Interviewing with Abbott

A good interview is an open exchange between the interviewee and the interviewer, a conversation with a purpose. An interview is your opportunity to tell us who you are and what you can contribute to our organisation.

At Abbott, we use the STAR selection process to evaluate you on our core competencies – adaptability, initiative, integrity, innovation, teamwork/collaboration, process/quality expertise and job fit.

For example, for innovation, we may ask you:

Tell me about a unique approach you took to solve a problem. How did you come up with the approach? What other options did you consider?

We’ll then ask you to answer the question through the STAR process:

Describe the Situation/Task
Explain the Action
Tell us the Results

Here are a few more tips to prepare for a successful interview.

Preparation for the Interview

• Do your research on the company and the industry. For example, read through this website to learn more about Abbott and our business, products, history and leadership in Australia and New Zealand. Abbott annual reports are available on www.abbott.com and offer helpful insight into our Values and vision for the future. You can also learn more about what it’s like to work at Abbott from Abbott employees.
• Bring a copy of your CV/resume, as well as supplementary information about yourself such as letters of recommendation and samples of your work.
• Familiarise yourself with the job description and the components of the position for which you’re interviewing.
• Be prepared to talk about your past experiences, positions, roles and responsibilities in detail.
• Take some time to think about your skills, both in general and specific to the position for which you’re interviewing.

The Interview

• Be on time. Make sure you know where the interview is going to be held. Confirm directions to your interview location at least a day in advance.
• Be confident. It’s normal to feel a bit of anxiety during the interview process, but stay focused on the interview and be yourself.
• Ask questions. It is important for you to ask questions during your interview. Asking questions helps you to demonstrate your interest in the company. You will also learn more about the organisation.

After the Interview

• Send a thank you note or email and recap why you are a good fit for the open position.
• Don’t be alarmed if you are not contacted immediately after the interview, as there might be internal processes which need to be completed prior to a final selection being made.