FAQs
For all your questions, we've provided the following answers to further help you navigate our job application process.
Job Search FAQs
IT FAQs
LLDP FAQs
Postdoctoral Fellows FAQs
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience FAQS
Job Search FAQs
Who has access to my online resume?
Your basic contact information (e.g., name, address, phone, e-mail) will be available to Lilly personnel involved in the recruiting process, so you may be contacted about the position for which you are submitting your resume. You are not able to specify who may retrieve or view your information.
Lilly will use personal information (e.g., name, contact information, work history, etc.) that you provide for recruitment and employment purposes only.
If necessary for employment purposes, your personal information may be transferred to other personnel within Lilly and organizations outside of Lilly which assist in recruiting processes by providing products and services to Lilly (such as those which assist Lilly with screening prospective employees and on-boarding new hires; pension and benefit coordinators; and compensation administrators), as well as regulatory authorities or as required by law. Click to view our Privacy Policy.
Will you contact my current or previous employers or attempt to gather any other information about me once I submit my resume?
We will not contact your current or past employers, nor attempt to gather additional information about you, without your authorization - which comes at a later point in the recruitment process.
I am having technical problems with the Lilly careers website. What should I do?
Please read these FAQs to see if there is an answer to your problem. Difficulties that you can't resolve which can be isolated to the function of the website itself can be addressed to: site_admin_lilly_careers@lilly.com. We will attempt to respond within 2 business days.
Do I have to have an account to search and submit my resume for a job?
No, you do not need an account to search for a job on our site. However, you must have an account to submit a resume for a job. Once you have an account, you can create automated searches that will notify you by e-mail of new openings that meet your criteria. Additionally, you can store resumes, documents, and complete contact information that can be used as part of the resume submission process. An account can be created even if you do not submit a resume for a job.
Can I select multiple items from the drop-down lists in the job search?
For drop-down lists that allow multiple choices, click on the first item you want to include, then hold down the appropriate key while mouse-clicking another item. For PC users, the appropriate key is the ctrl (control) key; Macintosh users should hold down the command key or shift key, depending on your particular computer model. For sequential items in a list, you can click your mouse on the first item, then, hold down the shift key and mouse click at the end of the range of items listed.
How do I navigate through multiple pages of job search results?
Each page of search results will have a line showing the number of positions and the number of pages to be displayed as a result of running the search. You may view any page in any order by clicking on the page number links, or by clicking previous or next.
Can I submit a resume for more than one job at a time?
Yes. Using our job cart, you may submit your resume for up to 10 jobs at one time.
How can I be sure the position for which I submitted my resume online has not already been filled?
Positions posted on our site represent openings that are current at the time they are posted. Position postings are updated frequently, including being removed from the site once they are filled. When you submit your resume for a position, your resume will be placed among others being considered. If your resume is the best match to the position's requirements, a Lilly representative will contact you.
If there are no relevant openings for me, can I send in a speculative resume?
If there are no relevant openings available, you may still set up an account with a saved search. This will enable us to contact you when and if any suitable openings become available. We recommend that you return to the site regularly to search for new openings to make sure you don't miss what you're looking for.
I no longer wish to be contacted or considered for job opportunities. What should I do?
If you would like to stop receiving e-mail notifications, update your account and delete any saved searches that are active.
Salary ranges of positions are not listed - why?
Lilly pays competitively for positions and as a rule does not publicize salaries, salary ranges, or salary scales. Because of variation in position requirements, individual candidate education and work history, skills and specific experience, salaries are set on an individual basis within established guidelines for compensation at Lilly.
If I was referred for a specific position and was not hired, will you consider my resume for other opportunities?
To be considered for other positions, you will need to submit your resume online for each position of interest. Please continue to search for open positions, or you may set up a saved search to be notified when positions matching your criteria are posted.
What's the best way to format my resume?
When designing your resume for our online submission, keep the format simple, with name, address and contact information at the top. You may upload your resume if it is in MS Word and less than 150KB; otherwise you will need to paste your resume into the space provided. When you copy and paste a resume from a text document, any special formatting, including symbols, bullets, tables, or other characters, will not be copied. The best formats to use are (1) text file with line breaks or (2) html. If you save a copy of a formatted text document as a text file with line breaks or as html, you can paste it in during the online resume submission process. If uploading more than one document, the total size of the accumulated documents must be < 700Kb.
Should I submit more robust information, such as research papers, a full CV, drawings, etc.?
Additional documents can be uploaded and saved as part of your account, or you will be given the opportunity upload documents as part of the resume submission process. Each individual document must be < 150Kb; however, if uploading more than one document, the total size of the accumulated documents must be < 700Kb.
Can I send my resume or give it to someone who works at Lilly?
In order to be formally considered for employment at Lilly, you must submit your resume online for open positions at www.lilly.com/careers. If more information is required, a Lilly representative will contact you. Our online resume submission process is the place where you can enter your resume information, and is designed to provide you a fair opportunity to be considered for potential opportunities at Lilly.
How do I update my resume or contact information? Also, what if I discover a mistake in my resume or application data after I submit it?
You can update your submission information by resubmitting your resume to the same or additional position(s), if it is still posted. You will need to complete the entire resume submission process again. When you resubmit, multiple data checks will occur to match your new record to the old, using contact information you have provided (e.g., first name, last name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address). Once your records are matched, your data will be updated. Note: if you have been contacted by Lilly about the position and your candidacy is being reviewed, please make these changes through your Lilly contact.
How should I prepare for an interview with Lilly?
The key to predicting how you will perform in a job is to collect and examine examples of how you performed in similar situations in the past. To evaluate your past performance, Lilly uses a behavioral-based interviewing process. You'll be asked to provide specific and complete behavioral examples of your past experiences, projects, etc. Our interviews are targeted for the specific job for which you are applying.
Does Lilly provide corporate responsibility guidelines?
Visit our link at http://www.lilly.com/responsibility/ to find out more about our commitment to corporate responsibility.
What are the computer requirements to browse and submit my resume for a position through the website?
You can browse lilly.com with both PC and Macintosh computers and a variety of Internet browsers, however; our website is Microsoft certified. To apply to a position, please be sure to use a PC and Internet Explorer 6.0 or later. Candidates must have cookies and java scripting enabled. It is also recommended that you have an electronic version of your resume available as you move through the application process.
What type of response will I receive after I submit a resume for a job?
Due to the high volume of resumes that are submitted to Lilly (approximately 1,000 each business day), we are unable to provide interim updates on each candidate. Your qualifications will be evaluated for the specific job for which you submitted your resume. If you are identified as being competitive, a member of U.S. Recruiting & Staffing will contact you directly.
If I'm not selected for one position, can I submit my resume for another position? When?
You may submit your resume for as many positions as meet your qualifications.
What type of response can I expect following an interview?
Your recruiter will contact you regarding your status after your interview.
How do I correctly enter education data?
For education data, at least one complete record must be entered. Please feel free to enter as many education records as are appropriate using the "Add Another Entry" button.
These four fields use a "look-up feature" to help find the appropriate data for you. Type the first few letters and then a list will appear showing all matching values. Use your arrow keys to navigate to the correct value, then press the "Enter" key to populate the field.
- Degree Type
- College / University
- Major
- Minor
If your College / University is not listed, then type "Other". Additionally, you can use "GED" to indicate a High School degree in the Degree Type field.
How do I correctly enter work history data?
For work history data, at least one complete record must be entered. Please provide a complete work history by entering as many records as are appropriate using the "Add Another Entry" button. Please note that there are three fields required for a complete work history record:
- Job Title
- Employer
- Start Date
If you have no work history, please enter "None" in both the Job Title and Employer fields. Additionally, enter the current date in the "Start Date" field.
When creating a new account, I receive a drop down for "Country Code" as my phone number. How do I enter this data?
There are additional fields as part of the phone number which are not being displayed. To view all of the fields on the page, change a setting on your browser:
- Close all browser sessions
- Open a single new browser session
- From the View toolbar, select "View --> Text Size --> Medium"
- Refresh the page
Where is the pre-employment screen (PES) and how do I access it?
To access the pre-employment screening, you must first complete two actions:
- Submit your resume to at least one sales position
- Answer the screening questions
http://www.e-selex.com/LillyEPS/Reconnect.asp?r=1
The blue bar on each page does not move or change after I enter data. How do I navigate to the next page?
The blue bar at the top right of the page indicates how far in the overall process you have gone, not the processing on the page. Please note that to move to the next page, there is a button at the bottom labeled "Next."
After logging into my account on lilly.com/careers, how do I respond to the "Additional Questions" in the "View Information Requests" section?
These questions are actually part of the resume submission process - you have already responded to these questions when submitting your resume to a job. If a recruiter is interested in your resume, you will be contacted directly.
IT FAQs
What does IT look like in a pharmaceutical company?
IT supports the business to help deliver first-in-class or best-in-class medicines. We deliver the greatest value when we understand how to enable the business to use technology to achieve its goals.
What areas of the company does IT support and what are the responsibilities?
We have IT groups that support Discovery Research, Product Development, Clinical Research, Sales and Marketing, Manufacturing, and the Administrative areas, such as Finance, Legal, and Human Resources. We also have a core group that supports our IT infrastructure, including networks, platforms, and common services.
What is a typical job in IT?
We don’t have a standard job/position for new hires. Each position has unique aspects based on the work to be performed and the other members of the team. We have defined several standard roles (e.g. Technology Integrator, Quality Analyst, Test Lead, Business Analyst, Project Manager, etc.) and in most cases, a person plays more than one of those roles in a position.
What type of IT standards does Lilly follow?
What does Lilly really want from an IT professional?
What opportunities are there for development in IT at Lilly?
How will Lilly help me keep abreast of emerging trends and technologies?
How are Lilly IT careers affected by the national outsourcing trend?
What does Lilly offer that I can't get from a technology company?
LLDP FAQs
Why does Lilly have a leadership development program?
Based on analysis of internal feedback and data, the LLDP is one of five initiatives implemented to engage, develop and retain top talent. This program is consistent with Lilly's commitment to the development of future leaders of the organization.
Who participates in LLDP?
New MBA graduates who have been recruited to Lilly and have demonstrated strong potential for leadership.
What functions are incorporated into the LLDP?
Primary functions include marketing, finance and human resources.
How many are in an LLDP class?
Lilly recruits approximately 15-20 MBAs annually and these individuals make up an LLDP class.
What is a cMBA?
cMBA is a Lilly term that stands for 'Corporate MBA.' cMBAs are recruited from targeted schools that consistently rank in the top tier of business schools. cMBAs are also identified through specific diversity recruiting initiatives including: Consortium of Graduate Management Study, National Black MBA, National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and various university scholarship initiatives. The primary method Lilly uses to recruit cMBAs is through the 12-week summer internship program.
How much time does it take to participate in LLDP?
Lilly operates on a 70-20-10 learning model. Seventy percent of learning occurs in the full-time work assignment; twenty percent is learned through coaching; ten percent is learned through formal means such as on-line or classroom. LLDP modules utilize four channels of learning: coached, on-line, classroom, and experiential (hands-on experiences). Time away from the responsibilities of the job is less than thirty percent.
Are international MBA students considered for the LLDP?
Yes, LLDP includes US based corporate MBAs and International MBAs who are located in specific countries that the company has targeted for growth.
Are rotational assignments a part of the LLDP?
The focus of LLDP is on development of the leadership skills of the participants. However, within each function there is a development map that typically spans two different assignments.
What is the length of the LLDP?
Three years. The period of participation in LLDP begins when a corporate MBA joins Lilly in their initial assignment and extends through the first 36 months.
What happens upon completion of the LLDP?
Upon successful completion of the LLDP, the cMBA progresses into the pool of other Lilly high potentials to continue in professional development.
What about promotion?
Promotions are not within the scope of the LLDP. Dependent upon the needs of the business, career goals of the participant and recommendation by the supervisor, graduates of the LLDP may be considered for promotional opportunities.
Is it possible to change functional homes?
The path to senior leadership at Lilly is built through developing functional expertise. If a cMBA wants to change functional homes, they need to work with their supervisor on an individual basis.
When will the leadership assessment take place for LLDP participants?
Lilly will evaluate the cMBA during the corporate succession management process between 24-36 months in their career. This evaluation takes place in the spring of the year using a formal Talent Identification tool and process, conducted by line management.
Is mentoring a part of the LLDP?
Mentoring is a part of the Lilly culture in general. The LLDP participant selects a mentor from a group of profiles. These profiles are manager level employees who have demonstrated successful leadership behaviors within the company and are committed to mentoring relationships. The pairing process is managed by the LLDP Associate who communicates with the cMBA within the first 6 months of the initial assignment about the selection process. Mentors and mentees meet during the LLDP Orientation. Dependent upon individual need, LLDP participants may seek additional mentors outside of the program pairing.
Do senior executives support the LLDP?
The LLDP has support from the CEO of the company and the highest senior leader in each participating function. These leaders actively participate in various aspects of the program.
How long has the LLDP been in existence?
Functional development programs have been in existence at Lilly for several years. LLDP is an integration of these programs supplemented by other development experiences and training. The enhanced curriculum was launched in the spring of 2007.
Will LLDP participants have an international experience?
Since Lilly is a global company, it is likely the cMBA will have international exposure through their full-time assignments. However, based on individual development plans, there are opportunities to have an OUS assignment, project or work with Lilly's international affiliates.
Will program participants receive regular feedback?
Feedback is an integral part of the Lilly culture. LLDP participants will receive feedback primarily through their immediate supervisor who is responsible for performance management and developmental action plans. These discussions occur on a regularly scheduled basis, but can be held anytime at the request of the cMBA. Additional feedback will be shared from partners, customers, mentors, senior leaders and others who interact with the cMBA.
Is there a formal orientation for the new LLDP participants?
Yes, in January following the year in which a cMBA joins Lilly, the new class of LLDP participants is invited to headquarters for a detailed explanation of the program, expectation setting, and interactive presentations by executives representing various functions in the organization.
Postdoctoral Fellows FAQs
How long are Postdoctoral Fellows enrolled in the Program?
Generally, Postdoctoral Fellows are enrolled in the program for 2 years. The assignment is structured as a one-year term and is renewable for a second year. There is an option to extend the assignment into a third year and in some cases a fourth year with special line management approval.
What opportunities do Postdoctoral Fellows have to collaborate with other scientists?
Postdoctoral Fellows at Lilly have the opportunity to collaborate with other Lilly Postdoctoral Fellows, with external scientists and with Lilly staff scientists. Collaborations with Lilly scientists must be carefully structured to ensure the Postdoctoral Fellow works on projects that permit prompt publication.
Where do Postdoctoral Fellows go after completion of the program? What is breakdown between industry and academia?
Approximately 75% of Lilly Postdoctoral Fellows find jobs within the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries, the remaining 25% find jobs in academia or government research or other.
How easy is it to publish as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Lilly?
Lilly postdoctoral projects must all be publishable, after filing patent applications when appropriate.
Can Postdoctoral Fellows attend scientific conferences? How many?
Yes. Lilly provides travel resources to at least one scientific meeting per year.
Is the Postdoctoral Fellow Program used as a recruiting tool by Lilly?
The Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at Eli Lilly and Company is not intended as a primary recruiting tool to fill Lilly senior scientist positions. The Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides a Fellow with valuable training so that the individual can accept opportunities in industry or academia upon completion of the Lilly Fellowship.
How many Postdoctoral Fellows are in the program at any given time?
The number of Postdoctoral Fellows at Lilly varies due to a number of factors such as the decisions of Postdoctoral Fellows to leave the program to pursue other opportunities in industry or academia or to extend their Fellowship into a 3rd or 4th year. The number of new Fellowships which will be funded each year is determined through the annual business planning process.
Do I receive any benefits as a Postdoctoral Fellow?
Yes. Postdoctoral Fellows are Lilly employees and are eligible for many, but not all benefits. Some of the Postdoctoral Fellow benefits include: Health Plan, Vacation, Illness Pay, Flextime, Lilly Savings Plan (401K), Employee Parking, On-site Child Care, Credit Union, Financial Planning, Adoption Reimbursement, and Employee Services, including the Lilly Fitness Center.
Does Lilly offer relocation assistance for Postdoctoral Fellows?
Yes. Lilly provides relocation assistance to Postdoctoral Fellows, which includes a house hunting trip, transportation expenses, temporary accommodations, household goods move expenses, and real estate assistance.
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience FAQS
Why does Lilly have the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) program?
Lilly has long been a supporter of pharmacy and pharmacy education. As part of its continuing effort to develop and maintain a collaborative relationship with pharmacists, pharmacy educators, and pharmacy students, Lilly maintains an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) program available to pharmacy students in the United States. The program began formally in 1992 when the first Pharm.D. students rotated through the Medical Information Department at Lilly. The student program at Lilly has been recognized as a valued resource to nationally ranked pharmacy programs.
What are the benefits of this program at Lilly?
"The benefits of Eli Lilly and Company educating and training Pharm.D. students are recognized by the students, by the universities, and by Eli Lilly and Company. Benefits to the student include: strengthened literature evaluation, writing, and presentation skills; a new perspective on the pharmaceutical development process (costs/infrastructure); exposure to opportunities for a Pharm.D. within the pharmaceutical industry; improvement on developmental areas through feedback and coaching; and a fulfilled degree requirement. Benefits to the universities include: outside influence, insight, and perspective into curriculum development from the pharmaceutical industry; the provision of additional opportunities for students (may help in recruiting and placing students interested in the pharmaceutical industry); and the establishment of needed sites for the conversion to all Pharm.D. curriculums. Benefits to Eli Lilly and Company include: the development of associates' skills in feedback, coaching, and mentoring; the promotion of industry and Eli Lilly and Company to the pharmacy student; associates holding adjunct faculty positions; project completion; and the ability to screen for prospective new employees."
Reference: Riggins JL, Winn_JL. Eli Lilly and Company Global Medical Information: Pharmacy student clerkships in industry. Drug Information Journal 1998:32: 283-288.
Does Lilly provide any stipends or housing subsidy?
Rotations at Lilly are non-paid positions. There are no stipends or subsidies for housing nor is there reimbursement for travel to the rotation site.
Where can students live in Indianapolis?
In the past students have lived with friends or relatives, located an apartment on their own, or taken advantage of a housing option made available to them through Lilly.
How much is rent in Indianapolis for a furnished apartment?
Most furnished apartments rent for $1200-$1600 per month. If arranged through Lilly, rent is currently $750 for 4 weeks and $25 per day beyond that time. The rent remains $750 regardless of being assigned a 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom apartment. Student will be assigned a 2-bedroom if there is another student of the same gender completing a rotation at the same time. Please indicate if you would like to room with someone you know. Regardless of the number of roommates, you will still pay $750 for the month.
What does rent include in the option made available through Lilly?
Rent covers all utilities, local phone, cable television, furniture and furnishings (housewares). There is a pool and workout room at the clubhouse. Bed linens and towels are provided. There is a washer and dryer in each unit. Students will be scheduled into an apartment once a credit card number has been received by the managing company. If student remains beyond four weeks, there will be a $25 per day charge to extend the lease. Rent includes a cleaning charge. Pets are not allowed in these apartments. Students are responsible for any damages made to the apartment during their stay. No insurance coverage is provided for the student's personal belongings. Long distance calls should be made using a calling card. Any long distance calls made on the phone without a calling card will be charged to the credit card provided. Internet services are currently unavailable.
Where are the apartments located in the option made available through Lilly?
Apartments are easily accessible to Lilly properties and downtown Indianapolis. Student will need their own transportation to the rotation site.
Is transportation to and from Lilly provided?
Students will need their own transportation to and from the rotation site. The availability of Indianapolis public transportation is limited. You may be able to find ride-share opportunities with other students depending on your schedules.
Who precepts the students while on rotation?
Over forty Lilly employees with pharmacy degrees precept students throughout the year.
How long can the rotations be?
Rotations are generally 4 weeks in length however some flexibility is available for schools where rotations run from the first of the month to the last day of the month or whose rotations last 5 or 6 weeks.
Can I complete more than one rotation at Lilly?
If the student has a very strong interest in pharmaceutical industry, Lilly will attempt to arrange a second rotation assignment. Lilly will not schedule more than two rotations for an individual student.
If I complete a rotation at Lilly, does that improve my chances of getting a full time job at Lilly?
Completing a rotation at Lilly will not increase chances of being hired after graduation. However, rotations do provide the student a great opportunity to network with Lilly staff.
How many students does Lilly take each year?
In recent years, the number of students rotating through Lilly has grown to around ninety students per year.
How will I be graded during my rotation?
During the rotation, Lilly preceptors evaluate the students using evaluation forms developed at Lilly. Each school sending students to Lilly gives prior approval for the use of these evaluation tools. Grades (pass/fail or letter grade) will be provided directly to the student who is asked to provide to their school unless another process is requested.
How do students get selected for a rotation at Lilly?
Rotations are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis with 65% of rotations being filled by in-state students (Purdue and Butler University). The students' experiential coordinators screen students appropriately according to their interests.
When will rotations be available to be scheduled?
Lilly's rotation availability is determined at the end of each year (Oct-Dec). Rotation assignments can be made after January for the rotation school year starting in May and running through the following April (e.g. May 2005 through April 2006). Lilly can accommodate monthly (4 week) rotations and on occasion 5-6 week rotations depending on schedule and space. Rotations are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis with 65% of rotations being filled by in-state students (Purdue and Butler University). Students should have their experiential coordinator contact Lilly's APPE coordinator to discuss the placement and determine if any further requirements must be met in order to make an assignment. Students are discouraged from making contact with personal acquaintances at Lilly for the purpose of obtaining a rotation and work with their school's coordinator to make such arrangements. This coordination ensures the program is equally available to all eligible students.
Are there any requirements that students must meet before doing a rotation at Lilly?
After placements are made, students will be asked to submit a resume/CV and a student information form. This information will be used to contact the student 30 days prior to the start of the rotation to complete the required background check and drug screen. Once these requirements are met, the student will be ready to begin their rotation at Lilly.
