Do you know that trying to calm yourself down right before an interview can actually result in increased anxiety?
Well, it is true. The more you tell yourself “It’s okay”, the more your mind will scream “No! It’s not!”
But there is a way to counter this. Mind over matter is the key. If you don’t do well in this interview, you will have other opportunities.
See also: Laboratory Technician Resume
As a laboratory technician, you might be asked some or all of the questions below:
Laboratory Technician Interview Questions and Answers
1. What is the single characteristic that makes you a qualified laboratory technician?
I am highly disciplined and extremely detail-oriented, both of which work hand in hand to get laboratory work going. I believe that this is one characteristic that qualifies me for this position.
2. What are some of the important work duties that you perform in a laboratory technician role?
Setting up laboratory equipment, carrying out risk assessments, collecting and analyzing samples, preparing solutions and cultures and recording data are some of the principal duties of a laboratory technician.
3. What does working in a team environment entail in this position?
Working in a laboratory is often not the sole person’s job. One has to understand projects, comprehend their purpose, divide responsibilities, work separately on each module and then compare results. It is completely teamwork in its true essence.
4. Give us examples of a few administrative tasks associated with a laboratory technician’s work.
A laboratory technician does not only perform tests in a lab setting. He or she also maintains laboratory records, and inventory of supplies and ensures that work areas are kept clean and sanitized.
5. As a lab assistant, what skills do you offer?
I am skilled in many areas. Some of them include:
• Conducting and supporting scientific investigations
• Planning and setting up controlled experiments
• Recording and analyzing data
• Collecting, preparing, and testing samples
• Calibrating and setting up lab machinery
• Writing reports and reviews
• Maintaining lab equipment, and performing minor repairs
6. What does quality control mean to you?
Quality control is everything when you are working in a laboratory technician position. One has to ensure that quality control procedures are implemented at every level of testing.
7. Tell us of a time when you did something and came out shining.
I was once tasked with analyzing a specimen for possible bad bacteria. Upon the first 2 investigations, I could see a certain type of good bacteria, but nothing alarming. But I was constantly at the edge about this particular specimen. Upon closer look, I realized that the bad bacteria was masking itself as good bacteria. This was a surefire diagnosis of an autoimmune disease. I explained my hypothesis to the lab manager, and further investigation proved me right. I did not just get a pat on the back, but also a reward from the hospital management.
8. How do you feel about working in a possibly dangerous atmosphere?
I take safety very seriously. I ensure that safety precautions are made a priority, and I follow all procedures to the T. These efforts take the edge off a person where possible danger is concerned.
9. Can you recount a time when you resolved a problem while working in a lab technician capacity?
Yes, I was recently involved in a case study, where the sample provided incorrect information, as the associated documentation implied. After spending an hour on it, I realized that something was off. Upon thorough checking, it became evident that the sample labeling was incorrect. Had I not determined that it would have counted as gross negligence on our part.
10. What are your 5-year plans?
I intend to work in a diagnostic capacity, for which I am already under training.