34 Analytical Chemist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Analytical Chemist 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.
Behavioral
1. In your opinion, why is laboratory safety and following standard laboratory practices important?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to determine the level of laboratory safety training you have had in the past and to be sure that you have knowledge of standard laboratory practices. Talk about why you feel lab safety and following standard lab practices and procedures are important. It is helpful to provide examples while answering this question.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"Safety in the lab is so important because it is so easy to make one error and end up injured or hurting someone else. Working with chemicals can be dangerous so it is important to know proper disposal, what to do if you spill something or do end up injured and it is important to know how to properly dispose of a chemical. Not following lab procedures can also cause testing to be invalidated which would mean someone else would have to complete the task again."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
2. If I called your most recent supervisor and asked what area your performance could most improve in, what would he/she say?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you are aware that you have room for growth. Provide an example of something that you could improve. This could be something that has been pointed out by your peers or even in a performance evaluation. Maybe there is something that you have noticed about yourself that you could work on. After providing an example of a growth opportunity, explain how you could be a better Analytical Chemist if you were to focus on that growth opportunity.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"If you were to contact my supervisor I believe that they would identify my biggest growth opportunity as keeping my work well organized. Sometimes I am working on so many tasks at once and while I am aware of where everything is that I need, it is not always easy for my coworkers to find things in my workspace. I know that if I were to keep things more organized, it would be easier for my coworkers to jump in and assist with tasks if I am out on vacation and this is something that I have actively been working on improving."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
3. Provide an example of a time that you had to make a difficult ethical decision?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you are a very ethical person and that if you make a mistake or witness an ethical concern, you will do the right thing and report it to upper management. Ethical issues can be things like time falsification, reporting or recording false data, intentional actions that pose as a safety hazard, or any intentional misrepresentation of data. The interviewer wants to hear that you are willing to do the right thing even when no one is around. Provide an example of a time that you had to make a decision when it came to ethical concern and talk about the details of the outcome.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I recently became aware of an ethical issue regarding time falsification from one of my coworkers. I noticed that my coworker was badging into our department and then would wait for another member of the team to badge out and he would follow behind without using his company keycard. By doing so, it gave the impression that he never left the department. He was leaving for multiple hours at a time and management did not realize it. When I became aware of what he was doing, I had to tell my supervisor. Not only was he receiving pay for a job that he was not doing, but our team was falling behind because he was not present to complete his tasks. It was not an easy thing to do because he was a nice person but, it was an ethical violation so I had to report him."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
4. What do you consider to be your greatest strength?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for you to provide an example of what you feel you do best in your role as an Analytical Chemist. The example that you provide should be a skill or characteristic that the company can benefit from. Avoid giving cliche examples such as 'I am a people pleaser' or 'I am easy to get along with'. Provide some detail about what you feel is best about you.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel that my greatest strength is that I am a team player. My background in both chemistry and data allows me to jump in and help out if my teammates are in a bind or are having trouble with a project. I am always willing to assist my team with any task that I have a background in."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
5. In your opinion, what is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to hear that you are aware of your shortcomings and that you are willing to take the necessary steps to improve yourself. The interviewer also wants to make sure that your weaknesses will not result in an issue for the company. Think about an area that you may consider to be a weakness and try to put a positive spin on it by identifying how you could use that weakness as a growth opportunity. Try to avoid giving cliche examples such as 'I work too hard' or 'I don't have any weaknesses.'
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I would have to say that my greatest weakness is providing feedback in a constructive way. At times, I identify errors that are made by scientists on my team and make a small note and return the data to that person for correction. I know that it would be much more helpful and constructive if I were to explain how I found that error and the effect that the error would have on the overall testing. By providing that feedback in a constructive way, I would be giving myself the ability to gain some leadership skills while also allowing the person that made the error a chance to improve their technique. I am aware that this is a development opportunity and it is something that I have been working to improve."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Creative Thinking
6. Tell us about a time that you were able to implement change is a previous role?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to determine if you are able to identify gaps in processes and express your ideas for process improvements. The interviewer wants to hear that you are comfortable giving input and implementing positive changes when necessary. Identify a time that you were able to make a change in your organization to improve a process or procedure. Talk about what steps you took to implement that change and what the overall impact was on the company.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current position, there is a lengthy orientation period for new hires. Many times, new employees were not meeting with the actual team that they were hired to work with until they have already been in orientation for 60 days. I felt that it was very important for new employees to meet with and shadow members of their team throughout orientation. After speaking with my department director, he agreed that having new employees introduced to their teams would be beneficial because they would be able to use their teammates as a resource when they came across anything that they were not familiar with. This change was implemented and now new hires meet their team and shadow for a period of time each day during new hire orientation. This has helped tremendously in establishing a working relationship between new hires and their existing team. When new hires finish orientation, they are comfortable asking for assistance when needed because they are already familiar with everyone on the team. Implementing this change has helped tremendously with the turnover of new hires as well as their error rates."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Direct
7. Do you feel that you possess strong technical writing skills, if so, how?
How to Answer
The Analytical Chemist position requires a large amount of data and research. This position is also responsible for compiling data and research in a way that will be able to be well interpreted by others. The interviewer wants to hear that you have a background in writing in scientific positions and that you are comfortable writing reports and compiling data for others to utilize. Talk about writing experience that you have, particularly in the scientific field.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I do feel that I have strong technical writing skills. In each scientific position that I have held, I have had to do a large amount of writing. Now that I hold an analytical position, a big part of my role is to review and analyze data and also to record my findings through written documentation. My documentation has to be written very professionally as it could end up in the hands of other scientists at some point and they must be able to accurately interpret it. I have had a great deal of documentation training and I feel that it has come in handy throughout my career."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
8. What do you believe is your greatest asset as an Analytical Chemist?
How to Answer
Keep in mind that you are likely not the only candidate interviewing for this position. Think about what sets you apart from other candidates. You will want the interviewers to remember you after your interview concludes and they continue meeting with additional candidates. Think about what the company can gain from your knowledge, skillset, and abilities. When answering this question, highlight the one quality that you possess that will make you stand out from other candidates.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe my greatest asset in an Analytical Chemist role would be my ability to fine-tooth comb data to look for any errors. My previous roles have taught me which errors are made most frequently and where to look for them. I have a great deal of attention to detail and rarely miss any errors which would invalidate data and result in rework and lost time for the company."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
9. How do you measure your own success within your role as an Analytical Chemist?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to determine the standards that you hold yourself to. The interviewer is looking to hear that you have high but realistic expectations of yourself and your work. Talk about what you feel you need to do in order to feel successful in your role. Talk about how you determine if you are doing a good job.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I have high expectations of myself and my job performance. I measure my success as an Analytical Chemist in several ways. I feel that to be successful, the team that I am working with needs to be performing well. Part of my position is training so if the team is underperforming that would be in part, my responsibility. I also measure my success as an Analytical Chemist by the amount of errors I am catching and the amount of data that I am working on that impacts the company as a whole."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
10. What do you believe is the most important piece of the Analytical Chemist's role?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for your opinion on the most important piece of the Analytical Chemist position. While the position had many different components, there are two main aspects- the scientific piece, which involves knowing chemical compounds, standard lab practices and procedures, chemical hygiene, etc. and then there is the analytical piece, which involves compiling data, analyzing results, identifying errors, and a great deal of research. While all aspects of the position are important, the interviewer is looking to hear what you feel is the most important piece of the role. Provide details as to why you are choosing the particular piece that is most important to you.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I would say that the most important piece of the Analytical Chemist position is the research aspect. Researching new scientific technology or upcoming research grants keeps the company competitive and ahead of the curve. It is nice to know what new technology is coming our way so that we are prepared and able to utilize it quickly for our clients."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
11. Why do you feel it is important to have an Analytical Chemist in a chemistry lab?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to hear that you know the role that the Analytical Chemist plays in the laboratory and the importance of the duties that the Analytical Chemist performs. This position requires a high level of scientific research and frequent use of new technology. While an Analytical Chemist will often still perform chemical testing, the position is very analytical in nature in that the role is responsible for compiling scientific data and interpreting the results. The Analytical Chemist is responsible for researching the latest in science and staying up to date with any new and upcoming scientific technology. Speak to what important aspects you are aware of in the position and why they are so beneficial in the laboratory.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"The Analytical Chemist position is important in a chemistry lab because without the position there would be no one to analyze the test results and compare and contrast them. This is especially important during the experimental phases of new medications or vaccinations to review patterns of test results."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
12. Where do you see yourself in your career five years from now?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you have both short-term and long-term goals. Talk about how you see your career progressing over the next few years. If you have career aspirations of working on a particular project or growing into a certain position, this is the time to express that. The interviewer likes to hear that you have goals of growing within that company and have a desire to have longevity with them if hired for this position.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"My career goals over the next five years include working as an Analytical Chemist for a company that I can grow with and it resulting in a Research Fellow role in the future. The research and analytical piece of my position are what I have a real passion for and I would like to continue down that path."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
13. Tell us about a time where data that you had analyzed made an impact on the company that you were working for at the time?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to hear how your current or prior employers were able to benefit from the data that you analyzed. The interviewer wants to hear that you know that your work is valuable and has the ability to make a difference. Talk about a time that you analyzed data that was able to make a difference at the company that you were working for.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"My previous employer was working on pharmaceutical testing for a vaccine. At the time there were several scientific companies working on a vaccine for the same thing. My ability to quickly analyze large pieces of data for errors and patterns was key in getting our vaccine approved and out on the market quickly for the community. While it was a team effort, I believe that the data that I analyzed played a very big part in making an impact on the company and the community."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
14. Please describe your ideal supervisor?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for you to provide a description of what you are looking for in a supervisor so that they can see if you would be a good fit for the individual that you would be working under. Think about the type of supervisors that you have worked under in the past. Maybe you feel that you thrive while working with a supervisor that is very direct and to the point. Maybe you work best with a supervisor that provides constructive feedback and follows up with you often on tasks. Maybe you work best under a supervisor that does not micromanage. Whatever type of supervisor you work best with, you will want to provide those details.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I have worked under several different types of supervisors in the past and while I worked well with all of them, I felt most comfortable working with a supervisor that provided constructive feedback when needed but also did not micromanage me. I like to know that my supervisor trusts me to complete my work but that they are also willing to provide me with feedback about my growth opportunities."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
15. What initially made you apply to this position?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for you to explain how you heard about the position and why you ultimately decided to apply for the role. Maybe you came across the position on an online job board or a posting on a professional networking site. Maybe you were referred by a current employee of the company. However you heard of the role, you will want to explain that now. Maybe you heard great things about the company or there was something that appealed to you on the company website. Talk about why you decided to submit an application for the position that you are interviewing for.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I decided to apply to this position because my friend works in the clinical division of the company and she enjoys her work and has spoken highly of the company mentor programs as well as the open communication and transparency from upper management. I am looking to obtain a position where I can utilize my current skillset and continue to grow so I am very excited about your mentor program."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
16. What interests you in a career as an Analytical Chemist?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to hear you speak with passion as to why you are choosing to pursue a career in analytical chemistry. Speak to your reasoning for wanting to work in the chemistry area of the scientific field. You will also want to elaborate on your reasoning for deciding to move forward in the analytical part of the scientific industry.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"In school, I developed a great interest in the chemistry area of science. Not only was chemistry an area that I found I excelled in, but I also greatly enjoyed the continuous learning aspect of the chemistry field. No two things that I work on will be exactly the same and I really enjoy that aspect of the field. I am always looking to grow my skillset in some way. I have an interest in comparing data and found that in school, I had a passion for reviewing test results in detail and compiling, and analyzing the data really intrigued me. I feel that analytical chemistry is the best of both worlds for me in that I get to work with science and data in my everyday work."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
17. What aspect of your current or most recent position have you found to be most challenging?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to determine what aspect of your position has been the most difficult for you and if you will struggle in the role that you are interviewing for. If there is a particular piece of your position that has been difficult for you to learn you'll want to discuss that now. Provide the interviewer with an example of the most challenging piece of your role and how you are working to overcome that challenge.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"The most challenging aspect of my current role is that I am the only Analytical Chemist. I enjoy the work that I am responsible for but at times it can be difficult to not have a peer to bounce ideas off of. I am very resourceful and can usually find the answers to anything that I am unsure of but, I do feel that it would be beneficial to have a second analytical scientist to work with or jump in and pick up on my client projects while I am on vacation. I have been managing this challenge by working ahead if I will be out for a few days."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
18. What has been the greatest accomplishment in your career this far?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to determine what has been the most important piece of work that you have contributed to in your career thus far. Your answer to this question helps the interviewer assess how you measure your own success and what interests you and makes you proud in your career. Provide an example of something significant that you have done in your career that has made you very proud, and talk about why that accomplishment was so important to you.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"The greatest accomplishment in my career thus far has been working alongside a team of senior and principal scientists during the Ebola outbreak. My research and compiling of data during this project made a great impact. While we were not able to come up with the perfect vaccine, the data that we were able to come up with during the project was a huge step in the right direction. I think that this project was so important because it prepared our team for future disease outbreaks and how to properly work through an emergency like this in the United States."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
19. What do you enjoy most about your current/most recent position?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for you to provide some detail about what aspects of your current or most recent position you like most. By asking this question, the interviewer is able to get an idea of what will pique your interest most in the role that you are interviewing for, and what you will enjoy working on each day. Provide some details about what you most like about your current role and why you enjoy that piece.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"What I enjoy most about my current role are the data review and validation aspect. After the chemists do an experimental assignment or a client assignment, I take the results and review the data and analyze them from beginning to end to make sure they make sense and that no errors were made along the way. It is nice to be able to validate the results or say 'hey this piece doesn't make sense and here is why...' it's a very fulfilling feeling."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
20. What makes you the ideal analytical chemist for our company?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to hear what skills and abilities you are able to contribute to the role and the company overall. You will want to make sure that the examples you provide stand out. You are likely not the only candidate interviewing for this position. Talk about what sets you apart from other candidates. Provide some detail about your best qualities as an Analytical Chemist. Talk about what knowledge you can bring to the role and what traits you as a person have that can be beneficial to the company. If you are looking for longevity in a company here is a good time to express that as well.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe that I am the ideal analytical chemist for your company because I greatly enjoy both science and analyzing data. I am very detail oriented and I do not overwhelm easily. I work best in a fast-paced environment and under pressure. I am looking for a company where I can utilize my current skillset while expanding my knowledge in the chemistry field. If given the opportunity, I know that I could excel in this role and that the company could benefit a great deal from my prior experience in data review, research techniques, and my chemistry background. I believe that it would be a great partnership."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
21. What makes you look for a position outside of the company that you are currently working with?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to understand why you are looking for a position outside of the company that you are employed with. Maybe you are looking for growth opportunities or a different type of work. You will want to provide an explanation as to why you are wanting to leave your current position without speaking poorly of the company that you are working for.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"While I greatly enjoy my current position and have learned a lot within the role over these last three years, the company is fairly small and there is not much room for growth. Unfortunately, in order to reach my career goals and to continue expanding my skillset, I feel that I need to move on from the company."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
22. What do you feel is the most important skill that an Analytical Chemist should possess and why?
How to Answer
There are many important aspects of the Analytical Chemist position. The interviewer is looking for you to talk about what skill you feel is most valuable to the role. Maybe you feel that having a strong chemical compound background is important, maybe you utilize specific research methods in your role. Talk about the skill that you feel adds the most value to the role and provide reasoning as to why you feel that this particular skill is so important.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe that the most important skill that an Analytical Chemist should possess is technical skills. The reason that I find this skill to be so necessary is because technology is used for all aspects of the position. If I am working in the lab, I am using technical instruments, if I am analyzing data, I would never be able to accurately do so without technology. I think any Analytical Chemist should have a high level of technical skills."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
23. What do you do to stay up to date with the changes in technology?
How to Answer
This question is being asked because technology in the scientific industry is constantly evolving. This role requires that candidates be up to date with current and upcoming scientific-technical advances. Talk about how you make sure that you are aware of any changes and updates to scientific technology and how you become familiar with ways to utilize the latest technology. Talk about what sources you use to stay updated and what methods you use to educate yourself on new scientific technology.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"In order to stay updated on changes in technology, I hold several scientific memberships. I also receive updates from universities about upcoming technical advances. I try my best to stay ahead of the changes by doing research in my free time. Once I am familiar with any new technical instruments or software, I make sure to train the rest of my team so that we are all able to utilize the newest technology in our work lives."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
24. Please provide us with your background in the scientific industry.
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to get an overview of your professional and educational background. You will want to summarize your educational experience by telling the interviewer where you went to college. You will then want to describe the professional positions that you have held in the scientific industry.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 2012 from Millersville University. Directly out of college I started working for Evol Scientific as a Chemist. While working for that company I found that I had a strong passion for scientific data. After three years, I took a position with Lowel Laboratories as a Chemist II. I was involved in several research projects and pharmaceutical client work. I greatly enjoyed the research aspect of that role. Two years later I was promoted into my current position as an Analytical Chemist. The Analytical Chemist role was a new position at the time so I was learning day by day. I am involved in both the laboratory aspect with chemical experiments as well as data review and scientific research."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Operational
25. This position requires a great deal of attention to detail. Would you consider yourself detail oriented and if so, how?
How to Answer
This position requires a large amount of research and the analysis of data and testing. At times, an Analytical Chemist is responsible for identifying errors or process improvements in the lab. Being detail oriented is key in this role. The interviewer wants to hear that you pay attention to details. Talk about what makes you detail oriented and how you make sure that you do not miss any details in data or research when performing your work.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I do consider myself very detail oriented. I often find errors that others have overlooked and I tend to remember in detail anything that I have read. I have always paid attention to details but in my career, I make it a point to fine-tooth comb the data that I am responsible for to avoid any errors."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Operational
26. When you have multiple tasks to complete, how do you go about prioritizing those tasks?
How to Answer
Scientific positions are usually fast-paced and at times, unpredictable. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if you can multitask and prioritize your workload. You will want to demonstrate that you can quickly change priorities when necessary without easily overwhelming. Tell the interviewer how you go about prioritizing your tasks when you have multiple deadlines to meet or if you have a heavier than normal workload. Whatever strategy you use to keep your tasks prioritized, you will want to provide details of that here.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current role, I have multiple tasks to complete daily. There are often times that I need to shift priorities to meet a deadline or the request of a client. To stay on track, I look at the tasks that are required of me each day to see which are most easily shifted without disrupting the business. I then look at my deadlines on projects to determine what needs immediate attention and what can wait. If I have two competing deadlines and neither can be moved, I will ask my team for assistance or ask if I am able to work some additional hours to be sure that everything is completed on time."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Operational
27. Share an effective way of analyzing a large amount of data?
How to Answer
The Analytical Chemist position involves a great deal of data. The interviewer is looking for you to talk about how you handle working with a large amount of data without missing anything. This position will require you to work with data from multiple scientists within the lab as well as research data, all at once. Talk about how you go about analyzing a significant amount of data.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"Usually when we are working on a large project that results in a significant amount of data, I break the data down into pieces that can be analyzed together. For example, if we are testing the effectiveness of a medication based on the amount of time that it has been absorbed, I will pull together the results from the one-hour mark, then the results for the two-hour mark, and so on. I will analyze each piece of that data and then compare it as a whole."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Operational
28. How do you best learn the tasks of a new position?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to determine how you best learn the duties of a new position or task. Some individuals learn best by reading, some learn by observing, some are more hands-on and learn by actually doing the task that they are trying to learn. Think about how you went about learning in your previous positions and talk about that in detail to give the interviewer an idea of what learning techniques work best for you.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"In my previous position, I learned the tasks of my role by observing and taking notes. Seeing someone who is familiar with the task that I am learning while providing a demonstration while I take notes, helps me to see how the task should be completed and what the outcome should look like."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Operational
29. Provide an example of a time that you had to quickly shift priorities?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question because often in the scientific industry, high-priority items will come up unexpectedly or the urgency of testing may change. The interviewer wants to determine if you can multitask and shift your urgency from one task to another if needed. Talk about a time that you needed to change priorities in the workplace to accommodate a client's need.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I often have to quickly switch tasks in my role. Recently, there have been some individuals on my team that have transferred to other departments for staffing shortages which resulted in our team having fewer employees. This change increased my workload and I have had to quickly move from analyzing data to performing lab requests to be sure that time-sensitive tests were completed."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Situational
30. Tell us about a time that you reviewed data and found an error. How did you handle bringing that error to the attention of your team?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to be sure that you are not only comfortable analyzing data and identifying errors but that you are comfortable bringing those errors to the attention of the staff member that made the mistake. Provide the interviewer with an example of a time that you found an error in data that you were reviewing for a scientist and the steps that you took to make the individual responsible for the data error aware of the mistake.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current role, I find a good amount of errors from the newer scientists. Recently, I found an error in a temperature recorded during testing by a scientist. It was an honest mistake but the temperature had to be accurate in this particular test so it invalidated the results. I pulled the scientist aside and made him aware of the mistake and let him know that the testing was invalid and he would need to perform the test again. I also let him know that if he had questions I would be happy to assist. I try to pull the scientist aside when I was providing feedback about errors that way if they have questions we can have a discussion about it."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Situational
31. Talk about a time that you disagreed with a client or coworker and how the disagreement was handled?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to determine if you have problem-solving skills. It is not unusual to have a disagreement in the workplace. The interviewer wants to know that you can handle disagreements professionally and compromise when needed. Provide details about how you disagreed with a coworker or client and what steps you took to resolve the problem.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"When I first began working in my position, there were a few things that I had done differently at my previous employer. There was one particular coworker that would push back any time that I would tell him that I had learned something a certain way. Eventually, I did talk with him and let him know that I repeated the way that he was taught how to complete certain tasks and that while I was taught differently, I was open to completing the tasks in any way that the company wished for me to do so and that I was appreciative of his feedback. I think just showing him that I respected his knowledge did help to lighten up the situation and we were able to have a great working relationship after that where we both respected each other's feedback and expertise."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Situational
32. Tell us about a time that you made a mistake in your career and what steps you took to correct that mistake?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you know that you are not a perfect person and that you have made mistakes. More importantly, the interviewer is looking to hear that after you have made a mistake, you took responsibility for your error and that you took the necessary steps to correct the mistake.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current role, there was a client that requested rush testing and I completed the review portion of the data. I was rushing to meet the deadline and ended up missing a pretty big error in that data. When it was later brought to my attention that I had made the error, I reached out to the client to make him aware of my mistake and told him that the error invalidated the testing and that it would need to be rerun. While the client was not happy with this setback, he was very understanding and appreciative that I was honest about the mistake. I ended up working late for an evening to complete the testing. I now double-check all data even if it is a rush request."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Situational
33. Tell us about a time that you identified a safety concern in the workplace, what was the result?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to hear that you have the laboratory safety knowledge to be able to identify a safety concern and that you are aware of when things are not being done in accordance with standard laboratory procedures. The interviewer is also asking this question to determine if you are comfortable speaking up to address a safety concern. This question will speak to your leadership skills, safety knowledge as well as ethical standards. The interviewer wants to hear that you will make the ethical decision and address safety concerns if they arise. Provide an example of a time that you had to bring a safety concern to the attention of your coworkers or supervisor.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"This past winter, I picked up a few evening shifts and had to park in the back of the building. When I was walking up the back stairs I realized that the steps were very slippery because it had snowed and the sun was not on them anymore. I called our maintenance supervisor to let him know because there would be staff members leaving that exit a few hours later to go home. We were able to get the steps salted and moving forward, those steps were salted along with others when it got below freezing or snowed."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Situational
34. Tell us about a challenge that you faced in a previous position and how you overcame that challenge?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to determine if you have the ability to handle workplace challenges professionally and if you demonstrate problem-solving skills. Think about a time that you faced a problem in the workplace and describe the steps that you took to resolve the problem. Provide the details of that outcome.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"A challenge that I faced in a previous role involved a piece of a process that was slightly broken. When our chemists were finished with their piece of a project and they would pass it on to our scientific reviewers, there was no way of knowing where that project was after leaving it in the scientific reviewer's bin. At times, this challenge resulted in lost or misplaced data. Another chemist and I created an additional piece of the process where we would electronically record when the data was passed on to the other team and once that team received the data, the individual working on it would record that it was in their possession. This was a nice solution because we were able to see exactly who had the data if we needed to refer back to it for any reason."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on December 1st, 2021