Frequently asked questions
- What will happen to my details if I apply online?
- I have a young family, and I need to work around their requirements. Can I still have a career with GSK?
- How long before I'm eligible for financial benefits such as GSK shares?
- My package includes a company car. Can I choose the make and model myself?
- I'm keen to move because I've become pigeon-holed. Will I suffer the same problem at GSK?
- How easy is it to move between functions?
- What do I do if I have any technical problems with the application form?
- Do you have a structured development process?
- What are GSK's core values?
- What is GSK's commitment to diversity?
- How do I submit relevant research papers, chemical studies or a more detailed scientific CV to support my application?
- Do I need a work permit to apply?
- How many jobs can I apply for?
- What qualities do you look for in an applicant?
What will happen to my details if I apply online?
If you're applying for a specific opportunity, HR will initially screen your application before forwarding it to the department concerned.
If you're using the Job Alert Service, your profile will be assessed against new openings, and you'll receive an email alert for those which match your requirements.
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I have a young family, and I need to work around their requirements. Can I still have a career with GSK?
Emphatically yes. Wherever possible, we actively encourage flexible working practices. Many of our employees who are also parents and carers are able to manage their work comfortably around their outside commitments. Because we value your talent and commitment, we'll do all we can to help you live the life you want.
For further details of flexible working, see Work-life balance.
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How long before I'm eligible for financial benefits such as GSK shares?
Under TotalReward, you automatically become a member of our Pension scheme the moment you join. You can also take advantage of our one-for-one annual ShareReward in your first year. And with ShareSave, you can start saving to buy more shares straight away.
For full details of TotalReward saving opportunities, see Savings choices.
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My package includes a company car. Can I choose the make and model myself?
Pretty much so. What happens is that you receive a tax-friendly, interest-free £5,000 loan. You can use this to buy through us (at considerable discount), make your own arrangements or just spend as you wish. It's up to you.
For full details, see Lifestyle benefits.
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I'm keen to move because I've become pigeon-holed. Will I suffer the same problem at GSK?
Read our employee profiles! As a world-leader in our sector, we're constantly generating new opportunities across our entire spectrum of disciplines, and we definitely don't view career development as a straight line. If your talents and ambitions lead you in a particular direction, we'll talk to you, support you, coach you and in short do everything we can to help. However much you achieve, there's always more to learn and further to grow.
For further details on career development, see Career paths.
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How easy is it to move between functions?
There are no barriers at all to prevent you switching between functions. There are plenty of examples of people who have established themselves in one role moving laterally in mid-career, to great success. If at some point you see a way that your skills could fit elsewhere in the organisation, start by talking to your manager.
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What do I do if I have any technical problems with the application form?
Not all computer programs are wholly compatible with our online application form, and you may encounter difficulties with cutting and pasting. For a step-by-step guide to online application, go to employment opportunities.
Download advice and technical tips filling in your application (PDF, 20Kb).
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Do you have a structured development process?
Given the size, complexity and global reach of our business, the avenues for developing your skills and your career are too numerous to be listed here. You can be assured, though, that personal development will always be a possibility, because we strongly believe in giving people the scope to set and realise their own goals. If you want to make the best of yourself, we'll encourage you all the way.
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What are GSK's core values?
The GSK Spirit - the philosophy by which we define ourselves - can be summed up as a belief in performance with integrity, coupled with entrepreneurial spirit, focus on innovation, a sense of urgency and a passion for achievement.
We're working to ensure that this culture guides and informs everything we do. By adhering to these core principles, we seek to create a climate in which the best people can always achieve to their full potential, and in turn help millions of people around the world lead longer, healthier and happier lives.
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What is GSK's commitment to diversity?
We believe in creating an inclusive environment, in which the knowledge, style and experience of each employee is valued for what it has to offer. Absorbing personal and cultural perspectives from all sections of the community enriches our business culture, and deepens our understanding of our healthcare responsibilities worldwide.
For more detailed information on diversity within GSK, see Diversity or Awards and recognition.
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How do I submit relevant research papers, chemical studies or a more detailed scientific CV to support my application? If you would like to submit relevant research papers, chemical studies or a more detailed scientific CV to support your application, you will be given the option of uploading up to three documents of up to 150KB size at the end of the application process. If your documents are larger than this, please send them to the following e-mail address: UK.RD-Recruitment@gsk.com. Please put the Req ID and job title of the job you are applying for in the subject heading of your e-mail, and mention that you have sent a separate e-mail with this information on your application form.
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Do I need a work permit to apply?
We are unable to employ anyone who does not have the right to work in the country the job is based in. Work permits can only be applied for if highly specialised roles have been impossible to fill by eligible candidates and all in-country employment sources have been exhausted.
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How many jobs can I apply for?
When you're searching for suitable jobs, we advise you to place no more than three in your job basket. Only apply for jobs that match your skills, knowledge and experience. If you apply indiscriminately for jobs you're not qualified for, you're likely to be disappointed by the outcome.
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What qualities do you look for in an applicant?
We look for people with the enthusiasm of entrepreneurs who are excited by the constant search for innovation. In our fast-moving world, we value your contribution and passion for what you do, together with performance achieved with integrity.
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