Getting an interview with Valeant Pharmaceuticals is a great chance to work for a top global drug company. Valeant creates, makes, and sells prescription drugs that are used to treat a wide range of conditions.
To help you have an outstanding interview, here are some of the most common Valeant interview questions along with tips for crafting strong responses
Research Valeant Thoroughly
Take time before your interview to thoroughly research Valeant Understand their
- History and evolution as a company
- Pharmaceutical products and development pipeline
- Organizational structure and key leaders
- Core values and mission
- Recent news and acquisitions
This information will help you understand their needs and see how your background fits in.
Review the Job Description
Carefully study the job posting and highlight the required qualifications and responsibilities. Identify examples from your experience that align with what they are looking for.
Quantify your related achievements with numbers and metrics that showcase your skills.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
You’ll likely be asked early on to “Tell me about yourself.” Develop and practice a 30-60 second elevator pitch that sums up:
- Your background and qualifications
- Notable achievements or career highlights
- Skills and experience that make you an excellent fit
Memorize it so you can deliver it smoothly and confidently.
Expect These Common Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions in Valeant interviews with tips for responding:
Why do you want to work for Valeant?
Show your passion for their mission of developing innovative pharmaceutical products that improve patients’ lives worldwide. Talk about how your values align with Valeant’s values.
How has your past experience prepared you for this role?
Choose 2-3 standout qualifications from your background that directly match the role’s responsibilities. Use PAR statements: Problem-Action-Result.
Tell me about a time you solved a challenging problem.
Use the STAR method to concisely walk through a career story showcasing your problem-solving abilities. Focus on the positive result.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Discuss growing your skills and responsibilities long-term at Valeant. Talk about achieving management or leadership goals aligned with their needs.
How do you handle a heavy workload and prioritize tasks?
Share an example of using organizational tools like lists and calendars to efficiently manage multiple projects and deadlines. Emphasize time management strengths.
Ask Intelligent, Insightful Questions
Come prepared with 8-10 well-researched questions that show your understanding of Valeant’s goals. For example:
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What are the biggest challenges facing your team right now?
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How would you describe the work culture and environment here?
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What performance goals does Valeant have for this role in the first 6 months?
Avoid questions about salary and benefits until a job offer is made. Ask smart questions that make you stand out.
Follow Up With a Thank You Note
After the interview, send a thank you email within 24 hours to each person you met with. Mention something specific you discussed and reiterate your interest in the role.
This leaves one final positive impression.
Prepare for Oddball Questions
Valeant may throw some curveball questions at you like:
What kitchen appliance would you be and why?
Don’t get flustered. Consider which positive qualities the appliance represents and how those align with your strengths.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Align your response with Valeant’s global focus. You appreciate learning about and connecting with different cultures worldwide.
Use your best judgment and highlight strengths through creative responses.
Address Any Gaps or Sensitive Topics
If you need to explain employment gaps, job changes, layoffs, etc. maintain a positive tone. Keep answers brief and focus on what you gained from the experience and how it will help you moving forward.
If asked about past company controversies, emphasize you are committed to upholding integrity and ethics at all times. Redirect to the positives you will bring through your unique qualifications.
Additional Tips to Ace Your Interview
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Arrive 10-15 minutes early to get settled and organized.
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Dress professionally in business formal attire.
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Make steady eye contact and have confident body language.
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Bring extra copies of your resume, work samples, references.
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Write thank you notes to everyone you interviewed with.
