Who would you say inspires you?
This will offer a glimpse into your personality, philosophy, and approach to life and your work. They'll examine the examples you offer.
"I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most inspired me has been my grandmother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked, and she loved everyone. She was well respected and always gave more than she received. I try to live like she did, as much as I can."
"My previous manager was a huge inspiration to me. Her passion for this industry was motivating and put the fire in me to climb the ladder in my career."
Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, an author - anyone! Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life and why. Be relatable and try to inspire conversation. How well you get along with your interviewer will also offer insights on how well you will get along with others on your team.
"My real hero is Debbie Harry. She symbolizes everything I want to be. No one can rock like her."
If you offer inspirations that are not innovators nor related to your field, this might raise more questions than answers. Don't always expect them to ask you to clarify, nor expect them to understand why they are inspirations for you. Elaborate on what qualities they possess that you are admired, and how those qualities relate to your work style and profession.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I am impressed by Dan Brotsky. He is an American skydiver who's the only survivor of a plane crash that killed his whole team. Dan nearly lost his life and was told that he would never be able to sport again. Dan didn't stop following his dream (to became a world champion in skydiving), and after a few years, he was able to return to the sport. Dan built a new team and since then, he has won the title of World Champion a few times and has become a world record holder, as well.
Rachelle's Feedback
Dan Brotsky sounds like an inspiration, indeed! Next, be sure to make a connection between this source of inspiration and your career aspirations.
Anonymous Answer
I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the people like Steve Jobs or Michel Obama, or Giannis Antetokounmpo greatly inspired me. The first began from zero and made a technological colossus. The second began from nothing and became the First Lady of the United States. The third began again from nothing and now is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very nice response! You have an excellent range of inspirations, which will show the interviewer that you are multi-faceted.
Anonymous Answer
My grandfather always inspired me, and his memory continues to. He would take me to work when I was a child, and I would play with his "toys." My favorite was a plastic brain that would come apart to demonstrate anatomy.
Marcie's Feedback
That's nice. Tell the interviewer more about your grandfather. Where did he work? What did he do? What was his personality like? How did he encourage you in this field? What do you plan to do with his inspiration? Talk about your dreams and passion for this industry.
Unlock all 40 Pfizer questions
Prepare for behavioral and technical questions specific to pharmaceutical industry leaders.
Get Started