AstraZeneca UK Careers

If your initial application is successful then you will be invited to attend an interview with us.  We will contact you via e-mail and you will be invited to log onto our 'interview zone' to book a convenient time and date.

Interviews are a critical part of the selection procedure at AstraZeneca as it enables us to help answer a number of questions:

Will you be able to perform well at the job?
Do you have the potential to progress, lead?
Are you enthusiastic and motivated?
Will you work well in a team?

Of course, an interview should be a two-way process, so you will have the opportunity to:

Tell us more about yourself, skills, experience etc.
Learn more about the position, the company, our culture and values.
Practice your interview technique and build self-awareness.

Just like your initial application good preparation is part of the key to success, when going for an interview. It will build up your confidence and greatly enhance your ability to handle the questions posed.

Capability based interviews

We interview against capabilities, as they are applicable across a range of jobs, unlike specialist technical skills that are job specific. A capability or competency is an ability described in terms of skills & behaviours that are key to effective performance within a job. They provide a common language for describing performance and behaviour.

For each position we identify the key capabilities that are either essential or desirable and then prepare a selection process which will to assess your capability against them.  In most cases, the capabilities should be evident from the job description.  Visit this link to view the AstraZeneca Leadership Capabilities

During the interview you will be told which capability you are being interviewed against and how it is defined, and you will then be asked to describe a recent situation that demonstrates your past experience in this area.

As a guide you should try to:

1) Listen carefully to the question and choose a relevant example from your own experience.
The example should preferably be from the last six months but ideally not older than a few years. Not every example has to be work related.

2) Give a brief and clear overview of the situation.
How did it arise? What were the key stages? What was delivered?

3) Describe your own contribution
Be sure to be specific as to your own actions.

4) Discuss the results and outcome
Were the objectives achieved? What were the impacts of your own contribution? What did you learn?

Advance preparation for interviews:

  • Anticipate the questions and capabilities that you will be asked and prepare convincing answers. In most situations a description of the capabilities will be listed on the actual job profiles and further information will be sent out prior to interview.
  • Consider how you might address any gaps between the role and your experience.
  • Read through your application form. You will probably be asked questions from the information contained on it.

Final preparations for the day:

  • Wear something smart and appropriate to the interview that you are attending. We would always recommend a business suit.
  • Ensure that you have all the relevant information that you need for the day.
  • Allow sufficient time to travel to your interview location and try to plan your route if possible. Some of our sites have a number of receptions so it is important that you allow some extra time.

On the day:

  • Remember this is your opportunity to promote yourself, make the most of the time to highlight any relevant knowledge, experience and skills.
  • Use appropriate body language, eye contact and body posture. Try to relax, be positive and let your personality shine through.
  • The interviewers may be taking notes, don't let this distract you.
  • Answer the question by keeping your response relevant and focused.
  • The structure of the interview will be explained to you but do ask for clarification if you are unsure about anything.  
  • Reflect on your performance and think about what went well and what to improve on for next time.