GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Tests

Careers at GlaxoSmithKline

GSK puts a great deal of emphasis on recruiting start-of-career positions, offering a number of programmes for school leavers, graduates and postgraduates including summer internships, apprentice programmes and the GSK Future Leaders Programme.

GSK is a competitive choice with interns and graduates in the pharmaceutical industry, since it’s a popular and respected company, attracting thousands of applicants each year for graduate roles.

The application process for a role at GSK is undeniably rigorous. The company says that this is as much for the benefit of applicants as for recruiting effectiveness. It gives some indication of competition for places, to have such a lengthy recruitment process.

Candidates can expect to encounter four distinct stages: the application form, online aptitude tests, interviews and assessment centre. It is not to be undertaken lightly and candidates should ensure that they are well prepared from the start.

Note that there is no closing date to the application process and therefore applications should be made as early as possible, as priority is given to those who apply sooner. Make sure that you research the company thoroughly before you begin the process.

Eligibility form

Before you begin the process as a whole, candidates are asked to complete a short form confirming their details and basic information. This will confirm eligibility, with successful candidates then being invited to continue the application process.

This includes items such as your right to work in the UK and possession of the relevant level of qualification.

The World of GSK Online Assessment

Eligible candidates are invited to complete the bespoke GSK online assessment known as the World of GSK.

As you get only five days to complete the 90-minute assessment, you should ensure that before you begin the application process you are thoroughly prepared and understand what you will be asked to complete. Note you must complete this on a laptop or PC; the test does not work on a smartphone.

There are two parts to the World of GSK. The first is the unassessed part, where you hear from current students and graduates about what it is like to work at GSK. The second is the assessed part, where you will be asked a series of questions relating to different realistic GSK scenarios, where you must select your response.

It’s worth bearing in mind the GSK values (patient focus, integrity, respect for people and transparency), as you’ll need to take them into account as part of your decision-making process when answering the questions.

These realistic scenarios are similar to situational judgement and situational strengths tests, which use hypothetical work-based scenarios to assess a candidate’s values and see how these align with the recruiting company’s values and strength desires for ideal candidates.

Spend time practising the examples of situational practice questions to ensure you are well versed in understanding what the questions are getting at, and the implication of your choice of answer.

You will be able to pause, revisit and reconsider your answers to the test, so you should use the time wisely within your allocated five-day period.

You should receive a feedback report, which will state whether you have successfully moved to the next stage of the application process, within 24 hours of submitting the application.

Online application form

The full application form for your GSK application is only available for candidates who are both eligible and have successfully passed the World of GSK test.

This form requires more detailed answers to questions about your qualifications, experience and skills. You’ll also need to expand on your motivation for your chosen placement and for GSK as an employer and workplace.

Again, it is worth remembering the GSK values. Make sure you address these within your answers, as well as answering what you have actually been asked.

It’s important that you research both GSK and the work of the specific team or project to which you are applying – and that you can use this information when setting out your motivation for applying.