PPD Mock Interview
Practice 35 PPD interview questions covering clinical research, drug development, and pharmaceutical operations.
Question 18 of 35
With regard to salary, PPD tries to be fair to all employees. However, salary is often commensurate with experience. What are your thoughts regarding someone working the same job as you being paid a higher rate due to experience level?
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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Most employers do offer higher salary incentives to get more seasoned employees. This is not meant to devalue a person's knowledge or experience but instead pay for more experience. It is important to note that the interviewer is not saying you will make less than someone with more experience, but it is possible. This question is often asked to see how you respond and how badly you want the position.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I understand that years of experience are often rewarded with higher earnings. I feel, given a chance to demonstrate my knowledge and skills, you will find that I am capable of doing the job as well as some of the more experienced employees. Having said that, I will not turn down an offer of employment because of a difference in pay based on my present lack of experience. With that in mind, what benefits are available for someone coming on board with your company with my resume?"
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"While I do not doubt that my education and skills are comparable to those of employees at PPD in the same position, I understand and appreciate the fact that PPD likes to acknowledge and reward employees for their years of experience. With that in mind, I am willing to accept a position at a lower beginning rate and prove myself as worthy for a higher rate later."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
If an employee is willing to put in the work and earn the pay increase, employers often see them as someone worth investing in. Now is an excellent time to focus on asking what the beginning salary is and discuss negotiable options such as benefits and paid time off.
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Anonymous Answer
I did a brief research on your rates. I believe that I am comfortable with the rates available for interns. As time goes on, I believe I will prove my worth and then come back to negotiating.
Marcie's Feedback
While it's great that, in general, you're comfortable with the salary amounts that the company offers, note that this question asks how you'd feel if someone worked the same job as you but was paid more because they had more experience. Make sure to indicate how you'd feel in this situation. Many interviewees respond that they are comfortable with this but then make sure to also talk about the experience, education, skills, and qualities that you would bring to the role.
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