20 UCB 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, if you’re interviewing for a position at UCB Pharma, you may also be asked some company-specific questions.

These questions can be about UCB Pharma’s history, its products and services, or its plans for the future. Asking these questions can help the interviewer get a better sense of whether you’re a good fit for the company.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of some common UCB Pharma interview questions and answers.

UCB Interview Process

The interview process at UCB can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one interview with a hiring manager, and some positions may require multiple interviews or a presentation as part of the interview process. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, though some applicants have found it to be lengthy or overly-technical.

1. What do you think is the biggest challenge in today’s biotech industry?

This question can help interviewers understand your perspective on the industry and how you might approach challenges. Use examples from your own experience to explain what you think is a challenge in the industry, and why it’s important for companies like UCB Pharma to overcome these obstacles.

Example: “The biggest challenge I see in today’s biotech industry is that many people still don’t know about the benefits of biopharmaceuticals. Many patients are still hesitant to take medications that are derived from living organisms because they’re not familiar with them or their potential benefits. As a result, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about biopharmaceuticals, which makes it difficult for doctors to prescribe them as an alternative treatment.”

2. Describe a time where you had to use creative problem-solving skills.

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you have the ability to think outside of the box and use innovative solutions. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you used creative problem-solving skills to solve an issue or challenge.

Example: “In my previous role as a pharmaceutical sales representative, I had a client who was having difficulty with their medication adherence. They were forgetting to take their medication at the correct times, which caused them to miss doses and experience negative side effects. After speaking with them about their concerns, I realized they were worried about taking too many pills per day.

I suggested splitting up their daily dosage into two smaller dosages taken twice a day instead of one large dose taken once a day. This helped them feel more comfortable taking their medication and improved their overall health.”

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a researcher or scientist?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. When answering this question, consider what the interviewer is looking for and highlight those skills or traits.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator with my team members and other professionals in the field. I also have extensive knowledge of research methods and data analysis techniques. However, I do need to work on delegating tasks more effectively so that I can focus on completing projects within deadlines.”

4. How many projects have been assigned to you at one time?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you manage your time and prioritize tasks. Use examples from past experiences to show that you are able to handle multiple projects at once while still meeting deadlines.

Example: “In my current role, I have been assigned three major projects at one time. One of these was a new drug launch for our company’s immunology line, another was an internal marketing campaign and the third was a product recall. While working on all of these projects simultaneously, I had to delegate some work to other team members so I could focus on the most important aspects of each project.”

5. Provide an example of when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for customers. It also shows them how you can apply this same level of dedication and hard work to your job at UCB Pharma.

Example: “When I worked as a customer service representative, I had a customer who was having trouble with their prescription delivery. They were very upset because they needed their medication right away. I called my manager and asked if we could send out an additional shipment so that it would arrive before the original one. He agreed, and I stayed on the phone with the customer until the new shipment arrived.”

6. Are you comfortable with public speaking?

This question is a common one for employers to ask because it helps them determine if you’re comfortable with presenting your ideas and research in front of large groups. If you have experience speaking in front of others, share that information with the interviewer. If you don’t have public speaking experience, explain why you feel confident enough to do so.

Example: “I’ve been giving presentations since my undergraduate studies, so I’m quite comfortable with public speaking. In fact, I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others and find it rewarding when someone asks me questions about what I presented.”

7. Why do you want to work at UCB Pharma?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. Use your answer to highlight any personal or professional experiences that make UCB Pharma an attractive employer.

Example: “I want to work at UCB Pharma because I am passionate about helping people with neurological diseases. In my last job, I worked as a nurse in a neurology ward where I got to see firsthand how important it is to have effective treatments for these conditions. I would love to be part of a team that develops new drugs and therapies to improve patients’ quality of life.”

8. Provide an example of how you demonstrated flexibility in your previous job.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are willing to adapt and learn new things. Use examples from your past experience where you had to adjust to a change in schedule, work with different people or perform tasks outside of your normal responsibilities.

Example: “In my previous position as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, I was responsible for selling our products to doctors at hospitals and medical clinics. One day, one of my clients called me and said they were no longer interested in purchasing our product. I knew this would affect other sales representatives who depended on that client’s business. So, I contacted all of my other clients and explained the situation. I also offered them a discount on their next purchase if they purchased it within the week.”

9. Explain what you know about antibody engineering.

Antibody engineering is a process that involves the modification of antibodies to improve their function. This question allows you to demonstrate your knowledge about UCB Pharma’s research and development efforts, as well as your ability to apply what you’ve learned in previous roles.

Example: “Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells that bind to antigens on foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. Antibody engineering is a process used to modify antibodies so they can be more effective at targeting specific pathogens. In my last role, I worked with an antibody engineer who was developing new methods for modifying antibodies to make them more effective against certain types of pathogens.”

10. Do you have any experience working on highly technical scientific reports?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience with writing technical reports and how well you communicate complex information. Use examples from your past work to show that you can write in a clear, concise manner while still communicating important details.

Example: “In my last position as a research scientist, I was responsible for creating highly detailed reports on our findings. My team and I would meet weekly to discuss our progress and any challenges we were facing. We would then create a report of our findings, including data analysis and conclusions. This helped us stay organized and ensure we met all deadlines.”

11. Tell me about a time that you had to make decisions without consulting your direct manager.

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to make independent decisions and how you used your critical thinking skills. Use examples from your past experience where you had to analyze a situation, consider multiple options and implement solutions without direct supervision.

Example: “In my previous role as a pharmaceutical sales representative, I was responsible for managing my own territory. My manager would check in with me weekly to discuss my progress and provide feedback on my performance. However, there were times when I needed to make decisions independently. For example, if I noticed that one of my clients wasn’t responding to my emails or phone calls, I would contact my manager immediately so they could determine whether it was appropriate for me to visit their office.”

12. Have you ever worked with someone who was difficult to deal with, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of how you handled the situation and what steps you took to resolve it or improve the relationship.

Example: “I once worked with someone who was very critical of my work. I tried to take their criticism constructively by asking questions about what they thought I could do better. They explained that I needed to pay more attention to detail when working on projects. After hearing this feedback, I made sure to double-check all of my work before submitting it.”

13. Would you rather be right or happy?

This question is a test of your interpersonal skills. It’s important to be able to work with others and compromise when necessary, so the interviewer wants to know that you can do this. Your answer should show that you value teamwork and collaboration.

Example: “I would rather be happy because I believe it’s more important to have a positive team environment than to always be right. If I’m working with someone who has a different opinion from mine, I will listen to them and try to understand their perspective before making my own decision.”

14. At this point in your career would you prefer to stay in a lab or move into management?

This question is a great way to determine if you are ready for management. It also helps the interviewer understand your career goals and aspirations. When answering this question, be honest about what you want in your future.

Example: “I would love to stay in the lab as long as I can. However, I am open to moving into management when it’s time. I know that UCB Pharma has an excellent training program for new managers, so I’m excited to learn more about that opportunity.”

15. Name something that you believe sets you apart from other candidates.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the confidence and self-awareness to highlight your strengths. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what makes you unique as a candidate and how those skills could benefit UCB Pharma.

Example: “I believe my ability to work well in a team setting while also being able to take initiative sets me apart from other candidates. I am confident in my abilities to lead projects or initiatives but also enjoy collaborating with others on ideas and solutions.”

16. Explain how antibodies can be used to treat diseases?

Antibodies are a type of protein that can be used to treat diseases. This question allows you to show your knowledge about the company’s products and how they work.

Example: “Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells in response to foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses. They bind to these foreign substances and mark them for destruction by other immune system cells. Antibodies can be used to treat diseases because they help the body fight off infections and disease-causing agents.”

17. If hired, what would you do to help ensure the success of our company?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and how you can contribute to UCB Pharma’s success. Your answer should include a few specific examples of what you would do in this role, such as:

Example: “I am passionate about helping others and I believe that UCB Pharma has a unique opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives by developing new treatments and medications. If hired, I would work hard every day to ensure that our company continues to develop innovative products that help patients live healthier lives.”

18. Describe a time where you received feedback from a direct report. How did you respond to the feedback?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you respond to constructive criticism and use it to improve your performance. Use examples from previous jobs where you received feedback, analyzed what you could do better and implemented changes in your work or behavior.

Example: “In my last position as a senior marketing manager, I had a direct report who gave me some valuable feedback about my leadership style. She told me that she felt like I was too hands-off with her projects and wanted more guidance. After hearing this feedback, I realized that I needed to be more proactive in providing support for my team members. I started scheduling weekly meetings with each of my team members to discuss their progress on current projects.”

19. We are looking for people who like to take initiative. Can you give us an example of when you took initiative at work?

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are willing to take on more responsibility and challenge yourself. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of an example where you took initiative in a positive way.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that we were running low on supplies for our patients. I spoke with the manager about it, and she told me that there was no budget for new supplies at the moment. I decided to use some of my own money to buy additional supplies until the company could purchase them. The extra supplies helped us get through the rest of the week without any issues.”

20. How would you describe yourself as a leader?

Leadership is an important skill for any manager, and the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership style. Use examples from your past experience to describe how you motivate others and solve problems.

Example: “I believe that a leader should be someone who motivates their team members and empowers them to succeed. In my previous role as a sales representative, I worked with a new employee who was struggling to meet her quota. Instead of telling her what she needed to do differently, I asked her questions to understand why she wasn’t meeting her goals. She told me that she didn’t know how to approach some customers, so I offered to train her on different techniques.”