MockQuestions

Chemist Mock Interview

30 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Chemist interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

30 Chemist Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   How do you go about dealing with a difficult problem?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Employers will often ask problem-solving questions to gauge the candidate's ability to gather data, analyze a problem, weigh the pros and cons, and reach a logical decision. This type of interview question focuses on specific instances when the candidate analyzed a situation or had to solve a problem. The interviewer expects you to include the steps you took to gather and understand the necessary information before solving the problem.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

When preparing for your interview, consider a few examples of times you successfully solved a problem. Your answer should include what the problem was, the steps you took to solve the problem, and the outcome. Focus on the positive.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"When I'm faced with a challenging problem, I typically begin by researching how similar problems have been solved by other professionals in related industries. From that research, I'm able to determine a solution that will work best for me and the organization. Then, I decide what actions need to be taken to solve the problem, and I put the process into motion while communicating with my managers and co-workers."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"When faced with a difficult issue, I create a list of pros and cons to help me make a decision. I start by considering whether the cons will hinder me from achieving my desired outcome or cause an unnecessary burden somewhere else. If so, then the approach probably won't be effective. If not, I consider if the pros outweigh the cons in terms of a positive outcome. If the pros outweigh the cons, then it is worth pursuing and dealing with any negative effects as they come."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

2.   How would you describe your work style?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

In addition to learning about the skills you have that qualify you for the job, your interviewer wants to know about how you work to determine if you're a good fit for the role and the organization. While this open-ended question might seem vague, it allows you to showcase yourself in a positive light.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

In your response, strategically highlight how your work style is a good fit for the company. When answering this question, it is important to keep the job description in mind. Research the company culture and read over the job description before interviewing and align your answer with their requirements and expectations. Review the company's website, media kit (almost always available on their site), and social media presence to learn which qualities are most valued at the organization.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"My work style is extremely flexible. Working on so many different projects in my last role required me to be adaptive. In general, I try to work on one project at a time as quickly and efficiently as possible to achieve the best results. All of my projects require collaboration, so I use the team environment to check for errors. I am a perfectionist and a driven worker, and my communication skills allow me to bring out the best in any team on any project."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

3.   Do you work well on a team?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

You should expect this common interview question in your job interview. Many jobs require employees to work with one another regularly, which includes communicating, completing tasks, and planning projects or events. Interviewers want to know that you can communicate well with others and complete projects successfully with a team.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Give specific examples of times you've worked well with others in the past. If you have never worked in a team environment, find an example of a time you worked with others in school, volunteer work, or another venue. Research the role and the company to learn what teamwork looks like at this particular organization.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"I prefer working with a team. Different team members contribute different perspectives, and the synergy between team members can produce creative and productive results. I enjoy encouraging the unique skill sets of my team members. For example, I recently worked on a large group research project in which two introverted members did not share their opinions with the group. I suggested breaking our larger group into smaller teams for brainstorming sessions. In these smaller teams, the quiet members became more vocal and shared some amazing ideas. These ideas became part of our overall strategy and helped us complete the project."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

4.   What is the hardest challenge that you have encountered as a chemist?

How to Answer

You should be ready with a meaningful professional story about a challenge you faced. Keep in mind that your answer should be specific. Try using the STAR method: S: Situation - Set the scene and context; T: Task - Describe what your challenge or responsibility was; A: Action - List all of the actions you took to address the challenge or responsibility; R: Result - Explain what the outcomes were and how they relate to the overall goal of the project or company. Prepare ahead of time for this question because you don't want to be surprised and try to make up something during the interview.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

When hiring managers ask this interview question, they want to know what struggles you've faced in your previous jobs or school and how you overcame them. They also want to assess your problem-solving skills, which gives them an idea of how you'd face similar challenges and find solutions in the job you're interviewing for.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"I love to be challenged, and I prefer working in high-pressure situations. In one of my previous jobs, a few of our lab managers were let go for not meeting deadlines. I was given a promotion to a management position and asked to get up to speed on a complex project. I took on the challenge and worked with the less-experienced lab assistants and chemists learning a new software program, reading lab notes, and spending time in the lab on my off-hours. By being the student, I gained respect from the other team members, and they felt like they were appreciated as an integral part of the team. It was a difficult position to be in, but it forced me to step up and lead. Within a few weeks, we had met our deadlines and surpassed the expectations of our client."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

5.   How do you stay motivated in your work?

How to Answer

This interview question is broad and easy to misinterpret. It can be difficult to answer if you haven't thought about it in advance. A strong answer to this question should be succinct and illustrate details. Back up your answer with examples from your studies, work experience, or extracurricular activities. Your answer should also relate to the skills and aptitudes required for the job you're interviewing for.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

In asking this question, interviewers hope to figure out what gets you excited about the work and what drives you to succeed. They also want to determine whether your motivators are a fit for the job and the company's culture overall.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"I'm driven by results. I like to have a clear goal or deadline to meet and enough time to figure out a strong strategy to accomplish it. At my last job, our yearly goals were aggressive, but I worked with my manager and the rest of my team to figure out a month-to-month strategy to meet the year-end numbers."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

6.   Share with us your greatest achievement.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Hiring managers love to ask questions about your greatest professional achievement or accomplishment, and they expect a detailed example or story. They want to know what sets you apart from other qualified candidates to get a better sense of what you've done and what you value. They also want to hear you speak passionately and proudly of your achievements.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Before the interview, write a list of your strengths, interests, and accomplishments, both personal and professional. Choose an example that is as recent as possible and somewhat relevant to the job or your career. Be specific, and talk about the results. Describe exactly what you achieved and why you feel it was a significant accomplishment. Explain how it helped you, your team, or your employer at the time. If you just graduated and your accomplishment was in an internship or a university class, explain what you learned, what challenges you overcame, and how this helped you get where you are today. Avoid giving a long-winded answer, as this will indicate to your interviewer that you are unprepared. Finally, use the STAR approach - Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"My greatest accomplishment occurred in my previous position as the lead Chemist in a lab setting. I noticed my team members often had difficulty locating specific files and reports, which reduced productivity, particularly during busy periods. I took the initiative to implement a team filing system. I had my assistant upload and scan every relevant research document and report, which we then saved to shared folders on our computer system. At the end of the month, our timesheets indicated that the time spent looking for files had been reduced by several hours."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"My greatest professional achievement was completing my Bachelor's degree in four years with a 3.8 GPA. I had no financial support from my family and had to work a full-time job while pursuing my Chemistry degree. This taught me to prioritize my time, build great habits, and stay focused on my goals. I'm proud of this accomplishment, and I feel that what I learned is going to give me a big advantage in my career."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

7.   Describe any new implementations you made at your last job.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know if you think independently and can contribute to improving the quality, ideation, and efficiency of project work. They are mostly concerned with how their company will benefit from your ideas. They want to know that your ideas will lead to genuine improvement and be implemented with positive results.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

When answering this question, emphasize the results of a past idea and explain how you implemented it. The idea itself does not need to be profound, but you should mention how it improved the business or school project. Incorporate the STAR method into every behavioral interview question you answer; discuss the specific situation, task, action, and result of your example.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"At my last company, the leadership team was constantly making changes to improve the quality of the services we provided, but it didn't seem like the changes lasted very long. There was little or no follow-up, and employees would revert to the old way of doing things. I suggested implementing a change binder to keep track of these plans, which would make it easy to determine which ones worked and which didn't. This ensured that the changes were implemented each week. By using this binder, the results became more clear, and the more successful adjustments eventually became standard company policy that all employees followed."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

8.   Describe a past ethical issue that you had to deal with at work. Who did you consult?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Interviewers will ask ethical dilemma interview questions to assess your integrity and approach to evaluating and solving problems in the workplace. This type of question also allows employers to see what your values are as a professional and how those values align with the company.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Your answer should demonstrate your ethics and values as an employee; it's best to avoid talking about a personal life experience. Without blaming others or naming anyone, describe a specific situation and how you dealt with it. You may feel you've never encountered a challenging ethical dilemma in the workplace, and it can be tricky to determine how to best answer this question. However, if you consider this question in advance, you should be able to identify a situation you've encountered that could have different points of view on how to best resolve an issue.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"As a chemist, I am faced with ethical considerations all the time. When I was working in a lab setting in my past position, I noticed that a fellow chemist took all of the credit for our team's work in the lab. I took some time to consider the best way to approach him and spoke to a co-worker I trusted about the situation. I felt it was important to take a positive approach and remain calm. I asked him if there was a particular reason for not acknowledging my contribution to the project. I also pointed out that I had noticed that when he talked about the project, he said 'I' instead of 'we.' I didn't want to blame him, but I wanted to show him that I noticed and didn't think it was right. He listened and then apologized, saying that he was glad that I pointed this out to him. He had been so excited about the results of our lab work that he hadn't thought about recognizing the team and acknowledging everyone for their contributions."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

9.   Why is chemistry important to you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer is looking for candidates who demonstrate a strong passion for chemistry. They also want to learn more about your interest in their organization and their projects, as well as the field of chemistry.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific and mathematical principles and give specific examples of how chemistry is applied to everyday situations. Take this opportunity to show that you understand how chemistry is related to current events, including petroleum, product recalls, pollution, the environment, and technological advances.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"Chemistry is fundamental to the world we live in and plays an important role in everyone's lives, touching almost every aspect of our existence in some way. Chemistry is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, clean air, water, and soil. I chose this as my profession because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

10.   What excites you about chemistry?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know why you chose this profession. Your answer should ensure them that you have a long-term passion for chemistry.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Before your interview, write down the aspects of chemistry excite you most. Think back to when you conducted your first experiment and consider past role models or professors that inspired you in some way. You may also answer this question with something you read or heard about recently that interests you and explain why you find it exciting and relevant.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"I love chemistry because it's very hands-on. Chemistry students and professionals learn through experimentation, which engages critical thinking and relates to current real-world applications. While my college friends spent their days reading books in the library, I planned my experiments, ran tests in the lab, and reported my findings as a part of the regular curriculum."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

11.   What do you know about our company and our chemists?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This is one of the most common questions employers pose to candidates. It is used to assess whether you know the company, its purpose, vision, project work, and leaders. The interviewer expects you to discuss the specific reasons you want to work for them.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Review the company's website and try to find an issue, project, or expert that you connect with and mention that in your answer. Consider talking about putting your skills into practice, your deep interest in continuous learning, and your desire to work with their expert chemists.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"I was motivated to apply for this position because I am very familiar with your company and the work you perform. Your chemists are considered leading scientists in the industry. I believe I possess the education and skills needed for this role, and I would love to learn from some of the more experienced experts at your company. I always look for ways to learn while I work. Lastly, I would also like to fulfill my career goals by working for a large, fast-paced research facility with leading researchers who work toward improving the lives of others."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

12.   How could you improve to become a better chemist?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question allows the interviewer to assess your weaknesses and strengths. There is no such thing as a perfect chemist; even the best in the field can improve in certain areas. The interviewers want to hear that you realize there are always areas for improvement, that you're honest, and recognize that continuous learning is important as you grow in the profession.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

What You Need to Know

A good chemist must possess several traits, such as analytical skills, math skills, and attention to detail. It's okay to acknowledge the areas you're working on. Be honest in your response and express your desire to improve your skills. It's okay to acknowledge areas that you're improving on, but don't discuss shortcomings that could cost you the job.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"As a lab assistant, I don't get to lead often, at least not formally. In the long run, I'd love to take on more responsibilities as a leader in a lab setting. This could mean leading meetings or projects, mentoring or training new team members, or other related tasks. I enjoy the hands-on lab work, and I still want to do that, which is why I applied for this position. However, I'd like to work on my leadership skills at the same time."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

13.   How long do you see yourself working as a chemist?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to learn more about your career goals to determine if you will be a long-term fit for their company. Companies seek committed employees because they positively impact productivity and profitability.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Demonstrating that you intend to stay with the company for a significant amount of time can show a hiring manager that you're a strong candidate for the position. By explaining that you are looking for an organization with advancement opportunities or opportunities for growth, you indicate that you plan to stay in the position for some time.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I have always loved Chemistry and can't imagine doing anything else. Chemistry checks all of the boxes for me; I get to work with other curious scientists, do hands-on work, see immediate results from my efforts, solve real-world problems, and improve the lives of others. I'm currently looking for a chemist position with a leading company where I can explore opportunities for growth and specialization. I'd like to eventually become a lead chemist and mentor others."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"While I love my current role as a chemist lab assistant and have a great team of coworkers, I'm looking for a position with more opportunities to conduct research. I saw that your company works to promote from within, which attracted me because I want to take on more research and development responsibilities once I master my assistant researcher duties."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

14.   What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

When you're asked this question, remember that it's another way for your interviewer to find out more about you and what you're looking for in your next role. This is often asked late in the interview process when there is a strong interest in the candidate, so there can be a shift from the candidate selling to the employer to the employer selling to the candidate.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Describe your desired criteria with typical company characteristics, such as location, benefits, company stability, and company growth. Keep your criteria positive. Research the company you're interviewing with beforehand so that you can tailor your answer to their specifications and attributes. Be creative. Don't give the same answer as every other candidate; put yourself out there and stand out from other candidates.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"In my recent job search, I researched companies based not only on location, job requirements, and benefits but also their mission statements, company goals, and dedication to their local communities. I have been impressed with the way your company has carried itself over the past year and a half and managed to stay busy and retain most of your staff. I look forward to adding my talents and leadership abilities to the strong traditions and framework that you've spent years building."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

15.   What skills and experience make you the best candidate for this position?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Employers want to hire candidates who can meet their requirements for the role. They may ask this question to assess whether you possess the right skills or qualifications.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

How to Answer

Before your interview, review the job description and identify the skills or traits sought by the employer. In your answer, mention these skills to demonstrate your ability to meet their needs. When possible, provide an example of a time you used those skills successfully. Also, include a unique skill or talent you have that will contribute to this company.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"As someone who has worked in this field for several years, I understand the importance of being safety conscious. I have strong attention to detail, which I use to maintain a safe environment for myself and my colleagues. I have spent time training less experienced colleagues on several safety rules, such as proper glassware-cleaning techniques. I also use this skill when recording notes and documentation. My prior supervisor complimented me on my work regularly due to its detail and accuracy."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022

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