If faced with a difficult situation on the job here at Pfizer, how will you react?
The hiring team needs to know that your reactions to problems reflect maturity and professionalism. The goal of your response is to show the decision-makers that the way you react in difficult situations is a fit for their team and Pfizer's values.
Because this question asks how you react (a general instance) rather than how you reacted (a specific instance), you can respond hypothetically. The Situation, Solution, Benefit formula is helpful in this case.
Step 1) Situation: Outline what a difficult situation means to you.
Step 2) Solution: Discuss the solution you would introduce when facing a difficult situation.
Step 3) Benefit: Explain how your approach to resolving a difficult situation will benefit you in the role you are being considered for at Pfizer.
Hiring managers at Pfizer will look for candidates who meet challenges and difficult decisions head-on rather than being intimidated by and running from them. You can show the decision-makers that you have the tenacity and excellent problem-solving abilities required for the job by discussing how you approach and overcome complex problems.
If you have a real-life example of a time you recently faced a difficult situation in the workplace, consider telling a brief story that highlights your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
The average HireVue interview takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. This one-way video interview typically includes three to five questions. Depending on the hiring company's parameters, the HireVue platform will generally give you 30 seconds to prepare a response and up to two minutes to answer each question. It's important to note that HireVue stops recording as soon as your time limit is up, so it's better to run under time than overtime.
"I understand that encountering difficult situations in the workplace is common at Pfizer, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Government regulations and compliance are so strict and constantly evolving, that the key to success is facing difficult situations and changes head-on. When a difficult situation arises, my first instinct is to take a step back and absorb what just happened. I then go into 'brainstorm' mode, jotting down potential ways to resolve the situation. I might use a pros and cons list to determine the best course of action for a fast and amicable resolution. If I am fortunate enough to join Pfizer, I will always maintain an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in every task I take on."
Unlock all 30 Pfizer questions
Master the digital interview format that Pfizer uses to screen candidates.
Get Started