What do you see yourself doing in five years?

"I look forward to learning new skills and experiences from the attending physician. I'm eager to further my career by studying alongside my coworkers and becoming an all round expert and progress to a management position."

Interviewers are always looking for the candidate with the best potential to mold and grow within their company. The interviewer wants to know if you think or plan for the future. This role as an Autopsy Assistant requires strategy and goal-setting. Tell the interviewer what long term goals you have set for your career.

"I'd like to be here in a leadership position."

How would you solve any personal conflicts with co-workers?

"There have been times that my coworkers and I have had miscommunication. We've been able to sort out our issues by talking it out and coming to an agreement together."

No one likes confrontation but sometimes it is necessary. When working in the lab, having tension between co-workers can make an uncomfortable environment. Tell the interviewer if you have ever faced such challenge. When telling your story to be sure not to name names or give too many details.

"I would solve a personal conflict with a co-worker by inviting them to lunch or coffee to discuss the situation face to face away from the office. I've found that being away from the environment that the conflict happened makes it easier to come to a solution."

When can you start working?

"I'd love to start immediately, but I need to give my two weeks notice. How does this work for you?"

If you are still employed, show that you are respectful of your employer. This shows you care about your work and that you're not the type of person who would quit as soon as something better comes your way.

"As you can see by my resume, I've been out of the job market volunteering for the past 3 months. I can start as early as tomorrow if you'd like!"

What do you know about our department?

"A friend of mine that works for your hospital suggested that I apply for this position. She told me about your company culture and how much you value your employees. I researched and read that your department won a Annual Award last year. I'd like to work in a world-class hospital such as yours."

Do some research on the hospital or clinic that you are interviewing with. Check out their website, talk with the local community and professionals working at the location. You do not need to be an expert but showing some knowledge lets the recruiter or interviewer know that you are committed to finding a great position.

"I know that your department is one of the busiest in the state of Georgia. I look forward to the fast pace, challenge, "‹and learning that a large facility can provide."

Tell me about your attendance and punctuality.

"I've never been reprimanded for my attendance but I have been late before. I'm always sure to give my boss a courtesy call if I'm going to be a few minutes late."

The interviewer is asking you this question because they want to make sure you are reliable and dependable. Can they count on you to show up to work on time? If you are proud of your attendance record, go ahead and name drop your last supervisor so they can vouch for your perfect or near perfect attendance.

How would you describe yourself?

"My name is Heather Smith. I am an Autopsy Assistant with a Biology degree. My qualifications include four years of experience working for the State Health and Welfare Department."

When answering this question make sure that you are brief. Keep this answer to 30-45 seconds or you will lose the interviewers attention very quickly. Remember, "˜tell me about yourself' doesn't mean they want your life story. Summarize your skills and experience in a way that make you stand out and show why you are the best person for the job.

"I would describe myself as outgoing, a fast learner and detail oriented."

Does work affect your personal life?

"No. My work doesn't affect my personal life simply because I don't allow it. When my day is over, it stays there until the next day but I wouldn't be human to say that some cases didn't creep into my thoughts."

As an Autopsy Assistant, you've found ways to keep work at work and not take it home with you. Tell the interviewer about your immunity to certain situations such as people riding motorcycles without a helmet, failure to wear seatbelts, and various other things that can be avoided. Death is never easy but as a professional, you are able to look at situations and not let them affect you.

"I don't allow work to affect my personal life because I encourage an effective and positive work environment. I'm part of a strong team and because we all work well together and share the load I don't bring work home with me each night."

How would your last supervisor describe you?

" My boss would describe me as a hard worker, motivated and consistent. I always strive to exceed expectations when I can, and I feel like I've done a good job following through by meeting deadlines and completing projects as they were assigned."

The interviewer is asking this question to hear positive impacts you've made at your last job. Tell the interviewer that you were punctual, never called out sick and were dependable. Think of the traits that make an ideal employee in the eyes of a boss. Added bonus if your boss will write a letter of recommendation for you.

"My last supervisor would describe me as having the immense desire to succeed, my passion of solving intricate problems and resolve complex issues, and that my positive attitude has a positive impact it has on the rest of my team members."

What is your experience with taking and developing x-rays.

"Taking the required x-rays are my specialty because I always get my shot and am able to develop the film quickly."

As an Autopsy Assistant your job is to X-rays human remains, develops X-ray film, photographs human remains and take fingerprints. If you are new to the career field and you have yet to get a lot of experience just let the interviewer know that you are ready for the challenge.

"For the last year, I've been taking and developing x-rays for the exams. Prior to my current role, we had a radiologist that assisted us during autopsies. I was fortunate enough to learn from him and get certified."

Explain how you removal foreign bodies and material for evidentiary purposes.

"I'm very meticulous and take my time collecting foreign material for evidentiary purposes. I take pride in cleaning and restoring the body to its former state of integrity."

As an Autopsy Assistant, you assist the Physician with proper collection and storage of body fluids for chemical tests, the retrieval of appropriate tissues for specific tests and the removal of foreign bodies and material for evidentiary purposes with the maintenance of chain of custody and delivery to law enforcement officials and other proper authorities.

"Hair, clothes fibers, and body fluids may be some of the easier items to remove. To remove foreign bodies that I can't easily see, I utilize an x-ray to locate the item to retrieve it."

How do you pform a full body examination?

"The first thing I do in order to start a full body examination is to put on my PPE. I weigh and measure the body, noting the subject's clothing, valuables, and patient characteristics for my report."

This is a great question to be able to walk the interviewer through a day in your shoes. Tell the interviewer that you perform full-body assessments with the attending physician by examining, describing and recording external identification marks of the deceased body such as height, weight, hair and eye color, scars, deformations, blemishes, etc. You work well as a team to get the job done quickly as you are on a short timeline.

Explain how you prep your autopsy room.

"I maintain my autopsy suite and storage areas in a neat and safe condition. It's important for me to have all my tools and references easily assessable at all times."

The autopsy room is your space-your office. You have it set up in an order that makes sense to you and allows you to be productive and get the job done. Tell the interviewer how you arrange your tools, where you have your guidance are reference manuals located and their proximity to the patient. Tell the interviewer that you are the one that cleans your autopsy suite and instruments making sure they are in proper working order after completion of the autopsy. Seal the deal by telling the interviewer that you adhere to standard universal precautions regarding body fluids and biologic materials.

"I prep the autopsy room at the beginning and end of each of my shifts. Verifying the temperature, tools are sterile and the room is within standards."

You will need to lift up to 300 pounds. Will this be a problem?

"I have had to move large adults at off-site locations with out the help of electric tables and gurneys. I'm not one to struggle on my own so I'm happy to ask for help. I would rather ask for help and move the body correctly than struggle and end up damaging the evidence."

As an Autopsy assistant, you receive bodies or remains from the scene of death for a full-body assessment and examination. Not all your patients are under 50 pounds so having some upper body strength will come in handy. No worries if you haven't hit the gym lately, tell the interviewer that you don't mind asking your coworker to assist you in moving the body.

"Moving 300 pounds won't"‹ be an issue because I've been trained how to safely do so. Between electronic assistance and aid from colleagues, I'm confident that lifting 300 pounds won't be an issue."

How flexible is your work schedule?

"In my current position, I carry a work phone that notifies me when I need to come in during odd hours. Death doesn't wait so I'm always ready."

Some days you wish your schedule would be a set 9-5 schedule, but then again, that would be boring and you probably wouldn't be an Autopsy Assistant. Because death isn't planned you are used to working crazy hours. Let the interviewer know that you are used to being on call and coming at all hours of the night. Despite the hour, you come to work ready to get the job done.

"My schedule is fairly flexible. What type of hours does this position entail?"

Do you have any questions for us?

"Why did you choose to work here?"

Before you have your interview make sure you conduct research on the company and thoroughly review the job description for any clarification you may need on the position. Asking intelligent questions demonstrates to the interviewer your level of interest in their company and with the position. The best way to show you are prepared for this question is to bring a list of 3 prepared interview questions and jot down their answers after you ask them.

"What is the first thing you would like accomplished in the first 60 days of employment?"

Why do you want a career as an autopsy assistant?

"I've been an Autopsy Assistant for three years and have learned so much. It offers a mix of short-term projects and long-term goals. My organizational skills allow me to successfully multi-task and complete both kinds of projects and be successful."

It's obvious your not an Autopsy Assistant for the long hours, odd smells and heavy lifting. Tell the interviewer that you love all things scientific and medical and have an aptitude for research.

"I'm currently working on my degree in forensic psychology and feel that this is a great stepping stone and experience to gain for my long-term goals of becoming a forensic psychologist"‹."

Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

This question is asked in a way that it requires a yes or no answer, but don't just say yes. The interviewer is looking for you to describe situations where you have worked under pressure and had to meet deadlines that you had no control over.

"I believe my ability to communicate effectively with my colleagues during these moments helps reduce my own stress during stressful situations. Effective communication allows me to work under pressure without getting discouraged, burnt out or make mistakes."

What is your greatest weakness as an Autopsy Assistant?

"I feel that my leadership skills could be stronger and I am currently working to improve them."

This can be a tricky question to respond to if you suggest you have no weaknesses, you don't want to appear to the interviewer as a lair or egotistical. Respond realistically by mentioning small work related weaknesses. Small work related weaknesses can be improved upon and that could be the way you put a positive spin on your weakness.

"A weakness of mine is drawing blood from a corpse. Because veins have collapsed and are pretty much non-existent it can be a challenge for me. I'm working to get better at the task by insisting that I draw for each patient we have on the table. My boss has been very accommodating and I'm getting better at it every day"‹."

What is your greatest accomplishment as an Autopsy Assistant?

"My biggest achievement has yet to come. I'm always looking to achieve more tomorrow than I did today and am striving to improve myself all the time."

Be sure to go into the interview with both a professional achievement and a personal achievement. If your interviewer seems to be a rule driven, nose down to the questions type of interviewer stick with a professional accomplishment. If your interviewer has asked a few laid back questions with the intent to get to you feel free to answer with a personal achievement.

"One of my greatest accomplishments has been learning how to set up the cutting station for extended neuropathologic examination and other extended examinations so quickly. My supervisor knows they can count on me when we have a tight deadline."

What is the hardest thing about being an Autopsy Assistant?

"The most difficult part of my job is seeing the people who die innocently. Ones who had no say about the end result and pass as a result of someone else's actions."

This is a pretty emotional question and will definitely show the interviewer your passion in the career field. There will always be certain situations or types of patients that will be hard for you to work on. You're human so don't be afraid to show your sensitive side.

"The hardest thing about being an Autopsy Assistant can be the aroma at times. After years of working within the career, "‹I don't seem to notice it much but there are days that it takes me a bit to get used to it."

As an Autopsy Assistant, what do you believe is your best asset?

"My best asset is my ability to pick things up quickly. I'm a hands on learner and learn by just jumping in and figuring it out."

When answering this question, think about what you bring to the table that others may not. Think your skills or qualities that make you valuable to the team. Struggling to come up with your best asset? Think about the common praises you received in past performance reviews, or ask a respected colleague for their opinion.

"My best asset is my ability to work with all types of people."

Why are you the best autopsy assistant for us?

"I'm a problem solver, motivated and am able to perform under pressure while keeping a positive attitude."

Skip repeating what is on your resume, the interviewer wants to know something unique about you that they aren't going to read on your resume. Tell the interviewer about a skill that isn't typical of an Autopsy Assistant or a characteristic you have that is important to the job.

"I've been in the field for 10 years and have had the opportunity to work in large and small facilities. I've been working as the lead Assistant in my last position and look forward to the opportunity to mentor new assistants in this position."

Tell me about a time when you were trusted with confidential information.

"I'm trusted with confidential information every day. I make a point to leave my work at work and not discuss patients outside of the office. By not discussing confidential information about the patients I'm ensuring that I'm not breaking any rules and giving information to those that are not on a need to know basis."

Working within the medical career field you are trusted with sensitive information each day. Don't fall into this trap and answer this question with a story containing confidential information, people will view your answer negatively and view you as not being trustworthy. If you choose to tell about a situation be sure to be vague and not use names or too many details.

"When I meet with family members of the deceased I keep the patient's"‹ information confidential."

What do you do when your time schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances?

"When my day unravels a bit due to unforeseen circumstances, I will take a minute to reassess my priorities. To ensure that I am not taken off schedule too much I'll ask for assistance."

Assure the interviewer that you are able to manage schedule changes and other unforeseen circumstances that may impact your day as an Autopsy Assistant. Tell the interviewer how you handle a high patient volume, a staff member being out sick or when you seem to need to be in two places at once.

"Death is never planned. When we have a full caseload it can be difficult to find the time to squeeze in another case. Because my team and I have great time management skills, we are able to discuss our schedule and re-prioritize if needed."

Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision.

"I've had to make quick decisions in regards to improvising when certain tools were not at my fingertips."

Your patients may not be going anywhere but you still need to make quick important decisions at the workplace. Tell the interviewer if you make quick decisions in regards to their examinations, when and who to contact during your short notice examination or how you've handled situations when you are the only one on shift.

By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.

"The majority of my job is spent in the morgue with just a few other colleagues. Some days my scenery changes as well as the cases. The one thing I love about my job is that no two days are the same."

Now is not the time to tell the interviewer that you are a one man show and only comfortable working on your own. Tell the interviewer the different work personalities you've worked with and how you all worked well as a team. Not only can you work in the morgue but you work off site at a crime scene. Every day is different and you look forward to the new situations in the new job.

"I would bring a wide variety of experience to this position. I have been trained by the Military, I've worked for the state, I've volunteered with FEMA and have also worked for a small mom and pop establishment."

Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor?

"In my career, I have had many different supervisors with different leadership styles. I did have one supervisor in the past that was new to being a supervisor. We may not have seen see eye to eye on everything but because of those differences we challenged each other and worked really well together."

You may despise your last supervisor but now is not the time to spill the beans. Word travels fast, especially negativity, so keep this answer upbeat. Tell the interviewer if you didn't see eye to eye with your last supervisor but that you respected and learned from them.

"If I've ever had difficulty with a Supervisor I've been sure to address it professionally as soon as possible."

What makes you uncomfortable?

"Speaking in public in front of large crowds makes me uncomfortable. For whatever reason, I seem to freeze up despite the hours of work I've put into my speech. I've been working on presenting my findings to groups of 5 or more to help me with my fear. So far so good, my intentions are to work up to groups of 10 next week."

Besides spending the day in the morgue the morning after you watch a horror movie, we hope nothing at works makes you too uncomfortable. This question can also be considered a 'weakness' question. Tell the interviewer if working in large groups makes you uncomfortable, public speaking or performing examinations on children. Whatever your discomfort be sure to tell the interviewer that you are working on making the issue more manageable.

"Working on children after traumatic situations always pull at my heartstrings. I work with a great group of people that are always willing to talk through difficult cases so I'm able to keep my composure and professionalism."

What do you like about your present job?

"The one thing I love about my job is that every day is different. Each day brings new challenges and learning experiences."

The fact that the snack machine stocks Payday bars are pretty awesome....but in this case, the interviewer wants to know what makes you get up each morning ready to better yourself professionally. Tell the interviewer if you work with a great group of medical professionals, the fact that you are pushed to make decisions or that you feel you are respected and well liked by your co-workers.

"I love the people I work with. Everyone has a great sense of humor, professional and is very helpful."

Why should we hire you?

"I believe that I will be successful in this position because I have had the opportunity to see all different types of cases and situations allowing me to get a lot of hands on training and learn so much over these past 3 years. I look forward to growing with the company and learning from the other staff."

Show your success, self-confidence, and preparation when answering this question. Simply matching your skills to the requirements in the job description can be an easy way to answer this question. Don't make it about you, make it about how you will benefit the company.

"I would bring unique volunteer experience to this position. I was a Red Cross Volunteer for FEMA assisting in their mortuary affairs department during my last year of school. I was able to learn how to work during mass casualties during extreme situations."

Autopsy Assistant Interview Questions

Go Back

1. What do you see yourself doing in five years?
2. How would you solve any personal conflicts with co-workers?
3. When can you start working?
4. What do you know about our department?
5. Tell me about your attendance and punctuality.
6. How would you describe yourself?
7. Does work affect your personal life?
8. How would your last supervisor describe you?
9. What is your experience with taking and developing x-rays.
10. Explain how you removal foreign bodies and material for evidentiary purposes.
11. How do you pform a full body examination?
12. Explain how you prep your autopsy room.
13. You will need to lift up to 300 pounds. Will this be a problem?
14. How flexible is your work schedule?
15. Do you have any questions for us?
16. Why do you want a career as an autopsy assistant?
17. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
18. What is your greatest weakness as an Autopsy Assistant?
19. What is your greatest accomplishment as an Autopsy Assistant?
20. What is the hardest thing about being an Autopsy Assistant?
21. As an Autopsy Assistant, what do you believe is your best asset?
22. Why are you the best autopsy assistant for us?
23. Tell me about a time when you were trusted with confidential information.
24. What do you do when your time schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances?
25. Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision.
26. By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.
27. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor?
28. What makes you uncomfortable?
29. What do you like about your present job?
30. Why should we hire you?

Autopsy Assistant Interview Questions

1. What do you see yourself doing in five years?

2. How would you solve any personal conflicts with co-workers?

3. When can you start working?

4. What do you know about our department?

5. Tell me about your attendance and punctuality.

6. How would you describe yourself?

7. Does work affect your personal life?

8. How would your last supervisor describe you?

9. What is your experience with taking and developing x-rays.

10. Explain how you removal foreign bodies and material for evidentiary purposes.

11. How do you pform a full body examination?

12. Explain how you prep your autopsy room.

13. You will need to lift up to 300 pounds. Will this be a problem?

14. How flexible is your work schedule?

15. Do you have any questions for us?

16. Why do you want a career as an autopsy assistant?

17. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

18. What is your greatest weakness as an Autopsy Assistant?

19. What is your greatest accomplishment as an Autopsy Assistant?

20. What is the hardest thing about being an Autopsy Assistant?

21. As an Autopsy Assistant, what do you believe is your best asset?

22. Why are you the best autopsy assistant for us?

23. Tell me about a time when you were trusted with confidential information.

24. What do you do when your time schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances?

25. Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision.

26. By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.

27. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor?

28. What makes you uncomfortable?

29. What do you like about your present job?

30. Why should we hire you?