When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?

"In my current role, our schedule is changed regularly and always at short notice. I have adapted very well to these frequent, sudden changes by keeping an open mind and always communicating with my leaders and colleagues when changes happen."

With the amazing things they are doing daily, the team at Lonza needs to be able to multitask many duties and projects at once. To seriously consider you for their opening, your interviewer wants to know that you would join their team with the ability to be flexible in your work and prioritize wisely.

Before your interview with Lonza, think about a time you were asked to change your priorities on a dime. As you answer this question, your interviewer will pay close attention to how you reacted to this shift in priorities. Assure the interviewer that you can respond professionally to sudden changes in your work.

"Given my current varying workload, being able to pivot quickly is an essential skill I learned on the first day on the job. This situation occurs when my clients need changes to their projects and right before the deadline. I am accustomed to situations like this and welcome the challenge with open arms. I would bring this same adaptability to work here at Lonza!"

At Lonza, we put safety first when it comes to our employees and the handling of our products. How important is safety to you in your work?

"One of the reasons why Lonza Inc. stands out to me as a potential employer is your dedication to workplace safety. I feel that safety should be the number one consideration in this industry because the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and biotech products can be potentially dangerous. A safe environment also determines employee engagement and company profitability and ensures a strong industry reputation, which I know you have here at Lonza."

Lonza puts their people at the center of their business and its overall success. In this effort, they remain committed to creating a safe and healthy work environment for all staff. In asking this question, your interviewer needs to know that you are as concerned about safety in your work on a day-to-day basis as they are.

Before your interview with Lonza, consider how you put safety first on the job. Talk about the importance of safety in the workplace and how this applies to the role you are interviewing for at Lonza.

"Safety is the most important factor in the workplace, in my opinion. That is especially true when working with chemicals! I have attended safety training during my career, including decontamination, responding to chemical emergencies, and CPR / First Aid. I would love to bring that knowledge to work here at Lonza."

Tell me about the most challenging aspect of your current job. How did you overcome it when you started in that role?

"The most challenging aspect of my last job was troubleshooting some of the older technology. We needed some serious upgrades, but they weren't in the budget. Learning how to work around this problem was quite a challenge, but I learned how by referring to old manuals and online forums. I ended up becoming one of the strongest users of this program in our entire office! I quickly became the go-to person when anyone had questions about the technology."

Every day, Lonza tackles the toughest challenges in developing and producing life-changing pharmaceutical and biotechnology products. Your interviewer needs to know that the candidate they hire joins their team with the ability and wherewithal to handle any challenges thrown their way at Lonza.

Sometimes the most significant workplace challenge is a difficult task that puts you outside your comfort zone. You could discuss a situation that required skills you hadn't mastered yet or your weaker qualities. Explain to the interviewer why it was difficult, but be sure to spend more time highlighting the actions you took to overcome the challenge and what you learned that you can bring to work at Lonza.

"When I joined my current company eight years ago, it was a huge step from a small-scale manufacturer to a very large-scale one. The biggest challenge was learning and working closely with many more internal stakeholders as part of the engineering team. I learned great skills in my first year related to getting to know the individuals to better work with them and support them. If I'm fortunate enough to join Lonza, I'm confident in my abilities to overcome the challenge of getting to know the new stakeholders I will be working with and supporting."

Talk about a time your teammates did not perform their share of the work on a team project. How did you react?

"In my current role, one of my teammates is always looking for the easy way out. As a competitive person, this bothers me because I want our team to be in the lead for all sales categories. I recently addressed the situation with him in private. I explained how his inaction impacted the group and affected our sales results. Still, he goes through the motions, avoids his cold-calling responsibilities, and provides vague or incomplete client documentation in the CRM. After approaching the Sales Manager with my concerns, the issue has not yet improved. I've decided that I can only control my actions. I give an extra 25% output for all cold calls, documentation, and prospecting activities. So far, my increased output has compensated for my co-workers' lower metrics. The added benefit to working even harder is that my sales numbers have increased, showing my leadership team that I am a top performer. My commission percentages have also increased, which is a welcome benefit!"

Lonza breeds a culture rich in collaboration to foster an environment where new ideas are welcomed and brought to life every day. Your interviewer knows that a collaborative environment isn't always sunshine and rainbows. At Lonza, they are looking for a candidate that works harder around underperformers rather than becoming defeated and giving in to an attitude of inaction.

Show the interviewer that you have excellent leadership abilities by discussing how you redistribute the workload when a team member is not pulling their weight. Perhaps you stepped in and reallocated the work among your team members. Maybe you took on the extra workload yourself. Avoid speaking negatively about anyone, and keep your answer focused on the solution you created and the positive outcome of your actions.

"A couple of years ago, I was asked to be a part of a cross-departmental workgroup. Our leader split the work among the group, and we met bi-weekly to discuss progress toward our goals. I noticed a team member wasn't pulling their weight in the first couple of meetings and approached them directly with my thoughts. I'm glad I was direct with them because they admitted that their day-to-day workload was too much to keep up with the team's project work. I recommended they approach our team leader and ask that their role be reassigned."

When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method in your work?

"When my current company came under new management last year, many new methods and policies came into place. I learned many new approaches to our challenges in sales and customer management. I quite enjoyed the process, and it brought a breath of fresh air to my daily routine."

Your interviewer at Lonza knows that any external candidate they consider hiring will have to learn new ways of doing things. With this question, they expect to hear that you have shown a willingness to learn new methods in the past and that you'll be excited to do that if you are fortunate enough to join the Lonza team.

With changes in technology and policy, most professionals will need to alter their way of working from time to time. This is especially true at Lonza. Come to your interview prepared to talk about how you have been adaptive to learning new ways of doing things on the job in the past. Reiterate that you will come to Lonza ready to learn and master new ways of doing your job.

"I honestly feel like I've done this throughout my career, given that my work has always had to comply with federal regulations on new drug development. In these times, I stay informed and adaptive to how I perform my job. I always do so with a positive attitude and a forward-thinking mindset, and I'd bring this same approach to work here at Lonza."

How would your current coworkers describe your attention to detail?

"My co-workers would describe my attention to detail as very strong. I can easily point out spelling discrepancies in communication and will notice the small things in our project work before finalizing. I think big-picture as well, but have always had a knack for details."

Quality is job one in the manufacturing of biotech and pharmaceuticals, and Lonza Inc. takes quality very seriously. Knowing that paying attention to details is the first step to quality results, your interviewer wants to hear how your current colleagues would describe your attention to detail in your work.

Give an honest and straightforward answer about your ability to bring an attentive and detailed approach to the role you are interviewing for at Lonza. If you have received direct thoughts from previous coworkers or managers, now is a great time to discuss that feedback. No matter how you answer, try to pick out one or two job duties at Lonza that you would bring a detailed and thorough approach to in your work.

"Overall, my attention to detail is strong. My current supervisor asked me a few months ago to improve the detail in my documentation, so I have been avidly working to improve in that area. My current role requires me to be the final person inspecting some outgoing products, so I use a detailed checklist before shipping."

Tell me about a time you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.

"I was able to present and implement one specific change in the office this past year. It was a recycling program that I felt was very important, even for our smaller office. We had significantly less waste after my initiative was implemented, and I enjoyed seeing others take pride in helping our environment."

As one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers, Lonza prides itself on implementing Lean techniques into its processes. Your interviewer wants to hear that you are always open and willing to look for ways to improve work processes.

Before your interview with Lonza, consider if you have ever taken the opportunity to present your employer with a potential change to a work-related process or procedure. Talk to the hiring manager about a time you took the initiative to implement a change and reiterate that you would always be on the lookout for ways to improve at Lonza.

"I always have my eye out for opportunities to improve procedures. I have taken courses in organizational behavior and effective management, so I often have ideas, big and small. Recently, I helped implement a new customer management software with my current team. This implementation has greatly improved the time frame between customer touchpoints."

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 among staff, which has 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."

Every company likes to hire employees who respect company resources and finances. In the manufacturing setting at Lonza Inc., being resourceful is vital to the company's long-term success. Your interviewer needs to know that you will bring a resourceful approach to your work.

Talk to the interviewer about a time you stretched company resources and made wise decisions on the job. When answering this question, keep in mind that Lonza is firmly committed to sustainability in its processes, and now is a great time to discuss how you can help bring this same vision to work there.

"This is a practice I often utilize to maximize company resources and optimize value to the clients. 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. Do you do any similar cross-training here at Lonza?"

Maintaining a sound budget is important here at Lonza. What was the greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?

"I have been able to present cost-cutting suggestions many times with my current employer. The one that I feel had the biggest impact was when I suggested additional warehouse staff. We had three shifts and an average of 100 hours of overtime per week. I suggested to my employer that we hire one more warehouse employee for each shift, keeping the hours to just 120 regular vs. 100 hours of overtime pay (@1.5x). This recommendation saved the company $31,000 per year. They implemented this change across 15 warehouses the following year, amounting to nearly half a million dollars in savings per year."

If you are interviewing for a management role at Lonza, you will often be asked to keep your eyes open for cost-saving opportunities and sound budget management skills. With this question, your interviewer needs to know that you have some experience managing a budget and cutting costs.

Assure the interviewer at Lonza that you are capable of understanding the importance of managing a budget in the manufacturing setting. Discuss your experiences working within a budget and looking for opportunities to improve spending and costs.

"My biggest cost-saving measure was related to my team's productivity. I crafted email copy that I saved as a template and could send out a dozen emails at a time, all personalized, to targeted audiences to set appointments. I did this multiple times per day while making calls and doubled my productivity. I shared this tactic with the team and saw it implemented across the board. While I was not in a managerial role, I was able to roughly double productivity, thereby preventing the need for new hires and surpassing our financial targets for KPIs and financial metrics."

What accomplishment during your career was the most difficult to achieve?

"In my career so far, I feel that my most difficult accomplishment was the three back-to-back promotions in my current company. Because promotions are granted based on results, I had to put in a lot of overtime hours and effort to get there. My willingness to go the extra mile is something that I will bring to work here at Lonza."

Innovation has been a driver of Lonza's success over the years, and this often comes at the cost of overcoming many obstacles. Your interviewer at Lonza knows that being able to face a challenge or stressful situation and still gain some accomplishment is very satisfying; they want to hear you discuss what you feel has been your most difficult achievement.

Talk to the interviewer about a time you came out on top, despite being faced with an obstacle. As long as you can point out the obstacles, how you worked through them, and the positive results, your interviewer will get a great indication that you will bring this same approach to work at Lonza.

"My proudest accomplishment to date was completing my Degree in Chemical Engineering while being a single parent to two young boys. The level of dedication that I had to give to my family and my education was challenging. I couldn't be prouder of myself for never giving up."

When have you faced an unexpected difficulty on the job, and how did you overcome it?

"The biggest unexpected difficulty I have faced was my unexpected layoff during the beginning of the pandemic. I had to adapt to a new economy and search for other skills and opportunities. I earned enough to avoid financial strain and am proud of my ability to be versatile when required."

How you face unexpected difficulties on the job can say a lot about your character and work ethic. In asking this question, your interviewer at Lonza is trying to determine if you will bring the ability to handle the day-to-day issues you will face on the job.

Talk to the interviewer about a time you encountered an unexpected challenge on the job. Make sure to paint the picture of the situation and how you handled the situation. Discuss the positive results and why putting in the additional effort was worth it in this situation.

"I faced unexpected difficulty last year when Company X swiftly acquired our company. With nobody aware of the change, it was emotional chaos in our offices for some time. I chose to remain calm, avoid jumping to assumptions, and continue doing my job as usual. This approach helped me get through the situation and also provided a positive influence for my colleagues.."

In our environment here at Lonza Inc., there is potential for dangerous spills and exposure to toxic chemicals. Are you willing to work in an industry that poses this type of risk?

"I have experienced a couple of scenarios surrounding chemical spills. When situations like this occur, I rely on my training. I feel well-equipped to handle a situation like this professionally here at Lonza Inc.."

In the manufacturing setting at Lonza Inc., workers need to work and operate safely around toxic materials daily. To seriously consider you for their team, your interviewer would like to know that you are ready to work in this environment and can professionally handle any emergency on the job.

If you have ever encountered a chemical spill or other emergency in the workplace, now is a great time to discuss that experience and your positive actions. If you have not experienced this work environment firsthand, explain that you have thought about how you will work safely in this environment and how you would respond in an emergency.

"Yes, I'm willing to work in this environment because I am well-trained for these scenarios in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment and fully understand the risks of working for Lonza. If I were to emerge as your top candidate, you would quickly find that I am a safe and well-prepared employee."

At Lonza, we ask for active contribution from our employees. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.

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

One of Lonza's four core values is initiative; all staff is expected to live this value by being self-driven, motivated, and committed to focus and deliver on the job. In proposing this question, your interviewer needs to hear that you can be an active contributor to your team at Lonza.

Talk about a time you were recently expected to achieve a goal in a team setting. As you answer, explain how you went above and beyond to ensure that your contribution was felt. It is also essential to show the interviewer that you are a great team player that would be joining the team at Lonza.

"My most notable contribution was my ability to analyze and predict market trends and create a successful marketing strategy. Before me, there was no one with a true marketing background on the team, and I gladly grabbed this role by the horns and ran with it."

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I am not always as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and coworkers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything, and I look forward to bringing my solid communication skills to your team at Lonza."

In the team-based setting at Lonza, you will collaborate with many colleagues in the life-altering work you will perform on the job. One key to this collaborative effort is communication. With this question, your interviewer wants to hear you directly describe the communication skills you would bring to their team

Before your interview with Lonza, consider how you would rate your communication skills and come prepared to rate your skills on a scale of 1-10. The more important piece of your answer will be your explanation of why you chose that particular rating for yourself. As you answer, highlight your verbal and written communication skills while not forgetting your listening skills. If you have direct feedback on your interpersonal skills from former colleagues or leaders, now is a great time to mention that feedback.

"I will rate myself an 8.5 because I am a strong communicator. It is the foundation of all success in this industry. I always strive to be a better communicator, so I leave the rest of the scale as an aspirational measure moving forward at Lonza."

At Lonza, we try to hire individuals dedicated to their own professional development. If you could take any related training or coursework, what would you choose?

"I am very dedicated to my professional development and am happy to attend any coursework you recommend here at Lonza. If I could choose any related coursework, I would choose further education on leadership and team engagement as I'd love to lead a team one day down the road."

Lonza prides themselves on giving their staff the opportunity to embark on groundbreaking, meaningful work that challenges every person's thinking and skills. To do this, they have a personalized talent development approach for anyone wishing to further their skills. With this question, your interviewer wants to hear where you want to expand your knowledge and skills in the future.

Talk openly to your interviewer at Lonza about any additional education you may be considering. You'll also want to assure them you are interested in the professional development options that Lonza offers for future career development opportunities.

"GLP and Quality Assurance are topics of interest to me. I appreciate that Lonza emphasizes the professional development of their employees and would love to explore further development in these areas to boost my career."

What do you know about the workplace culture here at Lonza?

"I am impressed with the culture at Lonza Inc. from what I have read and learned from others. There are many great reviews online, and I have spoken with one of your current employees I know. I like that you have strong performance incentives for your employees and offer a safe and comfortable workplace for all. Your zero-tolerance employee discrimination program is inspiring as well."

While the job duties and functions of a job are essential to the success of any colleague at Lonza, being a good fit for the overall culture keeps people there long-term. Your interviewer needs to know that you've done your homework on the culture at Lonza and see it as a good fit.

Spend time researching Lonza Inc. and its workplace culture before your interview so you can come prepared to discuss their culture. As you answer, tell the interviewer what you find impressive about their culture and work environment. Highlight how you see yourself fitting in and thriving there for the long term.

"I researched Lonza and the workplace culture you discuss on your website. From my understanding, you boast a workplace culture of tolerance, diversity, and transparency. I also love that the words 'curiosity' and 'innovation' are ingrained in all you do because I also try to live those words every day in my work."

What decisions do you routinely make in your current position?

"In my previous position, I was often required to make decisions on staff scheduling, hiring, and corrective action measures. That role prepared me for a position like this one at Lonza. I have well-honed decision-making skills, and my intuition regarding hiring is excellent."

To seriously consider you for their opening, your interviewer at Lonza would like to know more about the types of decisions you are accustomed to making in the workplace. How you answer this question will give them a good idea of your experience, seniority, and ability to handle the decision-making requirements in the role you are interviewing for on their team.

If the job you are interviewing for at Lonza requires you to be decisive and quick on your feet, you will need to provide examples of how you have done these things in the past. If you worked in tech support, you faced problems you needed to find solutions for regularly. If you worked as a sales rep, you might have to know how to negotiate and make decisions on prices and benefits you can give your customers. You may have faced decisions that became so routine you didn't think twice! Refer to these types of decisions and be sure to highlight how these types of decisions have prepared you for a role like this one.

"In my current role, I regularly make decisions regarding pricing and discounts for customers. I had a standard set of criteria that I created, and I tried to let that guide me for consistency. My director liked this approach so much that he instituted it across my department. From what I've learned today from you, I'm confident that I would step onto the team at Lonza with the ability to think on my feet and make big decisions right from the start."

List the top three skills you acquired in your last role.

"In the past few years, I was able to upgrade my education while working full-time. The biggest skill I gained was my ability to multi-task as I worked the dual role of employee and student. I also have strong skills in several Microsoft programs like PowerPoint and Excel that I strengthened in my current job. It sounds like these skills can be vital in this role at Lonza."

If you are lucky enough to be invited to interview with Lonza Inc., your interviewer is happy with the experience you would bring to their team. This question allows them to hear more about your work and the skills you learned.

You have likely gained many valuable skills in your career. Share with the interviewer which skills you value the most that you would bring to work at Lonza. Include skills that will benefit the company if you are their top candidate.

"As you can see from my resume, my current job is the position I've held since graduating from my Master's degree program. These last four years have helped me develop my verbal communication skills in a lab setting, the ability to prioritize and handle multiple duties simultaneously, and the internal drive to be innovative in my work. Here at Lonza, I feel that these skills will help me jump in with both feet right from the start and find success on your team."

What do you think has been the biggest change in the pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing industry in the past 10 years?

"I feel that precision medicine and the personalization of treatments has dictated that the large manufacturers be fluent in their products and process. Can you elaborate on how Lonza has had to adapt to this new environment?"

Whether you've spent time working in their industry or not, your interviewer at Lonza may ask several questions to show that you have done your homework and have some interest in the overall industry. Before your interview, research the industry and familiarize yourself with recent changes.

Talk to the interviewer about what you feel have been the most significant changes in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in recent years. Keep your answer positive by focusing on the changes that have been good for the industry. If you need to, be sure to do some reading on this topic before your interview with Lonza so you can come prepared to knowledgeably discuss your answer.

"The pharmaceutical and biotech industry is always faced with new challenges, as policy changes come all the time. The biggest challenge that stands out to me is increasing capital costs that cause knee-jerk reactions, such as cost-cutting measurements that end up being poor decisions further down the road."

We value a harmonious culture at Lonza. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

"My coworker and I had a misunderstanding about the schedule a year ago. We both got frustrated, so I took a step back and asked if we could talk about it when we were both calm, so the tension didn't escalate. The next day, I pulled him aside and asked if we could talk. We both shared our sides of the story and realized it was just a miscommunication. I like to deal with things in-person after heads are allowed to cool a bit."

Tension between coworkers can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining This is especially true in a high-stress work environment. Lonza knows that breakthrough innovations happen when a culture is collaborative, inclusive, and supportive. Your interviewer needs to know that you have the skills to diffuse conflicts in the workplace.

When asked a question about dealing with conflict or overcoming a challenge, think of an example first. Having a concrete situation to draw from will help you think through the steps you take to deal with conflict. The team at Lonza will look for your direct communication skills and ability to compromise.

"I do not enjoy conflict in the workplace, but I know it happens from time to time. When conflict arises, I nip it in the bud right away. When moments of miscommunication fester or are swept under the rug, they become bigger than they need to be."

How would you define great customer service in this role at Lonza?

"I define great customer service as actively seeking opportunities to give the customer a better experience than they expect or perhaps had the last time. As a Territory Sales Manager here at Lonza, I would provide great service by listening to your customers and being timely with any support they need. It would be following through on my word and never letting them down."

Whether the role you are interviewing for at Lonza is customer-facing or not, your department will still supply a direct service to customers. Your interviewer needs to know that you understand who those customers are and how you will be expected to provide outstanding service to them daily.

Excellent customer service goes beyond doing precisely as expected; it's more than having a smile on your face when the customer is looking. Excellent customer service means actively seeking the opportunity to deliver more than the standard. It means thoroughly listening to your customers when they tell you what they need. Also, it equals offering support when your customer is in over their head. Be sure to echo the keywords used on the company website and social media accounts related to their customer service mantra. Keep your answer brief but ensure that it packs a punch.

"Throughout my career, customers have included internal manufacturing teams, machinists, and project teams. Providing great services means being an expert in my area and providing results promptly. Here at Lonza, of course, I would never forget the patients that rely on your products every day, and I'll know my role in ensuring that quality products leave the building daily."

How do you define success in your work?

"I define success as my ability to reach the goals set out for me. On a personal level, those goals are the things I wish to achieve in my life. On a work level, they are the targets set out for me and the professional development I seek. Can you speak more on the daily, weekly, and yearly goals for this role at Lonza?"

Lonza Inc. wants to ensure they hire motivated and inspired individuals to help them on their journey toward discovery and innovation. With this question, your interviewer is simply looking to hear what you define as success in your work.

Before your interview with Lonza, think about what success means to you in your work. Tell the interviewer how you see progress, and discuss the success you plan to bring to Lonza Inc. should you be offered the role.

"I define success in my work by what we achieve as a team. I always keep my eye on long-term goals and success of product releases because that's what matters in the end."

At Lonza, we try to hire people who want to stay with us long term. What are your long-term career plans, and how do we fit into your plans?

"I am looking for a long-term career path with a stable and reputable organization, which is one of the reasons I applied to work with Lonza Inc. I like that you have opportunities for advancement within your team and offer professional development coursework. If hired, I would seek to work my way into a leadership role with Lonza Inc. in the future."

The cost of employee turnover in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing industry can be extremely high, and your interviewer at Lonza is well aware of this fact. They want to ensure that the person they hire will be with them for the long haul, so they want to hear how Lonza fits into your long-term career goals.

Discuss your longer-term career plans and how they fit into the career path offered by Lonza Inc. Before your interview, check on Lonza's website, as they have a great section on career stories and career paths that others have taken. No matter how you answer, assure the interviewer that you are looking for a long-term fit and that you've found it here.

"I plan to have a long-term career in the biotechnology industry. My education is geared toward this, as I recently graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. From what I've learned today and from other current staff here, I would be happy to enjoy a long-term career with Lonza."

What work situations excite and motivate you?

"I am most motivated on the job when tasks are organized and the overall vibe is positive. I value strong teamwork and good leadership and love what I have learned today about the workplace culture here at Lonza Inc."

Your interviewer must know how to keep you motivated and excited to come to work at Lonza every day. With this question, they want to hear you talk honestly about what drives and motivates you in your work.

Tell the interviewer what they could do to ensure that you are happy and productive at Lonza Inc. If you are thinking about ideas before your interview, take a look at the culture and values at Lonza. Their drive for innovation and discovery is an environment where people with that same mindset can succeed.

"Work situations that excite and motivate me include fun internal contests, camaraderie among the staff, and the ability to participate as a creative thinker. Lonza interested me because you are always developing new medicines and products that improve the lives and well-being of people all over the world, and I'd love to be a part of your company's mission."

Why is this job with Lonza right for you at this time in your career?

"As you can see from my resume, I've been in my current role for over five years and have reached my growth potential with my current company. Here at Lonza, I'd be excited to step into this role and show what value I can bring to your team for the long term."

Every employer knows that onboarding and training new team members is a costly venture. Your interviewer at Lonza needs to hear that you see their opportunity as a fit because it will help show that you will be a good investment and a long-term fit for their organization.

Discuss with the interviewer why you want to make a change and how this particular role at Lonza fits well with the changes you seek. Be sure to give a more in-depth answer than the typical "I am looking for growth" answer that many interviewers hear. Be thoughtful and draw upon the research you have done on both Lonza as an organization and the role you are interviewing for.

"I have attended multiple interviews as of late, and when I walked into the offices of Lonza today, it already felt like home. I believe my advancement goals will be respected here, and I can flourish in this position. Your willingness to mentor and encourage professional development is another factor that makes this role with Lonza right for me."

If you were hired today at Lonza, what would you accomplish first?

"When we spoke earlier about sales targets here at Lonza, you mentioned that most new sales professionals hit their KPIs after 120 days. If hired today, my goal would be to exceed my KPIs after the first 90 days. I plan to make a positive impact very quickly here at Lonza by learning the full line of products, my new customers, and my new sales colleagues."

When you start a new position with any organization, it is essential to set a goal to make a positive impact quickly after being hired. Your interviewer at Lonza poses this question to ensure that you have a vision for the challenges you will face from the start in the role and a plan for tackling them.

Tell the interviewer your impact goal should you be the successful candidate to join the team at Lonza. If possible, use the job description as your guide as you pick out the one or two accomplishments you want to achieve first in the role.

"If hired at Lonza today, I would first work on obtaining all of the industry certifications and training that Lonza needs me to complete for the job. That will enable me to work independently and gain traction in my new role."

Tell me a little about yourself and the kind of person we'd be hiring at Lonza.

"Thanks for asking! I'm a competitive person by nature, having played college baseball, and I always bring this same competitive spirit to the workplace. Outside my career, I'm raising a young family with my spouse, and we actively coach and mentor them."

Many interviewers will start with this question to help you settle down and be at ease for the remainder of your interview. As they ask this, your interviewer hopes to get to know you better to gauge your fit with their team and the culture at Lonza.

This question is a chance to talk about yourself to allow your interviewer to get some insight into who you are and the type of worker you'll be. Make sure that any hobbies or interests you talk about are in good taste. Present yourself as a match for the fun, vibrant, and hard-working environment at Lonza.

"If Lonza were to hire me, you'd be getting a motivated team player that is always willing to go the extra mile. I enjoy staying physically and mentally fit when I'm not on the job and do many different outdoor activities. I grew up in a family that raised show dogs and continue this today by breeding Golden Retrievers."

At Lonza, we take every step possible to be a leader in our industry. In your opinion, who are our competitors and what sets us apart from them?

"I researched Lonza Inc. and saw that you truly are an industry leader in manufacturing unique pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and nutrition products. From my research, I believe what sets you apart is your incredible customer service and dedication to safety. Also, your employee benefits package is one of the best in the industry. Competing against DuPont and Bristol-Myers Squibb is a tough game, but you are succeeding and have a mission I'd love to be a part of."

A passion for their business is important to the hiring team at Lonza Inc. In asking this question during your time with them, your interviewer wants to hear that you've done your homework on Lonza Inc. and know what sets them apart from their competition.

To successfully answer this question, it is vital to research Lonza Inc. before your interview. Learn who their competitors are and the strengths and weaknesses of those competitors. Discuss your findings with the interviewer, and speak highly of Lonza Inc. while answering this question.

"From my research, I understand that your biggest competitors are Tokuyama, Nissan Chemical, and DuPont. Your branding is what sets Lonza apart from its competitors. A good brand equals trust, and with your strong branding comes a great deal of public trust in your product."

How have you demonstrated an active commitment to diversity and inclusion in your most recent role?

"I have supported my current company's diversity and inclusion efforts in many ways. One significant example was when our company planned to mass-hire over 100 individuals in its technical department. I suggested we find and hire an independent diversity mentor to inspire us to look at our new talent attraction strategy without bias. Our company leaders agreed, and this choice resulted in a strong team that has brought our company greater strides in innovation than ever before. If hired, I will eagerly support your organization's diversity and inclusion efforts by rethinking policies, educating others through trustworthy resources, making mindful decisions, and encouraging more diverse hires."

As a proud equal opportunity employer, Lonza is committed to operating with the highest social responsibility and has a distinct diversity and inclusion task force outlining its efforts to become a diverse and inclusive employer. With this question, your interviewer would like to hear the tangible and measurable ways you demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Think about the efforts you have made in your current position. Perhaps you have worked to help educate your co-workers on equality. Maybe you have eagerly attended cultural training or diversity workshops or openly celebrate the strengths of those different from you. Discuss how you show an active commitment to diversity and inclusion at work while spotlighting your commitment to wholeheartedly support Lonza's efforts should you be hired.

"Over the past five years in my current position, working with a diverse client base has opened my eyes to the importance of inclusion and diversity in this line of work. I've learned that working closely with clients from all over the globe brings new ideas and new ways of thinking into my daily decisions. Here at Lonza, I'd look forward to supporting your diversity and inclusion efforts while continuing to grow in this area."

Tell me about any safety-related training you have received in the handling of chemicals and other toxic substances.

"I am certified in chemical safety and currently hold a valid WHMIS and OSHA certificate. I am confident in the training I have received and understand the importance of caution and safety while working around chemicals and potentially toxic substances here at Lonza."

Your interviewer wants to get a feel for any formal safety training you've had in their work environment. They ask this question because they may not be able to see all of the training you have based solely on your resume and application materials.

Give the interviewer a concise overview of your formal and on-the-job training in chemical safety and proper handling. You can be brief when answering this question, but be sure to give the interviewer confidence in your abilities. If you don't have any formal training at this point in your career, that is okay. Just be sure to let your interviewer know that you would come to Lonza Inc. with an open slate for being trained.

"As I am new to this industry, I have not taken any safety training related to chemicals. I love the thought of being trained in detail from my first day on the job here at Lonza and am ready for any challenges that come my way regarding chemical safety in this role here."

"During my studies, I have received extensive safety training, which is being refreshed at my current job on a yearly basis."

We are asking for eight years of industry experience, and you have just five. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

"Although I have five years of experience rather than eight, I am confident I can do this job well. In my previous role, I outperformed colleagues with 12 years of experience. To me, it's all about drive and the ability to be a quick study. I have all of these qualities and more that I would bring to the Lonza team."

To many employers, the number of years of experience they require can be flexible; this is true at Lonza. Your interviewer wants to hear you talk about why you feel you are qualified for the job you are interviewing for at Lonza, even if you don't meet their desired experiential requirements.

If asked this question during your interview with Lonza Inc., don't stress. Your interviewer was impressed enough by your resume to bring you in for an interview. As you answer, speak confidently about your major career successes. This question is the time to sell yourself, so make no apologies for your lack of years of direct experience!

"Along with my five years in this industry, I have worked near it throughout my career. I'm also confident that my graduate degree gives me a little boost in experience over the required undergraduate degree."

Do you have any direct experience in appropriate shipping and handling of chemicals and other potentially toxic products?

"I have experience shipping and handling chemicals by road transportation and air. I have been formally trained in Hazardous Material Transportation Act (HMTA) and have a spotless record regarding transportation safety."

Proper shipping and handling of chemicals are of utmost importance to the safety and success of the team at Lonza. Your interviewer wants to give you some time to speak about your experiences with shipping and handling chemicals throughout your career.

Talk to the interviewer about your direct experiences in the safe handling and transportation of chemicals. From simply looking at your resume, your interviewer likely has a good idea of any experience you may have here. So don't fear if you don't have direct experience. If that is the case, know that they like something about your work experience and discuss your understanding of the importance of safe handling in this role at Lonza.

"Because I am new to the chemicals industry, I do not have specific experience with the appropriate shipping and handling of chemicals. I am here to learn and will do so enthusiastically."

Lonza has seasons of peak times when the workload is high. How do you handle a larger than average workload?

"When I have a large workload, I do not stress over the tasks in front of me. Instead, I determine which tasks are a high priority and which are a lower priority. I complete the higher-priority tasks first. Through this system, I can focus on my tasks individually rather than stress out about the whole workload. Staying organized by keeping notes and utilizing my calendar helps greatly."

As the question states, there will likely be times when the workload is higher in this role at Lonza. Your interviewer needs to know that you can handle the workload required of you in this position and will not become overwhelmed if/when workloads unexpectedly increase.

When workloads increase, stress levels do too. Your interviewer is well aware of this fact. Before your interview with Lonza, consider how you react to these situations positively and come to your interview prepared to describe how you successfully navigate a challenging workload.

"When my workload has grown excessive in the past, I've found managing it is all about attitude. That starts with a positive mindset and not letting it get me down. I have confidence in my abilities. Communication is also vital, especially in a team-based environment where any individual's work depends on others. I rely on my ability to communicate workloads and deadlines with my colleagues."

If offered this position at Lonza, do you have any salary expectations?

"I earn a base salary of $78,000 with a great benefits package in my current role. As I've stated before, my motivation for a move to Lonza is based on the opportunity for growth and a desire to work for a great company. If fortunate enough to receive an offer here, I'd be hopeful that the offer would take my experience and education into consideration in your pay scale."

If you emerge as the top candidate for the job at Lonza, your interviewer will want to be sure that you would take an offer from them and seriously consider it. With this question, they ask if you have any salary expectations and hope you will answer honestly.

You should be transparent about your most recent earnings and be prepared to back up any salary requests. Your research into the job before your interview should give you a good indication of a salary range, so make sure not to price yourself out of a job. If you aren't motivated by salary, you can mention that to your interviewer now.

"I will consider the entire offer package here at Lonza, including salary, benefits, and vacation time, because they are all important to me and my family. I currently earn a yearly salary of $120,000 and would like to stay in that same ballpark to make a move."

At Lonza, what role would you be most comfortable taking in a team-based project?

"I am usually the 'ideas person' in team projects and group work. In my current position, I am not the most persuasive person, but I am highly creative. This skill means that, in most projects, I am great at creating a plan of action but am most comfortable passing the final client-facing tasks to our more extroverted personnel. I look forward to bringing these skills to your team while further developing my leadership skills."

Any successful team at Lonza requires leaders and workers to carry through on the project. With this question, your interviewer truly wants to understand the role you naturally take on in a team environment.

Before your interview with Lonza, consider what roles you thrive in as part of a team. If you tend to take the lead, you can let the interviewer know, but avoid sounding overbearing. If you usually like to generate new ideas and allow someone else to execute them, share your creative side but express that you prefer others to take the lead. Project your ability to lead and follow because the chances are high that you will take on both roles at Lonza.

"Having been at a managerial level for the last six years of my career, that is where I'm most comfortable. I pride myself on my ability to know the strengths and weaknesses of my team members and use that knowledge to distribute work. With that said, I would join Lonza with the ability to take direction from others in a team environment."

Lonza Interview Questions

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1. When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?
2. At Lonza, we put safety first when it comes to our employees and the handling of our products. How important is safety to you in your work?
3. Tell me about the most challenging aspect of your current job. How did you overcome it when you started in that role?
4. Talk about a time your teammates did not perform their share of the work on a team project. How did you react?
5. When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method in your work?
6. How would your current coworkers describe your attention to detail?
7. Tell me about a time you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.
8. When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?
9. Maintaining a sound budget is important here at Lonza. What was the greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?
10. What accomplishment during your career was the most difficult to achieve?
11. When have you faced an unexpected difficulty on the job, and how did you overcome it?
12. In our environment here at Lonza Inc., there is potential for dangerous spills and exposure to toxic chemicals. Are you willing to work in an industry that poses this type of risk?
13. At Lonza, we ask for active contribution from our employees. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.
14. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
15. At Lonza, we try to hire individuals dedicated to their own professional development. If you could take any related training or coursework, what would you choose?
16. What do you know about the workplace culture here at Lonza?
17. What decisions do you routinely make in your current position?
18. List the top three skills you acquired in your last role.
19. What do you think has been the biggest change in the pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing industry in the past 10 years?
20. We value a harmonious culture at Lonza. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
21. How would you define great customer service in this role at Lonza?
22. How do you define success in your work?
23. At Lonza, we try to hire people who want to stay with us long term. What are your long-term career plans, and how do we fit into your plans?
24. What work situations excite and motivate you?
25. Why is this job with Lonza right for you at this time in your career?
26. If you were hired today at Lonza, what would you accomplish first?
27. Tell me a little about yourself and the kind of person we'd be hiring at Lonza.
28. At Lonza, we take every step possible to be a leader in our industry. In your opinion, who are our competitors and what sets us apart from them?
29. How have you demonstrated an active commitment to diversity and inclusion in your most recent role?
30. Tell me about any safety-related training you have received in the handling of chemicals and other toxic substances.
31. We are asking for eight years of industry experience, and you have just five. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
32. Do you have any direct experience in appropriate shipping and handling of chemicals and other potentially toxic products?
33. Lonza has seasons of peak times when the workload is high. How do you handle a larger than average workload?
34. If offered this position at Lonza, do you have any salary expectations?
35. At Lonza, what role would you be most comfortable taking in a team-based project?

Lonza Interview Questions

1. When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?

2. At Lonza, we put safety first when it comes to our employees and the handling of our products. How important is safety to you in your work?

3. Tell me about the most challenging aspect of your current job. How did you overcome it when you started in that role?

4. Talk about a time your teammates did not perform their share of the work on a team project. How did you react?

5. When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method in your work?

6. How would your current coworkers describe your attention to detail?

7. Tell me about a time you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.

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

9. Maintaining a sound budget is important here at Lonza. What was the greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?

10. What accomplishment during your career was the most difficult to achieve?

11. When have you faced an unexpected difficulty on the job, and how did you overcome it?

12. In our environment here at Lonza Inc., there is potential for dangerous spills and exposure to toxic chemicals. Are you willing to work in an industry that poses this type of risk?

13. At Lonza, we ask for active contribution from our employees. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.

14. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

15. At Lonza, we try to hire individuals dedicated to their own professional development. If you could take any related training or coursework, what would you choose?

16. What do you know about the workplace culture here at Lonza?

17. What decisions do you routinely make in your current position?

18. List the top three skills you acquired in your last role.

19. What do you think has been the biggest change in the pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing industry in the past 10 years?

20. We value a harmonious culture at Lonza. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

21. How would you define great customer service in this role at Lonza?

22. How do you define success in your work?

23. At Lonza, we try to hire people who want to stay with us long term. What are your long-term career plans, and how do we fit into your plans?

24. What work situations excite and motivate you?

25. Why is this job with Lonza right for you at this time in your career?

26. If you were hired today at Lonza, what would you accomplish first?

27. Tell me a little about yourself and the kind of person we'd be hiring at Lonza.

28. At Lonza, we take every step possible to be a leader in our industry. In your opinion, who are our competitors and what sets us apart from them?

29. How have you demonstrated an active commitment to diversity and inclusion in your most recent role?

30. Tell me about any safety-related training you have received in the handling of chemicals and other toxic substances.

31. We are asking for eight years of industry experience, and you have just five. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

32. Do you have any direct experience in appropriate shipping and handling of chemicals and other potentially toxic products?

33. Lonza has seasons of peak times when the workload is high. How do you handle a larger than average workload?

34. If offered this position at Lonza, do you have any salary expectations?

35. At Lonza, what role would you be most comfortable taking in a team-based project?