27 Battelle Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Battelle interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. What roles are you comfortable assuming in working as part of a larger team?
How to Answer
Coming to work for a consulting business requires the ability to work as part of a larger team on the projects you will be heading. Teamwork in this setting requires versatility and your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have that versatility in your answer to this question. Many times, you will be taking the bull by the horns and leading the way. Other times, you will be the worker bee researching behind the scenes. You may be tasked with being the organizer of projects behind the scenes as well. Make sure that you highlight your ability to be flexible when working as part of a team here.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I am really comfortable working in any role within a team and I think my experiences throughout my career demonstrate this well. At many times in my career, I've been the legwork of team operations and have easily taken direction on projects and been able to hit pre-established deadlines. As well, I've lead many projects and have shown my ability to lead others in a team effort and the ability to delegate tasks and set milestones for projects. If hired for this position, you can be rest assured that I have the ability to be a key team players with your clients in helping better their business."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"From a very young age in my career, I've always been a natural leader in a team based environment. My excellent communication skills, honesty, critical thinking and decision making skills have proven time and time again that I can lead others in the most effective way possible. And while being a leader comes naturally to me, I can easily let others take the lead on projects."
2. We value diversity at Battelle. When have you worked amongst a diverse group of people?
How to Answer
Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity.
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable, and happy, in this type of environment because it offers a great learning opportunity."
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role, I work alongside cross-functional teams regularly. Together, we manage our business and effectiveness. I enjoy the diversity component."
3. In what ways would our clients here at Battelle benefit from your knowledge and services?
How to Answer
This question is your chance to talk about the unique skills and knowledge that you would bring to Battelle and that is exactly what your interviewer is looking to hear. In your answer, keep your focus centered on how clients of the organization will benefit from the things that you bring to their table because Battelle is client focused in all that they do. To be effective with this answer, be sure to do your research on the clients at Battelle and think about how your experience will be beneficial for them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I have extensive experience in risk management in the healthcare industry. Having worked with some major players in the industry, your healthcare clients would benefit the most from the experience and solutions I could help provide them. Not to leave other industries out, I think my experience in the healthcare realm will also translate nicely to your clients in other areas of the private sector."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Having worked in accounting and tax law in a few different industries during my career to this point, I also have the unique experience of creating new organizational policies and procedures in my current role. In hearing more about this role, I think this experience would be very beneficial for your clients as I would be helping advise them in their practices and creating new policy would be crucial in that process."
4. If hired for this position at Battelle, what would be the ideal project for you to lead?
How to Answer
To fully understand the reasoning behind this question, your interviewer is looking to get a sense for what type of work you prefer to do, what your strong points are and where to best position you with clients if hired for the position. Prior to your interview, be sure that you research the clients of Battelle and the typical projects that are led with them. Make sure your desires align in some aspect of the business and speak openly and honestly about your most desirable project.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"If I'm fortunate enough to come consult with Battelle, my ideal project would be working with the leadership staff of a high profile employer on a corporate restructuring project that makes them more efficient and more profitable in a short amount of time. As you can see from my experience, I really thrive when working with high level leaders like CEO's and Presidents on what I would consider my greatest area of expertise."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Being passionate about manufacturing and technology, my ideal project would put me face to face working with a team of engineers and production staff to help implement the creation of a life changing product in the medical field. This area of manufacturing involves high cost materials and the need to produce items accurately and efficiently. My project management skills would thrive in this atmosphere."
5. Throughout your career, what types of roles and positions have you worked closely with and which roles are you most comfortable working with?
How to Answer
A consultant role with Battelle may require you working with CEO's, Presidents and high executive leaders of organizations and your interviewer is ideally looking to hear that you have experience working with this level of leadership and that you are comfortable in that relationship. If you have experience working with this level, draw on your experiences to talk about how you'll be effective in a consulting role with Battelle. If you don't have direct experience working with this level of leadership, pull from your personality and your relationship building skills to project to your interviewer that you'll be comfortable in the consulting role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Since graduating from college, you can see that I've been employed with my current organization for almost 12 years. In my role, I've grown into the VP of Engineering role. In this role for almost three years now, I get to work closely with our CEO and CFO on upcoming projects. I have regular weekly touchpoints with each leader. I've learned that they look to me for expertise and we have a great working relationship because I speak openly and honestly in my areas of expertise. They continually tell me that they appreciate my no bull approach with them. I think the clients here at Battelle will appreciate that about me as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Throughout my career, I've sat on different committees and led projects that involved our Senior Vice President and our Production Managers. I work really well with leaders at this level by speaking openly and honestly while asking a lot of clarifying questions. I regularly keep them updated on statuses of projects and communicating issues that may arise."
6. A key component to success here at Battelle is building solid relationships with new clients. How do you effectively get to know new people and lay the groundwork for a long lasting relationship?
How to Answer
The fast paced world of business consulting requires the ability to build relationship after relationship with all of the clients that you will potentially be working with. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to gain insight into how you build relationships with new people from the first time you interact with them. In your answer, talk about how you gain and build trust with new people and explain how the little things in your initial interactions go a long way toward building long lasting working relationships.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
Answer Example
"I am a firm believer that success in any role I've played in my career was due in part to the relationships that I've built in those roles. Whenever I have the chance to work with a new colleague or a new customer, my approach is to create an initial connection with them to build trust. After that point, my interpersonal skills take over through active listening. I use my listening skills to learn about the motivating factors and needs of the person that I will be working with and this helps mold that respect and trust between us even more. I think this approach would be very critical in working with new clients on a regular basis here at Battelle and I'd love the opportunity to bring these skills to the table for you."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
7. Due to the nature of Battelle business and services we may ask that you complete a full background check. Are you willing to comply?
How to Answer
Many companies will ask for a background check before employing you. This due diligence could include a criminal record check, a credit check, a drivers' abstract, and education verification. The request will vary from company to company so you should always be prepared to comply with all requests. If there is a mark on your record, this is the best time to disclose that information.
If you have a clean record: "I can fully understand why Battelle would need to conduct background checks on all potential employees. I have a squeaky clean record and am happy to comply with any of your requests."
1st Answer Example
"I can fully understand why Battelle would need to conduct background checks on all potential employees. I have a squeaky clean record and am happy to comply with any of your requests."
2nd Answer Example
"If you have a mark on your record: "I can fully understand why Battelle would need to conduct background checks on all potential employees. I did have a charge against me approximately six years ago for a DUI. I have gained my drivers' license back since then, but I thought I should disclose that to you ahead of time."
8. Outside of work, what type of creative activities do you like to pursue?
How to Answer
A genuinely creative minded person will have outside activities aside from what's happening in the workplace. Tell the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you express your creativity.
1st Answer Example
"Outside of work I like to attend dance classes and I also attend the odd paint and sip wine nights at a local wine shop. I also enjoy reading as a way of nurturing my creative side."
2nd Answer Example
"I think it's important to exercise creativity in a variety of ways. This reasoning is why I am involved in a variety of things such as team sports, reading, and art classes."
9. Talk about a time you had to work with a very difficult person. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
How to Answer
At some point in any person's career, they have to work with a colleague or customer who is extremely difficult. Rather than looking to hear the fine details as to why this person was difficult, your interviewer will be looking to gain insight into how you personally handled the situation and others like it to ensure that a sound relationship was fostered even when you faced difficult circumstances. In your answer, some key things to focus on are your ability to be tolerant, understanding and a great communicator in these situations.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I have a customer that flies off the handle very easily if things don't happen just right and I learned this from my first interactions with him. In seeing this happen from the start, I have always maintained a calm demeanor when he was upset and showed empathy by asking questions about his expectations and how to fix situations for him. To this day, I expect difficulty from him when we work together and the years we've had a working relationship together have better prepared me for more clients like him in the future."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"A couple of years ago, a close colleague of mine had a very abrupt turnaround in her attitude and performance on the job. She was very curt and abrasive in conversations when she was normally very talkative and friendly on the job. After noticing some concerns in her work, I approached her with an open mind and asked her what was going on to cause these things to change. I showed concern and approached her as a friend and this approach prompted her to tell me about some issues happening in her personal life. By taking this approach, rather than getting upset or even made with her, I showed her that I cared and valued her as a person and my approach helped her open up and turn her life at work back around to the positive side."
10. Talk about your ability to prioritize record keeping in the lab setting. How have you effectively done this in your past work?
How to Answer
Keeping and maintaining accurate records in a lab is vitally important, for many reasons. This is certainly no different at Battelle. To give your interview a feel for how you prioritize and keep accurate records, talk about the steps you take in ensuring each specimen is recorded and labeled while also talking about any documentation systems that you have used in the past. Make sure your interviewer walks away knowing that documentation and record keeping is an important job for you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I am required to keep a notebook with my work that I do each and every day. In the notebook, I record all of the samples that I test. On a weekly basis, our department secretary enters important notes into an electronic record keeping system. Before moving on to my next task, I always ensure that I document my work before moving on. This ensures that my work is fresh in my mind and documented properly. Are you able to expand on record keeping procedures in the lab here at Battelle?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"In the medical lab setting where I currently work, we have to document many things on a daily basis. I update medical records in our EHR on specimens that I examine. I am required to update maintenance and cleaning logs on all of the equipment that I use. I also am required to take temperature and humidity reading twice per day and document them in an online log that we use. All of these tasks are important in keeping our patient records accurate and our laboratory clean and safe."
11. We value accountability at Battelle. If a customer sent a formal complaint about an interaction with you, how would you handle it?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you are a person of integrity who will take responsibility for any shortcomings in the workplace. Briefly explain to the interviewer that you will handle Battelle customers with great care.
1st Answer Example
"I understand that Battelle has put a lot of work into building these long-term client relationships. If one of your clients complained about my communication with them, I would take full responsibility for my actions and issue an apology. I would also be open to feedback to avoid future incidences. Rest assured, in my 15 years of employment, I have not had any clients complain to my employer about my work ethic or delivery of service."
2nd Answer Example
"Constructive feedback is difficult to swallow at times, but it's helpful for me to remember that everyone receives constructive feedback from time to time. I will always do what is required of me to renew a client relationship."
12. If you are hired for this position here at Battelle, what do you think the biggest hurdle for you would be from the start?
How to Answer
For this question, you can showcase your research that you've done on both Battelle and the role you are interviewing for by being upfront and honest about what you feel would be the biggest learning curve for you if hired for the position and giving your plan for how you would approach this hurdle. In your answer, make sure that you highlight your skills and abilities in making a molehill out of a mountain on your way to success in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, most of my career experience is in the food industry. If fortunate enough to be hired for this position, the biggest area for learning for me would be the finance side of other industries like technology, telecommunications and healthcare. From day one, I would begin by thoroughly research the clients here at Battelle and speaking with as many industry experts that I know through business networking. While learning the ins and outs of other industries is the biggest learning curve for me, I see it as a great opportunity for me to become more proficient and effective in the work that I'd be doing for you."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"While this may sound funny to you at first, I think the biggest challenge for me from the start will be adapting to the great corporate lifestyle and culture here at Battelle. When I saw this position being open for applicants and I did my research, I was extremely excited to hear about the flexibility and openness to the ideas of your staff members. I've been working for six years in an environment that is very opposite of an open culture for new ideas and for me personally, it will feel foreign for me to bring new ideas to the team here and have them be accepted."
13. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?
How to Answer
When you feel torn between multiple projects or tasks, how do you decide which one needs your attention the most? Assure the interviewer that you can be diligent when it comes to assessing your priorities.
1st Answer Example
"I will determine which project requires my attention by the number of hours we are behind and then the project size. I am comfortable delegating tasks when needed, but I am also aware that these times will require an additional commitment of hours from me. Never have I under delivered on a deadline."
2nd Answer Example
"Assuming that the projects have different stakeholders, I interview each to determine the value of increased productivity, morale or revenue, decreased costs, and the overall impact."
14. Would you say that you are a goal oriented person on the job? Why would you say that?
How to Answer
Success in business consulting is most often measured in the achievement of goals for clients and for this question, your interviewer will ideally be looking to hear that you are driven by goals and that you have the ability to set them as well. In your answer, give your interviewer the sense that you are goal oriented by giving an example or two of a time where you set and worked towards a goal as part of a team effort. Explain your part in the achievement of the goals and your ability to stay focused on the end result.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"If hired for this position, one of the first things that you'll learn about me is that I am very driven to succeed in all that I do on the job. For me, personal drive definitely centers around goals and my desire to achieve them. I have the focus to set goals myself and to work towards goals that are set by my organization, my leaders or my customers and I would bring this ability with each client that I work with here at Battelle."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I would definitely say that I am goal oriented in the work that I do on a daily basis. In project management, I work off of both time related goals and production related goals and these really drive my daily tasks and my delegation of responsibilities to other team members. If given the opportunity to come work for Battelle, my clients would greatly benefit from my ability to both set and achieve goals with them."
15. Do you have expertise in working in a team based lab environment?
How to Answer
Depending on your laboratory background prior to this interview, you may be used to a smaller and more independent work environment. For this question, your interviewer is looking to gauge your experience and thoughts on working in a large lab environment at Battelle. If you don't have experience in a larger, team based environment, there is no need to fret. Simply explain that you are a team player and talk about the roles you have played in a team based environment in the past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I do have experience in working as part of a much larger team during my time working for the University of X five years ago. In this environment, our research projects were assigned in teams. In this environment, I was comfortable taking a lead role among my fellow technicians while helping provide guidance and representation from my colleagues to team leaders. If hired for this position, I would be very grateful to step back into a fast paced, team based atmosphere here at Battelle."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"For the last five years starting my career out of college, I have worked as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a small clinical lab setting. While I have always found the work to be very rewarding and beneficial to other, my main reason for searching for a new career path was to be involved in a larger team environment like you have here at Battelle. I am a people person by nature and would love to bring my skills to the team based efforts that you put out on a daily basis."
16. Have you ever been involved in a lab audit process before? What steps do you do in your daily work to ensure that audits go as smoothly as possible?
How to Answer
In any industry that laboratories are utilized, the labs are subjected to scrutinizing audit processes to ensure that lab operations are safe, effective and operating within all aspects of laws and regulations. For this question, the main focus of your answer should be on the fact that you understand what an audit can entail and the work you do to ensure that your lab is in the best shape possible at all times should an unannounced audit happen.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
Answer Example
"Just a couple of months ago, the clinical lab that I work in was a part of a Joint Commission audit and our whole team was extremely proud after minimal findings in the audit. Having trained and worked in one of the best labs in the country prior to taking my current role, I knew the importance of having standardized processes documented and followed on a daily basis and the importance of standard record keeping practices. These really paid off during the audit and if hired for this position, one of my top priorities would be learning the laws, regulations and audit processes in a new lab industry."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
17. How do you get back on track when a schedule falls behind so you don't miss important milestone deadline
How to Answer
In the world of project management, it is rare that a project goes from the planning stages through to implementation without a hiccup or two along the way. As the manager of the project, you are ultimately responsible for keeping the project on task and your interviewer is looking to hear how you will do that for the clients at Battelle. One important thing to consider highlighting is your ability to monitor and track progress regularly so the train doesn't get too derailed off the tracks. As well, you can talk about your ability to think on your feet, problem solve and coach others to bring tasks back up to date.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
Answer Example
"As an experience professional in project management, I pride myself on my ability to consistently monitor the progress of the project and spot where we may be falling behind on items. At those times, I work closely with the person or individuals assigned to that task to ensure that the job gets back on track. At times, this has involved me intervening and taking care of things that I can or reaching out to other resources for help. Milestones and deadlines are the key to the successful completion of a project and one missed item can create a bad domino effect that pushes a project back. For me, not letting that first fallen domino touch the next is the key to staying on track."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
18. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
How to Answer
On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?
1st Answer Example
"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."
2nd Answer Example
"I will rate myself an 8.5 because I consider myself a strong communicator. It is the foundation of all success in business. I am always striving to be a better communicator, so I leave the rest of the scale as an aspirational measure."
19. Talk about a time that you applied a new technology or new information to your work as an engineer?
How to Answer
During your career as an engineer up to this point, you've likely had to learn and work with new technology or information that has improved the way that you perform your work. Ideally with this question, your interviewer is looking to see that you are flexible in working with new technologies and/or processes as you consults across different businesses and industries. Prior to your interview, think of an example of a time that showed your ability to be open to new ways of doing things through advancements in technology and talk about why this ability is important in a consulting role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Having been an engineer for over 20 years, today's digital age has certainly altered the way that we work on a day to day basis and I've loved every minute of being on the forefront of these changes. In my current role, I am utilizing nanotechnology that wasn't available even five years ago to create UV resistant and waterproof glass that just wasn't able to be produced before. I'd love to help bring innovation to the clients here at Battelle in this consultant role."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As a manufacturing engineer by trade, I've worked with many of the recent advancements in robotic technology to help boost production output and quality. Last year, I helped implement a new production line for light bulbs that utilized a fully automated assembly process where machine tenders were operating all processes from a touch screen. The project required a lot of research and education for my engineering team and we all welcomed that with open arms."
20. Do you have any experience handling a budget as part of a project?
How to Answer
As a consultant for Battelle working as a project manager with clients, you will likely be relied upon to work around a budgeting process. Talk to your interviewer about your experience in working with budgets on large projects and give them some idea of your ability to plan for, monitor and stay within a budget for a project. If possible, give any details on your experience that you can and talk about how you would bring this experience to working with clients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"During my ten years of working as a project manager with a large manufacturer, I've definitely had to manage a budget for every project that I've led. The scope of my experience really spans the budgeting process from the research necessary to create a budget plan, tracking and updating through the process and meeting the requirements of the budget. At times when I realized that we may have under-budgeted a project, I approach whoever is necessary to ensure that proper funding is available, and if not, I take necessary measures to stay within budget."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As we've discussed already, a bulk of my experience as a project manager comes in the construction field where budgeting and meeting a budget are the key to success. I'd consider my expertise, and the biggest factor for budget success, to be my ability to plan for and create a budget during the planning phase of a project. With industry experience and research, a properly planned budget sets the tone for the project and what resources can be used up front. I think my ability in this area would be extremely beneficial to my potential clients here at Battelle."
21. How do you stay organized and on track when working on a long-term project?
How to Answer
Working for Battelle in the role you are interviewing for will require an innate ability to manage projects from conception to final implementation. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have the ability to maintain organization to meet deadlines and customer expectations. Talk about your personal methods for organizing project work and give any examples that you have of your methods being successful. In the consulting and advisory industry, customer satisfaction and word of mouth are integral to success and growth of a business and effective project management is key in satisfaction.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I really pride myself on my ability to multitask and my ability to stay organized in key in multitasking. For me personally, organization starts with using technology to my advantage and I do this through the use of my Outlook calendar and tasks functions. I take time each day to update my tasks and project work and use my ability to prioritize tasks to ensure that the right things are being worked on. In looking to bring these skills to long-term project work with your clients, staying organized and on task will be extremely important for the success of both Battelle and your clients."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"In my work, the ability to stay organized and on track comes down to having a plan of attack for each project and keeping track of the plan as milestones are hit. If you are familiar with the program Trello, it really helps me organize all of the components of the projects that I work on and give me the ability to track who is doing what, what deadlines are coming and what milestones have been hit. But even with a great program like this, I always have the ability to re-prioritize due dates and new tasks as needed with any project."
22. Talk about a time that you successfully educated another individual or group in your area of expertise. What made your educational experience effective?
How to Answer
The role that you are interviewing for with Battelle will likely involve providing education to clients in your area of expertise. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are comfortable and effective in providing education by having you talk about a time that you have done so. In the example that you provide, try to point out some key items to making business education successful like developing a plan/goals, respecting differing viewpoints/opinions, making it hands on and making it fun.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Probably the aspect that I love the most about my current job is being the lead for training new hires into our department. Because of my years of experience and my innate ability to effectively orientate new employees, my director asked me to take this duty about four years ago. My approach with any new hire is to customize their training based on their knowledge and experience so the training is effective for them. What works for one person may not work for another and I always need to be fluid with this. I also prioritize the need to make orientation and training a hands on experience for the new hire because classroom learning can only take a person so far in the learning process."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I've spent the last seven years working in the corporate tax field. While in this job, I worked very independently for a private organization, so I've been out of the training and education side for a while now. During my first job out of college as a CPA though, I was very adept at providing education to the clients that I worked with on a daily basis. What I learned in that experience was the importance of putting material out there in a manner that the person being trained understood. As well, talking to clients and understanding my client's wants and needs were very important for me to be able to best educate them. I really believe that these skills would enable me to hit the ground running with Battelle and your clients would benefit greatly."
23. Have you had the opportunity to fully design a training program? If so, what were the keys to it being successful?
How to Answer
Depending on your career experiences up to this point, you may or may not have developed a formal training program. If you have, your interviewer will be looking to hear about a successful program you saw through the whole design process was on. Talk in detail about the keys to it being effective. On the flip side, if you are looking to break through into the business education consultant side of things and don't have direct experience designing a program, use your career experience and your knowledge of training programs to discuss your strong points that you would bring to the role and your willingness to become successful in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"After a few years of our customer satisfaction surveys dropping regarding customer satisfaction, I put together a training program for our sales staff that focused on the customer experience. The program was designed to help promote an empathetic approach from our sales staff when working with their customers. My process for designing the program started with a simple survey to our sales staff on their perspective of what impacted the customer experience and how they demonstrated empathy. After results were received, there was a pretty significant gap that likely had a huge impact on the satisfaction of our customers. With goals then set for the training, I designed a fun and interactive experience for our sales staff that involved some role playing, a video and slides with direct feedback from our customers. When we held the training during a monthly sales meeting, I could see a lot of eyes open in the room and our Director of Sales and Service, who I worked very closely with during the creation of the program, really helped hammer home key points with his staff. I received a lot of compliments from our staff following the training. Being only six months out from that training, I'm eagerly awaiting results after we send out the next customer satisfaction survey."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, this would be my first venture into designing training programs, but I think my experience in my supervisory and management roles make me a great fit for this position. I have a lot of experiencing in coaching individuals on a 1:1 basis and also facilitating training for my staff. I have an innate ability to speak in front of a large group and lead by example while making training and education both interactive and fun. While actually designing programs would be a new effort for me, I feel like I'm ready for the challenge and would use my knowledge and training in effective business processes to be successful in this role."
24. At Battelle, workloads in our lab setting can vary on a daily and weekly basis. How do you prioritize your time on the busiest of days?
How to Answer
As you've likely experienced throughout your career up to this point, no two days are alike in a laboratory setting. For this question, your interviewer is looking to hear about your ability to plan and prioritize your work based on need while also having the ability to take on high need items that pop up throughout the day. If possible, try explaining this by walking through an example of a hectic day that you've had to deal with in the past that demonstrates your ability to be planned, flexible and accomplished at the end of the day.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Honestly, the biggest aspect I love about my job as a Clinical Lab Scientist is the variety of work that I do. A couple of months ago, our lab had a Monday morning where we were slammed with a lot of high priority tasks that needed to be done by the following morning. I took the lead in getting together with our Lab Technicians in making a plan for getting everything done. My philosophy is always to focus on one task at a time and finishing it to completion before moving on the next task. This plan worked well through diligence, focus and teamwork and our Director was very pleased the next morning with the accolades that we received."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"At the beginning of each work day, I take five to ten minutes to make a priority list of my work that day. I take into account the customer that needs the work done and deadlines when prioritizing. Being that my current organization works across multiple states and communication is almost solely electronic, I make time each day for working through email. More often than not, high priority items come up that need to get added high on my list and I am very confident in my abilities to prioritize work in any setting."
25. At Battelle we seek to hire those who think outside the box. When was the last time you made a suggestion for workplace improvement? What was the outcome?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you are an engaged employee; offering suggestions and providing more profound thought when it comes to processing improvement in the workplace. Give an example of a time when you suggested an improvement in the workplace. It can be big or small! Did anything significant come out of your suggestion?
1st Answer Example
"Last year I made a recommendation for our office to incorporate a recycling program. We were going through a lot of single-use coffee pods. It bothered me how wasteful it all seemed. I presented a spreadsheet to my supervisor comparing the single-use pods vs. investing in a built-in coffee machine. The savings over two years were significant, and my boss has now presented my idea to our head office. It feels nice to be heard in the workplace, so I continue to keep my eyes out for opportunities for process improvements."
2nd Answer Example
"I made some recommendations for change in our CRM system. The suggestions were surrounding how items received documentation and how outstanding tasks became highlighted. Our head office made the changes and a lot of people in our office commented on how much they liked the changes."
26. What are the most common sterilization techniques you've used in a laboratory setting during your career?
How to Answer
In asking this question, your interviewer is very aware that there are many methods, each with their own pros and cons, in sterilizing a laboratory setting. With this question, they are looking to see the different methods that you are familiar with and why they work. But more importantly, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you understand the importance of a sterile setting and that you take priority in this in your work.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
Answer Example
"The method I use with my current employer is an autoclave system that applies both pressure and heat to our equipment to sterilize it prior to and at the end of each use. From my training on the system, this is the most effective method for killing microbial cells in a lab environment and ensuring that no future samples are tainted. Making sure that equipment is sterilized is a part of my mental checklist that I walk through with each sample and it has become very ingrained into the routine of my work."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 11th, 2019
27. Battelle values philanthropy and community giving. How do you choose to give back to others?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you are socially responsible and a team player - even outside of the workplace. Your answer can be as simple as babysitting your grand-kids every Sunday, to a standing-volunteer gig, to charitable contributions.
1st Answer Example
"I work a lot but, when I do have free time, I spend that with my grand-kids. It helps to give my son a bit of a break as he is a full-time single dad. In addition to this, I volunteer at the local drop-in center every Christmas to help feed the homeless. Giving back is very important to me."
2nd Answer Example
"Volunteering and charitable acts are important to me. I spend time volunteering at the local drop-in center every Sunday."