Have you ever spoken up for cause because it was the right thing to do, knowing that it would reflect poorly on you?

"This question makes me think back to a time in high school when some classmates were having fun at the expense of another student who was struggling in school. I frankly wasn't going to have any of that and spoke up on the other student's behalf. Others may have been hesitant to do so because they might lose friends or respect in the process, but that just isn't how I was raised. The student colleague thanked me for my help, and my teacher took the time to notice what I did after class that day."

Before your interview, take some time to think about a time you stood up for what was right at a time when doing so may have been difficult or come against some negative feedback from others. Carefully walk your interviewer through the situation, why you took a stand, and the great outcome that came from it. As you do this, be sure your interviewer gets the sense that you will bring this same high degree of integrity to their team at Gilead Sciences.

"Early in my career, I spoke up to the management team at my company regarding mandatory overtime for lab staff. I did not believe the expectations were balanced, so I chose to speak up. I remained respectful, of course, and supported my thoughts with facts and truths. They heard me out, and some significant changes were made afterward."