If you were faced with a problem here at ICON plc that required a quick solution, how would you respond?

"When an urgent problem arises at work, I always try to respond in a calm and assuring manner. I am a natural leader, which means that my team often looks to me for answers. If I were here at ICON plc and facing a situation that needs a quick solution, I would remain focused on a solution and not let my emotions get to me. I'd make the best call to solve it myself if I felt confident in the solution and, if not, would reach out to the most available colleague for their thoughts."

No matter what job you are interviewing for at ICON plc, a hot client or project issue can surface at any moment and the ability to solve it quickly will be essential. Your interviewer is ideally looking to hear that you have the practice, experience, and confidence to make confident decisions on a quick turnaround in your work.

Problems that require you to act quickly can be emergency situations, such as knowing where the fire extinguisher is and grabbing it fast enough to put out a small grease fire in the company kitchen. Other quick decisions could be if you are asked to take on a new responsibility and only given five minutes to decide if it's something you are prepared to take on. Going with your gut is a skill, and the more you learn to trust your intuition, the easier it becomes to make these types of decisions. Demonstrate that you are confident and able to react swiftly when the need arises.

"I react swiftly in emergency situations. Perhaps my skills come from my years as a parent, having to think fast and put out fires! If a quick solution is required, I will do a fast overview of the facts and make a decision based on risk factors."

How does this position at ICON plc fit into your career goals?

"My primary goal in my career as an HR professional is to eventually work my way from an Administrator to an HR Partner. From what I've read and learned today about what ICON plc offers, there is a strong path towards those goals and I am excited about what this position has to offer."

At ICON plc, long-term success with clients is reliant on long-lasting relationships. To accomplish this, high employee morale and low turnover play an integral role. If they are to seriously consider you to join their team, your interviewer needs to be assured that you see this role at ICON plc as a long-term fit for your career goals.

Assure the interviewer that this position will be challenging for you, is a step up in responsibilities, and that it fits with your overall career goals. Feel free to be open about where you want your career to be 5, 10, and even 20 years down the road, especially if you can point out how working for ICON plc will take you there.

"My primary career goal is to find a position where I can stay long term. Because ICON plc has such a strong reputation for workplace culture and a great industry reputation built on growth, it fits perfectly with my desires for a long-term fit."

What interests you the most about coming to work for ICON plc?

"I am excited about this opportunity because ICON plc's values are very much in line with mine. I am a very value-driven and people-focused employee and I know these values would fit in well with this role. I'm also very excited about the unique opportunity to bring my skills to work in consulting with many industry leaders and helping to bring new innovations to the development of new medical products."

As you researched ICON plc prior to your interview and even when applying for the position, you likely found that they have many unique qualities as an employer and as a business. Your interviewer wants evidence that you have enthusiasm and interest in the role and company if they are to seriously consider you for the role.

Prepare for this question by researching ICON plc, highlighting a unique talking point, and showing enthusiasm for the company's growth or recent efforts. You could talk about the company's actions and stand-out successes and how these accomplishments tie into your values and career goals. You can also mention specific details of how you will contribute to the company's goals once hired. The ultimate goal of your response is to highlight the fact that you believe in ICON plc's mission and values, you are ready to make a specific contribution, and you see a strong match between their job opportunity and your career goals.

Why do you believe it is important for an organization like ICON plc to embrace diversity and support inclusion efforts?

"I fully support diversity and inclusion in the workplace and believe that there are incredible benefits to a workplace built on equality. First and foremost, equality and inclusion should always be considered fundamental human rights. I love the fact that ICON plc put so much focus and effort into their efforts here and have community groups for women, disability awareness, ethnicity groups and LGBTQ+ groups. If hired here, I would be very supportive of any colleague and client, no matter their background or who they are."

As a values-driven and people-centered organization, ICON plc celebrates all of its people and takes great pride in embracing all ethnic groups and other underrepresented minorities. Your interviewer needs to be assured that you hold the same values as ICON plc when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

No matter what your job function will be at ICON plc, it's vital that you come ready to embrace and support its diversity and inclusion efforts. Overall, a company that embraces diversity and inclusion efforts creates a cohesive work environment with higher morale, better productivity, and less turnover, and ICON plc embraces all aspects of this. Discuss with the interviewer why you stand by D&I endeavors and what you will specifically do in this role to support D&I efforts at ICON plc.

How would you rate your performance in this interview with ICON plc so far?

"I believe that this interview has been quite informative and I am happy with my performance. Is there anything that I can clarify for you from this conversation?"

From a candidate's perspective, the interview can fly by in the blink of an eye. There may be times that you felt nervous or you may still have unanswered questions. Your interviewer at ICON plc asks this question to ensure that you can further clarify anything else that you feel you need to so you can walk away happy and educated.

This question can create feelings of stress and anxiety, so it's best to be prepared. Be honest with the interviewer about how you feel the interview has gone so far. If you have unanswered questions, don't hesitate to ask them. If you feel you could better clarify an answer, be open and honest and do just that. If you feel it has gone well, speak confidently in letting your interviewer know that.

"I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview. To be honest with you, this position at ICON plc is my dream job and I was a bit nervous at the beginning of our time together. If there is anything more that I can clarify for you, I would be happy to do so."

Are you applying for any other jobs?

"I am keeping an eye out for viable positions where I can put my skills to work for a great organization. Although I am not in the final stages with any other company, I love what I have learned about ICON plc and I can surely see myself thriving here as part of your team."

If you remain one of the top candidates for their opening at ICON plc, your interviewer wants to gauge if there will be any hiccups in their offer process to you. This question allows them insight into your job search and if they need to move fast if you are their top candidate. It also may help them determine if they need to up the ante when it comes time for a formal offer.

It always puts a little bit of fire under the hiring manager if they are aware that you are actively looking for a new position. Tell the interviewer about your search so far and don't hesitate to be open and honest about your search and where things stand. If you are considering or interviewing for other roles, make sure to let your interviewer know that this role at ICON plc would be your preferred choice.

"Yes, I am active in my job search and am in the final stages with a pharmaceutical company. Do you have a timeline in mind for a decision on this position?"

"I am not currently in the final stages with any other company, but I am actively seeking a new position."

Do you have any salary expectations if you were to be offered a position here at ICON plc?

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher if I were to join ICON plc."

While firmly negotiating salary should never be a part of the interview process, ICON plc needs to ensure that their top candidate is affordable. This question allows your interviewer some insight into what, if any, salary expectations you have in order to change jobs and join ICON plc.

The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open and honest as you answer. You need to toe the line between staying within the pay range for the position and being fair to yourself if you have specific expectations. The best way to ensure this is to conduct as much research as possible on the pay range for the role that you are interviewing for.

"I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. At ICON plc, I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

Describe to me your ideal employer.

"My ideal employer is one that brings charisma and passion to their work, and I love what I have read and heard about ICON plc prior to applying. I want to be mission-driven in my work and I know that I'll have that opportunity here."

A job search isn't just a one-sided hunt. While you try to land this position at ICON plc, your interviewer is looking to narrow down a great pool of candidates to a finalist to offer the position to. In asking this question, your interviewer is looking to hear that your ideals fit in with the workplace and culture at ICON plc.

Come prepared for your interview and clearly tell the interviewer what your ideal employer looks like. As you research ICON plc prior to your interview, try to pick a thing or two that really stands out about the organization that appeals to you. Be specific and be sure to keep the conversation positive.

"I am looking to join an organization where continued learning is encouraged and a diverse workforce is utilized. It's important to me, as I carve out my career, to learn new skills under an organization that wants me to grow with them."

"I am looking to join an organization where continuous learning is encouraged. It's important to me to learn new skills under an organization that wants me to grow with them."

How do you define success?

"I define success by my ability to reach the goals that are set out for me. In this role at ICON plc, success would be organizing all awarded studies, assigning work teams in an efficient manner, and ensuring that deliverables are sent to the client on time and as expected."

In the competitive industries of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, employees need to have a consistent drive to succeed and this holds especially true at ICON plc. In point-blank asking your definition of success, your interviewer is looking to get some insight into your personal drive and the competitiveness you would bring to the ICON plc team.

Prior to your interview, be sure to put some thought into what success means to you in your work. Tell the interviewer how you define success and be sure to tie your answer into the success that you plan to bring to this particular position at ICON plc.

"Success, to me, is achieved when all of my stakeholders are pleased with the quality of my work and I feel proud to submit it. At ICON plc, I would never call a project complete if I didn't feel it was excellent in quality."

"I define success as my ability to reach the goals that are set out for me both personally and professionally. To me, professional goals not only include goals set for me by my managers, but also individual goals that will help me further my career and ultimately expand my knowledge."

When have you shown great integrity in your work during your career?

"In a prior position, I was responsible for the cash deposit on a daily basis. There was never a discrepancy in the four years that I worked there. I best show my integrity by being a consistently reliable employee and I'd be proud to bring these values to the ICON plc team."

ICON plc takes pride in its unique culture, where they always strive to do the right thing and build their business through integrity and responsibility. At some point during your time together, your interviewer will look for verification that you would come to their team with a great sense of integrity and personal values.

Integrity in the workplace comes from honesty and consistent moral values. Many see it as always doing the right thing when nobody is watching. Talk to the interviewer about the ways that you have displayed a great degree of integrity in the workplace. If you can answer in a way that pertains to clients or customers, you may earn a bonus from your interviewer.

"Honesty and integrity are two values at the center of my being. I like to think I practice this in the workplace by always doing the right thing by the company, its customers, and its people. Two years ago, we had a customer majorly overpay in cash and they weren't aware. Without hesitation, I let them know and returned the money to them."

"Well, the GCP guidance has the main goal of protecting humans and performing clinical trials that are safe and ethical. In _______, we have an ethical duty to always be open and honest. I’ve learned that when in doubt, ask. It's better to not know and ask than try and fail and possibly jeopardize your project."

What sources do you look to when you need to solve a complicated problem?

"When faced with a complicated problem, I will look to the resources that my current company has provided me. The answer is almost always in there. If it's more of a moral dilemma vs. a knowledge-based dilemma, I will ask my supervisor for his thoughts and opinion since I value him as a mentor and expert in our industry."

Each client at ICON plc can present a new set of challenges, and all staff of the organization needs to be on their game to help creatively solve the most complicated issues. Your interviewer wants to know that you can think outside the box, be resourceful, and even ask for help when you are stuck on a complicated problem.

Maybe you look to a mentor or boss for advice. Perhaps you have handbooks, manuals, and systems you turn to for help. Offer some relevant examples based on your industry. If you work in the medical field, you may turn to textbooks, online research, colleagues, or even a patient's history to find the right solution. If you work in customer service, you may ask the customer what they need to find the best way to solve the problem. Show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable and equipped to handle these types of scenarios.

"To solve a complex issue, I will reach out to a manager or mentor from a previous role to ask them how they've handled such issues in the past. I am always ready to dive back into our handbook, but these types of scenarios are often not covered there, which is why I value a human, experiential approach. I know that there are so many folks in the industry who have so much to teach me and have probably already "been-there-done-that," so I love to utilize them as a resource."

What are your strengths you would bring to the ICON plc team?

"My strengths are in my perceptiveness and ability to be observant of the needs of others. These strengths are part of what makes me an excellent performer in a client-facing role and would greatly benefit your team here at ICON plc."

In a work context at ICON plc, your strengths will help you to complete your to-do list, understand client needs, and help you to apply what you have learned in your training. Your interviewer is looking to hear a few of the unique strengths that you possess that make you the stand-out candidate to join their team at ICON plc.

Talk to the interviewer about a couple of your strengths and why those will help you to be successful in this role. Strengths can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. Some great strengths to mention are: - Communicative - Loyal - Collaborative - Tech-Savvy - Flexible in Schedule/Availability - Persistent and Determined - Eager for Knowledge/New Skills

"I am not sure what others would pick, but I feel that my strengths are my dedication, determination, and ability to build long-lasting and trusting professional relationships. If you are looking for a motivated employee here at ICON plc, you will quickly find that my dedication and determination will shine on the job."

Who would you say inspires you the most in your work ethic?

"I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my grandmother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked and she loved everyone. She was well respected and always gave more than she received. I try to live like she did, as much as I can."

A strong set of values inspires ICON plc to be their best at all times, and the staff at the organization are expected to hold the same high sense of values. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to hear about the person who has instilled great work values and ethics into you.

Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, an author--literally anyone! Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life. Clearly describe why you see them as an inspiration and how this comes into play in the work that you would be performing at ICON plc.

"My current manager has been a huge inspiration to me over the last eight years. Her passion for this industry was motivating and put the fire in me to climb the ladder in my career. On top of being one of the best in our field, she is the ultimate family person and caregiver."

Why did you choose a career in the Pharma/Biotech industry?

"I chose a career in Pharma/Biotech because I have always had an attraction to the study of medicine, and science, and the correlation between them. It's an ever-changing industry that never becomes dull. I love the fact that ICON plc would give me the chance to gain new skills in a new part of this industry consulting."

ICON plc's consulting and outsourcing services require their staff to be focused and driven in helping them succeed. Your interviewer would like to know what drew you into a career within the pharmacy and biotech industries to show that you will be a passionate employee for their organization.

Prior to your interview with ICON plc, put some thought into what drove your career path. Show the hiring manager that you have a natural attraction to this particular industry and that you're here to stay.

"I've always wanted to be in healthcare since I was a child. The idea of helping people and improving their quality of life was really important to me. When I worked at Cardax, I saw how our study was benefitting people with inflammation and wanted to do more with Pharma to change others' lives as well."

When have you had to be extra thorough in completing tasks during your career?

"I have to be extra thorough from time to time in my current job when I have clients that are especially detail-oriented. Often, this will mean spending additional time on calls with them to highlight project changes. I am okay with being extra thorough when needed and you'll find quickly here at ICON plc that attention to detail is one of my strong suits."

At ICON plc, some tasks that you perform will require a keener eye and additional diligence as quality work for clients is of utmost importance. This question allows your interviewer a chance to see how you prioritize being detail-oriented in your work.

Think of and discuss a time when you were extra thorough during a work-related project or task. Try to paint a clear picture of why going over things with a fine-tooth comb was necessary for this instance, and then highlight the measure you took to ensure that everything was perfect.

"I am always thorough, but we do have monthly team meetings where we discuss our performance metrics. That reporting takes a little longer and I have to ensure that the reporting is error-free. The day prior to that meeting, I block an extra couple of hours on my calendar to make sure I have uninterrupted time to go through everything in detail."

"In my current position, it is important to be thorough in all of my tasks. Even small mistakes can possibly lead to our patients not being able to properly start their families. We often have cases that are more complex, whether they have donors, are using a surrogate, or have specific requests with their physician. When these cases come up, I am extra thorough in reviewing their cases and handling their specimen in our lab."

If you could choose any special area of focus with ICON plc, which would you choose?

"I am currently working as a Clinical Research Assistant and would like to eventually grow into a Principal Scientist role, or something of the like, with ICON plc. My primary goal is to find a long-term home where I can continue to expand my knowledge in the area of (choose an area of study)."

Working for ICON plc could open a variety of career options for you with their wide variety of services offered and medical sectors served. Ideally, in asking this question, your interviewer is looking to hear that you have done your homework on their company and that your long-term career goals are a match for what ICON plc can offer to you.

Prior to your interview with ICON plc, make sure to put some time into researching all of the company's services they provide and don't be afraid to discuss any big picture goals and dreams you would have if you were fortunate enough to join in this role. However, you do have to walk a fine line with your interviewer on being committed to the role you are interviewing for, so make sure you display your interest in the job you are interviewing for and any areas that match your long-term goals.

"That is a challenging question because there would be so many interesting options at my fingertips here at ICON plc. I have a very strong interest in public health and I loved reading about all of your services with the US government and other public health entities and organizations around the world. I could definitely see a dream job for me down the road where I was working hand-in-hand with the CDC or FDA."

List three qualities that make you the best candidate for ICON plc.

"I understand that this role requires stand-out skills in organization, leadership, and an energetic demeanor. I would say that these are 3 of my top skills, and I have many others! My references attest to these skills as well."

Throughout your time interviewing with ICON plc, your interviewer will get a great feel for the skills that you would bring to their team. This question allows you the chance to give one of your best sales pitches for what makes you the ideal candidate for the job.

After researching ICON plc, you should have a firm idea of the qualities they admire most in their candidates. Discuss the attributes that will help you to stand out as a top candidate.

Here are some qualities that make you a great candidate for any company: - A robust existing network in the industry - A great reputation - Leadership capabilities and experience - Integrity and likability - Strong-minded - Thirst for knowledge

"I pride myself on being collaborative, reliable, and goal-driven. It's my understanding that ICON plc relies on the collaboration of their teams in order to not only meet but exceed the expectations of their partners, and it makes me happy to know that my past and current coworkers could always rely on me when they had any questions or needed help with anything."

What industry-related changes do you foresee impacting ICON plc in the next 12 months?

"I was really excited reading about ICON plc's 2021 financial reports on your website prior to my interview. While I'm sure you are very excited about your successes, from talking with you today, I know that you aren't complacent. I would envision that the growth of medical devices in genomics could be a huge boost for your company as the focus on genomics becomes larger in the coming years."

No matter what role you are interviewing for at ICON plc, ensuring your insight into the industry will be vital for your interviewer. This question gives you the chance to show your insight and foresight into your potential future role with the organization.

Assure the interviewer that you have a keen and honest interest in this industry by discussing the growth and change that you foresee in this next year. Prior to your interview with ICON plc, do as much research as possible on the organization to be able to talk about any news that you've read. Your own job field may have major changes coming and if so, try to tie those changes to ICON plc.

"I was recently reading a great article on the response of the pharmaceutical industry during the pandemic and how the proven quick response has totally changed the game moving forward in the development, testing, and approval of new and innovative medicines. For ICON plc, I believe that your pharmaceutical teams have leveraged your consulting and outsourcing services to be more responsive and timely moving forward now that this is almost an expectation from the general public."

"With the development of technologies like robotics and AI, I think this will accelerate new drug discoveries and development. I can also see AI helping with clinical trials as well with regard to patient screenings and data presentation. With the coronavirus vaccine development, I think there will be more collaboration and sharing of research results between different companies to help solve some of our more pressing problems."

In your opinion, why is it important to develop relationships with coworkers?

"I value my relationships with my coworkers because we support each other and make each other laugh when the work environment becomes intense. I have a coworker that I eat lunch with every day. We've helped each other out by simply listening to what's going on in each other's lives. It's nice to have colleagues who understand you on a personal level."

This answer may seem obvious to you because enjoying your time with coworkers is sometimes the best part of the job! But there are a couple of layers here that your interviewer is trying to uncover in asking this question. First, they want to hear that you see value in building trusting relationships with your potential new colleagues at ICON plc. Then, they'll want to hear if you have a method for building and growing these relationships upon hire.

Talk to the interviewer about how you develop relationships with coworkers when you start a new job. Think about what is important to you about these relationships. As you answer, don't hesitate to talk about some of the benefits you, and your teams you have been a part of in the past, have reaped based on having solid relationships.

"To accomplish anything in a job, you need your team members. Your team members are who you rely on to get a project done. If I were fortunate enough to be offered this role at ICON plc, I would make it a point to start building the foundations of trusting relationships with all of my new colleagues here. To do this, I would look to get to know my colleagues on a personal level and open myself up to them. In my initial days, weeks and months on the job, I would also need to prove that my word is my bond with them."

"To accomplish anything in a job, you need your team members. I value my relationships with my coworkers because IVF Labs can be a high-stress environment and we support each other when the work environment becomes intense. I have a coworker that I really look up to and get lunch with often. It's nice to have colleagues who understand you on a personal level."

In your opinion, what is the biggest development in Biotechnology in the past three years?

"There have been so many developments in biotechnology the past three years, but I do feel that the biggest was the development in gene editing. It's an incredibly controversial and intriguing practice."

Passion and a focus on innovation are vital to the success of any team member at ICON plc. Throughout your time interviewing, your interviewer will look to gauge your passion for your work in a number of ways to ensure that you would bring a passionate approach to your work. This question allows your interviewer to see that you have done your homework on ICON plc and the biotech industry and that you come prepared to talk about what you feel is the biggest development in the field in recent years.

The term "biotechnology" refers to the use of cells and molecules to create a product within medicine, genetic testing, or even agriculture. Prior to your interview with ICON plc, do some research on recent innovations in the field and come to your interview prepared to talk about what you feel is the biggest development.

"There is a multitude of biotech developments from which to choose! I was recently reading about these new methods of manipulating human cells to beat a range of diseases. According to Fortune Magazine, Chinese scientists have launched the first CRISPR gene-editing trial for the treatment of cancer. It's all pretty incredible, isn't it?"

In your opinion, what is the biggest development in Pharmaceuticals in the past three years?

"There have been so many developments in the pharmaceutical industry over the past three years, but I do feel that the biggest was the industry-wide response worldwide to the research, development, and testing of the COVID-19 vaccine. Looking back now, it is amazing how fast the entire industry responded in an effective way."

Similar to the development in biotechnology question, your interviewer wants to gauge your passion for your work and the fields that ICON plc participates in as consultants. This question allows your interviewer to see that you have done your homework on ICON plc and the pharmaceutical industry and that you come prepared to talk about what you feel is the biggest development in the field in recent years.

The term "pharmaceutical" refers to the creation and sale of medicine. Prior to your interview with ICON plc, make sure to do some research on recent innovations in the pharmaceutical industry and come to your interview prepared to talk about a topic that you are passionate about.

"I am most impressed by the way the pharma industry has switched its focus from treatment to prevention. It's a great way to flip our thinking in the industry and will save the lives of so many people."

Do you prefer to work with studies related to humans, animals, or plant life?

"With my background, I have experience in lab studies and trial development in many settings. As long as studies are done ethically here at ICON plc, I wouldn't have an issue working effectively in any setting."

As a leading consultant and outsourcer of clinical trials and biometric activities, ICON plc conducts lab tests in a variety of manners. If you are interviewing for any type of lab research, testing position, or support position there, knowing your preference and tolerance for the different types of lab testing is vital. Your interviewer asks this question to ensure that you can handle this aspect of the job.

Perhaps you have a preference, and maybe you don't. However, as you answer this question, be sure to keep your reply positive and relevant to the role that you are interviewing for. You want to avoid pigeonholing yourself by saying that you are against all forms of animal testing because you don't want to shut down any particular practice of the job you are interviewing for at ICON plc.

"I can honestly say that I do not have a preference as of yet. As I continue to carve out my career, that may change; however, for the moment, I would be happy to be working at ICON plc in any related focus."

If you could research any particular disorder, disease, or illness here at ICON plc, which one would you choose, and why?

"At ICON plc, I know there are so many areas where I could subspecialize over the course of my career, and that is one of the most intriguing things about coming to work for you. If I had to pick an area to study and master further, it would be medical devices on orthopedics. While things like replacement joints have evolved so much in the last 50 years, I think the sky is the limit as we look to the future."

During your time together, your interviewer would like to get to know you and your particular interests in your career. With this being hypothetical, this big picture question allows your interviewer some insight into your hopes and dreams in the medical field and to learn how ICON plc could make those dreams come true.

A great way to frame your answer to this question is to think that if you had zero limitations, what area within pharmaceuticals would you focus on. Be sure to show your passion for your career path and tie your answer into an area of focus related to ICON plc.

"We have so many options when it comes to research topics. If I had to choose just one area of research, I would choose to research autism, and the spectrum, in full. My little brother received an autism diagnosis recently, and I have the drive to learn more about it."

"I am passionate about women's health, so I would be very interested in researching gestational diabetes and its effects on fetal development, or how an existing diabetes diagnosis affects fertility."

Tell me about your greatest work-related accomplishment.

"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating from University as an honors student while still working full-time in a related field. I was top of my class, and working full-time. This success showed me that I could dedicate myself to my career and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and receive recognition for my dedication."

Talking about your most significant accomplishment will give the interviewer a definite idea of where you would place your values as an employee at ICON plc. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future.

It is definitely okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Think back to a work task, project, or accomplishment that you are most proud of, and speak confidently about what makes this accomplishment so special to you. The accomplishment you talk about should try to highlight your ability to go above and beyond to create a great end result.

"I am proud of having been chosen to be a mentor to new hires in my current department. I think I've informally mentored and exhibited leadership since day one, and to be recognized for being a great teacher and being able to train and shape the new additions to the department is an awesome pat on the back."

"I am proud to be recognized as the lead TA in my lab. Not only do other TAs look to me for guidance, but even embryologists come to me to solve any problems we have in the lab. I think I've exhibited leadership and drive since day one, and to be recognized for being a great teacher and being able to train and shape the new additions to the department is an awesome pat on the back."

If you could choose any area in your field to study further, which area would you focus on? How do you feel that would help you with a career at ICON plc?

"If I could choose any area, I would enjoy a deeper focus on orthobiologics. The idea of finding advanced ways of assisting the body in healing itself is fascinating to me. If there were advancements in this area, I feel it could help ICON plc to achieve some major goals as well."

To consistently maintain a focus on the innovative approaches they bring to their clients, ICON plc needs to be assured that their staff members are always willing and ready to further their skills and education in their work. By asking this question, your interviewer is looking to hear that you have an open mind to further your studies in your work and that you have an area or two of further study that highly interest you.

Prior to your interview with ICON plc, put some thought into an area you would love to further your skills in and come prepared to talk to the interviewer about this area. Share with the interviewer why you feel that strengthened skills, in this particular area, will help you to achieve your goals with ICON plc.

"If given the opportunity to further my studies, I would choose to focus on Biochemical Pharmacology. I feel that will help me in this career here since this is one of your larger areas of focus. Your biochemical pharmacology department is so advanced; the idea of landing a job in that area is fascinating to me."

If you were to join ICON plc, would you consider furthering your post-secondary education to include a Ph.D. in your field?

"I have considered furthering my education to include a Ph.D. It would need to be in tandem with full-time employment, but I would certainly consider achieving this goal through evening and weekend coursework."

Some upper-level positions within ICON plc may require a higher level of education. With the organization priding itself on furthering the education of its staff and promoting from within, your interviewer wants to hear your thoughts on someday furthering your education.

While there isn't a right or wrong answer to a question like this, ideally you want to assure your interviewer that you would be willing to discuss enhancing your knowledge to grow within the organization eventually. Prior to your interview with ICON plc, be sure to put some thought into what areas you could see yourself furthering your education in and talk about any advanced degrees that would help you get there.

"Oh yes! I am a big believer in higher education. I could definitely see pursuing a Master's degree down the road and would be willing to put the time and effort into that here at ICON plc."

"Yes, definitely! I am a big believer in the value of education, but I still don't know what specifically I would like to study when pursuing a Ph.D. For now, I am working on learning as much as I can in the field so that I can make an informed decision when I am ready."

This position at ICON plc requires a minimum Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field. How has your post-secondary education prepared you for this role?

"I have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Tampa College of Natural and Health Sciences. I graduated with honors, which was an especially proud moment for me since I had also been working part-time. I think my program helped me prepare for a career in the biotech industry and gave me a strong focus on communication that would assist me greatly in working with the clients of ICON plc."

If you've been selected from a great pool of candidates for this role at ICON plc, your interviewer has seen that your education meets the minimum requirements. In asking this question, they want to hear your specific words on your educational path and how that has prepared you for the work you will taking on at ICON plc.

Your post-secondary career is significant when it comes to displaying your ability to complete a degree, multitask, and apply yourself. Walk the interviewer through your post-secondary experience, making sure to highlight any recognition or awards you may have achieved. As you get to learn more about the role at ICON plc during your interview, try to highlight an area or two of your education that puts you in great position to succeed in this role.

"I recently graduated from the University of Georgia with my Degree in Pharmaceutical Science. With this degree, I look forward to joining ICON plc and carving out a great career with you. When the timing is right, I do plan to return to school to obtain my Master's Degree in a science-based field. This extension of learning, of course, would be in tandem with my full-time job."

How will you stay informed on changes in your field if hired at ICON plc?

"I follow multiple medical journals and blogs related to changes in the Pharma/Biotech industry. My favorite is wiley.com which is a strong source for updates in a variety of related medical studies."

At ICON plc, the work is continually changing and this is due to the fact that the company is working in consulting and the outsourcing of developments. ICON plc needs staff to be flexible and at the top of their field, so your interviewer needs to be assured that you take your own personal education in your work very seriously and they ask this question to gauge that.

Assure the interviewer that you are engaged when it comes to staying on top of new trends, information, and changes in your line of work. Some things to consider discussing are your networking ability with other in your field, any societies or groups that you belong to, and any continuing education that you actively participate in on a regular basis.

"I have set up some industry-related google alerts, and I also subscribe to Pharma Forum, Science Direct, and Medical Futurist, online. I am always looking for new opportunities to learn, so if you have recommendations, I am happy to hear them!"

How many years have you worked in the Pharma/Biotech industry? What keeps you interested in our line of work?

"I have worked within Pharma/Biotech for the past 15 years. I started in a lab assistant role and am now at the supervisory level with my current company. I stay in this industry because the opportunities are endless. I would be thrilled to continue my career growth in this industry with ICON plc."

Even though they can get a great feel for your years of experience by looking at your application materials for ICON plc, hearing your experience firsthand will be very helpful. Your interviewer also asks this question to get a sense of your passion and interest in the position you are interviewing for at ICON plc.

Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your work history, highlighting the most relevant positions and skills. Be sure to speak with passion as you describe your desire to work for ICON plc long term.

"I am new to the Pharmaceuticals industry and recently graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Science. I plan to remain in this industry for the entire length of my career. At this point, I'd like to start in this apprenticeship role and then move forward into a role further focused on the development of new treatments."

"I worked as a Clinical Research Assistant for almost a year while I was in college. It was amazing to see how our study supplement was helping people with inflammation. I have been in UCSF's Embryology lab for over a year now, but I find myself comparing my job to my time as a CRA and miss doing clinical research. ICON plc's CRA Development program is the perfect opportunity for me to get back into Pharma Research."

By this time in your career, you likely could have advanced further. What has slowed down your career progression?

"I agree with you that my career progression has been slower than some. You will see that between 2001-2009 I worked for the same company without an increase in my job title. The company was too small to offer a promotion to me as the next level was ownership and the business wasn't for sale. After this, from 2009 to 2012, I was on leave as I needed to care for my ailing parents. My growth since returning to work has been steady but those years were a bit of a standstill for me. I am ready to spring into action now with ICON plc and forge ahead in my career."

When an interviewer at ICON plc sees slow career progression on a candidate's resume, they will immediately want to determine whether this is by their own choice, any outside circumstances, or if they are not motivated to reach the top of the proverbial career ladder. In asking this question, they want you to respond honestly about how you feel about your career progression.

If your career has progressed slower than you wish, come to your ICON plc interview prepared to discuss your overall happiness with your career path to this point. If you feel you were hindered in any way, you can be honest but don't do so by making excuses.

"I feel very proud of my career and wouldn't go back and change any of it. I feel that my experience out of my Bachelor's degree program gave me great experience and a great understanding of entry-level work in our field. By pursuing my Ph.D. in my 30s, I felt much more prepared to succeed at that point."

What creative qualities would you bring to the ICON plc team?

"I do consider myself to be a creative individual in my work. In my current role, one example of this would be the telephone sales scripts that I crafted for our inside sales team. They were lively and effective, and sales increased by 23% in the first 90 days of implementation. Here at ICON plc, I know your clients rely on you to provide unique and effective developments, and I'd look forward to helping spark new and creative ideas in this role."

At ICON plc, innovative solutions that are critical to their clients rely on the team to be creative in every manner of their work. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to hear you describe your creative abilities in the work that you would be performing with ICON plc.

Talk to the interviewer about any interest that you have in creative activities and how you have implemented your creative desires in the workplace. Even if you do not consider yourself to be a "creative person," there likely is a significant time that you have made creative-minded decisions during your career.

"In Quality, especially as an auditor or a compliance member, we are often thinking of continuous improvement efforts that will enable us to pass any inspection, audit, or interview, and that will also create a culture of Quality within the company. In my current role, I have implemented a CAPA management system that allowed for the active involvement of other departments in continuous improvement initiatives. Here at ICON, I know that your clients and other sponsors rely on you to be the best of the best and not have any issues. I would look forward to contributing to a company that puts quality first."

How would your current co-workers describe your attention to detail?

"My co-workers would describe my attention to detail as very strong. I can very easily point out spelling discrepancies in communication and will always pay attention to the small things on a project. Just a few months ago, we were finishing up a big client presentation and upon reviewing it, I suggested we add our company logo to each page of the presentation and one of our organizational values along with it. This suggestion went over very well with the project leader and they thanked me for my suggestion."

In the world of medical consulting and outsourcing, it's the little things that can often make the biggest difference in truly making a client happy. Your interviewer would like to know more about the attention to detail you put into your work to ensure that you would leave no stone unturned on the job at ICON plc.

With a question where you're asked to describe what your colleagues would say about you, It is always best to support your reply with a real-life example. Talk to the interviewer about your level of attentiveness when it comes to the smaller details and use an example of a time when you received direct feedback from a colleague or leader on the job. As you answer, discuss why being so attentive in this situation was important and reiterate that you would bring this same detail-oriented approach to your work at ICON plc.

How will you earn the trust of your coworkers if offered a position at ICON plc?

"If I were to be lucky enough to be able to join ICON plc, I would absolutely prioritize getting to know my team, building relationships with them, and gaining their trust from my first day on the job. My way of earning trust with anyone I work with is my word. I follow through on promises and commitments and openly communicate regularly with all of my colleagues. This same philosophy holds true for how I work with clients and external stakeholders."

Workplace relationships are essential to grow and nurture at ICON plc and your interviewer knows that the best work is produced by high functioning and cohesive team. Your interviewer wants to hear how you will ideally earn the trust and respect of your new colleagues from your first day on the job at ICON plc if you were to be offered the position you are interviewing for.

If you were fortunate enough to join ICON plc, talk to the interviewer about how you plan to earn the trust of your new co-workers. There are many ways to do this and here are some ways to consider discussing:- Show common courtesy. Say hello, hold the elevator door, and bring coffees now and then - Be respectful in your communication, avoid over cc'ing unnecessarily in emails - Avoid being a distraction and respect the use of their time - Respect their personal space and the line between work life and personal life - Always ask if they have time before diving into a conversation - Try to find the answer to your questions before running to ask a manager or co-worker - Connect with them on LinkedIn but avoid more personal social media platforms - Treat everyone the same, regardless of their job title - Do not complain about your job to your coworkers - Reach out to new employees and make them feel comfortable - Own up to your mistakes and fix them - Be timely with your follow-ups and meet your deadlines

How would you rate your communication skills from 1–10 and why would you give yourself this rating?

"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My current director and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will always let me know if I need to clarify anything."

No matter what role you are interviewing for at ICON plc, your ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats will be essential for your success on the job. Your interviewer asks you how you would rate your communication skills in hopes that you will elaborate on your communications strengths and you will highlight how you use them to succeed in your work.

Try to avoid giving yourself a 10, nobody is perfect, and you do not want to come across as overly confident or someone who has no room for feedback and improvement. Alternately, avoid giving yourself too little credit. You do not want to paint the picture that you are a communication dud! Try to remain in the 7.5-9.5 range while staying honest and accurate. Use an example of your excellent communication to back up your answer.

How do you determine priorities when you have multiple deadlines approaching and other tasks to do?

"I will determine which project requires my attention by the number of hours we are behind and then by the project size. I am comfortable delegating tasks when needed, but I am also aware that these times will require an additional commitment of hours from me. Never have I underdelivered on a deadline, and you can be assured that I would never underdeliver here at ICON plc."

If asked this question during your interview with ICON plc, your role there will involve multitasking many projects and client priorities at one time. Your interviewer needs to be assured that you would come to their team with the ability to prioritize with ease and not miss any important tasks.

Think about what you do when you feel torn between multiple projects or tasks and explain how you decide which one needs your attention the most. To really impress your interviewer, discuss the methods that you utilize to stay on top of your work and assure them that you can be diligent when it comes to assessing your priorities.

Prioritizing is a skill that requires practice. There are many approaches you can take. Here are some suggestions:1) Make a list. By thinking through and writing down each item that needs completion, you can see it on paper. 2) Mark what is urgent or essential. Take into account deadlines and meetings. 3) Order each task based on effort and estimated value. Considering due dates and how long it will take to do each item (also considering how much time you have). In answering this question, show the interviewer that you have a system in place that helps you to think through what needs to happen, and when. The better you can prioritize, the more productive you will be, making you an asset to ICON plc!

"In my experience, I've found it helpful to make a list of my tasks and organize them based on urgency and the estimated time it takes me to complete them. If two tasks have the same urgency level but different estimated times, I personally like to complete the quicker task first so that it is out of the way and I can focus 100% on the task that will take me longer to do. I find that my coworkers are grateful that at least one task is completed in these situations."

ICON Interview Questions

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1. If you were faced with a problem here at ICON plc that required a quick solution, how would you respond?
2. How does this position at ICON plc fit into your career goals?
3. What interests you the most about coming to work for ICON plc?
4. Why do you believe it is important for an organization like ICON plc to embrace diversity and support inclusion efforts?
5. How would you rate your performance in this interview with ICON plc so far?
6. Are you applying for any other jobs?
7. Do you have any salary expectations if you were to be offered a position here at ICON plc?
8. Describe to me your ideal employer.
9. How do you define success?
10. When have you shown great integrity in your work during your career?
11. What sources do you look to when you need to solve a complicated problem?
12. What are your strengths you would bring to the ICON plc team?
13. Who would you say inspires you the most in your work ethic?
14. Why did you choose a career in the Pharma/Biotech industry?
15. When have you had to be extra thorough in completing tasks during your career?
16. If you could choose any special area of focus with ICON plc, which would you choose?
17. List three qualities that make you the best candidate for ICON plc.
18. What industry-related changes do you foresee impacting ICON plc in the next 12 months?
19. In your opinion, why is it important to develop relationships with coworkers?
20. In your opinion, what is the biggest development in Biotechnology in the past three years?
21. In your opinion, what is the biggest development in Pharmaceuticals in the past three years?
22. Do you prefer to work with studies related to humans, animals, or plant life?
23. If you could research any particular disorder, disease, or illness here at ICON plc, which one would you choose, and why?
24. Tell me about your greatest work-related accomplishment.
25. If you could choose any area in your field to study further, which area would you focus on? How do you feel that would help you with a career at ICON plc?
26. If you were to join ICON plc, would you consider furthering your post-secondary education to include a Ph.D. in your field?
27. This position at ICON plc requires a minimum Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field. How has your post-secondary education prepared you for this role?
28. How will you stay informed on changes in your field if hired at ICON plc?
29. How many years have you worked in the Pharma/Biotech industry? What keeps you interested in our line of work?
30. By this time in your career, you likely could have advanced further. What has slowed down your career progression?
31. What creative qualities would you bring to the ICON plc team?
32. How would your current co-workers describe your attention to detail?
33. How will you earn the trust of your coworkers if offered a position at ICON plc?
34. How would you rate your communication skills from 1–10 and why would you give yourself this rating?
35. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple deadlines approaching and other tasks to do?

ICON Interview Questions

1. If you were faced with a problem here at ICON plc that required a quick solution, how would you respond?

2. How does this position at ICON plc fit into your career goals?

3. What interests you the most about coming to work for ICON plc?

4. Why do you believe it is important for an organization like ICON plc to embrace diversity and support inclusion efforts?

5. How would you rate your performance in this interview with ICON plc so far?

6. Are you applying for any other jobs?

7. Do you have any salary expectations if you were to be offered a position here at ICON plc?

8. Describe to me your ideal employer.

9. How do you define success?

10. When have you shown great integrity in your work during your career?

11. What sources do you look to when you need to solve a complicated problem?

12. What are your strengths you would bring to the ICON plc team?

13. Who would you say inspires you the most in your work ethic?

14. Why did you choose a career in the Pharma/Biotech industry?

15. When have you had to be extra thorough in completing tasks during your career?

16. If you could choose any special area of focus with ICON plc, which would you choose?

17. List three qualities that make you the best candidate for ICON plc.

18. What industry-related changes do you foresee impacting ICON plc in the next 12 months?

19. In your opinion, why is it important to develop relationships with coworkers?

20. In your opinion, what is the biggest development in Biotechnology in the past three years?

21. In your opinion, what is the biggest development in Pharmaceuticals in the past three years?

22. Do you prefer to work with studies related to humans, animals, or plant life?

23. If you could research any particular disorder, disease, or illness here at ICON plc, which one would you choose, and why?

24. Tell me about your greatest work-related accomplishment.

25. If you could choose any area in your field to study further, which area would you focus on? How do you feel that would help you with a career at ICON plc?

26. If you were to join ICON plc, would you consider furthering your post-secondary education to include a Ph.D. in your field?

27. This position at ICON plc requires a minimum Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field. How has your post-secondary education prepared you for this role?

28. How will you stay informed on changes in your field if hired at ICON plc?

29. How many years have you worked in the Pharma/Biotech industry? What keeps you interested in our line of work?

30. By this time in your career, you likely could have advanced further. What has slowed down your career progression?

31. What creative qualities would you bring to the ICON plc team?

32. How would your current co-workers describe your attention to detail?

33. How will you earn the trust of your coworkers if offered a position at ICON plc?

34. How would you rate your communication skills from 1–10 and why would you give yourself this rating?

35. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple deadlines approaching and other tasks to do?