"I think that keeping a positive attitude in situations like this is vital, and I proved my ability to do this last year before a large group presentation for a class I was taking. The morning of our presentation, two of our group members came down with a bad stomach illness and couldn't participate. I called a meeting with the two other members of our group the hour before our presentation. I took the lead in reassigning who would present which pieces, and my team was very thankful for that. We made a great presentation, and our student colleagues who missed made up their pieces directly with the professor later. In a situation like this, I think my flexibility and positive attitude paid big dividends, and I know they'll be an asset to the Gilead Sciences team."

"I react swiftly in emergencies, which I have proven throughout my career. The world of organic synthesis in drug development can change quickly, even in the middle of a new and unique project. When I've encountered situations like this, It came down to understanding a new process or piece of equipment and formulating a plan for how I can continue on the same track for success."

The best way to impress the team at Gilead Sciences in your answer is to talk about a specific time you had to think quickly on your feet and provide a solution. This can be an emergency, like a small fire in the lab, or a quick decision, like being asked to take on a new responsibility. No matter how you answer, show your interviewer you have the wherewithal to act swiftly and efficiently on the job.