At Alcon we prefer to hire those with formal healthcare and medical training. Do you have related post-secondary education?

"I am a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Nursing from Tennessee Technological University. While attending this program, I found that I have an incredibly strong interest in Human Physiology. This interest has carried into my career and is one of the reasons why I am so excited about what you do at Alcon Inc.."

Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your medical training and post-secondary education. Chances are, you have this experience listed on your resume; however, the interviewer is looking for you to expand. Discuss your best course or your most challenging one. You can talk about any awards or recognition achieved while attending your post-secondary training and education. Be sure to tie in why your education will help you in this role. If you have related training: "I am a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Nursing from Tennessee Technological University. While attending this program, I found that I have an incredibly strong interest in Human Physiology. This interest has carried into my career and is one of the reasons why I am so excited about what you do at Alcon Inc.."

"If you do not have related training: "I have performed a great deal of research on Alcon Inc. and your products. I have approximately eight years of related work experience. Although I do not have formal medical or healthcare training, I am confident in my ability to perform this job function."

At Alcon we do not have a lot of local competitors; however, the ones we do have are strong competitors. In your opinion, what makes us stand out in the marketplace?

"I have conducted some research on Alcon Inc., your industry, as well as your competitors. One point that stood out to me was the fact that you manufacture your products rather than importing lower quality versions. Your customers seem very pleased with the quality of your products, and I read some positive online reviews!"

Researching the company is a crucial step to take before your job interview. Take note of what Alcon Inc. focus' on most. Check online reviews to see what the customers are saying. Be sure to research their competitors so that you know what those particular companies are doing well. Where is Alcon Inc. performing better when measured against their competitors? Keep you answer positive and stick to the facts.

"I believe that what makes Alcon Inc. stand out in the marketplace is the fact that all forms of advertising used are clear, concise, and fit with your brand. Clean branding is a major key to creating trust with consumers; thus, resulting in a successful business!"

One of the ways that we provide great customer service is by offering 24/7 on-site equipment maintenance and repair. How will you contribute to our customer service standards?

"I think it's great that you offer this service 24/7. Being reliable and on-call is the perfect way to make your customers feel secure and trust you. To me, customer service is the most important factor in the success of any business. Your customer must always come first and my day is never done until I know everyone is taken care of."

Excellent customer service is vital in any industry; however, when working with healthcare equipment, one must be extra diligent because your customers, and their patients, rely heavily on you. Talk to the interviewer about your customer service philosophy.

"Here are some other ways you can deliver excellent customer service: - Displaying patience with your customers - Staying calm and confident in all situations - Being attentive to your customers' needs - Ability to react effectively to unexpected situations - Possessing strong product knowledge - Delivering your deadlines on time - Being a clear and positive communicator"

At Alcon we have a wide range of clients all over the state. Are you comfortable managing a large territory that requires 50% overnight travel?

"Currently, I travel about 40% of the time. I am comfortable with this requirement and happy to do so."

Many positions within the healthcare equipment and supply field will require a great deal of travel. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to be away on overnight travel. If you have restrictions on your schedule, this is the time to address that.If you can accommodate travel: "Currently, I travel about 40% of the time. I am comfortable with this requirement and happy to do so."

"If you cannot accommodate travel: "I can manage a large territory and travel within business hours. Overnight travel can be a bit tricky for me as I am a single parent; however, I can accommodate overnight travel about one week per month with some notice."

At Alcon our technology and products are intricately designed. Do you have a natural ability to understand, and explain, highly technological products?

"I consider myself highly technical, and I can certainly take the time to learn your products inside and out before joining Alcon Inc.. I have already taught myself a few things through researching your website. For example - you create product ABC which is an answer to medical issue XYZ. I am excited to learn more!"

It is crucial that you research Alcon Inc. and their products, in detail, before your interview. Are you able to clearly understand the equipment and how it works? Show the interviewer that you already possess insight on their product offerings.

"When I have a clear understanding of the product or process, I have a strong ability to explain things in simple terms. I am technically savvy and also have an analytical mind. I am confident in my ability to quickly learn your products so that I can effectively relay my knowledge to your customers."

There are strict federal regulations and guidelines in our industry that must always be followed. Are you familiar with these, and do you have a history of compliance?

"Earlier in my career, I worked for the U.S Department of Health & Human Services. I became very familiar with the role that the federal government plays in the regulations and guidelines associated with the healthcare industry. I am eager to learn more about the regulations and guidelines which specifically affect Alcon Inc.."

If you have experience in the healthcare equipment and service industry, you are likely familiar with the fact that there are strict guidelines and regulations surrounding best practices. Assure the interviewer that you are familiar with this fact and that you understand the importance of compliance.

"Although I am new to the healthcare supply and equipment industry, and do not have a thorough understanding of your regulations, I can tell you that I have a strong history of compliance. My background is in health and safety and, with that experience, comes the ingrained knowledge that will transfer well to this role with Alcon Inc."

The success of our brand relies heavily on our industry reputation and level of trustworthiness. How do you plan to build trust with Alcon clients?

"I see that Alcon Inc. has a solid reputation in the industry which is incredibly valuable. In my current position, I spend a lot of time working with client questions and concerns. I establish trust with my clients by listening intently, delivering accurate answers the first time, and being diligent with my follow up. If hired, I would do the same for Alcon Inc.."

Building trust with clients is vital in the healthcare equipment and supply industry. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of creating a strong rapport with your clients by explaining how you develop and maintain these relationships. Give a relevant example, if possible.

"Here are some ways that you can build trust with your customers: - Do not always try to sell them something - Offer product and service of value to them - Only offer to sell them what they need - Never inflate the benefits of a product or service - Do not slander the competition to make yourself look better - Do not make empty promises - Take ownership and never blame the company for mistakes"

At Alcon we use a variety of robust internal software programs. What type of programs and software are you well versed in? Do you consider yourself tech savvy?

"I pick up on new programs very quickly and quite enjoy the challenge of learning new technology. For instance; I attended courses in Excel last year to improve my abilities in pivot tables and other advanced skills. For industry related experience, I am an intermediate user in Program ABC and XYZ. I believe many components of these programs are similar to your proprietary software."

You may not need to know the exact programs used by Alcon Inc. but you should be able to outline to the interviewer the programs that you are accustomed to using and how those skills are transferable. Be sure to mention any general programs that you are well versed in such as Excel or PowerPoint.

"Could you share with me the programs and software used most regularly by Alcon Inc.? I have experience in A, B, and C also I have exposure to a variety of software that may be related to the software used here."

In the healthcare equipment and supply industry, strong attention to detail is incredibly important. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your attentiveness?

"I would rate my attention to detail as an 8 out of 10. There is always room for improvement; however, my current supervisor often comments on how thorough my documentation is. I understand the importance of paying strong attention to detail."

When the health and wellness of people are at stake, it is vital that all of the details are tended to. Assure the interviewer that you place value on the details. Give an example of a time when your manager or supervisor complimented your attention to detail.

"My attention to detail is a point that I have been working on a lot this past year. I am meticulous but, in the past, have pushed my documentation back a little bit. It's something I am conscious of and continually working on. I would currently rate myself as a 7.5 out of 10 and am aiming to be a 10/10!"

Alcon has a very strong reputation in this industry which means that we receive a high volume of applications for our open roles. What makes you a competitive candidate for this role?

If there was ever a time to "sell" yourself, it is now! Talk to the interviewer about your results and performance versus only talking about your feelings on why you are the best candidate for the position.

"I am a competitive candidate because I have a consistent history of exceeding my targets and goals for the past three years. I have been promoted two times in the last year which is nearly unheard of in my current company. In addition to these successes, I have excellent cold calling skills which I will put to work immediately after being hired with Alcon Inc.."

Tell me about a project you completed recently that was ahead of schedule.

"In my current position I am expected to cold call 100 customers per week. Most of our associates will break this down into 20 per day, five days per week. What has attributed greatly to my success in this role is that I call 50 customers each day for the first two days and then have time to make additional calls throughout the week. This method generally equals a 25% surplus of cold calls to my portfolio. I am always ahead of target by going over and above that cold calling schedule."

Is it essential for you to meet and exceed work-related deadlines? Assure the interviewer that you can remain focused on a project and accomplish your goals ahead of schedule.

"After recently hiring an entirely new team of people to roll out a capital equipment project, I realized they needed to learn to work together. I created cross-functional work group sessions to bring this team closer so they could work at an accelerated pace. We delivered the project seven days ahead of the original schedule. I truly believe this was because of great teamwork."

When have you had to change a major component of your project due to new information being presented?

"I had a large project last month that was nearly complete when the client called to say that the dimensions provided were incorrect. Because of this, our team had to re-do the entire proposal. It took us an additional four days of work but, in the end, the client was delighted with our work, and it resulted in new opportunities with them."

Being able to swivel the focus of your project is a necessary skill for your success in most careers. Talk to the interviewer about a time when a significant change occurred on a project. How did you handle the implementation of the new information?

"Last year I was nearing the end of a client project when we had an unexpected parts recall. It set us back a few weeks and was quite discouraging. I reminded my team that we could not control changes like this, and we agreed to do our best work with what we had."

Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.

"Last month our company asked upper management to complete a full inventory audit. There were 4 of us in total and so we broke the audit requirements into shifts. These shifts had to take place when the warehouse was closed. In the end, there was one additional shift that nobody wanted to take. I volunteered myself to do that shift to show my dedication to my job and my co-workers. The gesture was appreciated, and the audit was completed on time."

It is essential to show the interviewer that you are a team player. Talk about a time that you were recently expected to achieve a goal in a team setting. How did you go above and beyond to ensure that your contribution was felt?

"My biggest contribution to my last team came in the form of leadership. I am a natural leader and can foster strong communication with my team which directly impacted the overall results."

What career path interests you the most in this company?

"What interests me most about your company is that there are so many options when it comes to career growth. Ideally, I would like to earn my way into a Territory Sales role, then a Regional Manager position. Eventually, a Director of Sales or Marketing position would be ideal. Of course, I understand that this will take many years of dedication and hard work."

This question is where it is essential to have completed some research on the interviewing company. Be sure to envision where you can see yourself fitting, and growing, with the organization before your interview. Do some research on what a career path could look like with this particular company.

"I am interested in quality control. I am very analytical and love to solve problems. I understand that I have to learn the products before I can measure their quality."

Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. What made it so rewarding?

"The most rewarding teamwork experience that I have had was in my last year of university. We were assigned a project in teams of 4 which accounted for quite a large part of our grade. I believe everyone pulled more than their weight because so much was at stake. Teamwork is very rewarding when everyone has something to win, or lose."

The interviewer wants to hear that you feel accomplished through teamwork. Talk about a time when you felt fulfilled through a team setting or project collaboration. An example may be a time when you worked on a team project in University, a recent work collaboration, or possibly an extracurricular experience such as coaching a little league team. Discuss the positive results of the teamwork and how you attained a positive outcome as a group.

"I almost always find working in a team environment to be very rewarding; however, one of the most notable experiences came from my most recent position. We had a team of sales, marketers, and design professionals who collaborated to create a new brand strategy for the company. I learned a lot and had a great time in the process."

Tell me about a time when you improved communication between yourself and a co-worker or client.

"In my current position I have one particular client who was an exceptionally brief communicator. If I asked two questions, he would answer just one. I learned that he would not acknowledge anything for which he did not have a direct answer. I began to ask him questions in a different way. For example, I would say 'Do you have an answer for me on question X?' and he would say yes or no. We would then go from there. This method was a valid form of communication for that particular client."

Possessing the skills to improve communication in the workplace is a precious asset. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to enhance communication in the workplace.

"We recently rolled out a large organizational change. I took a very transparent approach to communication throughout the process. I asked the team for their feedback and buy-in early in the process. We discussed some options that could be expected. When the time came to roll out the change, there was minimal surprise with the new process. It was a success!"

How would you describe your personality?

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."

Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your traits vs. your integrity. Your example could include buzzwords such as introverted, energetic, and confident.

"Here are some additional descriptive words related to personality: - Adaptable - Considerate - Diligent - Exuberant - Frank - Generous - Inventive - Persistent - Resourceful - Sincere"

When have you taken an existing process and used your own creativity to make it better?

"Last month my supervisor asked me to take our existing sales training package and improve it. My goal was to make the system more engaging for recruits. Once we implemented my ideas, we increased our new trainee retention rate by 16%. I was quite proud of what my creativity could do!"

Are you given the creative freedom to improve existing processes? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to take an existing process and grow it creatively.

"There are so many great business practices out there that there is not always a need to reinvent the wheel. I took a "touch base" practice we used to get a pulse of the team and customized it for a field-based corporate sales group to build better relationships with them. It has been effective and fun!"

When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?

"I have recently implemented a schedule that allows for ride-sharing rewards which have cut down on our company's fuel expense by $9000 per month. I am quite proud of this initiative because it is not only financially responsible but also environmentally friendly."

If you have an expense account or resource allowance, it is very respectful to the company to be as thoughtful with that allowance as possible. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have been able to stretch company resources.

"I recycle a lot of company materials to make the most of our resources. I also do this with people regarding cross training and sharing understanding across departments."

Tell me about a time when you took on a new course to study in order to improve your own work performance.

"Our company offered the Sandler Sales program to anyone in the company who was interested. I took this workshop in 2014 and enjoyed it. My sales increased by 23% that year."

Once you are in your career, it certainly doesn't mean that you need to stop learning. There are many job-related courses available. Talk to the interviewer about the last time you took advantage of these available courses.

"I took a one-day seminar in Microsoft Excel. I already knew the basics, but my boss like using macros and pivot tables, and I was spending a lot of time reading the support section to figure out how to use them. The course was very informative."

How do you handle stress?

"I handle stress very well, and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure not to get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful, and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."

Are you someone who can handle stress on the job? How do you manage the stressful times? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to control pressure in the workplace.

"Stress is part of any demanding job, and I embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself and prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."

List the top 3 skills that you have acquired in your last role.

"In the past few years I was able to upgrade my education while still working full time. The biggest skill that I gained was my ability to multi-task as I worked the dual role of employee and student. I also have strong skills in a variety of Microsoft programs such as PowerPoint and Excel."

You have likely gained many valuable skills in your career. Share with the interviewer which skills you value the most. Be sure to include capabilities that will potentially benefit this potential new employer.

"Here are some additional skills that may be transferable: - Proven experience in motivating others - Ability to effectively prioritize - Time management - Leadership experience - Research skills - Experience delegating tasks"

Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

"Sometimes full disclosure can damage someone's self-esteem, and reality isn't always best expressed in full and can be self-indulgent based on the person's intention. In those instances, honesty isn't always the best policy."

The interviewer would like to know if you genuinely feel that honesty is the best policy. Many will argue that honesty is not always the best policy. What is your take? Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on honesty in the workplace.

"Honesty is always the best policy. Often, it is just a matter of how you communicate and deliver your message so managing this with each situation is critical to building honest and trustworthy relationships."

How can we motivate you on the job?

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard, and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."

Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you are best motivated on the job.

"I am motivated by knowing something about the end customer and being able to relate to them as a person. A personal touch is always helpful for me."

If you were hired for this position, what are the first changes you would implement?

"If chosen for this position, I do not believe that major and immediate change would be the answer. My first action would be to have a one-on-one meeting with everyone on the leadership team. I would want to learn what the teams greatest challenges are, and how I could alleviate those difficulties. From there, the trickle effect will be strong, and we will see an increase in sales and employee engagement. Only after that would I consider a stronger approach to change."

Most organizations want to avoid on-boarding someone who will make immediate and significant changes. Significant changes are hard on the staff and usually, result in knee-jerk reactions such as mass turnover. It's always best to explain to the interviewer that you plan first to observe to gain a better understanding of the organization's culture and team dynamics. Focus your discussion on building a strong rapport with the staff. If you are applying for a promotion within your current organization, you may already know what changes you would like to make upon receiving this position. Share with the interviewer what you have observed while in your current job, the changes you would make, and why you would make those changes. Discuss the fact that you will address any urgent and glaring issues immediately; however, assure the interviewer that you will implement significant changes only after you have a thorough understanding of the organizational dynamics.

"I like to train in current processes before making changes. I know that my first question would be to ask what is not working. If I can see a quick fix to try, I would try it, but I would likely still need to learn more about the business before making any changes."

Have you ever had to fire an employee? What were the reasons for their termination?

"I have had to terminate employees in the past, yes. These terminations generally stemmed from missed targets or insubordination. I find it challenging to terminate employees because you do care about them and their well being. I have to remind myself that I did absolutely everything that I could to ensure their success but, I cannot carry the full weight."

Terminating an employee is never a task that people like to do. Talk to the interviewer about how you go about employee terminations. How does that conversation usually look?

"Unfortunately, this is a part of wearing your management hat. I recently had to separate employment with someone who was under-performing. We coached the individuals, offered additional learning experiences and worked with them on a performance improvement plan. It was the right person in the wrong role, and we had to decide to move forward."

What is something you would be happy doing everyday for the rest of your career?

"I enjoy helping people, and one of the reasons why I am so interested in your organization is because of the charitable foundations that you support. Over time, I would love to transition into a role where I could lead the team in that particular department."

If you could choose any task to do every day for the rest of your career, what would it be and why? Talk to the interviewer about what would make you the happiest and be sure to tie it into something related to their organization.

"Crunching data and analyzing statistics is a big passion of mine. If I could do that for the rest of my career, I would be happy!"

How do you deal with conflict on your team?

"I have strong conflict management skills and in my current position, have had to exercise those skills from time to time. We are in a high-stress, highly commissioned work environment which can cause a lot of unnecessary conflict among the team. When a conflict arises, I like to deal with it swiftly, openly, and with poise. Transparency and openness are how I lead my team, so I will call a group meeting where we express concerns and get it all out on the table."

The interviewer is looking to hear about your ability to communicate with your team and professionally handle issues when they arise. Think of an example where you worked closely with your team to resolve a conflict. You could also offer a scenario where you mediated an issue between two coworkers. Show that you can keep your head on your shoulders when dealing with conflict.

"Conflict is a normal part of being in business. It is most easily remedied by clear, open, and honest communication among team members."

When given an important assignment, how do you approach handling it?

"When my supervisor gives me an important assignment or task I am sure to assess the depth of the project then take a look at my schedule to see how I can appropriately balance it with my other work. I do not procrastinate because then it's easy to forget to fit them in."

Are you the individual who will approach an assignment head-on, or do you need to research and plan first? Do you jump in and get it all done immediately or do you balance it with other assignments? Talk to the interviewer about how you approach essential assignments at work.

"I tend to jump right into an assignment and plan my steps once things are underway. It's the best way that I can create a strategy without wasting any time at the start."

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Alcon Interview Questions

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1. At Alcon we prefer to hire those with formal healthcare and medical training. Do you have related post-secondary education?
2. At Alcon we do not have a lot of local competitors; however, the ones we do have are strong competitors. In your opinion, what makes us stand out in the marketplace?
3. One of the ways that we provide great customer service is by offering 24/7 on-site equipment maintenance and repair. How will you contribute to our customer service standards?
4. At Alcon we have a wide range of clients all over the state. Are you comfortable managing a large territory that requires 50% overnight travel?
5. At Alcon our technology and products are intricately designed. Do you have a natural ability to understand, and explain, highly technological products?
6. There are strict federal regulations and guidelines in our industry that must always be followed. Are you familiar with these, and do you have a history of compliance?
7. The success of our brand relies heavily on our industry reputation and level of trustworthiness. How do you plan to build trust with Alcon clients?
8. At Alcon we use a variety of robust internal software programs. What type of programs and software are you well versed in? Do you consider yourself tech savvy?
9. In the healthcare equipment and supply industry, strong attention to detail is incredibly important. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your attentiveness?
10. Alcon has a very strong reputation in this industry which means that we receive a high volume of applications for our open roles. What makes you a competitive candidate for this role?
11. Tell me about a project you completed recently that was ahead of schedule.
12. When have you had to change a major component of your project due to new information being presented?
13. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.
14. What career path interests you the most in this company?
15. Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. What made it so rewarding?
16. Tell me about a time when you improved communication between yourself and a co-worker or client.
17. How would you describe your personality?
18. When have you taken an existing process and used your own creativity to make it better?
19. When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?
20. Tell me about a time when you took on a new course to study in order to improve your own work performance.
21. How do you handle stress?
22. List the top 3 skills that you have acquired in your last role.
23. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?
24. How can we motivate you on the job?
25. If you were hired for this position, what are the first changes you would implement?
26. Have you ever had to fire an employee? What were the reasons for their termination?
27. What is something you would be happy doing everyday for the rest of your career?
28. How do you deal with conflict on your team?
29. When given an important assignment, how do you approach handling it?

Alcon Interview Questions

1. At Alcon we prefer to hire those with formal healthcare and medical training. Do you have related post-secondary education?

2. At Alcon we do not have a lot of local competitors; however, the ones we do have are strong competitors. In your opinion, what makes us stand out in the marketplace?

3. One of the ways that we provide great customer service is by offering 24/7 on-site equipment maintenance and repair. How will you contribute to our customer service standards?

4. At Alcon we have a wide range of clients all over the state. Are you comfortable managing a large territory that requires 50% overnight travel?

5. At Alcon our technology and products are intricately designed. Do you have a natural ability to understand, and explain, highly technological products?

6. There are strict federal regulations and guidelines in our industry that must always be followed. Are you familiar with these, and do you have a history of compliance?

7. The success of our brand relies heavily on our industry reputation and level of trustworthiness. How do you plan to build trust with Alcon clients?

8. At Alcon we use a variety of robust internal software programs. What type of programs and software are you well versed in? Do you consider yourself tech savvy?

9. In the healthcare equipment and supply industry, strong attention to detail is incredibly important. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your attentiveness?

10. Alcon has a very strong reputation in this industry which means that we receive a high volume of applications for our open roles. What makes you a competitive candidate for this role?

11. Tell me about a project you completed recently that was ahead of schedule.

12. When have you had to change a major component of your project due to new information being presented?

13. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.

14. What career path interests you the most in this company?

15. Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. What made it so rewarding?

16. Tell me about a time when you improved communication between yourself and a co-worker or client.

17. How would you describe your personality?

18. When have you taken an existing process and used your own creativity to make it better?

19. When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?

20. Tell me about a time when you took on a new course to study in order to improve your own work performance.

21. How do you handle stress?

22. List the top 3 skills that you have acquired in your last role.

23. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

24. How can we motivate you on the job?

25. If you were hired for this position, what are the first changes you would implement?

26. Have you ever had to fire an employee? What were the reasons for their termination?

27. What is something you would be happy doing everyday for the rest of your career?

28. How do you deal with conflict on your team?

29. When given an important assignment, how do you approach handling it?