Novartis Assessments

Careers at Novartis

As a global company, Novartis offers work opportunities all around the world across numerous different divisions. Roles include medical advisors, account managers, government affairs managers, etc. In the UK alone, Novartis employs 13,000 people.

Novartis also offers a Future Talent Program, leading the next generation to shape the future of healthcare. Apprenticeships, undergraduate internships and Graduate roles are available across a range of roles.

Novartis takes pride in the company’s values and mission. It believes in rewarding its people and helping their individual development, and promises diversity and inclusion within its ranks.

The application process for Novartis varies depending on the role you’re applying for; a business analyst will encounter different tests than a medical advisor.

Below, you can find the most comprehensive process, which may include stages you won’t be asked to go through.

On average, it will take around 2 weeks to go through all the stages, from first phone screening to face-to-face interviews with your potential managers. The process can be quite straining, so it’s important you come prepared and ready to impress.

The interviews will get harder as you progress and the competition will get stronger. However, there is a lot you can do to show your best skills.

Novartis online application form

The first step in the process is applying online. Whether you are approached by a recruitment company or find an open position of your interest, be sure to attach a tailored CV detailing all your relevant skills.

Novartis pre-screen phone interview

If your competencies match the required skills, someone from HR at Novartis will give you a call. This will be a casual phone pre-screening — a chat about your knowledge and past experiences, and how they match with the job.

Although the interviewer won’t go into too much detail at this point, you’re still expected to know your stuff. Be confident about how your skills meet the job’s criteria and why you would be a good fit for the company.

Novartis Aptitude Tests

Novartis numerical reasoning tests

If you’re applying for an analyst or financial role, you’ll be asked to take a numerical reasoning test. This assesses your data interpretation and analytical skills, based on venn diagrams, data sufficiency and sequences. It will have multiple-choice questions and a set amount of time to answer them.

To prepare for a numerical reasoning test, you should research the test provider (like SHL or TalentQ — you can ask the company which one they use). You can then take practice questions and work on your strengths and weaknesses.

With some dedication and extra tips on how to best prepare for the test, you should be able to pass with a high score.

Novartis Excel case study

Following the numerical reasoning test, there will be an Excel case study based on the role in question. This is a chance for Novartis to assess both your ability to fulfil the role’s specific tasks and your knowledge of Excel.

The test will take into account both your decision-making capability and your ability to work with information such as profit calculations and datasets.

Preparing for Microsoft Excel Tests may help you understand how to work with the case study. The most important thing is to know how to read an Excel document and extract the relevant data.

Video and phone interviews

Candidates may be required to take one or more Skype or phone interviews. These interviews are different from the first pre-screening, as the interviewer will go into more details about your skills and your interest in joining Novartis.

Research the company and think about how your previous experiences will translate into the context of the role. It might be helpful to note something down and keep it on the side while doing the interview.

Novartis assessment centre

The Novartis Assessment Centre is a great way to get a feel for the company and see if it’s the right fit for you. The assessment center consists of several rounds of interviews, group exercises and written assessments. The process is tough but it gives you a good sense of what it’s like to work at Novartis.

Candidates who are able to impress during the assessment center will have a strong chance of being offered a job with the company. This is because the Novartis assessment center provides employers with a comprehensive overview of a candidate’s skills and abilities.

Novartis group exercise

You may be invited to take part in a variety of group exercises during the assessment centre. The purpose of group exercises is to assess how well you work within a team. Effective communication, listening skills and teamwork are key skills to focus on demonstrating during these types of tasks.

Novartis presentation

You may be asked to prepare a presentation to give to the group of peers being interviewed with you. It is important when giving the presentation to provide information in a clear, concise and confident manner and demonstrate subject knowledge in whatever topic you are provided with.

Written assessment

The written assessment will help recruiters assess a candidate’s writing ability, comprehension and attention to detail – important qualities every potential employee should have.

To ensure you ace the written assessment portion of the test you should read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people try to wing it. If the instructions say to answer in essay form, don’t submit a list of bullet points. Likewise, if they say to keep your answer under 500 words, don’t go over. Not following directions is a surefire way to make a bad impression.

Planning your answer before you start writing can also help with structure and ensure you cover what’s necessary.

Novartis technical Interview

If you’re interviewing for a technical role at Novartis, chances are you’ll be asked questions about your skills and experience in specific programming languages and software platforms. It can be useful to sharpen your skills and knowledge by practicing test questions for specific tools.

Novartis face-to-face interview

The last stage of the Novartis hiring process is a face-to-face interview. This will be a formal setting in which you will most likely meet your future manager and team.

It could be a one-to-one interview or you might be in a room with stakeholders and different managers, depending on the level of the job.

During the interview, you will be asked behavioural-type questions to reveal your personality and work attitude. To prepare, you can use the STAR-questions method — think about past experiences and tough situations you had to handle.

Then, reflect on how these skills can help you deal with your day-to-day tasks. You can also research Novartis’ policies and ethics, to make sure your actions match the company’s culture.