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.
Novartis Application Process
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1
Online application form
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2
Pre-screen phone interview
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3
Numerical reasoning tests
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4
Excel case study
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5
Video/phone interviews
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6
Face-to-face interviews
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.
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.
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 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.
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/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.
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.
