Careers at Pfizer
As a large multinational, Pfizer has a wide range of opportunities for people at all stages of their careers, from apprentices and undergraduates to highly experienced professionals.
Its varied departments cover research and development, marketing, law, international operations, technology and sales, among many others.
Pfizer offers its employees ongoing learning and development opportunities, as well a mentoring programme and individual career ‘roadmaps’. And it promises a competitive package of compensation and benefits.
All openings are listed on Pfizer’s careers website, which is updated every hour.
Pfizer Application Process
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1
Online application form and CV
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2
Numerical reasoning tests
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3
Verbal reasoning tests
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4
Situational judgement tests
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5
Assessment centre
The process of applying for a job with Pfizer can be lengthy. As well as an online application form, it is likely you will be asked to sit a series of tests and complete two or three interviews, which could be via telephone, video or in person.
The application process may also include an assessment centre. From submitting an application to receiving an offer, the hiring process can take up to three months.
Pfizer online application
All applications must be made electronically through Pfizer’s careers page. Before uploading your CV and cover letter, you will need to create a profile. You should then follow the instructions for the specific vacancy you are applying for.
Once you have created a profile, it will be saved to the Pfizer recruiting database. All HR personnel at Pfizer can access this and may contact you directly if your qualifications and experience match with a particular job opportunity.
Even if there are no vacancies that interest you currently, you can still create a profile and ask to be notified of future vacancies that may be a good fit.
Pfizer Aptitude Tests
Pfizer numerical reasoning tests
Numerical reasoning tests are used to assess a candidate’s mathematical skills and their ability to analyze and interpret numerical data. Roles across Pfizer involve handling data, so the company will use numerical reasoning as part of the application process for a range of jobs.
This data might be presented in the form of tables or graphs. The tests are multiple choice and taken under timed conditions.
Our article on numerical reasoning tests provides more detail on this type of assessment, along with tips on how to prepare.
Pfizer verbal reasoning tests
Verbal reasoning tests measure how well a candidate can analyze and comprehend written information. The tests usually take the form of short passages of text, followed by a question asking you to determine whether a statement is true, false, or impossible to say, based on the information provided.
Verbal reasoning tests are used to assess your understanding of language as well your critical thinking skills and ability to draw accurate conclusions.
These kinds of skills are important for all kinds of jobs at Pfizer, even those which may not immediately appear to be language-based. See our article for more on verbal reasoning tests.
Pfizer situational judgement tests
These are psychometric tests that assess how you apply judgement and make decisions.
In the test you will be presented with hypothetical situations you may encounter in the Pfizer role you are applying for. You will then be asked to choose the most appropriate action or solution from a choice of answers. In some cases, you may be required to rank responses from most effective to least effective.
The questions look at how you handle conflict, resolve issues, overcome challenges and solve problems. Although there are no right or wrong answers, the responses you provide will give Pfizer recruiters a better understanding of whether you are a good fit for the role.
For more, check out our resource on situational judgement tests.
Pfizer assessment centre
Following initial assessments and interviews via phone and/or video, successful applicants may be invited to a Pfizer assessment centre.
These take place either at a Pfizer office or an external venue and consist of a series of group exercises, assessments based on workplace simulations, and interviews with Pfizer managers.
Throughout the day, Pfizer professionals will be observing candidates and looking for qualities and capabilities such as leadership skills, commercial knowledge and awareness, analytical thinking and adaptability.
Interviews will be behaviour-based, so you will be asked to give specific examples of times you have demonstrated key competencies. Our insider’s guide to assessment centresprovides more comprehensive information, along with examples of the types of tests and exercises you might face.
