Recruiter Phone Screen - very informative, offered great insight as to what the company has to offer.
Virtual Interview with Hiring manager and Member of Support Team - good interview, expectations of requirements required of the candidate. Very friendly.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How comfortable I would be to hit the ground running.
I applied online. I interviewed at Merck (Rahway, NJ)
Interview
Panel interviews, 45 mins 1:1 with each member of the panel. All director levels or above. Standard behavioral questions from interview panel, questions about experiences, hypothetical business situations. Panelists were nice and friendly during conversations.
Asked to give presentation to team as part of interview. To me, the presentation seemed more like they needed fresh ideas from a Merck competitor (I worked at a competitor at time of interview) since they seemed too lost to know how to tackle their current business situations. Throughout interview process, hiring manager didn't seem serious in hiring. Gut feeling was right. Eventually saw that hiring manager reposted exact same job requisition on company website and LinkedIn the same day they notified that I was not receiving an offer. This happened to my industry colleagues who've applied in the past as well...not surprised.
You'll likely need to be a unicorn to get a role at Merck. Be aware when applying that it may be a "recycled" posting where it may not be a serious job posting, just idea hunting from prospective applicants.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you describe the drug development process in a 60 second elevator pitch?
I applied online. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Merck (North Wales, PA) in Jan 2024
Interview
Following a brief discussion with the talent team, Merck will arrange an online panel interview comprising the hiring manager and 2-3 other individuals. The interview will adhere to predefined questions aligned with Merck's "ways of working" (see below). These questions focus on behavioral aspects to assess your approach to adversity. However, it's essential to understand that the primary objective of this panel interview is to assist the interviewers in determining whether they would like to work with you. Therefore, it's crucial NOT to dwell on past challenges in previous roles, as this will be viewed negatively. Instead, utilize the opportunity to highlight your positive qualities as a team player and emphasize your ability to foster good relationships with colleagues. Most importantly, note that while Merck emphasizes diversity in the workforce, they only seek individuals suited to a suburban office environment. Feel free to discuss topics such as family, pets, minivans, and soccer teams. You will need to have kids or at least pretend you do. And definitely avoid any unconventional appearances, don't live in an urban city, or exhibit any behaviors that might frighten the typical Wegman's customer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Can you recount a situation where you had to swiftly make a significant decision? What was the outcome of your choice?
How do you sustain your motivation when faced with setbacks on the path to your goals? What methods do you employ?
Reflect on a time when data played a crucial role in expediting a decision-making process. What was the outcome of this utilization of data?
Describe an instance when it was unclear who held decision-making authority. How did you ascertain the necessary decision-makers and their input?
What are the top three priorities for you in a job?
What's a common misconception your colleagues have about you, and why do you think it exists?
Share a scenario where understanding another person's perspective aided in accomplishing a task or resolving an issue.
Discuss how you've fostered inclusivity within diverse teams.
Elaborate on how you've cultivated a shared purpose among individuals with differing opinions or objectives.
Narrate an experience of explaining a complex topic to individuals with less subject knowledge. How did you ensure everyone felt included in the discussion?
Describe your efforts in amplifying the voices of others on your teams to incorporate diverse perspectives.
Recall a time when you objected to a decision due to ethical concerns. What steps did you take?
Outline the actions you've taken to establish your team's reputation for integrity within the organization.
Share a situation where you supported an executive's challenging decision lacking a clear "right" choice. How did you proceed?
Describe a time when you provided incorrect information. How did you rectify the error while maintaining integrity?
Detail a failed idea of yours and your actions following the failure.
Narrate an instance where you had to identify the root cause of a problem through multiple steps.
Discuss a decision-making scenario where you lacked complete data.
Reflect on managing multiple workstreams and projects simultaneously. How did you prioritize?
Describe a time when you compromised your immediate priorities for the greater good of the organization.
Share a decision-making process when choosing between equally viable paths. How did you determine the most valuable route?
Talk about a tough decision where relinquishing control was necessary. What ensued?
Describe an instance when you tackled a task you hadn't done before. What was the outcome and the takeaway?
Share an experience embracing a new process, technology, or idea at work.
Discuss an innovative idea of yours that didn't pan out and the lessons learned.
Provide an example of working with a challenging customer, client, or third party. How did you manage the interactions?
Reflect on a time when you were ineffective in meeting customer needs. What were the reasons?
Detail a project where creativity was key to success. What set your ideas or processes apart?
Describe a situation where you adjusted your working style to collaborate effectively on a project.
Discuss a time when your team faced internal discord. How did you address it and what was the outcome?
Share a scenario where you wished you had handled a coworker interaction differently. What prompted this desire for change, and what was the lesson learned?
What motivated you to apply for this role?
Tell us a bit about yourself.
What aspect of our company's mission intrigued you the most?
What inspired your application to our company?
Describe a project or activity you completed with fewer resources than desired.
Discuss a time when you dealt with difficult or unmotivated staff and motivated them toward a common goal.
Recall a collaborative effort across the organization to scale a program or line of business. What was your role, and what was the outcome?