided opportunities for you to share your accomplishments and advertise your merits. This is your opportunity to allow them to propose their pitch and advertise their merits and what they offer, allowing them the opportunity to convince you this is a great opportunity.

Don't ask about pay, incentives, benefits, or anything that serves you. You haven't sealed the deal, so don't blow it by asking what else they can give you. This will only indicate that you're only in it for the money and that your goals and values are not at all aligned with theirs. Rather, a good question to start with is, 'What does a typical day, from beginning to end, look like for an intern starting in the program?'

How do you ensure your business and technical knowledge remain current?

"I have an uncommon thirst for knowledge. It's like Einstein said - the more I learn, the more I realize what little I know. I am always reading. When I come upon something I don't understand, I question it until I do understand. This often leads me down the rabbit hole of research, asking questions. Whether it's research, reading periodicals, or sharing information, I stay up-to-date every way I can."

This question seeks to evaluate how serious or passionate you are about your career. The interviewer wants to know if you can talk the talk and walk the walk. It offers you the opportunity to show off your industry knowledge and how up-to-date you are.

Industries are rapidly changing and innovating. Abbott wants a proactive candidate who keeps up with industry changes and macro trends. Therefore, it's important to demonstrate yourself as a proactive worker rather than a reactive follower. Exhibit a growth mindset at all times. If you take advantage of learning through continuing education credits, seminars, conferences, journals, and any other means of staying educated in your line of work, advertise that. This could branch off into excellent conversation points with shared enthusiasm. Establishing a rapport with your interviewer translates to a likelihood of doing the same with the members of their team and is always a good selling point.

Abbott is looking for candidates with "A clear passion to learn." They believe that "Better information leads to better health." They also are looking for those who "Stay at the top of your game." Consider these points when forming your answer.

What can you tell us about Abbott laboratories?

"Abbott pioneers breakthrough products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and branded generic pharmaceuticals to help individuals, their families, and communities across the globe lead healthier lives. With a staff of over 113,000, they've made a lasting impact on the health of the citizens for over 130 years."

This question aims to gauge who the front runners are in the interview pool. It not only seeks to assess how informed you are but also how enthusiastic you are to join the Abbott team.

Review the basics of what Abbott Laboratories do. Incorporate the accomplishments that Abbott Laboratories advertises on their website. Any badges of company pride are worth sharing when exhibiting your enthusiasm for what they do. Also, feature any facts or items of interest that particularly resonate with you.

According to Abbot's website, "We create breakthrough products, discovering new ways to make life better for more than 130 years, making a difference in over 160 COUNTRIES, 113K employees working around the world to make a lasting impact on health, creating life-changing technology."

Who founded Abbot Laboratories?

"The company was founded in 1888 by Dr. Abbott. He was one of the original innovators who brought the scientific practice of pharmacy to the world."

The history of Abbott Laboratories and its founder is a large part of the company's identity and what it represents. This question allows the interviewer to test how familiar you are with their brand and whether their brand and their history have in any way motivated you to pursue this opportunity.

Go above and beyond when delivering your answer. Simply answering with the name of their founder will indicate that you put in the bare minimum. Research the history of the company and what they've accomplished over the last 130+ years. Take the elements of their story that most resonate with you and relate that back in your own words.

From Abbott's website: "In 1888, physician and drug store proprietor Dr. Wallace C. Abbott began producing accurate, scientifically formulated medications with the goal of providing more effective therapies to patients and the physicians providing their care. Under the pioneering leadership of Dr. Abbott, our company was among the founders of the scientific practice of pharmacy, expanding its business to meet rising global health needs by championing new areas of medical research."

Who is the CEO of Abbott Laboratories?

"The Chairman of the Board since December 2021 and Chief Executive Officer since March 2020 is Robert B. Ford. Prior, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer, as Executive Vice President of Medical Devices, leading Abbott's Diabetes Care, Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation businesses."

Not only does this question aim to test your knowledge of the company, but how in-depth your knowledge is. It also serves to test your communication skills in how well you present your answer.

Walk the walk and talk the talk. Present your answer as if you already worked for Abbott and were educating someone who didn't know the answer to this question already. Share your answer with enthusiasm and include some extra interesting facts about Abbott or the CEO.

"Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert B. Ford is Abbott's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He assumed the role of Chairman in December 2021, having been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in March 2020. Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer; and as Executive Vice President, Medical Devices, leading Abbott's Diabetes Care, Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation businesses. Mr. Ford earned a bachelor's degree from Boston College and a master's degree in business administration from UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business."

Who are our competitors?

"Abbott's competitors include Agilent Technologies, AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Bruker Corporation. Abbott stands apart from its competitors by ranking the highest in Product Quality and as the most highly recommended. I chalk that up to the sincerity of their values and their mission. It goes beyond just words. It's a philosophy which the company embraces, and it shows everything they do."

The interviewer wants to know how well informed you are about the industry and to gauge your commitment to your career pursuits. If you aren't familiar with the leaders of the industry of your profession, then you likely don't have the level of commitment they're looking for in their recruits. Additionally, your perspective on their competitors could serve to clue them into whether working for Abbott is your first, second, or third choice for possible employment.

Online search results list AbbVie, Agilent Technologies, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Bruker Corporation as Abbott's primary competitors. Do some cursory research on each competitor to see how they compare to Abbott. Volunteer your opinion on how Abbott stands apart from its competitors.

Keep your facts straight. Your answers should be relevant and reflect your worldview. Try not to overly praise one of Abbott's competitors.

What challenges do you expect in this position?

"I've learned that, to meet the milestones of each stage of my career plan, I have to step outside of my comfort zone in new ways. I'm looking forward to that. If granted the opportunity, I'd look forward to the challenges of learning from Abbott's leadership, working in real-world scenarios with an industry-leading company facing the escalating challenges of today's world. Like Abbott, I want to make a difference. The only difference is Abbott is already making a difference. I look forward to the challenge of learning from the best."

This question grants you an opportunity to advertise yourself as an appealing candidate. It will inform the interviewer how familiar you are with their company and the position. It will test the consistency between this answer and the other answers you've provided throughout the interview. It will also inform them how well aligned your personality is with the culture of their brand.

While researching the position and what Abbott offers, make a list of the aspects of the position that feel intimidating or overwhelming and turn those into positive challenges. Keep any challenges in line with your career goals. Exhibiting a drive for career advancement, even when it is challenging, will serve you well here.

From Abbott's website: "Experience real project scenarios alongside our leadership. Help improve global health and well-being with a healthcare engineering internship. Work with teams committed to the health of people and the planet. Take on meaningful projects that influence vital business decisions. Solve complex business problems. Learn processes and methods of manufacturing products that nurture human health. Contribute to teams dedicated to the highest standards in product quality with a focus on quality assurance or regulatory affairs. Gain real-world sales experience and develop lasting relationships while working in a nutrition sales internship." And "Mounting a response to escalating challenges. A third of people today lack access. 18-year difference in life expectancy. 20 million additional health workers over the next 10 years." A lot of material to draw from when determining how to align the challenges you look forward to while aligning those challenges with the ones Abbott strives to overcome.

Are you willing to relocate or travel for work?

"Yes, as long as relocating for work or travel for work proves mutually beneficial. I would take advantage of every opportunity to help the team while working towards my career goals. I have zero hesitation."

This basic question will reveal if you know the requirements of this position. If you do, you'll know that being open and flexible to traveling for work or relocating is expected. An interviewer knows how to spot when a person is being genuine in their flexibility or not.

If you have reservations about traveling for work, it is best to explore this before the interview. If you're not sure if you're cut out for it, then you aren't. To proceed through the interview process, there is only one obvious answer here. However, to go above and beyond the answer to this question, display your knowledge of this prerequisite for this program and the opportunity Abbott offers.

Abbott's website states "Interns have the opportunity to work in functions that include engineering, science, finance, information technology, and marketing. Our healthcare internships offer flexible 10-12 week job assignments during the summer, adjusted to your academic calendar and the needs of individual businesses. Students must be eligible to work in the United States without Abbott sponsorship, be enrolled in an undergraduate program majoring in a related discipline, and possess a willingness to travel and be placed anywhere throughout the United States." So if you are not interested in traveling or relocating, then perhaps you shouldn't pursue the position, as the correct answer to this interview question is an eager willingness to travel with gratitude to be considered for the opportunity.

Abbott Laboratories Internship Interview Questions

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1. Tell us something not on your resume.
2. Who is your biggest inspiration?
3. What did you like about your last role?
4. What drove you to leave your last job?
5. What would prompt you to leave a company?
6. What did you dislike about your last job?
7. If you left your current job, what would your legacy be?
8. What work experience do you have relating to people with backgrounds different from your own?
9. How are your personal and professional interests connected to Abbott's philosophy and purpose?
10. Tell us about a stressful situation and how you dealt with it.
11. Describe a time you had to overcome a significant obstacle on a job.
12. Tell us about a time you had a conflict at work.
13. What was the toughest challenge you've faced?
14. Tell us a little about yourself.
15. How do you like to spend your spare time?
16. Why did you choose your major?
17. Describe your dream job.
18. How would you describe your leadership philosophy and style?
19. What is your greatest weakness?
20. Tell us about a time you faced a problem with a team member.
21. What are your long-term goals?
22. Where do you see yourself in five years?
23. How did you hear about the position?
24. Tell us about your education.
25. What are your current professional goals?
26. Tell us about your greatest professional accomplishment.
27. What are your salary requirements?
28. What questions do you have for me?
29. How do you ensure your business and technical knowledge remain current?
30. What can you tell us about Abbott laboratories?
31. Who founded Abbot Laboratories?
32. Who is the CEO of Abbott Laboratories?
33. Who are our competitors?
34. What challenges do you expect in this position?
35. Are you willing to relocate or travel for work?

Abbott Laboratories Internship Interview Questions

1. Tell us something not on your resume.

2. Who is your biggest inspiration?

3. What did you like about your last role?

4. What drove you to leave your last job?

5. What would prompt you to leave a company?

6. What did you dislike about your last job?

7. If you left your current job, what would your legacy be?

8. What work experience do you have relating to people with backgrounds different from your own?

9. How are your personal and professional interests connected to Abbott's philosophy and purpose?

10. Tell us about a stressful situation and how you dealt with it.

11. Describe a time you had to overcome a significant obstacle on a job.

12. Tell us about a time you had a conflict at work.

13. What was the toughest challenge you've faced?

14. Tell us a little about yourself.

15. How do you like to spend your spare time?

16. Why did you choose your major?

17. Describe your dream job.

18. How would you describe your leadership philosophy and style?

19. What is your greatest weakness?

20. Tell us about a time you faced a problem with a team member.

21. What are your long-term goals?

22. Where do you see yourself in five years?

23. How did you hear about the position?

24. Tell us about your education.

25. What are your current professional goals?

26. Tell us about your greatest professional accomplishment.

27. What are your salary requirements?

28. What questions do you have for me?

29. How do you ensure your business and technical knowledge remain current?

30. What can you tell us about Abbott laboratories?

31. Who founded Abbot Laboratories?

32. Who is the CEO of Abbott Laboratories?

33. Who are our competitors?

34. What challenges do you expect in this position?

35. Are you willing to relocate or travel for work?