GlaxoSmithKline Assessment 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.

GSK Job Simulation

The next stage to complete is a virtual Hirevue interview. This is a video-based interview in which you watch pre-recorded questions, following which you have a set amount of thinking/ planning time and then a set amount of time to record your response.

The GSK Job Simulation uses a variety of types of questions including recorded spoken responses, written responses, multiple choice and rank order tests.

There are five sections in total. You will need a laptop or computer with a camera. There is a chance to test your equipment and sound levels with a practice question at the start of the test.

You should pay attention to your appearance as you will be recording yourself for review by a human rather than AI. Think about your clothing and general presentation, and how you would like to come across.

When preparing for the written test, you are likely to be carrying out a task in which you are invited to read a passage (for example an email) and then prepare a response, setting out your proposals of action.

Remind yourself of the GSK values, as you will want to ensure your advice reflects them. Ensure you keep an eye on your time limit and give yourself enough time for a quick proofread; check that it is free of errors when finished.

The next sections relate to numerical reasoning and situational judgement. You should ensure you’ve practiced and are comfortable with answering both multiple choice and rank order (e.g. where you order answers from most effective to least effective).

You will also have to answer motivational questions by way of presenting your thoughts to the camera. Plan this in advance and hone your response to fit the 2-minute time allowed.

Make sure you have studied the GSK annual report, any industry news and its website, so that you have relevant and current stats to hand.

GSK assessment day

The last step is an assessment centre, which should take about half a day. Remember that you are being assessed from the very beginning, so ensure you are dressed appropriately and speak to all members of staff and other candidates in a way that reflects positively on both you and the values of GSK.

Tasks to undertake are likely to include a group exercise, an individual strengths-based interview, and a presentation that you will prepare on the day.

The group exercise assesses your ability to work as a team and your communication skills.

The presentation will be a task for which you are asked to present a solution to a workplace-based scenario and your reasons for choosing that line of action. For example, you could be a virtual pharmaceutical company who has a list of potential new lines of work or medical options. You might be asked to choose which one to take forward and present your reasons why.

The strengths-based interview may look at your technical skills, or it may be a more general strengths interview focusing on soft skills.