20 Parexel Interview Questions and Answers

When you go to a job interview, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, experience, and skills. However, some companies also like to ask specific questions about their company and their products.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Parexel, a biopharmaceutical services company, you may be asked questions about the company’s history, its products, and its services. You may also be asked about your experience in the pharmaceutical industry and your knowledge of clinical trials.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample Parexel interview questions and answers.

Parexel Interview Process

The interview process at Parexel can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two rounds of interviews, one with a recruiter and one with the hiring manager. For some positions, you may also be required to take an exam or participate in an assessment center. The interview process can take anywhere from a few days to a month to complete.

1. What do you know about the drug development process?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have experience working in a pharmaceutical environment. It also allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of the drug development process and how it relates to PAREXEL’s services.

Example: “I know that the drug development process can be quite complex, which is why I am so excited about this position at PAREXEL. In my previous role as a research scientist, I worked with several different types of drugs, including cancer medications, antibiotics and antidepressants. My team and I were responsible for testing these drugs on animals before they could be tested on humans.”

2. Tell me about a time when you had to handle sensitive information and how you did so.

This question is a great way to show your ability to handle confidential information and maintain client privacy. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to ensure that the information was kept private and how you communicated with clients about the importance of confidentiality.

Example: “When I worked as an assistant at my previous company, I had access to many sensitive documents regarding our clients’ research projects. To ensure that I maintained the privacy of these documents, I always made sure to lock them in a file cabinet when not using them. I also never shared any information from those documents unless asked by my supervisor.”

3. How would you work with different stakeholders in various departments to ensure smooth project execution?

As a project manager, you’ll need to collaborate with many different departments and individuals. The interviewer may ask this question to understand how you will work with their team members. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills and ability to collaborate with others.

Example: “I believe that effective collaboration is the key to successful project management. I would first meet with each stakeholder individually to learn more about their goals for the project. Then, I would hold weekly meetings with all stakeholders to discuss progress on the project. This allows me to ensure everyone understands what’s expected of them and provides an opportunity to address any concerns or questions they have.”

4. Give an example of a time that you received conflicting feedback, how did you resolve it?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to manage conflict and resolve disagreements. Use examples from previous work experiences where you were able to successfully resolve a disagreement with a colleague or manager.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project that required me to collaborate with several other team members. One day, one of the team members came up to me and said they felt like we weren’t getting along as well as we used to. They told me that they felt I wasn’t listening to their ideas and suggestions for the project.

I explained to them that I had been so busy trying to get everything done that I hadn’t noticed how much time I had spent ignoring their input. We talked about ways I could improve my communication skills in the future and made plans to meet once a week to discuss our progress.”

5. Why are you interested in working at Parexel?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and company. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific aspect of Parexel that you are excited about or how you learned about the job opening.

Example: “I am interested in working at Parexel because I have always been passionate about medical research. In my last role as a lab technician, I was able to work with many different types of patients and diseases, which inspired me to pursue a career in this field. After researching Parexel, I found out that you are one of the leading biopharmaceutical companies in the world. I would love to join such a talented team.”

6. Can you describe your experience working with cross-functional teams?

Working with a cross-functional team is an important part of the job, and employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working in teams. In your answer, explain how you’ve worked with other departments before and what skills you used to collaborate effectively.

Example: “In my previous role as a research scientist, I was responsible for collaborating with many different departments including marketing, sales and finance. My primary responsibility was ensuring that our data was accurate and complete so we could create effective marketing campaigns. To do this, I had to work closely with each department to ensure they understood the information I provided.”

7. How would you approach generating a new idea for how to improve clinical trial operations?

This question can help interviewers understand your creativity and problem-solving skills. Use examples from your past experience to show how you would approach this challenge.

Example: “I would first assess the current operations of clinical trials, including what processes are in place for data collection, analysis and reporting. Then I would look at other companies that have similar operations and see if there are any best practices or innovative ideas they’ve implemented. From there, I would develop a plan to implement these new ideas into our own company.”

8. If recruited as a Project Manager, what is your strategy for ensuring all project requirements are met?

Project managers at PAREXEL are responsible for ensuring all project requirements are met on time and within budget. This question allows the interviewer to assess your organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines and how you manage budgets. In your answer, provide an example of a previous experience managing projects and highlight your attention to detail and communication skills.

Example: “I have extensive experience managing large-scale projects that require strict timelines and budgets. I am confident in my ability to lead teams through complex processes while maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders. My strategy is to first create a detailed timeline of each phase of the project and then assign tasks to team members based on their strengths. I also regularly check in with team members to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities.”

9. Which aspects of clinical research are you most passionate about?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your interests and motivations. It also helps them understand what you might be most passionate about in this role, which could make it easier for you to succeed.

Example: “I am passionate about helping patients find new treatments that work for their conditions. I love being able to see how happy patients are when they finally have relief from their symptoms or illness. I think it’s important to remember why we do our jobs, and I always try to keep that in mind.”

10. As a team member, what qualities do you bring to a team?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of how you helped a team achieve a goal or overcome a challenge.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which helps me stay on top of my responsibilities. I also have excellent communication skills that help me collaborate with other team members. In my last role, I was working on a project with another employee who had a lot of ideas but wasn’t sure how to implement them. I took the time to listen to her ideas and offer suggestions for how she could make those ideas into actionable tasks.”

11. Have you ever worked on multiple projects simultaneously?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a fast-paced environment. Use your answer to highlight your ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.

Example: “In my previous role, I worked on multiple projects at once. This helped me develop my time management skills and learn how to balance multiple responsibilities. I am comfortable prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and client needs. In fact, I find that multitasking helps me complete work more efficiently.”

12. Describe a time where you were able to use your initiative to deal with a challenging situation.

This question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the situation and how you used your initiative to solve the issue.

Example: “In my previous role as a research scientist, I was working on a project that required me to use a new software program for data analysis. The software had many features that were not clearly explained in the user manual, so I contacted the company’s customer service department to ask questions about the software. They were very helpful and provided me with detailed instructions on how to use the software. This helped me complete my project successfully.”

13. Do you have any experience using third party vendors to assist with a project?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects. When answering, consider mentioning a specific vendor you worked with in the past and how it helped you complete a project or task.

Example: “In my last position as a marketing manager for a pharmaceutical company, I was responsible for managing all aspects of our social media presence. We used several third-party vendors to help us manage our accounts across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This allowed me to focus more on creating engaging content that would attract new customers.”

14. Who has influenced your career path and why?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It also helps them determine if your values align with those of Parexel. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention someone who has a similar career path as you do.

Example: “I have always been interested in science, so I was thrilled when I got my first job at a research facility. My mentor there really inspired me to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals. She taught me how important it is to work hard and stay focused on achieving goals. Her advice helped me develop good time management skills that are essential for succeeding in this industry.”

15. What was your biggest accomplishment in your last job?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. When answering this question, it can be helpful to choose an accomplishment that relates to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “My biggest accomplishment in my last position was when I helped a client achieve their goals by helping them develop a new drug. It’s rewarding to see how our work impacts people’s lives.”

16. Are you comfortable working independently?

Working for a company that focuses on the development and commercialization of new medical therapies requires employees to work independently. This question allows you to show your interviewer that you are comfortable working alone, which is an important skill in this role.

Example: “I am very comfortable working independently. In my previous position as a research scientist, I was often tasked with conducting experiments without supervision. I find it helpful to have someone available to answer questions or provide guidance when needed, but I can also work independently quite well.”

17. Do you manage well under pressure?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to handle stress and challenges. They want to know that you can perform well in a fast-paced environment, so it’s important to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Example: “I thrive under pressure because I enjoy the challenge of solving problems quickly. In my previous role as a research scientist, I was often tasked with troubleshooting issues during experiments. I developed many strategies for managing stressful situations, such as taking deep breaths and thinking through solutions methodically. I also learned how to delegate tasks effectively when working on complex projects.”

18. What personal characteristics do you believe make someone successful in this role?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the skills and characteristics needed for success in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to think about what makes you successful in your current position or other roles you’ve held.

Example: “I believe that being a successful employee at PAREXEL requires someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented and motivated by challenges. I am all of these things, which is why I’m excited to learn more about this company and apply for this role.”

19. What other companies have you applied to?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s experience and how they compare it to Parexel. It also gives you an opportunity to explain why your company is better than other options.

Example: “I have applied to several biopharmaceutical companies, including NovoPharma, BioGenix Pharmaceuticals and Genexus Biotech. I am excited to work for Parexel because of its commitment to developing new therapies that improve patient care.”

20. What salary range are you looking for?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest about your salary expectations. If you’re not sure what the average salary for this position is, research online or ask someone who works at Parexel. You can also use Glassdoor’s Salary Explorer tool to see how salaries for similar positions compare across different companies.

Example: “I’m looking for a salary of $50,000-$60,000 per year. I know that there are many benefits to working here, including free lunch on Fridays and an annual company retreat, so I am willing to negotiate my salary based on those perks.”