Question Overview: Blood manufacturing is a very complex process that requires a lot of specialized equipment and highly trained technicians. A lab technician who is familiar with the process will be able to perform their job more efficiently.
Sample Answer: I'm very familiar with the blood manufacturing process. I've worked in a blood bank for the past two years and have been responsible for maintaining inventory and performing routine tests on specimens.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well an applicant can self-critique and identify areas for improvement. The best answer will be one that shows the applicant has a good understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses and is willing to improve upon the latter.
Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist and can sometimes be too hard on myself when things don't go exactly as planned. I'm always working on improving my time management skills so that I can better manage my time and workload.
Question Overview: A research lab is a place where scientists are actively engaged in the discovery of new knowledge. A qualified applicant should be able to demonstrate their experience in this setting.
Sample Answer: I've had experience working in a research lab as an undergraduate student. I worked with a team of other students to design experiments and collect data.
Question Overview: This question is a great opportunity to show off your strengths and how you handle weaknesses. You should be honest in your response, but don't be afraid to highlight your best qualities.
Sample Answer: My strengths are my attention to detail and my ability to work independently. I'm also very good at problem solving. My weaknesses are that I can be a bit of a perfectionist and I'm not the best at working in a group setting.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how well an applicant has researched your company. You want to hire someone who has taken the time to learn about your business and its goals.
Sample Answer: I've read about your company's commitment to providing high-quality products and services to your customers. I'm very excited about the opportunity to be a part of that.
Question Overview: A lab technician is responsible for a lot of different tasks and procedures. It's important to find out what an applicant has learned from previous lab work and what they've taken away from the experience.
Sample Answer: I learned a lot about laboratory safety during my internship. I also learned how to properly clean and disinfect equipment and how to use specialized instruments.
Question Overview: This is a general question that is used to get a feel for the applicant's personality. You want to hire someone who is both professional and personable, and this question will help you to determine if the applicant fits that description.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard-working individual who is always looking for ways to improve my skills. I'm also very detail-oriented and have a passion for the sciences.
Question Overview: The salary range for a lab technician is dependent on the type of work they're doing, their level of education and experience and the geographic location of the lab. A qualified applicant should be able to give you a range that is appropriate for their background.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a salary in the $40,000 to $50,000 range.
Question Overview: Working in a lab can be a stressful environment. There will be times when you have to work with someone you don't get along with. A lab technician must be able to work well with others, even if they're not the most pleasant people.
Sample Answer: I've worked with people I didn't get along with before and I've been able to resolve any issues that came up. I'm always willing to work with others and find solutions that benefit everyone.
Question Overview: Lab technicians are often put in the position of having to defend their work. This can be a stressful situation, but it's important for lab techs to be able to effectively communicate and defend their work in a professional manner.
Sample Answer: I would first ask my employer to provide details of the test that was performed incorrectly. I would then review the test results and compare them with the original data. If I found that there was an error on my part, I would immediately take responsibility and correct the problem.
Question Overview: A lab technician must be able to effectively problem solve when things don't go as planned. They must be able to think quickly and logically to find a solution to the problem. This is a great question to ask because it will give you insight into how well the applicant can think on their feet and how they deal with adversity.
Sample Answer: If something unexpected occurred during an experiment, I would first try to identify the source of the problem. I would then research possible solutions and try each one until I found one that worked.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out what an applicant's motivations are for applying to your lab. You'll be able to find out if they're genuinely interested in the work you do or if they're just looking for a job.
Sample Answer: I'm very interested in the research that your lab is doing and I feel that my skills and experience would be a great fit for your team.
Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge the applicant's commitment to the job. A lab technician is a long-term position, so you want to make sure the applicant is willing to be with the company for a while.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a long-term position where I can continue to grow and develop my skills.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out if the applicant has a long-term career outlook. It will also give you insight into whether or not they're a good fit for your company.
Sample Answer: I'm looking to become a lab supervisor in the future. I believe this job will help me gain the experience I need to achieve that goal.
Question Overview: A lab technician should be familiar with a variety of lab techniques and procedures. They should be able to name and detail their previous lab experience with technology and procedures. This question will help you to determine if the skill set of the applicant fits in with the needs of your facility.
Sample Answer: I've performed a variety of lab techniques including immunoassay, chromatography, and spectroscopy.
Question Overview: Conflict resolution is a crucial skill for lab technicians to have. They're often the first point of contact between researchers and the lab, so they must be able to effectively communicate with both parties. They must also be able to resolve conflicts in a professional manner that doesn't reflect poorly on the lab.
Sample Answer: I was able to resolve a conflict by speaking with both parties separately and then bringing them together to discuss the issue. I was able to help them come to an agreement that was beneficial for both parties.
Question Overview: This question will help you to determine if the applicant has a background in the sciences. It will also give you insight into their creativity and problem solving skills.
Sample Answer: I've done a variety of science projects throughout my academic career. I've worked with a team to create a new type of fuel cell that runs on salt water and I've also worked on a project to create a new type of battery that can be used in space.
Question Overview: This question is designed to test an applicant's knowledge of chemistry and math. The answer should include the formula for the solution, the number of grams of NaCl needed and the amount of solution needed to be prepared.
Sample Answer: I would prepare a 100mL solution of 1M NaCl by adding (x) grams of solid NaCl to 100mL of water. The formula for this solution is NaCl + H2O → Na+ + Cl- + H3O+.
Question Overview: A lab technician's work is not always consistent. They may be asked to perform a variety of tasks in a short amount of time or be given a long period of time to complete one task. This question will help you to determine if the applicant is capable of handling the fluctuating workload.
Sample Answer: I'm very capable of working in a high demand environment. I've been able to handle a wide variety of tasks in my previous lab experience and have always been able to adapt to changing workloads.
Question Overview: A lab technician must be able to operate a variety of laboratory equipment in order to perform their job duties. This question will help you to determine if the applicant has the necessary technical skills to be able to do their job.
Sample Answer: I can operate a variety of instruments including centrifuges, titrators and pH meters.