Interview questions at Amgen

1. What is your greatest weakness? top question

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   No one is perfect and your interviewer doesn't expect you to be perfect either.

   While it is good to be honest and open, it will not help you to put yourself down.

   What's important is to find a weakness that you have overcome. How you turned what might be considered a negative into a positive.

2. About The Company

   Research the company (website, social media, etc) to learn about the company culture.

   What personal and professional qualities do they value?

3. About The Fit

   This is the time to clearly state a true weakness that you have overcome.

   Be as specific as possible and stay away from vague cliches like “I work too hard.” It would be difficult for anyone to try and explain how they overcame a weakness like that

   Mr. Simon emphasizes the Present-Past-Present method of responding to behavioral questions. When you are asked about your greatest weakness, you should be able to successfully use this approach as well. Here is an example of how someone might answer this question.

   Present - "I have always had a fear of public speaking, and believe this may have held me back in my career, especially when having to make presentations to management."

   Past - "Last year I learned about Toastmasters International and decided to join this group to help me gain confidence in myself and improve my ability to present to others in just about any situation."

   Present - "By overcoming this weakness I believe that it has made me a much stronger candidate for this position, someone you can count on to make presentations to management, conduct training and communicate at a high level."

   It's important to show how well you've overcome a weakness by motivating yourself and learning a new skill to grow professionally.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 71% more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

2. Tell me about yourself

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   What is your current occupation? Define yourself professionally in one statement.

   Pick 3 key skills that make you great at your work (your Key Selling Points). How have you applied these skills?

   Try to give some numbers to support your statement.

2. About The Company

   Your first step is to Research the company to find out as much as you can about what they do and their approach to their business and their employees.

   Based on what you know about the company and the job description, why are you interested in the position you are applying for?

3. About The Fit

   Now is the right time to show the fit between your skills and the company's requirements. Your answer works best if you emphasize your relevance. How do you do this? You will have already researched the company, studied the job description to identify their needs and possible pain points and prepared the relevant Star Stories that show how you addressed similar issues in the past. Your next step is to develop your Present-Past-Present approach.

   Start with the Present. Focus on the skills and experience from your most recent positions. What has enabled you to get the job done successfully and how this relates to what the employer is looking to accomplish.

   Next go back to the Past. Here is where your Star story comes in. Explain how you were able to use your skills and experience to accomplish a task that relates to an area of concern for the employer.

   Finally come back to the Present – summarizing the lessons you learned and how they shaped your response and approach today.

   Remember, the whole conversation is about the present, not the past. Just one sentence can summarize why your approach works, and its applicability and relevance to this position.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 22% less frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   What challenges do you like overcoming? Where are you starting from and where might you be going?

   For example, let's say the position you are applying for is junior accountant. It includes a wide range of tasks such as basic bookkeeping, financial analysis, and reporting. If accounting is your chosen field, then you would most likely want to move in the direction of obtaining your CPA so that you might step up to more responsibility as an accounting manager or senior auditor within the next 5 years. Your responses should make sense in how you see yourself growing in your professional career.

   However, at this point, if you are happy just where you are and want to further your current skills, that is also fine as long as there is a growth path for you that can be imagined and described.

2. About The Company

   Research the company to learn what career opportunities may be available in the department you are applying to, and what the trends are in the company in general.

   • Is the business expanding, are they opening new locations, or starting new projects?
   • Or are they heavily automating and cutting staff?

   Let’s say you are applying for a UX designer position for a brand-new product.

   In the future, if the product becomes a success - which is what the company hopes for - the company will hire more designers and you may become a lead designer, or you may become a product manager.

   On a side note: If you train your mind to be open to opportunities you will be amazed at how much this world has to offer to you!

3. About The Fit

   And, of course, try to see where the perfect fit lies between your own potential and aspirations, and the company’s trends and hopes.

   However, beware of the risk of showing too much excitement for future opportunities compared to your attitude towards the current position.

   As we said earlier, you must show interest and enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. If the interviewer senses that you are more enthusiastic about future growth than about the current position, they may conclude that you are not the right person for the job at hand.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 14% more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

4. Why did you leave your last job?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   There are a number of reasons why people leave or plan to leave their jobs. One very important recent factor has been the impact on jobs and job security due to Covid-19 and all of the issues raised by remote vs. on-site work.

   Regardless of the causes, there are three possible reasons that you left your last job or are planning to leave your current job:

   • You are looking for a career change
   • You are unhappy with your current employment
   • You were let go.

   Whatever the reason, it's best to always speak in a positive light.

2. About The Company

   Based on your research about the company and the position you are interviewing for, what do you like most about the company? What excites you about the work as it is outlined in the job description?

3. About The Fit

   Let's take a closer look at how you might respond to each of the three reasons for leaving your last job.

   1. You were let go

   You should simply state the facts (e.g. the company was downsizing, your position was eliminated, your department was offshored, etc.). Focus on the positive. You might want to share your accomplishments at your previous employment by relating a pertinent STAR story if you feel that would be relevant.

   2. You are looking for career advancement or a career change

   In your response you should be upfront, honest and as enthusiastic as you can be about the position. Consider using the Present-Past-Present method when giving this answer. Start with the Present by describing a career goal that is important to you. For instance you are a data analyst applying for a data management position and you are ready for this move. Then go back to the Past to indicate that at your previous job, there were little or no promotional opportunities in your field. Then come back to the Present and say that you are ready to take on the manager role and know that you will do an outstanding job for the company.

   3. You are unhappy with your current employment

   Sometimes a job just isn't going to take you to the next step in your career.

   Keep two things in mind when answering this question, 1) never "bad mouth" your current employer and 2) focus on the postive when speaking about the job and your reason for wanting to leave.

   The following is an example of how this question might be answered. This individual was looking to move up to a project manager position and did not feel that her current employer was the right place to achieve her goal. You might find her answer helpful in crafting your own response.

   "I really like my job as assistant project manager and love working with all of my coworkers on the team. However, the way the department is set up there is no real path to promotion. There are currently 3 project managers and they are all relatively new in their jobs. As far as I can see, they are all doing a good job and opportunties for promotion may not be opening up in the foreseeable future."

   Her comments were positive and her reasoning was clear and consise. Always try to keep your reasons positive and try not to create an impression that you were unhappy with the way you were treated.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 63% more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

5. Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work. How did you handle it? What have you learned?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   Think of the times you had to deal with conflict.

   • What were the different ways you were able to address the situation?
   • If you were the cause of the conflict, how did the other person talk you down from the conflict?
   • What were the key lessons you learned through your experience?

2. About The Company

   Research the company and its culture.

   • What do they value?
   • Is there anything that you can find about how they deal with conflict resolution?

   Reading comments to their social media posts often prove helpful to see how they react to customers' complaints.

3. About The Fit

   • What have you found out about the company’s culture and job description?
   • Are they looking for someone who can take charge and resolve conflict?

   Tell a story of how you addressed conflict and how it turned a negative into a positive. Try to conclude with your lessons learned or methodology for approaching conflicts - this will show the interviewer that you would be able to apply your methodology to future situations.

   Use the STAR method to frame your story.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 3.5x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

6. Describe a time when you resolved a conflict with a colleague in your past role

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   Think of the times you had to deal with conflict.

   • What were the different ways you were able to address the situation?
   • If you were the cause of the conflict, how did you handle it and what role did the other person play in helping to resolve the conflict?
   • What were the key lessons you learned through your experience?

2. About The Company

   Research the company and its culture.

   • What do they value?
   • Is there anything that you can find about how they deal with conflict resolution?
   • Do sites such as Glassdoor give any indication of the kinds of conflicts that might occur and how they are handled?

   Reading comments on the company's social media posts often prove helpful to see how they react to customers' complaints.

3. About The Fit

   Consider the Present-Past-Present method to tell a story of how you addressed conflict and how it turned a negative into a positive.

   Start with the Present to expain to the hiring manager how you always ask questions and listen carefully to your coworkers perspective to understand both sides of an issue and apply your sense of fairness when it comes to resolving potential conflicts with others.

   Then go back to the Past using the STAR method to frame your story. Here is an example of how someone might relate just such a story:

   "My coworker, who started with the company about 6 months before me explained the process the department used for tracking certain data metrics. In my "wisdom" I thought I had a better way. Without telling my colleague what I was doing I went ahead and tried my own way. Unfortunately my way did not quite do the job and as a result we had to start again. He was naturally upset but I brought out my best listening skills to understand his perspective and we agreed to start again with the next reports. I learned a lesson and we have worked together very well since that time."

   Finally, come back to the Present to explain how you skills at listening to and doing your best to understand the other person's point of view is a valuable asset and makes you a strong candidate for the position.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 3.9x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

7. What was the biggest mistake you made in your most recent job? How did you handle it?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   Do your best to tell a positive story about how the mistake was made, how you dealt with it and what learned from it.

   We all make mistakes from time-to-time.

   Answering some of the following questions will help you understand your own view of dealing with mistakes and their consequences. For instance:

   • How do you use a mistake to improve your abilities?
   • Are you self-aware enough to acknowledge failure and weakness?
   • Do you take smart risks?
   • How do you view success, failure, and risk in general?
   • Do you take responsibility for past mistakes instead of putting the blame on others?
   • If the situation repeats, what would you do differently? What would you do again?

2. About The Company

   Before the interview, look over the job listing, research the company. Try to think of a mistake you have made in the past that is not too closely related to the requirements of the job you are interviewing for.

   What kind of challenges might you face if you get the job here?

3. About The Fit

   It’s your opportunity to emphasize the skills or qualities you gained from your past negative experience that are important for the job you’re interviewing for now.

   Put a positive spin on your response by defining the “mistake” as a “learning experience” that led to your increased competency in the workplace.

   Talk about a specific example of a time you made a mistake. Briefly explain what the mistake was; quickly switch over to what you learned, or how you improved, after making that mistake.

   You might also explain the steps you took to make sure that mistake never happened again. Say that something you may have struggled with in the past has actually now became one of your strengths.

   Pick a story that ends with a compelling example of a lesson learned. Tell your story using the STAR method.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 6.7x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

8. What do you do if you disagree with someone at work?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   Think of the times you had to deal with disagreement with your co-workers.

   • What were the different ways you were able to address the situation?
   • Did you try to look at the matter at hand from the other person's perspective or did you always stick with your own viewpoint?
   • What were the key lessons you learned through your experience?

2. About The Company

   Research the company and its culture.

   • What do they value?
   • How do they deal with conflict resolution?
   • How do the employees value each other?
   • Do they have any specific standards and policies?

3. About The Fit

   Your response should show that you are reasonable and thoughtful, always trying to keep the situation under control, avoid disputes if you feel that dialogue may become aggressive.

   Tell the interviewer that if you disagree with someone, you

   • always focus on facts
   • listen to the points they are presenting
   • never attack his or her ideas and beliefs, because that's not at all helpful or productive
   • recognize the good.

   These statements will help you to highlight your skills like listening, communication and emotional intelligence.

   Give examples from your own experiences of how you used politeness and adaptability.

   Phrases such as “What you are saying may be correct, but I do not think it is applicable in this situation,” “I think ABC is a better solution. What do you think?” Or “Can we try out this option instead?” show how you master potential conflict situations.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 8.7x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

9. Have you ever had a problem with another team member that you were working with? If so, how did you handle it?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   • Have you ever had problems working with someone?
   • How did you deal with unexpected obstacles?
   • Were you able to find solutions by yourself?
   • Did you take the initiative?
   • Can you look at problems at different angles?
   • Can you find a common language with people?
   • What were the key lessons you learned from the situation?

2. About The Company

   Do your research about the company and its culture.

   • How do the employees value each other?
   • How do they deal with conflict situations?
   • Do they have any specific standards and policies?

   Carefully review the job description so you understand what "teamwork" means for the position and the company.

3. About The Fit

   It’s important to show your people-skills, communication and problem-solving skills.

   If you can, give an example of a time you had a problem with another team member at a previous job. Remember that everything in this story should be told in a positive way.

   For example: "I had disagreements with my coworker at my first job, but I took advantage of the good advice given to me by my manager and talked to him. It turned out that we simply misunderstood each other. This case made me realize that communication is the basis of any relationship and that it is possible to reach an agreement with almost anyone."

   In this example, you did not say anything bad about your coworker or about yourself. On the contrary, you have shown that you can find solutions to any problem.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 6.2x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

10. Describe a time when you had to overcome a significant obstacle on a job

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   The employer is looking for the skills needed to overcome a significant obstacale on the job. This is not the place to discuss the ordinary problems that you might face on a daily basis at work.

   Start with recalling a few examples of real obstacles and challenges you faced. For each of them, consider:

   • What was the project or task you were trying to accomplish?
   • What was the obstacle? This can be a specific problem related to your job or a higher-order issue across the organization.
   • What steps did you take to address the issue?
   • What decisions did you have to make?
   • How did the company benefit from your decisions?
   • How would you describe your approach, or what lessons have you learned?

   Be careful how you respond to this question. The problem you faced and resolved for the company should not have been of your own making.

   See this as your chance to show how you stepped up by turning to your skills and inner strength to find the right solutions.

2. About The Company

   When you research the company, try and find out what kind of challenges they are facing. Try to find out what they need in terms of problem resolution.

   Search for online reviews, complaints and any other useful resources. What problems and obstacles can the employees face with this position?

   Pay particular attention to the requirements listed in the job description. It is quite possible that you have a a STAR story about overccoming an obstacle that relates directly to one of their needs. This would be a great opportunity to answer this question.

3. About The Fit

   This is your opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills, resilience, and strength of character. We recommend that you use the Present-Past-Present method to answer this question. The following is an example of how this method might be applied for the position of Blog Writer. The job description mentions that a successful candidate must have experience working “in a dynamic environment.”

   Starting with the Present you might say "I really enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment" (repeating the words used in the job description is reinforcing to the interviewer).

   Next go to a Past situation in which you had to write an article on extremely short notice. Your boss came to you at the last moment because your coworker failed to complete a very important assignment. The pressure was on but you worked extra hours to prepare the article successfully and on time. This story shows your sense of responsibility, ability to achieve results under stress, your willingness to go the extra mile, and your problem-solving skills.

   Finally come back to the Present to again reiterate how working under pressure is a skill that you are proud of and you will bring to any assignment for the employer.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 2.1x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

11. What challenges are you looking for in this position?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   • What qualities do you wish to develop in yourself both professionally and personally?
   • What kind of culture do you want to work in?
   • What motivates you?
   • What will help you to achieve your future goals?

   Choose those things that you’re already pretty good at, but still trying to improve even more.

2. About The Company

   Research the company, its culture and the work environment. Check their website, read up on any media report you can find about them, check out their social media platform.

   Carefully read the job description to get an insight into what the company thinks the challenges are. Make sure to include them in your answers to demonstrate your skill set.

3. About The Fit

   The best way to answer this question is to discuss how you would like to be able to effectively apply your skills and experience to the new job.

   Focus on those skills that you are most passionate about or have the most experience with. You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges, can effectively meet them, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle a stimulating job.

   Describe specific examples of challenges you have met and the goals you have achieved in the past. Choose those that reveal your strengths.

   Challenges clearly vary widely based on the position you are applying for.

   For example, in sales you may speak about higher sales quotas, a larger sales territory, or a more prominent range of products or services.

   In IT, they might be learning a new software program or incorporating the cloud in the company’s systems.

   In a management position, it could be leading a larger team than you currently do or stepping into your first leadership role.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 10.1x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

12. Walk me through your resume

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   Print out your resume. For each of your recent job experiences (at this point do not go back more than 5 years), write down 3-5 key points at which you feel you are strong.

   For example, for your current (or previous) job, you may want to list skills like “Excellent presentation skills,” “Employee Engagement guru,” “Analytical skills,” “Attention to detail” (they don’t have to be all soft skills, but being aware of at least a few of your strong soft skills is important). Make sure you have examples for each of your statements.

   If you have difficulties to think of these points, search online for job descriptions for similar job roles, and figure out which of those keywords appeal to you. Look for people on LinkedIn that have jobs similar to the one you are applying for. Their profiles often contain many keywords that you can use in response to this question.

   Now that you’ve gone through all your recent experiences, are there any points that repeat more often than others, or are especially important to you? These are candidates to be your Key Selling Points -highlight 3-5 of them.

2. About The Company

   Research the company and the role for which you're being interviewed. When researching the company, find out what skills and qualities they value the most. Carefully consider the job requirements. What is it that you will be responsible for?

   Now, write down 3-5 keywords from the job description that you find of utmost importance for this job role.

3. About The Fit

   Try to establish the match between your own highlighted keywords, and those of the job description. These are your Key Selling Points! You should normally limit yourself by 3-5 such keywords or phrases.

   Now, craft a story based on your career history. You don’t have to go in chronological order - you can start with your current or last job experience, and then go back to your previous ones, or focus on just the experiences that are relevant to your story, and only briefly mention the less relevant ones and only if needed.

   Select one point to highlight for each phase of your career. Make sure you ingrain your Key Selling Points in the interviewer’s memory - after the interview is over, you want them to remember you as someone who is strong at XYZ, or experienced in A, B and C.

   It's okay to focus more on stellar achievements and brag a little bit about them.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 38% more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

13. Tell me about your work experience. What was the most interesting?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   Review the details that you shared in your resume. Select the three to five best points to highlight and relate to the position to which you're applying.

2. About The Company

   Carefully research the company and the job description.

   Find out what duties you'll be taking on to determine which of your top skills to emphasize. Try to find out what current challenges they are trying to solve by opening this vacancy.

3. About The Fit

   Knowing the duties for which you will be responsible will help you identify which prior experiences to highlight.

   How well you connect your previous experiences with the job requirements can tell the interviewer how prepared you are for this role and how enthusiastic you will be about your job.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 37% more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

14. Tell me about a time you had to raise an uncomfortable issue with your manager

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   On occasion we have all disagreed with our boss. Whether it had to do with a business decision or a more personal matter you should be able to think back on a conflict or disagreement you had with your manager where you responded well, either by suggesting a compromise or taking a calm, relaxed stance when you could have answered in a heated tone.

   Getting along well with your manager shows your desire to work together and highlights your creative problem-solving abilities.

   • What was the resolution of an issue?
   • Did you and your manager come to an agreement?

2. About The Company

   Research the company and its culture.

   • What do they value?
   • Is there anything that you can find about how they deal with conflict resolution?
   • What problems and obstacles might employees face in the position you are applying for?

3. About The Fit

   Your story should ideally show how competent you are at your work, which will give the hiring manager confidence in hiring you. This answer can also display other great skills such as negotiating, selling an idea and inspiring others.

   Mr. Simon suggests that you use the Present-Past-Present method to showcase these skills.

   Start with the Present by explaining how you always try to build trust with your colleagues and managers by looking for the best options in each situation regardless of differing points of view.

   Next go back into the Past using the STAR method to describe a situation in which you had a disagreement with your manager about a specific situation and how even though your opinions differed, you listened to each other’s points of view and reached agreement on a solution you both liked.

   Finally, come back to the Present to explain how you would bring these skills to your new position and ensure that meaningful dialogue would take place to help get things done.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 5.8x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

15. Do you have any questions for me?

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   • Have you thought seriously about what it would mean to be employed in this role at this company?
   • Do you actually want the job to which you’re applying?

   This is your opportunity to learn enough about the job and the company to help determine whether you want the position. You never want to appear that you just going through the motions solely because you think this is the sort of position you know you’re qualified for.

2. About The Company

   Researching the company is an easy way to understand the company’s history, mission and values.

   Browse the company’s website; search the internet for recent news articles. Use the information you find to help shape your questions.

   Your initiative will be well-received because it proves you took the time to learn about the company and industry.

3. About The Fit

   The answer to the question should never be NO, even if you’re confident the job is a good match for you.

   Focus on asking questions about topics that weren’t covered, or topics you would like to discuss in greater detail.

   Asking, for example, “What does the company expect to achieve in the next year?” directly shows your interest in what the company’s plans are and how your hard work will benefit of the company.

   By asking “In addition to what was already discussed, what other kinds of skills and qualities are you looking for in a candidate?” you open up the opportunity to discuss additional skills and qualities that might not have come up during the interview itself.

   “Are there any qualifications for the position that you think I am missing?” shows that you are ready to accept possible challenges even before working for the company.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 3.8x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.

16. Describe the most exciting project or team you ever worked on

How to answer

1. About Yourself

   Think of a time when you worked with special pleasure as a team player and helped to achieve a team goal.

   • What did you do? What made it interesting for you?
   • What emotions did you have working on it?
   • How did it help you on a personal level?
   • Who did you participate with? Were you satisfied with your team?
   • What did you learn from the experience?

2. About The Company

   Based on your research of the company, what kinds of projects can you expect here?

   • What do you know about the goals they are trying to achieve?
   • What do you know about their current challenges?
   • What do they value in their employees?
   • What excites you personally about the work they are doing?

   Review the job description as it may give you clues to whether the job focuses on teams, independence or both.

3. About The Fit

   If possible, choose a project that will be relevant to the job you are applying for.

   Show your Key Selling Points to the interviewer – the best qualities which help you to stay positive and passionate about what you like doing, prove that the process of thinking, researching, communication and creativity at work satisfies you.

   Here is an example of how an engineer from India used the Present-Past-Present method to respond to the question about the most exciting project he worked on:

   For the Present he told the interviewer that one of the things he most enjoys is working with people from other backgrounds. In so doing he learns a great deal from them including understanding different perspectives to problem solving.

   Next he went to the Past to describe a project that was really exciting for him. He described it as a research project which involved people from different backgrounds. The long-term aim of it was to evaluate and then test some completely new types of aircraft structures and concepts. It gave him a lot of opportunities to interact with people from other countries and practice his English. He said the team was great and the work was particularly challenging and remarkably interesting for him. Overall he believed that he learned a lot more about collaboration and negotiation.

   Finally he came back to the Present to discuss with the interviewer how his enthusiasm for working on a project with team members with different backgrounds, experiences and skills would be an asset for the company.

Pro Tip

Statistics

This question is asked 4.5x more frequently at Amgen than at other companies.