20 Genentech Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at Genentech, a leading biotechnology company, you’ll need to know how to answer some specific interview questions.

From questions about your experience with particular software to inquiries about your problem-solving skills, Genentech interviewers will want to know if you have what it takes to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of some common Genentech interview questions, along with sample answers. So study up, and you’ll be one step closer to getting the job you want.

Genentech Interview Process

The interview process at Genentech is extensive and thorough. It typically starts with an initial phone interview with HR, followed by panel interviews, and then a final interview with several people in San Francisco. Usually, candidates are also required to present during the final interview.

Overall, reviewers found the interview process to be difficult, but noted that the company is very clear about what they are looking for in candidates. There was also some feedback that the interviewers were not always enthusiastic about the company, which made it hard for candidates to get a sense of what the role would entail.

1. What are your career goals?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you are motivated and have goals for your career. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention two or three things you would like to achieve in your career.

Example: “My first goal is to become an expert on biotechnology. I am currently enrolled in a master’s program at UC Berkeley where I study genetic engineering. My second goal is to work for a company that values innovation and creativity. Genentech seems like a perfect fit because of its reputation as one of the top biotechnology companies.”

2. Why do you want to work at Genentech?

This question is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of Genentech that you admire or are excited about.

Example: “I want to work at Genentech because I am passionate about biotechnology and medicine. I have always been interested in how science and technology can help people live healthier lives. In my last job as a lab technician, I worked with many different types of bacteria and learned more about genetic engineering. This inspired me to pursue a career in biotech. I think working here would allow me to continue learning and growing in my field.”

3. How would your past experiences help you in this role?

This question can help the interviewer understand how your past experiences have helped you develop skills that are relevant to this role. Use examples from your experience that show you have the ability to work in a team, communicate effectively and solve problems.

Example: “In my previous position as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, I learned how to interact with customers and provide them with information about our products. This skill has been useful in my current job where I am responsible for communicating with patients and their families about Genentech’s medicines.”

4. Tell me about a time that you had to handle an urgent situation, how did you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation that you faced and how you overcame the challenge.

Example: “In my previous role as a pharmaceutical sales representative, I had a client who was experiencing some side effects from their medication. They were very concerned about these side effects and wanted to know if there was anything we could do to help them. I spoke with my manager about the situation and they suggested I speak with the doctor in charge of the patient’s treatment plan.

I called the doctor and explained the situation to them. The doctor told me that she would look into the matter and get back to me within 24 hours. She did just that, and informed me that the side effect was normal for the medication but that she would adjust the dosage to reduce the severity of the side effect.”

5. Describe a group project you worked on and what your contribution was.

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you helped the group come up with ideas or solve problems.

Example: “In my last job as an administrative assistant, I was part of a team that worked on creating a new filing system for our department. We had to decide what type of filing system we wanted to use, create a budget for supplies and equipment and then implement the system in our department.”

6. Do you have any experience in the biotech industry?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a basic understanding of what it’s like to work in this industry. If you don’t have any experience, you can talk about your interest in the field and how you would apply your skills to succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in science and medicine, so I decided to pursue a degree in biology. During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a research assistant at a local hospital where I learned valuable skills for working in the biotech industry. My job was to test patients’ blood samples for various diseases, which helped me develop my attention to detail and ability to work independently.”

7. Can you tell us about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?

Genentech is looking for candidates who can lead a team and solve problems. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your leadership skills and how they helped you achieve success in the past.

Example: “In my last position as an account manager, I had to manage several different projects at once. One of these projects was having trouble with their marketing campaign because we didn’t have enough budget to create new content. Instead of giving up on the project, I met with the client and discussed other ways we could use our existing resources to create more engaging content. We were able to come up with some creative solutions that saved us money and allowed us to complete the project.”

8. Are you more comfortable working alone or as part of a team?

Genentech is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. Your answer to this question should show the interviewer you are willing to work with others to achieve goals.

Example: “I am definitely more comfortable working as part of a team than alone. I find it much easier to bounce ideas off other people, which helps me come up with solutions faster. However, I also know when to step back and let my teammates take over if they have better ideas or suggestions.”

9. Provide an example of a time where you excelled in a fast-paced environment.

Employers ask this question to see if you are capable of working in a fast-paced environment. They want to know that you can handle the stress and pressure of working for a company like Genentech, which is known for its high expectations. In your answer, explain how you thrive under pressure and give an example of a time when you excelled in a fast-paced environment.

Example: “I have worked in a fast-paced environment before, and I am used to it. At my last job, we had to work quickly because our clients were expecting us to deliver projects on time. We also had to meet deadlines set by management. I was able to excel in this type of environment because I am highly organized and efficient at what I do. I always make sure to prioritize tasks so that I can get them done as efficiently as possible.”

10. What is a recent research article that you read relating to biotechnology?

This question allows you to show your knowledge of the industry and how it relates to Genentech. When answering this question, make sure that you explain why you chose this article and what you learned from it.

Example: “I recently read an article about a new treatment for cancer that uses genetically modified immune cells. This is something I find very interesting because my previous job was working with patients who had leukemia. I think this research could be useful in helping those patients.”

11. What do you think we could improve upon to provide better patient care?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and its patients. It also allows you to showcase your critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and willingness to take on challenges.

Example: “I think that Genentech does an excellent job of providing patient care. However, I would like to see more research into alternative treatments for cancer. While chemotherapy has been proven effective, there are many people who cannot tolerate it or do not respond well to it. Alternative treatments such as immunotherapy have shown promising results, but they need further testing before being used widely.”

12. Can you tell me about a time where you took initiative and went above and beyond for a project?

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are willing to go above and beyond for the company. It’s important to highlight how your actions benefited the company or helped others in the workplace.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on a project with two other colleagues. We were all given different tasks to complete, but we weren’t sure if they would be enough to finish the project by our deadline. So, I took initiative and asked my manager if she could give us more time to work on the project. She agreed, and I completed my task early so I could help my coworkers when they needed it.”

13. Can you describe your most successful project and why it was so successful?

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are capable of working on a team and completing projects. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the project in detail and explain how it helped others or improved your skills.

Example: “My most successful project was when I worked with my team to create an online database for our research department. We were able to use this database to store all of our information about different diseases and their symptoms. This allowed us to easily access important information and share it with other researchers. It also made it easier for us to find specific information we needed.”

14. When generating new ideas, what is your process?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach problem-solving and creativity. Your answer should show that you are a creative thinker who is able to generate innovative ideas.

Example: “I believe that innovation comes from collaboration, so I always make sure to involve my team when generating new ideas. I also think it’s important to have an open mind when coming up with new ideas, so I try to avoid getting stuck in one way of thinking. Instead, I take time to reflect on what has worked well for us in the past and use that as inspiration for new ideas.”

15. What characteristics does someone need to be a good leader?

Leadership is an important skill for anyone in a management role. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills and abilities that are necessary to be successful as a leader at their company. Use your answer to explain what leadership qualities you possess, such as communication skills, problem-solving skills or teamwork skills.

Example: “I believe that someone needs to be empathetic, organized and decisive to be a good leader. I am very empathetic because I care about my team members and want them to feel supported. I am also organized because it helps me make smart decisions quickly. Finally, I am decisive because I can make quick decisions when needed.”

16. What is one weakness you have as a researcher?

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you handle challenges. They want to know that you are self-aware, honest and willing to improve on weaknesses. When answering this question, be sure to choose a weakness that is not critical or negative.

Example: “I am very organized, so I have never had trouble with organization in the past. However, I do sometimes get overwhelmed when there are many tasks due at once. In these situations, I try to prioritize my work and delegate some of the smaller tasks to other researchers.”

17. Give an example of a time that you were able to communicate with coworkers effectively.

Genentech is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. Your answer should show the interviewer how you can communicate effectively with others to achieve goals.

Example: “I once worked on a project where I had to collaborate with several different departments, including marketing and sales. We were all working toward the same goal of increasing sales for our product. I made sure to meet with each team member at least once a week to discuss progress and any challenges we faced. This helped me learn more about my coworkers’ roles and responsibilities so I could better understand their needs and expectations.”

18. If hired, what kind of impact do you hope to make at Genentech?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and how you can contribute to the company. When answering this question, it’s important to be specific about what you hope to achieve in your role at Genentech.

Example: “I’m passionate about science and medicine, so I would love to work with a team of talented individuals who are dedicated to discovering new medicines that improve people’s lives. If hired, my goal would be to make meaningful contributions to the research and development department by helping develop innovative solutions to complex problems.”

19. What is your favorite thing about the biotech industry?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are passionate about this industry and have a strong understanding of what it offers. Your answer should include an example of how you would apply your favorite aspect of the biotech industry to your work at Genentech.

Example: “My favorite thing about the biotech industry is the ability to make a difference in people’s lives through my work. I love being able to use my skills as a scientist to create new medicines that can help patients live longer, healthier lives.”

20. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the healthcare industry today?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can help solve problems. When answering this question, consider what challenges you have faced in your previous roles that could be applied to a role at Genentech.

Example: “The biggest challenge facing the healthcare industry today is finding qualified employees. I’ve seen many companies struggle with hiring enough people to fill open positions, which leads to longer wait times for patients. In my last position as a recruiter, I helped find qualified candidates who were able to fill these open positions quickly.”