Top interview questions to expect

1. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge or obstacle. How did you overcome it?
2. Tell me about a situation where you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a goal.
3. Can you give me an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
4. Share an instance where you had to make a difficult decision under pressure.
5. How do you stay updated with the latest industry trends and developments?
6. Tell me about a time when you received constructive criticism. How did you respond?
7. Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position at Allergan?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful framework used to structure your responses to behavioral interview questions. It enables you to provide clear and compelling answers that demonstrate your skills, competencies, and experiences. Here’s how to use the STAR framework:

* Situation: Set the context by describing the situation or challenge you faced.
* Task: Clearly define the task or goal you had to accomplish.
* Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the situation or achieve the goal. Emphasize your role and responsibilities.
* Result: Explain the positive outcome or result of your actions. Quantify your impact whenever possible.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge or obstacle. How did you overcome it?

Answer:

“At my previous company, we were tasked with launching a new product in a highly competitive market. I faced the challenge of coordinating various departments and ensuring smooth communication among team members. To overcome this, I implemented a project management tool that allowed us to track progress, assign tasks, and collaborate effectively. As a result, we were able to successfully launch the product on time and within budget.”

Explanation: This answer effectively demonstrates the STAR framework. It starts by outlining the situation (launching a new product in a competitive market) and the challenge (coordinating departments and communication). The action taken (implementing a project management tool) is then explained, highlighting the candidate’s problem-solving skills and ability to use technology to improve efficiency. Finally, the positive outcome (successful product launch on time and within budget) is presented, showcasing the candidate’s impact and contribution to the team’s success.

2. Question: Tell me about a situation where you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a goal.

Answer:

“In my previous role, I worked on a cross-functional team to develop a new marketing campaign for a major product launch. My task was to create engaging content for social media platforms. To achieve this, I actively collaborated with the design team to create visually appealing graphics and worked closely with the copywriting team to craft compelling messages. Our collective efforts resulted in a successful campaign that exceeded engagement targets and generated significant leads.”

Explanation: This answer effectively utilizes the STAR framework. It begins by describing the situation (working on a cross-functional team for a product launch) and the task assigned (creating engaging social media content). The candidate then highlights the actions taken (collaborating with different teams and utilizing their expertise) to achieve the goal. The positive outcome (successful campaign with exceeded targets and generated leads) demonstrates the candidate’s teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

3. Question: Can you give me an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?

Answer:

“During my tenure as project manager, I was responsible for leading a team of engineers in developing a new software application. I recognized the need for clear communication and motivation to ensure project success. I took the initiative to organize regular team meetings, set clear goals and expectations, and provided constructive feedback to team members. As a result, we were able to deliver the project on time and within budget, exceeding client expectations.”

Explanation: This answer effectively showcases the STAR framework. It starts by describing the situation (leading a team of engineers in developing software) and the challenge (ensuring clear communication and motivation). The candidate then highlights the actions taken (organizing team meetings, setting goals, and providing feedback) to address the challenge. The positive outcome (delivering the project on time, within budget, and exceeding client expectations) demonstrates the candidate’s leadership skills, ability to motivate and guide a team, and project management capabilities.

4. Question: Share an instance where you had to make a difficult decision under pressure.

Answer:

“In my previous role, I was faced with a challenging situation where I had to make a quick decision under pressure. A critical system outage occurred during a major product launch, and I was responsible for resolving the issue. I immediately assembled a team of experts, analyzed the situation, and implemented a temporary solution to minimize the impact on customers. Within 24 hours, we were able to identify the root cause and restore the system, ensuring business continuity.”

Explanation: This answer effectively demonstrates the STAR framework. It begins by describing the situation (system outage during a product launch) and the challenge (making a quick decision under pressure). The candidate then highlights the actions taken (assembling a team, analyzing the situation, implementing a temporary solution, and identifying the root cause) to address the challenge. The positive outcome (restoring the system within 24 hours and ensuring business continuity) demonstrates the candidate’s decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, and ability to manage crisis situations.

5. Question: How do you stay updated with the latest industry trends and developments?

Answer:

“To stay updated with the latest industry trends and developments, I make a conscious effort to continuously learn and expand my knowledge. I regularly read industry publications, attend conferences and webinars, and actively participate in online forums and discussions. Additionally, I leverage social media platforms to follow thought leaders and experts in my field. This ongoing learning approach enables me to stay informed about emerging technologies, market shifts, and best practices, which I can apply to my role at Allergan.”

Explanation: This answer effectively demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development. It highlights the actions taken (reading industry publications, attending conferences, participating in online forums, and following thought leaders) to stay updated with the latest trends and developments. The positive outcome (applying knowledge to their role at Allergan) showcases the candidate’s dedication to staying current and bringing innovative ideas to the company.

6. Question: Tell me about a time when you received constructive criticism. How did you respond?

Answer:

“In my previous role, I received constructive criticism from my manager regarding my communication skills during presentations. I recognized the validity of the feedback and took immediate action to improve. I enrolled in a public speaking course, practiced my delivery, and sought feedback from colleagues. As a result, I became more confident and effective in presenting complex information, which contributed to successful project outcomes.”

Explanation: This answer effectively demonstrates the candidate’s growth mindset and willingness to embrace constructive criticism. It highlights the actions taken (enrolling in a public speaking course, practicing delivery, and seeking feedback) to address the feedback received. The positive outcome (becoming more confident and effective in presenting, leading to successful project outcomes) showcases the candidate’s ability to learn from feedback, adapt, and improve their skills.

7. Question: Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position at Allergan?

Answer:

“My passion for Allergan’s mission to improve patients’ lives and my proven track record of success in similar roles make me an exceptional candidate for this position. My expertise in [relevant skills and experience] aligns perfectly with the requirements of the role. Additionally, my strong collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills will enable me to make a significant contribution to Allergan’s continued growth and success.”

Explanation: This answer effectively highlights the candidate’s enthusiasm for Allergan’s mission and their alignment with the company’s goals. It showcases the candidate’s confidence in their abilities and their belief that they possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in the role. The positive statement about their potential contribution to Allergan’s success demonstrates the candidate’s ambition and drive to make a meaningful impact.