How to Answer: What new skills have you learned over the past year?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Chemist job interview.
16. What new skills have you learned over the past year?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers want to see that you are willing to improve, grow, and thrive as a professional. Chemists are always growing and learning. This is a crucial characteristic in any field since every industry is continually advancing, especially in this global economy.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Approach this question by honestly describing what you have done to accelerate your self-improvement objectives. This could include taking additional courses or participating in training seminars. Share a time you took it upon yourself to learn new technology or software systems. Explain how your new skills could be useful in this position. Emphasize that you consider yourself to be a lifelong learner and are eager to develop in any way you can.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my previous job, I was put on a research team with an amazing group of experienced chemists. I was a bit inexperienced, but I saw this as an excellent opportunity to learn from some of the top experts in the field. I try to learn as much as I can by asking questions, taking on advanced tasks to challenge myself, and spending time outside of work to research topics and seek out other experts and educators."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022