30 Novo Nordisk Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Novo Nordisk, Inc. interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Talk about your career progression up to this point and why do you feel Novo Nordisk is the next best chapter in your career?
How to Answer
As you applied for a position at Novo Nordisk and your resume was reviewed, it only tells a partial story of your career progression, where you are today, and where you want to be in the future. In proposing this question, your interviewer is giving you time to highlight all of the milestones you've hit in your career progression and why you feel coming to Novo Nordisk will be the next best move for you. As you answer, walk your interviewer through your work history and discuss why each role has been critical in becoming who you are today. Then discuss your ambitions in the job you are being considered for. It's also important to note that the company values performance and personal development, so don't hesitate to dream big when you discuss why coming to Novo Nordisk is the right move for you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
Answer Example
"Thanks for giving you the chance to walk through my work history and how I got here today! When I graduated with my finance degree 12 years ago, I took a role in the medical field with a small hospital system on the East Coast as a financial analyst. In just a few short years, I worked my way up to a director of finance role with them. Those eight years with that system helped give me a very good base in overall healthcare finance and the ability to work through a couple of acquisitions and mergers. I left that opportunity for a great director-level role that I'm in today in pharmaceuticals and have continued my growth in strategic planning and working alongside the highest levels of the organization. I'm confident that my experience and knowledge will allow me to step into this role at Novo Nordisk from day one with great success."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
2. What has been the most creative or innovative project or task you have been a part of throughout your career or education?
How to Answer
One of Novo Nordisk's 10 essentials that guide their everyday actions is that they are curious and innovative for the benefit of patients and society at large. As they recruit new members to join their team, the company wants to ensure that they are hiring creative people who don't hesitate to think outside of the box. Before your interview, put some thought into the most innovative task or project you have been a part of and come to your interview prepared to discuss what you helped contribute to that innovative mindset. In the end, make sure your interviewer walks away from your time together knowing that you are willing to take calculated risks for the sake of advancement.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023
Answer Example
"As an experienced medical liaison, I feel very fortunate to have been a part of many innovative product rollouts over the course of my career. Early in my career, I was fortunate to be part of the rollout of a groundbreaking dermatologic drug that was in high need and would likely be in high demand. Knowing that supply would be limited at first, I was part of a team that was tasked with how we as a company would roll it out in our territory. Initially, my role was to work with product development teams on obtaining full specs and trial data of the drug to ensure we had the right information going out to HCPs. Where things got really creative was when we created the rollout plan. A colleague and I felt it was important to work with key clients and healthcare facilities in the region first, knowing that word would travel fast when positive patient outcomes were achieved. This was definitely against the grain from our normal approach of a product rollout, but one I was very proud to be a part of because of its overall success."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023
3. Do you have any final questions for us about the job or Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
As your interview draws to a close, your interviewer wants to be assured that you walk away with all of your questions about the company and the job itself answered. It's great to have questions prepared before your interview and have them available during your interview process. If any are left unanswered, feel free to ask any questions that are tactful and help you learn more about the opportunity. If you are struggling to think of questions and want to impress your interviewer, ask questions about the Novo Nordisk Way on their core values or how their teams across nine different countries work together effectively.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, thank you for asking! Everyone I've met here today has very clearly explained what my role will be in managing the operational aspects of the growth hormone disorders line of products here at Novo Nordisk. I remain confident in my ability to come aboard, get acclimated quickly, and take over with extreme effectiveness. Prior to applying here, I was enamored by the Noro Nordisk Way and your drive to ensure that openness, accountability, and respect are at the center of all that you do. I'd love to learn more about the external stakeholders I'd be working with in this role to help live these values every day. Can you elaborate more on those relationships?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023
4. Can you talk about where you are in your job search process?
How to Answer
If your interview is going well with Novo Nordisk, your interviewer will certainly try to gauge your job search process and they do so for a couple of reasons. First, they'll want to hear if you are actively applying or interviewing with other organizations. This will ensure that they work through post-interview processes quickly in hopes of getting an offer extended. They also want to get a feel for how committed you are to Novo Nordisk's mission of driving change to defeat many debilitating diseases. Be open and honest as you answer this question, without divulging too many details on who else you are considering a position with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023
Answer Example
"My wife has taken a job in New Jersey and we will moving to Trenton in a couple of months. I've applied for a few roles that I feel would be a great fit for me, and Novo Nordisk was the first to contact me. I'm very excited about this opportunity and wouldn't hesitate at the chance to join if I'm fortunate enough to receive an offer."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023
5. If Novo Nordisk offered you this role, would you have any minimum salary requirements to accept the job?
How to Answer
Before your interview, this is a question that you hopefully put some thought into to make a career move to Novo Nordisk. As you found out when you applied, they do not list salary ranges on their career site. So your research on the position you are being considered for may be vital. You want to be honest with your interviewer and the best way to typically do this is by using your current salary. You also want to be careful not to price yourself out of contention with a salary that is simply out of their pay range for the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
Answer Example
"First, I want you to know that considering this position at Novo Nordisk is not based on compensation. In my current role in clinical development, I am at an annual salary of $104,000 per year. If offered this role, I would love for my education and years of experience to be taken into consideration when falling into the pay scale."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023
6. In your current job search, what are you ideally looking for in an employer?
How to Answer
Throughout your interview, a majority of questions will be directed at the knowledge and skills you will bring to the actual job. But equally important to Novo Nordisk is that you see their workplace culture as a great long-term fit for yourself, so your interviewer poses this question to you. Speak from the heart on what your ideal employer looks like while focusing on the fact that Novo Nordisk is making a valiant effort to ensure that they are a purpose-driven workplace for their staff.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
Answer Example
"When I heard about this amazing opportunity, I wasn't actively looking. Meeting and talking with your reps, they are always glowing about the collegial work atmosphere and the amazing benefits package. As I researched this opportunity further, what really caught my eye is how Novo Nordisk has made so many efforts to give back to the communities you represent around the world and I find this a mission that I would be proud to be a part of."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
7. From what you have learned today, what do you think success looks like for the person to join this role with Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
The rich history of Novo Nordisk over the last 100 years and the innovations they've brought to modern medicine are due in large part to the teams that drive their business forward each day. Concerning its 10 Essentials for living its core values, the company looks to set ambitious goals and empowers its people to achieve them. You want to show your interviewer your ambition and your understanding of the role you are being considered for as you answer this question. Make sure to think big as you describe what both initial and long-term success would look like if you emerged as the top candidate for the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
Answer Example
"I know that you are looking for someone to step in and continue to help drive quality and costs in this role. My initial goals upon hire would be to learn the entire supplier and contractor list and give it a very thorough review. I'm confident that my experience in this area would bode well. From there, it's all about continued success with the RFQ process in sourcing new and more cost-efficient materials and suppliers, something I will always keep an ear to the ground for here at Novo Nordisk."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
8. What does working with a high degree of integrity mean to you?
How to Answer
Novo Nordisk's Business Ethics Code of Conduct clearly outlines the company's approach to ensuring they bring integrity in all that they do as one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world. To them, integrity is defined as being honest, trusting, transparent, and accurate in all that they do. Make sure to familiarize yourself with their code of conduct on their website before your interview and walk your interviewer through how you will help make it a reality in the work that you will be doing there.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
Answer Example
"Integrity in my work really comes down to doing what is right for the company, for my teammates, and for the patients that will ultimately be impacted down the road. Working in the field for Novo Nordisk, integrity would come down to being honest with all providers I would working with, following through on my promises, and delivering high-quality service at all times. With this amazing team, it would be holding myself accountable for my actions and doing my part to help uplift other teammates when they need it."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
9. Talk about your ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.
How to Answer
In a field role with Novo Nordisk, you could be working closely with a large territory of healthcare providers that have competing demands. In a development-based position, you would be working on multiple projects at one time. In a support role, juggling many duties will be part of your day-to-day life. No matter what position you are being considered for there, your interviewer needs to be assured that you come with the ability to handle a large workload and prioritize your work in the best way possible. Discuss the tools and resources you use to ensure your work will always be handled in the best way possible so that nothing falls through the cracks along the way.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
Answer Example
"Throughout my career, handling many day-to-day tasks efficiently has been something that I've learned to get better at because of my career development. Managing a large warehousing operation takes many skills, including inventory management, product labeling, product ordering, equipment maintenance, and freight unloading. I would come to Novo Nordisk with the ability to stay organized in all of these tasks by being a great communicator and with the ability to delegate work as needed to ensure that no downtime occurs in production."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
10. Sometimes issues that you will handle in this role at Novo Nordisk will require you to act swiftly. Talk about a time you've had to do this in the past?
How to Answer
If thinking quickly on your feet and coming up with solid solutions to problems will be part of the work you will be doing at Novo Nordisk, your interviewer will want to ensure that you will come to your team with this ability. A great way to find that out is by having you give an example from your past where you had to be time-sensitive in your decision-making. Before your interview, take some time to think about a time when had to solve a problem on the job in short order and walk through your thought process and actions that led to a great result. Keeping Novo Nordisk's core values in mind, make sure to stress that quality wasn't compromised in your quick actions.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
Answer Example
"The work in this role with HCPs will involve providers that are conducting clinical trials and it will be very important that issues like product supply and patient recruitment. I want you to feel confident in my ability to be a quick and effective problem solver as part of the Novo Nordisk team. In my current role, I similarly liaise with physicians and advanced practice providers and I have to have the ability to prioritize the calls and emails that come my way with requests. Just a few weeks ago, I had a key physician contact me who needed more medication for a trial they were participating in. Knowing that my next day was filled with a few meetings, I worked quickly to reschedule those meetings for the following week so I could spend the day traveling to my home office, obtaining supplies, and driving them to the physician's office myself. She was very pleased with my service and the trial didn't face any hiccups."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
11. When you face the inevitable problem in this role at Novo Nordisk, what would be your process for tackling it?
How to Answer
Novo Nordisk's innovative culture and ambition to continue to change the game in the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and other debilitating diseases leads to difficult challenges along the way. It will be important for your interviewer to know that you you don't back away from challenges and issues in your work, but rather face them head-on with a plan for success. One great tactic to answer a question like this is to discuss a specific time when your problem-solving skills helped provide a great result. As you do this, paint a clear picture of what the situation was and the steps you took to solve the issue. As you answer, remember that Novo Nordisk values agility and simplicity, while never compromising on quality or ethics.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"My approach in solving problems in my work has always been to prioritize issues involving customers first, getting to work quickly to ensure that they are satisfied as soon as possible. As part of the Novo Nordisk team, managing the day-to-day problems and the bigger ones that arise will center around communication with my team so no stone is left unturned. I'm also a firm believer that finding out what causes an issue is important, so future prevention can be achieved."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 16th, 2023
12. Knowing more details about this role at Novo Nordisk, what do you feel are your biggest strengths you would bring to it?
How to Answer
During the actual interview process with Novo Nordisk, you will likely be meeting with more members of the team you will be joining and talk in more detail about the job with the hiring manager. At some point during your time with them, they will give you one last opportunity like this to give your final sales pitch on why you are the best candidate to join their team. Knowing that this will be an answer where you will have to think on your feet based on the information you receive during your interview, be sure you pull from your prior experiences and knowledge and use your perceived strengths to show that you will be able to seamlessly join the Novo Nordisk team with success. Also, any specific strengths you have that will help you live their 10 essential values would be great to mention.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"First, I greatly appreciate the time I got to spend today with the other research professionals that I will be closely collaborating with. It sounds like a vital function of this position will be developing and utilizing in vivo models to evaluate the efficacy of new drug developments and I'm confident that my experience in this realm over the last nine years would prove very beneficial to your team and the success of Novo Nordisk. I've worked in a lab with mice, dogs, and non-human primates over that time and the experience and things I learned were so beneficial. I'd also have to say that another strength will be my teamwork skills and communication skills. Most lab-based scientists get a bad rap for not being extroverted and people-friendly, but I can assure you that my personality is infectious to any person I work closely with and I certainly can communicate and work effectively with many different work styles."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 15th, 2023
13. Who has been your biggest inspiration in your life and what have they taught you that can help positively impact the Novo Nordisk team?
How to Answer
Novo Nordisk finds inspiration in the people going through life with chronic diseases, and they call them The Greats. Every day people suffering from some of the worst medical conditions is why Novo Nordisk has spent over 100 years developing and perfecting treatments. The company wants to hire inspired and passionate people to join their team, so your interviewer wants to hear you discuss who has been your biggest inspiration. As you answer, it's important to know that your interviewer will be specifically looking to hear what values this person helped instill in you and how those values will help benefit the work you will be doing in the position you are being considered for.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I can honestly say that my father has always been the biggest inspiration to me, both in my personal life and my professional life. He was a family physician in my small hometown and raised me and my siblings to have a solid set of values that I bring with me to this day. Most importantly, he instilled a belief that all people are created equal and that the golden rule is really the most important in life. Being a good human was important to him and something our whole family continues to value moving forward. He also taught us the importance of hard work, and how setting ambitious goals and achieving them was always the goal. I know that these are values that Novo Nordisk strives to achieve and values I'd be happy to bring to work here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 15th, 2023
14. What are your ultimate career goals upon joining Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
Finding a great long-term fit and dedicated employee is very important to Novo Nordisk, especially given the time and resources dedicated to hiring, onboarding, and training any new team member. With this question, they are looking to hear what your career goals are in hopes that those goals match with what the company can offer in the future. First and foremost, you want to be honest as you answer this question, and it's hopefully something that you put some thought into before even applying. Knowing that Novo Nordisk has many career pathways for staff members and that the company prioritizes the development of its staff, the opportunities are endless for you to consider as you answer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
Answer Example
"As someone who is entering the back nine of their career, I'm looking for my next move to be my last move and find a company that meets my personal values and that I can retire from sometime down the road. As I looked into new opportunities and spoke to many people in the industry, it became very clear that Novo Nordisk is a company that cares about its staff, its customers, and the world that they serve. I feel like I've worked my entire career for this role at Novo Nordisk and see myself thriving in it over the next 15 or so years."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 15th, 2023
15. How did your career path lead you into the pharmaceutical field?
How to Answer
In their drive to defeat diabetes and other chronic illnesses that plague the world, Novo Nordisk needs passionate and dedicated team members to help live their mission every day. To gain some insight into these qualities within you, your interviewer wants to hear you elaborate on your motivations to pursue your given career path. Come prepared to speak from the heart about why you chose your path and how your dedication will help you further the science at Novo Nordisk.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 10th, 2023
Answer Example
"I like to think that my work in the field chose me, rather than me choosing it. Growing up, I always had a deep interest in biology, chemistry, and other sciences, while excelling in them as well. I obtained my bachelor's degree in biology and was accepted into a great neuroscience master's degree program. From day one of that program, I knew my passion was in research science in drug development to help positively impact the lives of people. Novo Nordisk is doing such amazing things for the treatment and potential cure of diabetes and your team is one that I would be so proud to be a part of."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 10th, 2023
16. Talk about a job you've had where a keen attention to detail was necessary. Why do you think this skill is important at Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
When it comes to the research, development, production, marketing, and sales of their products, Novo Nordisk remains committed to the fact that quality is job one. The organization has a very dedicated quality department that helps ensure regular audits are passed and ISO9001 certification remains intact. No matter what job you are being considered for there, quality comes down to paying attention to the fine details on the job and not overlooking them. Talk about some job duties you've held in the past where going over things with a fine-tooth comb was something you were proud to do. Also, don't hesitate to mention what you think the fine details will be in the role you are being considered for.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, my experience in facilities management has ranged across many different industries and has shown me growing from an entry-level technician to managing a team of 12 employees at a large manufacturer. In all of my roles, ensuring that the smallest details were looked at and considered when troubleshooting things like HVAC issues was vital in producing a great end result. In my current position, I am required to make daily checks and recordings of a lot of systems. No matter how full my inbox gets or how many meetings I have scheduled, these simple daily tasks are always a high priority because I know that one missed item can lead to production downtime, lost revenue, and upset customers. I would look forward to bringing this same detail-oriented mindset to work at Novo Nordisk."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
17. If you were to join this team at Novo Nordisk, how would you go about building trusting and respectful relationships with your new colleagues?
How to Answer
Knowing that you would come to their team as someone who can build and foster great relationships with the people you will be working with closely will be important to your interviewer. You'll want to display your ability to be a great communicator and an excellent listener and that you can empower and encourage others through your positivity. Equally important in answering this question is discussing your ability to help live Novo Nordisk's essential values in your ability to be held accountable, your engaging and inclusive work style, and your ability to be flexible in collaborating with others.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
Answer Example
"I think this is so vital, especially in a role like this at Novo Nordisk where I'll be collaborating with medical specialists, trial managers, and data specialists. I know I'll be expected to be a liaison between all three teams. If I were to join in this role, my first step in helping to develop solid relationships with these new colleagues would include an open office door at all times and coordinating initial 'get to know you meetings.' From there, trust is really developed in my communications and my word. I am a person that follows through on commitments, communicates if I'm unsure of something or know something won't be delivered on time and always listens to my colleagues' thoughts and input."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
18. What do you consider to be your biggest work-related accomplishment up to this point?
How to Answer
Novo Nordisk has a list of 10 essentials that their teams and staff live by to help live their values of openness, accountability, and respect. One of these essentials is setting ambitious goals and the company empowers individuals and teams to achieve those goals. In hopes of hearing that you would join their team with this high level of ambition, your interviewer gives you time here to discuss what you feel has been your biggest accomplishment throughout your career (or your education if you are a recent graduate). As you answer, make sure to focus on why the work you did was important and the dedication you put into achieving it.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
Answer Example
"Having been part of some dynamic teams that have accomplished some major goals and tasks, I'd have to say that landing one of the largest healthcare systems in the country as a new client a few years ago in my current role takes the cake for me. What makes this such a huge accomplishment in my mind is all of the people who were involved in the process and the teamwork that was involved. While I was the initial face to the key players there, involving communications with our research and development, supply chain, and marketing teams was vital in our products being brought into use and they are now our top customer."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
19. Where do you feel Novo Nordisk is doing our most important work and why?
How to Answer
First and foremost, this question is all about passion and your research on Novo Nordisk, so there is no wrong answer here as long as you display your heart as you speak. The company is helping to develop and bring to market drugs that help patients suffering from diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and many others. Do your research on all of the great things that Novo Nordisk is doing and as you answer, don't hesitate to use a personal story or situation that shows why you feel this is the most important thing they are bringing to patients around the world.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
Answer Example
"To me, this answer is simple and it is the work Novo Nordisk is undertaking to tackle obesity from a holistic approach. Most of the general public doesn't realize that there is a whole lot more to obesity than caloric intake and is influenced by so much more. I think the media and other outlets have helped influence this and more companies need to look at the science behind obesity and help people to take control of their lives and their health."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 14th, 2023
20. Is it an ethical conflict for you to work for an organization that conducts animal testing?
How to Answer
In the world of pharmaceutical development and becoming approved for clinical trials on humans, research involving animals remains critical in bringing game-changing drugs to real patients. Novo Nordisk has a very thorough animal ethics policy and it would be good for you to read through it on their website prior to your interview. Be ready to discuss the fact that you understand why animal testing is important and that you respect things like their animal welfare standards and their commitment to developing new technologies to replace the use of animal testing. If you will be in a role that is directly involved in animal testing, make sure to highlight how you will be up to Novo Nordisk's standards.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
Answer Example
"No, it would not be any ethical conflict for me because I have seen firsthand how testing on non-human primates and other animals can help bring life-saving treatments to people around the world who are suffering from terrible conditions. It is important to me to represent an organization that has set standards and protocols in place when it comes to their use of animal testing and it's obvious that Novo Nordisk has just that. I think a lot of places overlook the housing and socialization aspects for animals and really respect the fact that this is high on your priority list."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
21. If you could go back and choose any other area or discipline to study further, which area would you focus on?
How to Answer
During your interview with Novo Nordisk, your interviewer may ask some questions to get to know you and your interests a bit better. In posing this question, they dig a bit deeper to try and find out both some of your personal and career interests by having you talk about another field of study you may have chosen. Feel free to speak openly about some of the personal and/or professional interests you have that would be fun to consider. Knowing that Novo Nordisk values a patient-centered approach, setting ambitious goals, and having a focus on innovation for the benefit of society as a whole, try to match your hidden ambitions with those values to impress your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
Answer Example
"This is certainly a fun question and honestly not one I've put a lot of thought into because I've truly enjoyed the competition, liveliness, and fulfillment a career in medical sales has brought. From what I know now, it would have been very interesting to study in the lab setting, delving further into chemistry and biology to have a career in the drug development stages. I have such respect for those teams that I've collaborated with in the past and would continue to do so as part of the Novo Nordisk team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
22. What do you feel has been the biggest advancement in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years? Do you think it has impacted the work at Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
The pharmaceutical field has been constantly innovating and changing since morphine was first developed in the early 1800s. Novo Nordisk has been at the forefront of many innovations in the industry as well, from becoming one of the first mass producers of insulin for diabetes in the 1920s to developing the first insulin using genetically engineered yeast cells. It will be important for your interviewer to know that you have a deep passion for overall innovation in the industry. If you need to before your interview, be sure to research some of the biggest advancements in the field in the modern years and come to your interview prepared to speak passionately about what you feel has been the biggest. There is no right or wrong answer here as long as you speak from the heart.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a professional who has dedicated their career to advancing data management and the maintenance of information, it is no secret that advanced analytics in the field has helped companies create more personalized medicines by studying and learning genomic data. I know Novo Nordisk is committed to furthering their data analytics and I'm excited to learn more about how you are using information to further drug developments in the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
23. Have you considered furthering your education in your field if you were to come aboard here at Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
Novo Nordisk is committed to developing their employees and they actively encourage staff to think about continuing their education to help them develop their skills, talents, and careers. The company values the unique skills and perspectives its team members bring to work every day and wants to do all that is possible to help their people grow. This is a great question to think about before your interview and come prepared to give an open and honest answer. If you are younger in your career and have higher career aspirations, make sure they fit in with where Novo Nordisk is going in the future, and come prepared to discuss your desire to pursue further education. If you are perfectly pleased with where you are at in your career and the team you are interviewing to join, make sure to leave the door open for continuing education requirements that may be required of the candidate hired.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I have considered pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmaceutical science or immunology and just haven't taken that extra step to this point. I have fine-tuned my skills in research and development over the last ten years of my career and am confident I can succeed here at Novo Nordisk right now. But I would always be open to considering and pursuing an advanced degree if I were to join your team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
24. Here at Novo Nordisk, we have many different work units and product lines. Are there any in particular that intrigue you?
How to Answer
Working for Novo Nordisk, Inc. could open a variety of career options for you, especially because the company is spread across many product lines all over the world. Your interviewer asks this question in hopes of getting at your long-term career goals and interests, in hopes to hear that you see this move as the last in your career. Before your interview, put some serious thought into the disease areas they focus their attention on, ranging from diabetes drugs to medicines that help diseases like hemophilia, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Come to your interview prepared to talk about any that you find interesting to work in further throughout your career.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
Answer Example
"As an entry-level research scientist who has been in the field for three years, Novo Nordisk is so intriguing to me because of all of the focused options I could potentially have throughout my career. Your innovation in RNAi development and research is so amazing and would be an honor to be a part of it. On top of this, my family has been personally impacted by Alzheimer's disease and I'd love to learn more and possibly be part of what Novo Nordisk is doing in helping to create new therapies for the disease."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
25. Take some time to walk me through your formal education. How has it prepared you for success at Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
As you likely noticed when you formally applied to Novo Nordisk, the company does a very good job of outlining the qualifications and education they prefer in the candidate they hire. While your interviewer has a great idea of your educational background from your resume, they want to give you time to discuss how you feel your education has prepared you to step in and take control from day one on the job. As you discuss your educational history and the areas you studied and learned, make sure to highlight key job duties you will be undertaking that will benefit from that education. To top your answer off, try to further discuss how your background will help you live Novo Nordisk's purpose of driving change in defeating diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
Answer Example
"Ten years ago, I obtained my bachelor's degree in biology and started my career in lab research at that time. Four years ago, I decided to go back to school for my MBA with a project management concentration from Penn State University. At that time, I wanted to pursue leadership positions in project management involving the development and bringing to market new and innovative drugs. Some of the classes from my MBA program that I feel would be very helpful in this role at Novo Nordisk would be my Project Management course, the Cost and Value Management course, and the Corporate Strategy course. During my time in this program, I learned tactics and techniques for the overall management of projects, how to control costs, and ensure that projects meet overall business goals. I know that this role will have many administrative tasks that I will be able to jump into from day one. Additionally, helping to drive innovation at Novo Nordisk was something I can say was always instilled in me by my education."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 13th, 2023
26. What do you like to do to stay educated and informed in your line of work and how will this help benefit you as part of the Novo Nordisk team?
How to Answer
Novo Nordisk is passionate about career development for their staff and puts a lot of time, effort, and resources into ensuring their staff are well educated in their field. It will also be important for your interviewer to understand that you go the extra mile in staying informed in your field. Come to your interview prepared to discuss any professional associations you belong to, the journals/publications you read, and any groups of professionals that you network with. Make sure to talk about a time or two that your involvement in these groups benefitted your work and how they will help you at Novo Nordisk.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 11th, 2023
Answer Example
"I'm a very active member of the AAPS, where I subscribe to their journal. I love to read articles on new drug designs and translational research that is happening in the field. Whenever possible, I love to attend the PharmSci 260 National Convention and have over the last several years. It's always great to be able to network with other professionals and see groundbreaking presentations by leaders in the field. At this year's event, I attended many of the bioanalytics sessions and a session on accelerating the drug development process."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 11th, 2023
27. Do you foresee any major changes in the pharmaceutical industry that Novo Nordisk will have to adapt to in the near future?
How to Answer
In its 100-year history, beginning with the first commercialized production of insulin in Europe, Novo Nordisk has had to adapt to many changes and innovations in the pharmaceutical industry to become the major player they are today. Knowing that this will continue in the future, your interviewer wants to be assured that any candidate they hire has the pulse of the industry as it pertains to the work they will be doing. If you need to do so before your interview, be sure to do some research on projected changes that may impact the work you'll be performing at Novo Nordisk in the coming years. Speak knowledgeably and passionately as you answer this question while giving hope that you'll be able to help tackle the changes you discuss.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 11th, 2023
Answer Example
"One thing I've been paying particular attention to is the use of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical sales and it's certainly exciting to think about the possibilities that are out there as technology advances. What's most exciting to me is the potential ability to have a much more focused insight into customers and their patients. This can help lead to more fruitful conversations with prospective clients in the form of physicians and pharmacists. Are you able to talk a bit more about how Novo Nordisk is using AI in pursuit of more sales?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 11th, 2023
28. How do you feel your work experience has prepared you for success in this role at Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
While your interviewer has a good feel for the experience you will bring to Novo Nordisk by looking at your resume and application materials, they want to allow you to expand on your work experiences and knowledge during your time together. Your key in answering this question is highlighting how you will be able to jump in and tackle the major duties of the job from day one. Make sure you reread the job description in the days leading up to your interview to ensure you know it well. To take your answer to the next level, try to sell your ability to help live Novo Nordisk's mission of helping to defeat chronic diseases like diabetes, growth hormone disorders, and obesity.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 11th, 2023
Answer Example
"Over the last six years, I have dedicated my work to data analyses in the healthcare arena and have sourced data from many different places. In coming to the Novo Nordisk team, you'll be glad to know that I'm very familiar with longitudinal prescription data found in IQVIA as I've been working on several projects in the last few years from this system and know this will be vital in this role. I also have a vast amount of experience in techniques in SQL and Python and would require very little training on them if I were fortunate enough to be offered this position."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 11th, 2023
29. We are considering a very talented candidate pool for this position. What are your top two qualities that make you the best hire for Novo Nordisk?
How to Answer
With more than 59,000 employees around the globe, Novo Nordisk often sees the best of the best candidates apply to join their team. This often leads to a difficult hiring decision for any hiring manager there. You can be confident that your interviewer is impressed with your education and experience if you've made the interview stage of the process. What they're trying to do here is give you the chance to separate yourself from your competition for the role. Prior to your interview, try to think of the top two things that make you the most qualified and unique candidate for the job. If possible, try to make your answer both unique and memorable following the entire interview process.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 10th, 2023
Answer Example
"First and foremost, I'm confident that my hands-on experience with small interfering RNA therapies makes me an excellent candidate to join the Novo Nordisk team. Over the past four years, I have been deeply involved with these therapies and research in both cancer and renal treatments. It sounds like this will be an important task in this role. Second, I would come to Novo Nordisk as the ultimate team player. I will be working in this role with various research and development teams and my ability to present progress to all key stakeholders and collaborate with all personality types will make me a high-functioning member of your team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 11th, 2023
30. How will you help embrace Novo Nordisk's drive to increase our diversity and inclusion in this role?
How to Answer
Novo Nordisk has a very well-defined diversity and inclusion policy and it would be a great idea to review it before your interview. As you do, you'll quickly see that the company firmly believes that they will be their best and unlock their full potential in an environment where everyone can bring their whole self to work. Think about ways that you embrace working with those who have a different cultural background than you and discuss some times you did this with ease. As you answer, it's important to keep in mind that Novo Nordisk has mindful goals of gender equality in the workplace as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023
Answer Example
"Throughout my career in research, I've had such amazing opportunities to work alongside and collaborate with colleagues from all over the world. What I've found most remarkable is when a large and diverse team can come together with unique perspectives and ideas, and then come out with a great outcome. This is something that my current team is doing each day and it's awesome to be a part of. It is very important to me to find this same environment and it's great to hear about and read about Novo Nordisk's commitment to diversity and inclusion."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 18th, 2023