20 Gilead Sciences Interview Questions and Answers

Gilead Sciences is a cutting-edge biopharmaceutical company that is always on the forefront of discovering, developing, and commercializing new therapies to treat critical diseases. As such, they are always looking for the best and brightest minds to join their team.

If you are lucky enough to score an interview with Gilead Sciences, you can expect to be asked some tough questions. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will give you a rundown of some of the most common Gilead Sciences interview questions, along with advice on how to answer them.

Gilead Sciences Interview Process

The interview process at Gilead Sciences can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, you may only have one or two interviews, while for others you may have multiple interviews over the course of several weeks. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with most interviewers being friendly and professional. However, some candidates have reported that the process is slow and that they received little to no feedback after their interviews.

1. Why do you want to work at Gilead Sciences?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the company and its mission. When preparing for this interview, read about Gilead Sciences’ values and goals. Use these as a guide when answering this question.

Example: “I want to work at Gilead Sciences because I am passionate about helping people live healthier lives. Your company’s mission of discovering new treatments that improve quality of life is something I can relate to. In my last position, I was able to help patients with their chronic illnesses by recommending effective medications. I feel like I would be a great fit for this role.”

2. What is important to you in a company culture?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your personality and how it fits with the company’s culture. Before your interview, read through the job description to see if you can find any information on what the company’s culture is like. If not, look at the company website or do some research online to get a better idea of what their workplace looks like.

Example: “I am looking for a company that values hard work but also has fun. I think it’s important to have a balance between work and play so employees are productive but also happy. I would love to be part of a team where we all support each other and help one another succeed.”

3. Provide an example of when you had to deal with a difficult situation, how did you handle it and what was the outcome?

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 think of a time when you had to solve a challenging situation in the workplace or another professional setting.

Example: “In my previous role as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, I was responsible for selling our products to hospitals and medical clinics. One day, one of my clients called me because they were having trouble with their supply of our product. They said that some of the vials we sent them were leaking. This was a serious issue because if any of the medicine leaked out, it would lose its effectiveness.

I immediately contacted my manager and told her what happened. She asked me to send her all of the information about the client so she could contact them directly. After speaking with both parties, my manager determined that there was no reason to worry. The leaking vials were due to improper packaging, not a manufacturing defect. We replaced the faulty vials at no cost to the hospital.”

4. Tell me about a time where your work was criticized by a manager or supervisor, how did you respond?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you respond to constructive criticism and whether or not you’re open to feedback. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you received constructive criticism and what steps you took to improve your work.

Example: “In my last position as a research scientist, I was working on developing a new treatment for Hepatitis C. My supervisor noticed that my results were inconsistent with other team members’ findings, so she asked me to review my methods and double-check my calculations. After reviewing my work, I realized that I had made an error in my calculations. I immediately corrected the mistake and resubmitted my report.”

5. How do you go about creating new drug therapies for rare diseases?

This question can help the interviewer understand your approach to problem-solving and how you apply your skills to a specific task. Use examples from your experience that show your ability to work as part of a team, communicate effectively and solve problems creatively.

Example: “I first start by researching the disease thoroughly so I have an understanding of its symptoms, causes and treatments. Then, I meet with my supervisor to discuss what we know about the disease and decide on which areas need more research. We then create a plan for testing new drug therapies in our lab and begin conducting experiments.”

6. Have you ever been in a situation where you disagreed with a decision that was made? How did you resolve the issue?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. Use examples from previous experiences where you had to resolve a conflict or disagreement with a team member, supervisor or client.

Example: “In my last position as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, I disagreed with a decision that was made by my manager regarding how we were going to market our product. Instead of voicing my concerns in front of the entire team, I waited until after the meeting to speak with my manager privately. We discussed why I felt this marketing strategy would not be effective and came up with an alternative plan together.”

7. When were you last presented with a challenge and how did you react?

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant’s problem-solving skills and how they react in high-pressure situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation that you faced and what actions you took to overcome it.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant manager at my previous job, we were having some issues with our inventory system. The software wasn’t properly recording all of our sales, which meant we weren’t able to accurately report our revenue to headquarters. This led to me creating a new inventory system for the entire store, which required me to work late into the night to get everything up and running.”

8. Describe a project you worked on from start to finish. What kind of planning did you do upfront?

This question is a great way to show your ability to work independently and manage multiple projects at once. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took in planning for the project and how that helped you complete it successfully.

Example: “In my previous role as an assistant manager at a local restaurant, I was responsible for managing several different aspects of the business including hiring new employees, scheduling shifts and training staff members on proper procedures. In order to prepare for these tasks, I met with my supervisor every week to discuss our current staffing needs and any challenges we were facing. This allowed me to create a plan for each task before beginning so I could ensure everything went smoothly.”

9. If hired, what would be your approach to improving our current drug therapies?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company’s products and how you would apply your skills to improve them. You can use examples from your previous experience or discuss what you would do if you were hired for this role.

Example: “I have a background in research, so I know that it takes time to develop new drugs. However, I also understand that patients need access to better treatments as soon as possible. In my last position, I worked with a team of researchers who developed a drug therapy that could treat multiple sclerosis within six months instead of two years. We did this by implementing a new method of testing our medications.”

10. Give us an example of when you have applied scientific knowledge to solve a problem.

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to apply scientific knowledge and use critical thinking skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific examples of how you used scientific methods to solve a problem or challenge.

Example: “In my previous role as a research scientist, I was tasked with finding a solution for the high cost of manufacturing drugs that treat Hepatitis C. My team and I spent several months researching different ways we could reduce costs while maintaining quality. We eventually found a way to cut production costs by 30% without sacrificing quality.”

11. We are looking for someone who has experience working in a fast-paced environment. Do you feel like you can meet the demands of this position?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are ready for a challenging position. Use your answer to highlight your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Example: “I have worked in a fast-paced environment before, and I feel like I can definitely handle the demands of this role. In my last position, I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once while meeting tight deadlines. I am confident that I can do the same here.”

12. What motivates you to succeed?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what drives you. Your answer should reflect your personality, values and goals.

Example: “I am motivated by helping others. I want to make a difference in people’s lives through my work. I also enjoy solving complex problems and finding solutions that benefit both patients and the company.”

13. Can you describe a time where you failed? What happened and what did you learn from it?

This question is a great way to learn more about an applicant’s ability to overcome challenges and use them as opportunities for growth. When answering this question, it can be helpful to focus on your personal development rather than the failure itself.

Example: “When I first started my career in pharmaceutical sales, I was very confident in my abilities and thought that I could sell any product to anyone. However, after failing to make a sale with a client who had no interest in our products, I realized that there are some people who will never buy from us no matter what we do. This taught me that it’s important to listen to customers and understand their needs before making a pitch.”

14. What is your experience with reviewing and approving research protocols?

Gilead Sciences is a company that conducts research and development. As such, it’s important to show your ability to review and approve protocols for clinical trials. This shows you have the experience needed to work in this type of environment.

Example: “In my previous position as a senior scientist, I was responsible for reviewing and approving all research protocols before they were implemented. I also had final approval on any changes made to these protocols during the course of the trial. This helped ensure we met all regulatory requirements and ensured our data was accurate.”

15. How often do you like to be in contact with your team when working on a project?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you interact with your team and whether you prefer to work independently or in collaboration. Your answer should show that you value teamwork and enjoy collaborating with others on projects.

Example: “I like to be in contact with my team as often as possible, especially when working on a project. I find it helpful to check in with my team members throughout the day so we can discuss our progress and any questions we may have for one another. This helps me feel more connected to my team and ensures that everyone is getting the support they need.”

16. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Gilead Sciences is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. They want to know how you will contribute to their team of professionals.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project with two other employees. We were all responsible for different aspects of the project, but we had to work together to ensure it was completed by our deadline. One day, one of my coworkers didn’t complete his portion of the project before the deadline. This meant that I had to stay late to finish up his part of the project so we could submit it on time.”

17. What is your management style?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you would fit in with their team. Your management style is a reflection of your personality and how you interact with others, so it’s important to be honest about what works for you.

Example: “I believe that my management style is collaborative. I like to involve everyone on the team when making decisions or solving problems. This helps me get input from all perspectives and ensures that everyone feels included. It also allows me to learn more about my employees’ strengths and interests.”

18. How comfortable do you feel making decisions without consulting your direct manager?

Gilead Sciences is a company that values independent thinking and problem-solving. Your answer should show the interviewer you are comfortable making decisions without being told what to do by your manager.

Example: “I am very confident in my ability to make good decisions, so I would not need to consult with my manager before making a decision. However, if I was unsure about something, I would definitely ask for help from my manager or other colleagues.”

19. What are some qualities you look for in a good leader?

A good leader is someone who can motivate and inspire their team to achieve goals. A hiring manager may ask this question to see if you have the qualities of a good leader. When answering, think about what makes a great leader in your opinion. Explain how these leadership skills are similar to your own.

Example: “I believe that a good leader should be someone who is empathetic and compassionate. They should also be able to communicate effectively with others and make decisions based on facts rather than emotions. I am someone who cares deeply for my patients and colleagues. I always try to listen to everyone’s opinions before making a decision. These two traits are ones I share with many leaders I’ve worked with.”

20. Which area of biopharmaceuticals are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can contribute to Gilead Sciences. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what interests you most in the field. If you’re not sure which area you want to work in, consider researching different areas of biopharmaceuticals before your interview so you can answer this question more confidently.

Example: “I’m interested in all aspects of biopharmaceutical research, but I am particularly passionate about discovering new drugs that could help patients with rare diseases. I think it’s important for pharmaceutical companies to focus on developing treatments for these types of diseases because they are often overlooked by other companies.”