30 Aquatic Biologist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Aquatic Biologist 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. This position involves a great deal of attention to detail. Do you feel that you are detail oriented and if so, how?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question because scientific roles require a great deal of documentation. There is no room for error in the safety details, chemical details, and documentation details of this position. The interviewer wants to know that you have experience with documentation and that you have an eye for detail.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
To answer this question, demonstrate that you are aware of the importance of details in this role and that you have worked in roles previously that required you to be very detailed. Provide some examples of how you have been detail-oriented in the past.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am extremely detail-oriented. I often find small errors that others have missed. I document more than the expected amount for my position because you never know when that extra information will be of help in future testing."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Behavioral
2. When you are presented with a problem in the workplace, what steps do you take to resolve that problem?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear that if you have a problem at work, you are prepared to take the proper steps to resolve that problem. The interviewer is also trying to determine if you are able to handle your problems professionally.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about a time you had a problem in the workplace in your current or previous position and what steps you were able to take to resolve that problem. Talk about how you presented this problem in the future as well.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I am faced with a problem in the workplace, I do my best to use the tools and resources available to me to solve the problem on my own. At times, there are challenges that I need assistance with. For example, in my previous role, I was working on a project when we lost the power of our computers. The data that I had input that day was then missing when I logged back on. I used the tools available to me to try to recover the data but ultimately, I ended up needing to contact our on-call IT Helpdesk to assist me with gaining access to the data."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Behavioral
3. If I were to contact your most recent supervisor, what would he/she tell me your work could most improve on?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that you are aware that you have areas that need improvement. The interviewer also wants to hear that you are willing to work towards any growth areas that you may have.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Think back to any meetings or performance reviews that you have had with your most recent supervisor. If there is any area that you have been made aware that you could improve in, discuss that now. You will want to demonstrate that this improvement would not negatively impact your ability to successfully perform the duties of the role that you are interviewing for.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I believe that my current supervisor would say that I could improve on my filing. I try to file any of my paperwork every Friday afternoon. I file any documentation electronically immediately but our team also keeps hard files of everything and I tend to take a bit longer to file that paperwork. I know that my workstation would be much more organized if I were to do this filing more frequently."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Behavioral
4. As an aquatic biologist, what do you believe is your best asset?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is attempting to get an idea of what skills and abilities you have and how the company can benefit from them. Your answer will assist the interviewer in determining if you will be a good fit for the company as well as the team that you will be working with.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Think about the most important thing that you have to offer the company. This can be some type of hands-on experience that you have or a special piece of knowledge that you have obtained during your educational experience or throughout your career.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel that my greatest asset as an aquatic biologist would be my educational background. I have a major in aquatic biology which has given me a wealth of knowledge in the field. Many of my peers have gone to school for biology and later geared their focus on the aquatic field. I feel that choosing to major in aquatic biology has given me much more knowledge and has helped me to be able to quickly learn the tasks of my positions."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Behavioral
5. What would you consider to be your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear that you are able to be humble and realize that you have areas of improvement. The interviewer wants to see that you are willing to take steps towards improving in this area that you feel may be a weakness.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Think about an area that has been pointed out to you as needing improvement. Discuss a growth opportunity and how working on improving in that specific area would make you a better employee. Most importantly, talk about what your action plan is to work on this growth opportunity.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would say that my greatest weakness is delegating work out to my peers when I have an unusually large workload. At times I feel that I have built such a great working relationship with my clients and that they trust me to complete their testing which makes it hard for me to pass it over to anyone else. I realize that by not delegating my tasks to my coworkers, I am overworking myself and setting myself up to make mistakes due to having to rush my work. I also am aware that delegating tasks to my coworkers, would be giving them an opportunity to learn the testing for additional clients. I am actively working on this area of improvement."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Behavioral
6. What do you consider to be your greatest strength?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking to hear about the best quality that you feel that you have. This helps the interviewer to determine what positive traits you may be able to contribute to the team that you may be working with.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about the best trait that you feel you have. Try to tie that trait to the position that you are applying for so that the interviewer can see that this strength of yours will benefit the company.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is my ability to communicate professionally in tough circumstances. I have been told many times by my prior management teams that I handle stress well and always maintain a professional attitude during tough conversations with clients or while working under pressure."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Direct
7. What makes you the ideal aquatic biologist for our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to determine what makes you a good fit for the position that you are interviewing for and if ultimately, you are a good fit for the company. The interviewer wants to understand what makes you a better candidate for the role than others that they are interviewing.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Think about what sets you apart from other candidates who may be being considered for the role that you are interviewing for. If you have a special skill, certification, or training that may better qualify you for the position, discuss that when answering this question.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel that I would be a great fit for the company because unlike the majority of aquatic biologists, my degree is not only a biology degree. I specifically majored in aquatic biology in college which enabled me to gain a great deal of knowledge and experience in the field in school and directly after graduation."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
8. How do you measure your success as an aquatic biologist?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to get an idea of what standards you hold yourself to. Your answer helps the interviewer to understand what makes you feel accomplished in your role.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about what in particular makes you feel accomplished in your role. Discuss what makes you feel that you have done a good job on a project or workpiece.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Much of what I do affects the community and wildlife. I think seeing positive effects on the community helps me to feel a sense of success in my position."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
9. What makes you look for a position outside of the company that you are currently working for?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to gain some insight as to why you are currently job hunting. The interviewer also wants to understand why you are looking to move forward with a new company rather than grow within the company that you are currently employed with.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about your reasoning for looking for a position with a new company. You want to be careful to not speak poorly of your current management team or the company that you are working for at this time. If you are looking to gain additional experience or if you are unable to grow within the company that you work for, discuss that at this time.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I really enjoy the work that I do for the company that I work with. However, because the company is small, there isn't really a growth plan other than waiting for someone to leave. I feel that I have been in my position for a while now and I am determined to continue growing and learning; however, at this time that just isn't an option where I am at currently."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
10. Talk about a time that you were really proud of the end result of your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear that your career is important to you and that you find it to be meaningful. The interviewer wants to know that you are proud and passionate about the work that you do.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about a specific project that was meaningful to you and that made you feel proud of the work that you do. Provide details about this project and discuss why this particular workpiece gave you a sense of success.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"A few months back, I was able to work on a project that took water samples from a few lakes on the east coast. We were able to use those samples to assist with a filtration process that helped to make the water safe for wildlife to drink. It was a very rewarding project."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
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Discovery
11. Please describe your ideal company culture?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to get an idea of what is important to you in a company that you are working for. Some employees value work-life balance, some value communications. The interviewer wants to hear what you value in a company.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about the qualities that you look for when deciding if a company is the right place for you to work. Discuss what you expect from a company as far as values, communication, and how employees are treated.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I prefer to work for a company that values the work-life balance for their employees. It is very important for me to be able to travel and I spend a lot of time in the outdoors and working for a company that supports that is ideal. I also would like to work for a company that has open communication with their employees and provides regular financial information so that employees are never caught off guard."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
12. What did you enjoy most about your most recent position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking to gain some insight about what parts of your role you enjoy most. This helps the interviewer to know if you will enjoy the position that you are interviewing for.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Think about what tasks you enjoy completing in your current role. Talk about why you enjoy those tasks more than the other pieces of your position.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"What I have most enjoyed recently about my role is testing water samples for covid shedding. I have had the ability to test the water in several hospitals as well as our own labs to see if there has been covid shedding in covid units and covid testing labs. This work has been different from what I normally work on and it is also extremely important for our staff and our community."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
13. Describe a time that you went above and beyond the normal duties of your position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to get an idea of what type of employee you are and if you are willing to go above and beyond your assigned duties. The interviewer wants to hear that you are a team player and that you are willing to accommodate the needs of clients.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about a time that you went outside of the standard process for a client or to assist a coworker. You want to be sure to demonstrate that you are willing to go above and beyond but that you will also follow standard practices.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Earlier this year, I had a coworker who made an error that resulted in a large amount of rework. I offered to stay late a few evenings to assist him in repeating the testing so that he was less stressed and so that the client was happy with the turnaround time."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
14. What steps have you taken in the past five years to further your professional development?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to get an idea of how you pursue your goals. The interviewer wants to know that you are actively working towards meeting your own expectations.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Talk about the steps that you have taken to work towards your career goals within the past five years. If you have taken additional continuing education courses, or if you attend seminars, or may you have taken a leadership course to assist you in meeting your goals. Anything that you have actively done to work towards bettering your knowledge should be discussed now.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Over the past five years, I have done volunteer work that involved testing samples from local ponds. This helps me to get practice in aquatics that I would not normally work with in my everyday job. I also have taken two leadership training courses offered by my current company that prepares employees to transition into leadership roles in the future by practicing problem resolution skills and learning different personality traits and how to best approach different employees so that the communication is most effective."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
15. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear that you have goals for your future and that you are determined to reach those goals. The interviewer will also try to determine if those goals are reachable at the company that you are interviewing for and get an idea of what your longevity with the company may be.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Talk about any short and long-term career goals you may have. The interviewer likely wants to hear that you want to grow and that their company is a great place for you to do so. If you are interested in longevity with the company, it is a good time to express that now.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Within the next five years, my main focus is to grow my skillset while making an impact on the community through projects involving water quality improvement for wildlife and the lives of individuals. I feel that I have a lot of knowledge to offer your company but I am also eager to continue learning throughout my career."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
16. What has been your greatest achievement in your career thus far?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking to gain insight into your work achievements. Your answer to this question also helps the interviewer to gauge what you feel is meaningful in your work.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Think about a project or assignment that you have worked on that was successful. Talk about why that particular piece of your work made you proud and how the results of that work made a positive impact not only on you but on the company that you were working for at the time.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Shortly after I graduated, I had the opportunity to be a part of a project that involved improving the drinking water quality for a third world country. After several months, we were able to improve the water quality with a filtration process. This project made it possible for that community to have drinking water free of cost which was a great improvement to their lives. It was so amazing to be a part of such an impactful project and it reassured me that I had gotten into the right field."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Discovery
17. What interests you in a career as an aquatic biologist?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to determine why you decided to take the career path that you have chosen. Many times, the interviewer is looking to see that you are passionate about the career that you are interviewing for.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Tell the interviewer what made you decide on your career path. Maybe it was an interest that you have had since childhood or maybe you decided on the career path that you are on later in life while in college. Talk about what you enjoy about the industry that you are working in and why you have chosen this specific career path.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have always been interested in science but while in college, I had a class on aquatic biology and was extremely interested. I grew up spending my weekends on a boat and have always had a passion for being on the water. Aquatic biology is really the best of both worlds for me with being able to work with science and water."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Education
18. Tell us about your background in biology?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking for you to provide a summary of your educational background and work experience in the scientific industry. This will give the interviewer an idea of whether or not you are qualified to fulfill the duties of the position that you are interviewing for.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Provide the interviewer with a detailed summary of your experience in the scientific industry beginning with any educational background that you have. You should include any degrees and certifications obtained and which educational institute you attended. You can then provide the background of your work experience beginning with your first scientific role and ending with your most recent position.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I attended Temple University where I obtained my bachelor's degree in aquatic biology in 2009. I started working at ELLE Labs directly after graduation as an associate biologist. I began working at Vere Labs in 2014 as an aquatic biologist. I have really enjoyed my position there and have learned so much. Because it is a small company, there is really no room for me to grow at this point."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
General
19. What do you feel is the most important skill for an aquatic biologist to possess?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to understand what you feel is the most important skill or trait for an aquatic biologist to have. This helps the interviewer to determine a skill set that you may have that you could bring with you to contribute to the company.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Think about what you feel is the most important skill that you possess that contributes to being successful in your role. Describe why that trait is so important and why you feel that it makes you a good aquatic biologist.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel that the most important skill for an aquatic biologist to have is a strong ability to multitask. In this role, it is extremely important to be able to successfully manage multiple projects at the same time and to quickly reprioritize when needed. Oftentimes, when working on a project, a more urgent request will come in from a client that will result in the need to quickly shift priorities and multitask to complete several projects in a timely manner."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
General
20. Why do you believe that workplace safety and standard lab practices are so important in the scientific industry?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that you understand laboratory rules and the importance of safety while working in a laboratory. The interviewer also wants to get an idea of your prior safety and lab practices training.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Think back to the safety training that you have completed as part of earning your degree, as well as any knowledge of standard laboratory safety that you have obtained through on-the-job experience. Talk about why safety is of such importance in the lab and why it is important to follow lab rules and procedures.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I know that safety is a priority and that following standard lab practices is very important because the slightest error or act of carelessness can result in the invalidation of hours' worth of testing or even worse, an injury."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Leadership
21. Tell us about a time that you were able to implement a change in your workplace that had a positive impact on the company that you were working for?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to determine if you have an eye for process improvement. The interviewer is looking to hear that you are confident in providing feedback on areas that you feel could possibly improve and that you are willing to present ideas as to how to best implement changes that are for the good of the company.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about a time that you noticed a process or procedure within the company that you were working for that could be improved. Discuss the steps that you took to develop your idea of how to best make revisions to the process and how you were able to implement the change. Provide details about how this particular improvement was able to benefit the company.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Our team was recently mandated to work every other holiday and we alternated by splitting the groups in half. It was pretty frustrating for some of the employees who had families to have to work on Christmas so I had the idea to do a volunteer signup before mandating and it has worked really well."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Operational
22. What type of leadership style do you feel you thrive working under?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to get an idea of the type of leader that you work best with. Your answer to this question will help the interviewer to understand if you will work well with the management team that oversees the role that you are interviewing for.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about the type of leadership you work best with. If you prefer a leader who gives you your space to work state that now. If you thrive working under a very direct leader, talk about why you feel that type of leadership benefits you.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I work really well with a supervisor who is direct but also very approachable. I like to know exactly what the expectations of my management team are, but I also enjoy working with supervisors who I can feel comfortable going to ask questions or to request clarification."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Operational
23. How do you best learn the tasks of a new position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to get an idea of how you will most successfully learn the duties of your new role. Your answer to this question will give the interviewer insight into how you best learn. Some people learn best by hearing, some by seeing, and some others may learn by taking a more hands-on approach.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Think about how you best learned the tasks of your previous roles. Discuss the training methods that you find to be more successful for you when learning new tasks or skills.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am a visual learner, I feel that I best learn a new task by watching it be completed by someone else who has the experience and then taking notes and trying to complete the task based on what I observed. I learn pretty quickly through observing."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Operational
24. What do you do if you are asked to complete a task that you are not familiar with? How do you go about requesting help?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear that you are open to learning new things and that you are up for a challenge. The interviewer is looking for you to demonstrate that you are not uncomfortable asking for help from your peers or supervisor if needed.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about a time you were asked to work on something that was new to you. Describe how you went about learning the steps of that task.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"If I am not familiar with a project, I will use the tools available to me to see if I can figure out the best way to complete the task. If I cannot figure things out on my own in a timely manner, I will ask a teammate or a member of my management team for assistance and I will take notes that I can refer back to in the future to complete the task."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Operational
25. When you have competing deadlines, how do you go about prioritizing your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to determine if you can multitask or if you overwhelm easily. The interviewer wants to hear that you can complete quality work under pressure and that if unexpected tasks are delegated to you, you can reprioritize and complete your assigned work without being easily overwhelmed.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Provide an example of a time you were given multiple assignments to work on. Tell the interviewer how you decided which tasks to complete in which order. Talk about how you were able to complete all of your tasks in a timely manner.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"If I have more than one high-priority project, I will look at the deadlines and then evaluate how much work needs to be completed for each and if I can possibly bounce back and forth between the projects so that they are all finished in a timely manner. I will also look at how much of an impact each project will have on the client and the company."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Situational
26. Tell us about a time that you had a conflict with a coworker or a client and what steps you took to resolve the conflict?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to get an idea of how you will conduct yourself if a conflict arises in the workplace. The interviewer wants to know that you will conduct yourself professionally with clients and your teammates at all times.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Think about a time that you had a conflict with one of your coworkers or a client. This conflict could be a disagreement in the workplace, an unreasonable request made by a client, or even a lack of professionalism by a teammate or client. Describe what steps you took to rectify the issue.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I had a coworker who was extremely frustrated with a client that she was working with. I told her that she could pass that client on to me and I would give her one of mine. When I began working with that client he was extremely demanding and wanted his testing to take top priority. I had to explain to him that we have many clients and that we would always do our best to get his testing completed in his expected timeframe but that we had to meet the expectations of all clients as outlined in our service agreement. We actually work incredibly well together now."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Situational
27. Talk about a time that you disagreed with a decision that your supervisor made and how you handled the disagreement?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that if you have a disagreement with your supervisor that you will handle the disagreement in a professional manner. The interviewer can also get an idea of any problem resolution training that you have had in your previous roles based on this answer.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about a time that you did not agree with a decision made by your supervisor. Discuss why you disagreed with that particular decision and provide details about how you were able to address your concerns with your supervisor while maintaining professionalism.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Last year there was a group leader position open on another team in our company. I put in for a transfer because I met the qualifications and was looking for a growth opportunity. Our team was already down a staff member so my supervisor would not sign off on the transfer request. I felt that it was unfair as there are not often opportunities to move up in our company. I discussed my concerns with my supervisor and I think that we both understood both sides after that meeting and he told me that in the future he would do his best to help me grow ."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Situational
28. Talk about a time that you had to make a difficult ethical decision in the workplace?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear that if faced with an ethical decision in the workplace, you will make the right decision. The interviewer is looking to hear that you will appropriately approach or report any ethical concerns when necessary.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Think about a time that you noticed an ethical concern in the workplace. Provide the interviewer with details about why you felt that the concern needed to be addressed and what steps you took to do so.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"In a previous role, my supervisor had to complete annual training with our team that was required by the state in order for the company to be able to complete certain testing. My supervisor realized that the date had passed and asked that our team sign off on the training and backdate it. Several members of the team did sign off but a few of us really did not feel that backdating and signing off on training that was not completed was an ethical approach. A few of us ended up asking to meet with the Director and we reported this request."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Situational
29. Tell us about a time that you made a mistake in the workplace and what steps you took to correct your error?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to get an idea of how you would go about correcting an error in the workplace. The interviewer is looking to hear that you will take ownership if you make a mistake and that you will take the appropriate actions to correct an error if made.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Think back to a time when you made a mistake in the workplace. Talk about how it felt to make the mistake and any steps that you took to correct the error.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"In a prior role, I made a mistake with my documentation while recording sample information. I mistakingly miswrote a number that was not accurate. When I realized my mistake, the results had already been handed over to the client. I contacted the client to let him know that my mistake had invalidated the testing that was completed for him and that the testing would need to be rerun. He was incredibly understanding and patient. Going forward, I have always double and even triple checked my work to avoid repeating that error."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Situational
30. Describe a time that you had a challenge in the workplace and how you overcame that challenge?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to see that if faced with a challenge in your position, you are able to work through it. The interviewer wants to hear that you are willing to ask for help from your peers and management team when needed and that if you are faced with a particular challenge, you will be willing to use the proper resources to work through it.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
What You Should Say
Talk about a particular challenge that you faced in the past in the workplace. Focus on discussing resources and the process that you used to overcome that particular challenge. If you referred to specific training or problem-solving skills to overcome the challenge, discuss those now.
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my most recent position, I struggled a bit when I first started because there was no one doing the actual position that I was hired for. I was basically learning as I went along in the position. I was constantly having to interrupt others from their workday to assist me in learning a task. Eventually, I asked my group leader if I could possibly shadow a team member in the positions both below and above mine to learn the basics of what they did so that it would help me to piece together what I needed to do. This was extremely helpful in me understanding exactly what my responsibilities were."
Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on January 15th, 2022