20 Novartis Interview Questions and Answers

Novartis is a global healthcare company that provides innovative healthcare solutions to patients and customers around the world. As a leading healthcare company, Novartis is always looking for talented and ambitious employees.

If you’re lucky enough to get an interview with Novartis, you can expect to be asked some tough questions. Novartis is known for their rigorous interview process, which is designed to test your skills and knowledge.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common Novartis interview questions. With our sample answers, you’ll be able to show off your skills and knowledge, and impress your interviewer.

Novartis Interview Process

The interview process at Novartis is lengthy, difficult, and overall not a great experience. It can take up to two months to hear back from the company after applying, and the interviews themselves are very challenging. Many of the questions are behavioral and require you to give specific examples from your past work experiences. The interviewer was also very difficult to read and it was hard to tell if they were interested in what I had to say. Overall, I would not recommend applying to Novartis unless you are absolutely sure that you want to work there.

1. Why do you think you would be a good fit for Novartis?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your knowledge about Novartis and how you feel about working there. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of Novartis that appeal to you or why you think you would fit in with their culture.

Example: “I have always been interested in pharmaceutical companies because I find them so interesting. After doing some research on Novartis, I found out that they are one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world. I am very excited to work here because I know I will learn a lot and have the opportunity to advance my career.”

2. Tell me about your experience with clinical trials.

Novartis is a pharmaceutical company that conducts clinical trials. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience with this process and how it relates to your qualifications for the position. Use examples from your past work history to show how you’ve helped companies conduct clinical trials.

Example: “I worked as a research assistant at my university, where I was responsible for helping professors design their studies and recruit participants. I also helped them analyze data and write up reports on our findings. These skills are directly applicable to working in a pharmaceutical setting because they help me understand what’s involved in conducting clinical trials.”

3. What is the most challenging problem you have faced in a work environment and how did you tackle it?

Novartis wants to know how you handle challenges in the workplace. This question can help interviewers understand your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to new situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you faced a challenge and overcame it.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with creating an event marketing plan for our company’s annual conference. The budget we had for the project was very small, so I knew that I would have to get creative if I wanted to create an effective campaign. I decided to use social media as the primary platform for our campaign. I created several different ads on Facebook and Instagram, which helped us reach thousands of people who were interested in attending the conference.”

4. Which USP chapters are important to consider when working on analytical methods development?

This question is a continuation of the previous one and tests your knowledge of USP chapters. It also shows that you are familiar with how to apply what you learn in these chapters to real-world situations.

Example: “The most important USP chapter for analytical methods development is Chapter <11>, which covers general requirements for test methods, including validation. This chapter explains the importance of validating test methods before using them on production batches. The other two relevant chapters are <12> and <13>. These cover specific types of test methods, such as physical/chemical testing and bioassays.”

5. How familiar are you with drug discovery processes?

Novartis is a pharmaceutical company that develops drugs, so it’s likely they’ll ask you questions about your knowledge of the industry. Your answer should show them that you have an understanding of how drug development works and what role Novartis plays in this process.

Example: “Drug discovery is a complex process that involves many different steps. I’ve worked with several pharmaceutical companies throughout my career, so I’m familiar with the general processes involved in developing new medications. However, each company has its own unique way of conducting research and testing products. For example, one company I worked for focused on researching diseases that affected children. This was because the CEO had lost his daughter to cancer, so he wanted to find a cure for her disease.”

6. If hired, what will be your main focus area?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and how you plan to apply it in this role. When answering, be sure to highlight an area that aligns with what the company is looking for.

Example: “My main focus will be on improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions. I have extensive experience working with patients who are at risk of developing chronic conditions due to their current health issues. In my last position, I developed a program where we worked with patients to create personalized wellness plans based on their unique needs. This led to a 20% decrease in hospital visits among our clientele.”

7. Think of a time that you had to deal with conflict at work, how did you handle it?

Novartis is a global company, so it’s likely that you’ll have to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. The interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle conflict in the workplace. Use your answer to show that you can be diplomatic when working through disagreements.

Example: “I once had a disagreement with my manager about our marketing strategy for one of our products. I was new to the team at the time, so I didn’t want to speak up too much. However, after thinking about it overnight, I decided to approach my manager again the next day. I told her that I disagreed with her decision but that I would do whatever she asked me to do. She appreciated my honesty and we were able to come to an agreement.”

8. Where do you see yourself within 5 years?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential career path at Novartis. It’s important to be honest with yourself and the interviewer when answering this question. You can use it as an opportunity to discuss what you hope to achieve in your career, but also how you plan to get there.

Example: “I see myself working toward becoming a manager within five years. I would like to work my way up through the company by proving myself as a valuable employee. I know that if I continue to put in hard work, I will have the opportunity to advance.”

9. Do you feel comfortable making cold calls?

Cold calling is a common practice in sales. Employers ask this question to see if you’re willing to make cold calls and how comfortable you are with it. If you have experience making cold calls, explain what your process was for doing so. If you don’t have any experience, consider explaining why you would be uncomfortable making them.

Example: “I’ve never had to make cold calls before, but I’m not opposed to it. In my previous role, we were encouraged to prospect new leads on our own time. I found that the best way to do this was by reaching out to people who already knew me or my company. This helped me build relationships with potential clients and led to several successful sales.”

10. Describe your customer service style.

Novartis is a pharmaceutical company that provides healthcare products to patients. As such, it’s important for employees to have strong customer service skills. Your interviewer will want to know how you would interact with customers and clients in the role. Use examples from your previous experience to describe what makes you an effective communicator.

Example: “I believe that every interaction I have with a client or patient should be positive. When I’m on the phone with a client, I make sure to greet them warmly and introduce myself. I also take notes while they’re talking so I can address any questions or concerns they may have. If there are any issues with their order, I work hard to resolve them as quickly as possible. This ensures that my clients leave happy and return to Novartis.”

11. What would you say is your greatest strength?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have researched their company and understand what they are looking for in an ideal candidate. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what skills or strengths you possess that would help you succeed in your new role.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always willing to collaborate with other team members to find solutions to problems and ensure everyone feels valued and respected. In my last position, I was able to use this skill when one of my coworkers was having a particularly difficult day. I asked her if she wanted to take a break from our project so we could both return to it later feeling refreshed. She agreed, and we were able to finish our task without any issues.”

12. Are you available to travel as part of the job?

Novartis is a global company, so it’s likely that you’ll need to travel for work. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with the idea of traveling and how often you might have to do so. Before your interview, read through the job description to see if there are any requirements about traveling. If there aren’t, consider asking the interviewer directly about their expectations.

Example: “I’m happy to travel as part of my job. I understand that Novartis is a global company, so I expect that I may be required to travel at least once or twice per year. I am flexible when it comes to scheduling trips and can usually arrange my personal life around them.”

13. Provide an example of a scientific study that you designed and executed.

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include the steps you took to complete the study as well as the results of the study.

Example: “In my last position, I was tasked with creating a marketing campaign for a new product that would help people who suffer from seasonal depression. My team and I decided to conduct a survey to find out what types of products our target audience already used to treat their symptoms. We found that many of them were using over-the-counter supplements to help manage their symptoms.

We then created an ad campaign that focused on how our product could complement other treatments they were already using. The campaign was very successful, and we saw a 10% increase in sales within the first month.”

14. What skillsets and qualifications are you looking for in a role?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and what you’re looking for in a job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list skillsets that are important to you and how they relate to the role you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I’m looking for a position where I can use my communication skills on a daily basis. In my last role, I was responsible for communicating with patients and their families as well as other healthcare professionals. This experience has helped me develop strong interpersonal skills and increased my confidence when speaking in front of large groups.”

15. When was the last time you overcame an obstacle in order to achieve a goal?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle challenges and overcome obstacles. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to adapt to change and commitment to achieving goals.

Example: “When I was in college, I wanted to get a part-time job that would allow me to work during my free time while also allowing me to focus on my studies. However, I had no experience working in retail or customer service. So, I applied for several jobs at local stores and restaurants. After getting rejected from all of them, I decided to apply for a position as a sales associate at an electronics store. The manager hired me because he saw my passion for learning new things and overcoming obstacles.”

16. Have you ever worked in a team-selling environment?

Novartis is a global company, so it’s likely that you’ll be working with other sales representatives from around the world. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience collaborating with others and how well you work in a team environment. If you don’t have direct experience selling as part of a team, consider describing your previous experiences working collaboratively on projects or assignments.

Example: “I’ve worked in a team-selling environment for the past five years. In my last position, I was one of three sales representatives who worked together to meet our monthly quotas. We were all very competitive, but we also helped each other out when needed. For example, if one of us had an important meeting during the day, we would cover their appointments at night. It was a great learning experience.”

17. What motivates you to come into work every day?

Novartis is a large company that offers many opportunities for growth. Your answer to this question can show the interviewer what motivates you and how your personal values align with Novartis’s mission statement. When answering, consider what drives you in your career and why you want to work at Novartis specifically.

Example: “I am motivated by helping others. I have always been interested in medicine because it allows me to help people on a daily basis. In my last role as a nurse, I saw firsthand how much of an impact I could make on patients’ lives. Working at Novartis would allow me to continue making a difference in people’s lives while also growing professionally.”

18. What are some tools you use to stay up to date with the latest scientific discoveries?

Novartis is a pharmaceutical company that needs its employees to be up-to-date on the latest scientific discoveries. This question helps the interviewer determine how you stay informed about new developments in your field and whether you have any special interests or hobbies that help you learn more about science.

Example: “I subscribe to several newsletters, blogs and online magazines that cover recent research. I also follow some scientists on social media who share their work as it’s published. I find these resources very helpful for learning about new breakthroughs and innovations.”

19. Do you have any experience leading teams?

Novartis is a global company, so it’s likely that you’ll be working with people from different backgrounds and locations. Your interviewer wants to know if you have experience leading teams of various sizes and how you managed them. If you don’t have any management experience, talk about your ability to work well in groups or collaborate with others.

Example: “I’ve worked on several projects where I was the only person who knew what we were doing. In these situations, I had to rely on my communication skills to get input from other team members and delegate tasks. This helped me learn how to manage larger teams when I started my career.”

20. Would you be willing to help train junior staff members?

Novartis is a large company that offers many opportunities for professional development. Your answer to this question can help the interviewer determine if you are willing to take on leadership roles in your career. Showcase your ability to mentor others by explaining how you would train and support new employees.

Example: “I have been fortunate enough to work with some very talented colleagues throughout my career, so I know firsthand how helpful it can be to learn from someone who has more experience. If hired at Novartis, I would be happy to offer training sessions to junior staff members. I believe that mentorship is an important part of developing our skills as pharmacists and healthcare professionals.”