Preparing for Your Tempus Labs Interview: Common Questions and How to Ace Them

Interviewing at Tempus Labs can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. As a leading technology company focused on leveraging data to fight diseases like cancer, Tempus attracts top talent across fields like engineering, product, and design.

With competition for roles high, it’s important to thoroughly prepare for your Tempus interview. In this article we’ll overview common Tempus interview questions, example answers and tips to help you have a successful interview.

Understanding Tempus Labs’ Interview Format

Tempus Labs’ interview process typically consists of:

• A 30 minute phone screen with a recruiter
• A technical phone screen focused on your past experience
• An onsite interview which includes:
  • Coding assignments (for engineering roles)
  • A system design discussion
  • Behavioral & situational questions
  • 4-5 interviews spanning technical and cultural conversations

Interviews are conducted by potential peers and cross-functional team members. For coding roles, expect algorithm questions and to solve a problem in your preferred coding language.

The onsite day ends with your prospective manager discussing salary expectations and next steps Overall, the process aims to assess both technical skill and culture fit.

Common Tempus Labs Interview Questions with Sample Answers

Here are some of the most frequently asked Tempus interview questions, along with example answers:

Why do you want to work at Tempus?

I’m deeply motivated by Tempus’ mission to redefine how diseases like cancer are treated. After losing a close relative to lung cancer, I’m inspired by the way Tempus leverages big data to provide more personalized, effective treatments. I’m attracted to the company’s rapid growth and innovative culture. I would love to contribute my skills in [your role] to help advance Tempus’ goal of improving patient outcomes through data-driven precision medicine.

What excites you most about this role?

What excites me most is [highlight key parts of role that genuinely interest you]. I’m passionate about Tempus’ approach of building in-house technology and applying it to healthcare, and this role provides the opportunity to directly [summarize how the role will allow you to make an impact]. I’m also eager to learn from the talented cross-functional team I would work with. This role aligns perfectly with my interests and experience in [relevant areas].

Why did you leave your last job?

While I valued the work I did and my colleagues, I ultimately left my last job because I wanted to join a high-growth startup like Tempus. In my previous role, I [highlight main reasons for leaving – e.g. lack of learning opportunities, wanted to work at healthcare/biotech company rather than current industry, wanted to join a growth stage startup]. Joining Tempus would allow me to [explain how Tempus offers what you were missing – e.g. work on cutting edge technology, rapidly develop skills through variety of projects, be an early team member making a real impact, etc.].

How do you handle a disagreement with your manager?

If I disagree with my manager, I would first take time to fully understand their perspective and the reasons behind their viewpoint. I would explain my own viewpoint calmly, focusing on facts and data to constructively back up my position. If needed, I would work with my manager to come up with potential compromises or alternative solutions. My goal would be resolving the disagreement in a way that maintains a positive working relationship and achieves the optimal outcome for the company. I’m committed to open communication and keeping an ego-free attitude.

Why should we hire you?

You should hire me because of my relevant background and experience in [highlight skills and achievements that make you qualified]. Specifically, my past work in [area important for role] involved [provide example that displays capabilities]. At my current/past company, I [provide metrics that demonstrate results you drove]. I’m passionate about Tempus’ mission and believe I would thrive in the collaborative, fast-paced environment. With my skills in [key areas needed for role], I am confident I can [describe how you would add value and have an impact]. I’m excited by this opportunity and know I would make a positive contribution to the team.

What is your greatest weakness?

My greatest weakness is that I sometimes focus too much on details when working on projects. However, I’ve recognized this over the past few years and have taken steps to improve. For example, I now set strict timeboxes around my work to avoid getting stuck analyzing details rather than making progress. I also collaborate more with my teammates to get their perspectives and balance my tendency to hyper-focus. As a result, I’m now able to zoom out, evaluate the big picture, and adjust my work style and priorities accordingly. I continue looking for ways to develop in this area.

7 Tips for Acing Your Tempus Labs Interview

Here are some top tips for having a successful Tempus interview:

1. Research the company and role: Have a deep understanding of Tempus’ mission, products, culture, and the specific position. Review Tempus’ website, Glassdoor, and news articles to learn.

2. Brush up on technical skills: Review coding questions and algorithms if interviewing for an engineering role. Understand healthcare/biotech industry trends and key concepts.

3. Prepare stories: Have 5-10 stories highlighting your skills, achievements, and culture fit ready. Quantify your impact when possible.

4. Ask thoughtful questions: Ask smart, researched questions that show your understanding of Tempus and eagerness for the role.

5. Watch your pacing: Speak slowly and clearly while thinking through questions. It’s fine to take a few moments before responding.

6. Be honest: If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. Use it as a chance to explain how you would find the information needed.

7. Mind your body language: Maintain eye contact, sit straight, and project confidence through your facial expressions and posture.

Preparing thoroughly for Tempus’ interview process will help demonstrate you have what it takes to join the team. With these common questions, sample answers, and tips, you’ll be ready to highlight your qualifications and stand out from the competition. Do your research, practice, and put your best foot forward. With persistence and preparation, you can land your dream job bringing cutting edge technology to transform healthcare.