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1.
Why did you choose a career in the Pharma/Biotech industry?
The interviewer would like to know what drew you into a career within their industry. Show the hiring manager that you have a natural attraction to this particular industry and that you're here to stay.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"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 which never becomes dull."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"The drive behind my choosing a career in Biotechnology was because I love science and helping others. With these two drivers combined, I knew it would be a career choice that I would be happy with for years to come."
Anonymous Answer
"I want to work in the Pharma/Biotech industry because I know that it's a solid, dynamic industry including diversity in their services or products."
Rachelle's Answer
It certainly is a dynamic and solid industry! Very good answer.
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Anonymous Answer
"I choose a career in Pharma/Biotech because I have always been engaged in science and research. I have felt the need to contribute to the improvement of people's health by bringing new developments to patients. I am also excited to pursue a career in a field that is continuously evolving. Pharma is one of the most dynamic industries. New scientific discoveries change the landscape in pharma every day."
Rachelle's Answer
Your passion for pharma really shines through here! This is a response full of excitement.
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2.
List 3 qualities that make you the best candidate for Johnson and Johnson.
After researching Johnson and Johnson 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.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"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 would attest to these skills as well."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"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"
- A robust existing network in the industry
- A great reputation
- Leadership capabilities and experience
- Integrity and likability
- Strong minded
- Thirst for knowledge"
Anonymous Answer
"I am good at multitasking, goal-oriented, and good at teamwork."
Rachelle's Answer
These are all good qualities to have; however, I encourage you to dig deeper. Most candidates offer up these words so, to stand out, try giving specific and more unique qualities.
"The three qualities that make me the best candidate include my ability to be a solid decision maker, my conflict resolution skills, and my adaptability."
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3.
How many years have you worked in the Pharma/Biotech industry? What keeps you interested in our line of work?
Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your work history, highlighting the most relevant positions and skills. Talk to the interviewer about your desire to work for Johnson and Johnson long term.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"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 Johnson and Johnson."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"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, starting in this apprenticeship role and then, moving forward into a role further focused on the development of new treatments."
Anonymous Answer
"I have never worked in the pharma industry. However, I know that I will be able to learn and share my skills and capabilities I learned in the insurance industry."
Rachelle's Answer
If you can tie in the transferable skills and interests between insurance and pharma, that would be a better approach. Avoid ever starting a sentence in an interview with "no" or "I have never." There is always a way to bring it back into the positive, so that the interviewer never frames you as an unsuitable candidate (whether conscious or not).
"I am excited to say that I am new to the Pharma industry! What interests me most is that the pharma industry works hard to offer unique solutions for people based on their health and personal needs. This focus is similar to the insurance industry, where my experience comes from."
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4.
What industry related changes do you foresee in the next 12 months?
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. If the organization itself has any upcoming news or changes, be sure to mention these as well.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I read on your website that Johnson and Johnson is expected to see a 43% increase in the sales of product ABC. This fact piqued my interest as I have seen reports that forecast a strong increase in the use of product ABC for alternative medical therapies. There are continual changes in this industry, but I see this particular one being very significant in the upcoming months."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"I was recently reading an article by Q1 Productions that addressed this exact topic. They mentioned in the article that 2018 is going to be a great year for the pharma industry due to the economic upturn. The thought is that this will increase stock prices; thus, allowing pharma companies to grow their offerings, expand operations, and further their research and reach. It's an exciting thought!"
Anonymous Answer
"Due to this company having a diversity of products and because the changes in this industry are continual, I anticipate that Johnson & Johnson will increase their sales in individual or direct business. I believe that the company will be able to go directly to the customer instead of using big companies as a bridge"
Rachelle's Answer
This is an interesting insight. If you read an article about this, be sure to cite your references so that your response has more validity.
"I recently read an article in The New England Journal of Medicine how pharma conglomerates are beginning to sell directly to individual consumers. This approach means going directly to the customer rather than using big box stores as a bridge. I found it interesting and am keen to learn more."
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5.
How do you stay informed on changes in the Pharma/Biotech industry?
The Pharma/Biotech industry is fast moving with changes and developments happening all the time. Assure the interviewer that you are engaged when it comes to industry related changes.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"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."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"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!"
Anonymous Answer
"I have an online subscription in Medical Futurist, and I also follow leading pharma/biotech companies on LinkedIn. I also read articles in scientific journals and medical blogs."
Rachelle's Answer
It sounds like you lean on some reputable resources for your information, which is excellent! If possible, give some specifics on the scientific journals and medical blogs that you read.
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