I applied online. The process took 8 weeks. I interviewed at GSK (Cambridge, England) in Apr 2021
Interview
Whole process took about two months. There was an initial HR screen, hiring manager interview, and panel interview with a presentation.
I was not offered a role, and the HM offered to give me feedback on areas for development which is great and so I accepted. What I learned from his feedback was that he was pretty biased about me before he called me for interview. He conveyed clear opinions about my experience in smaller companies. He cited as evidence my answer to one of his questions, that I didn’t give an answer he expected. I don’t see the problem with that, it was a very good and thoughtful answer that many people in the pharmaceutical industry actually do agree with. But I guess GSK wants to hire like minds.
I didn’t actually get any feedback on areas that I should focus on for development, just a general notion that the answers I gave were “tangential” and the advice that I should apply to “biotech”, by which he meant small/midsize pharma companies.
I was left with the impression that he thinks I don’t know anything about the pharmaceutical industry but again I think he had that feeling about me before he interviewed me and so I was already climbing an uphill battle. I think he struggled to find candidates for the role, and I think he also struggled to know what he wanted.
My current boss (who thinks I’m incredibly knowledgeable about the industry) has a PhD in AI from Oxford and has worked at AZ, Lilly, and Oracle. Over half of my team in my current company have worked at Top 20 Pharma and they know I know the industry. My husband, who may be biased in my favor, thinks I’m incredibly knowledgeable and he works at AZ. I live in Cambridge and 90% of my friends have Cambridge PhDs and work in either pharma or consulting and think I’m incredibly knowledgeable. I run an advisory board at work comprised of 30 people from Top 20 pharma where we discuss, among other things, the drivers of value in the pharmaceutical industry.
So TL;DR if you don’t have academic or industry pedigree be prepared for a lot of doubt about your knowledge and skills and be ready for an uphill battle. I wish I had been.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is your outlook for the future of the pharmaceutical industry?
“The interview experience was genuinely enjoyable, balancing professionalism with a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. From the very beginning, I felt at ease, which allowed me to express myself more openly and confidently. The conversation was not only cool and pleasant but also very productive, as it gave me an opportunity to showcase my skills while also learning more about the role and the organization’s culture. I particularly appreciated the interviewer’s thoughtful questions and engaging style, which encouraged meaningful dialogue rather than just a standard Q&A. The environment itself felt collaborative and supportive, leaving me with a strong impression that this is a place where ideas are valued, people are respected, and growth is encouraged. Overall, the interview left me with a very positive feeling about both the position and the organization as a whole
1
GSK response
8mo
We’re happy to hear you had a good experience, thank you for letting us know.
Unfair process, the VP asked me silly questions just wasted my time. I think he had somebody available and already selected for the job. Not surprised as most of the hiring is like this in the UK
We’re sorry to hear about your interview experience. We’re always working to improve our processes, and your feedback will help us make better improvements.
Very regimented and scripted. Asking about a situation, your accountability and decision making and the outcome. Relevant information from past 3 years, and no earlier to describe your experience. Interview is intense- 30min-1hr per panel with multiple people.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us when you had to say no to a manager/team/stakeholder and how you managed that?
