1. Tell me about yourself.

When answering this common question in a pharmaceutical industry interview, aim for a brief, focused answer that highlights your relevant scientific background and qualifications.

It is important to convey your genuine excitement for the industry and the opportunity in question while also aligning your answer with the job description and highlighting the specific skills that make you a good fit for the role.  

2. Why do you want this particular role?

When answering this question, don’t just list off all the benefits that have drawn you in from the job description. Instead, talk about what you can bring to the team and how your skills, values, knowledge and experience are compatible with the role.

For the pharmaceutical industry, it is important that you convey your passion for public health and safety and your commitment to product quality and safety – these qualities should stand you in good stead to excel in pharma.

3. What do you know about this pharmaceutical company?

This question is important as it reveals your understanding of the company and its products while also testing your research and role preparation skills. By showing that you have a good understanding of the company, you will not only highlight your motivation and enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate that you can communicate with clarity.

Ideally, you should at least know some members of the management team, the company’s key product names, and some of the recent challenges they have faced.

4. Name some of the safety systems used in a manufacturing plant.

Questions like this are used to test your understanding of pharmaceutical industry procedures and processes. You should name as many safety systems as possible including fire extinguishers, safety showers and eye washers.

5. What is the proper gowning technique for a Grade A cleanroom?

This is another question that aims to scrutinise your understanding of key pharmaceutical processes; however, your response will also reveal key information about your level of attention to detail, your knowledge of industry health and safety requirements, and your ability to describe a complex procedure clearly and in detail.

Try to keep these factors in mind when answering this and similar questions.

6. What are some of the potential defects in this type of product?

This question aims to test your understanding of common issues that arise in the pharmaceutical industry. As an example, possible defects in compressed tablets (oral dose) could include weight variation, oil spots, rough surfaces, chipping and incorrect descriptions.

7. What is the most challenging aspect of working in the pharmaceutical Industry?

In your response for this question, it is crucial that you show discretion when discussing sensitive topics, particularly if you are under any kind of confidentiality agreement in your current role. Honouring your agreements is a good sign to employers that you will do the same for them.

However, you shouldn’t be too reluctant to talk about the challenges you personally have faced as this can signal a lack of integrity. Try to discuss issues candidly while respecting the confidentiality of your previous employer(s).

8. Describe a time when you used your initiative to overcome a challenge at work.

When answering competency-based questions like this one, we recommend using the ‘STAR’ approach to make sure you give a structured and well-rounded answer. Start by outlining the Situation you were in and the Task or challenge you were faced with, then describe the Actions you took and the Results of those actions.

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Anything you say in response to this question should be achievable within the role for which you’re interviewing – you don’t want to insinuate that you’re only using this particular job as a stepping stone onto something bigger and better.

Equally, you should avoid giving a vague answer like ‘still working here!’ as this suggests a like of drive. Instead, try to discuss the results you want to achieve and the direction you’re hoping your career will take.

10. What questions do you have about our company and/or this role?

Perhaps the most important interview question of all, this is your last opportunity to showcase your research, demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and learn more about the position. Some good closing questions include:

• What will the induction process involve?
  
  
• What would success look like in the first 3 months of this job?
  
  
• How would you describe your organisation's culture?
  
  
• How is your organisation addressing challenges in this field?