Tell us about a challenge that you faced in your most recent role and what steps you took to overcome that challenge?

"When I first began working in my current role, I was the only laboratory assistant because they were in the process of hiring others. They had two lab assistants on the third shift so I did not get a chance to see them while working. It was hard for me to learn processes and be sure that things were being done consistently on all shifts. I volunteered to shadow them on their shift for a week so that I could observe their processes. It was so helpful and we ended up sticking to a biweekly meeting that we do virtually so that we can all remain on the same page."

The interviewer wants to know that if faced with a challenge in the workplace, you are comfortable taking the necessary steps to overcome the challenge. The interviewer is also interested in hearing about what you were able to learn from the challenge.

Think about a time when you were having difficulty at work. Talk about what steps you were able to take to improve the situation and discuss how you were able to learn from this difficulty.

"In my previous employment, I conducted microbial load assessments on whole raw milk and observed elevated levels of contamination in certain milk samples. After further investigation, I discovered that the contamination was due to non-sterile materials, resulting in various types of bacterial and fungal growth.To overcome this challenge, I implemented a series of measures, including the use of sterile techniques and materials during testing. By repeating the assessments with sterile materials, I was able to obtain more precise and accurate results, ultimately resolving the issue."

Tell us about a time that you made a mistake at work and what steps you took to correct the mistake.

"During my first week after training, I was working with a senior-level scientist. The scientist told me to go ahead and release the testing that we had worked on. I thought that the employee was referring to releasing the data to the client so I went ahead and sent the testing over. What the scientist meant was for me to release the testing documentation to the data review team for review. When I figured out that I had made the error, I immediately told the senior scientist and my manager and then contacted the client to apologize and explain what happened. The client was very understanding. Moving forward, I always double-checked what the next step was releasing any information."

The interviewer wants to hear that if you make a mistake in your work, you will take the necessary steps to correct the error. The interviewer wants to hear you take accountability here.

Think about a time that you made an error at work. Talk about what steps you took once you realized your mistake and what action you took to correct the error. Discuss what you learned from your mistake and how you have made sure not to repeat the error in the future.

What would you say is your greatest strength?

"My greatest strength is that I am very eager to learn. I am always willing to change schedules or jump in and fill in for another person that is out because it is always an opportunity for me to learn something additional by working with different team members or clients."

The interviewer wants to hear what you believe is the best thing about yourself. The interviewer will try to determine if your greatest strength can be a benefit to the role that you are interviewing for and the company in general.

Think about the things that you do well. It may be helpful to refer to the positive feedback that has been provided to you by your supervisors, clients, or coworkers. Discuss what skill or trait of yours you feel is best and tie that into the role that you are interviewing for.

What is your greatest weakness?

"I often feel that I should overwork myself rather than ask for help. I am sometimes afraid that if someone else makes a mistake with testing requested by one of my clients, it will reflect poorly on me and alter the relationship that I have built with that client. I know that I need to trust that my team members are capable of the same quality of work that I am and that I need to ask for help when I need it in the same way that I would expect them to ask me for help if they were in need."

The interviewer wants to hear that you are aware that there are areas that you need to work on. The interviewer wants to hear you own your weaknesses and talk about how you plan to improve.

Think about what skills or traits you may be lacking. These weaknesses may have been pointed out to you in a one-on-one meeting or in a performance review from a supervisor. Discuss what you believe is your biggest weakness and why you feel that way. Talk about any steps that you have taken or plan to take to improve this weakness and grow from it.

How do you go about beginning to work with an already established team?

"Anytime that I start to work with a new team, I am as open as possible to learning their ways and gaining any knowledge that the team is willing to share. I try to be approachable and listen to what is needed from me. I am always a team player and I treat my teammates with the respect that they deserve to build trust."

The interviewer wants to hear that you are comfortable working with a group of employees that have been working together for a bit of time. The interviewer wants to hear that you are willing to take the necessary steps to build trust with your team.

Think about when you first began your previous positions. Discuss what you did to gain the trust of your coworkers who had already been working together. If you have had any team-building training, this is a great time to bring that up.

"Anytime that I start to work with a new team, I am as open as possible to learning their ways and gaining any knowledge that the team is willing to share. I try to be approachable and listen to what is needed from me. I am always a team player and I treat my teammates with the respect that they deserve to build trust."

How do you best learn the tasks of a new role?

"I generally learn best by watching someone perform the task as an example while I take notes and then I attempt to complete the task on my own while referring to my notes and having an employee who is familiar with the task nearby to utilize as a resource if I have questions."

The interviewer is trying to determine how you best learn new information. Your answer to this question will help the interviewer to understand what types of training will be most beneficial to you during your new hire training.

Think about when you began working in your previous roles. Reflect on how you were able to learn the tasks of your new roles. Discuss what learning techniques worked well for you and if you feel you learn best by being hands-on, if you are more of a visual learner, if you learn best through listening to lectures or if there is another way that best suits you when learning new tasks. Provide the interviewer with some examples of learning techniques that have worked well for you.

"Anytime that I start to work with a new team, I am as open as possible to learning their ways and gaining any knowledge that the team is willing to share. I try to be approachable and listen to what is needed from me. I am always a team player and I treat my teammates with the respect that they deserve to build trust."

How do you think that your coworkers would describe you?

"I think that my coworkers would say that I am always willing to pitch in when help is needed and that I am very approachable. I also believe that they would say that I am knowledgeable and willing to assist others when they are learning new tasks."

The interviewer is trying to determine how you feel your coworkers view you. The interviewer wants to hear that you are a team player and that your coworkers can depend on you.

Think about the teams that you have worked within the past. Talk about how you feel your coworkers viewed you as a teammate. Provide some examples of ways that you were able to contribute to your team's success.

"I think that my coworkers would say that I am always willing to pitch in when help is needed and that I am very approachable. I also believe that they would say that I am knowledgeable and willing to assist others when they are learning new tasks."

What makes you the ideal laboratory assistant for our company?

"I have gotten a great amount of experience in the few years that I have been working in the industry. I have had the ability to work in several different laboratories running major testing such as working on the COVID-19 vaccine, I have worked with AIDS, as well as MRSA. I have worked on very confidential and high-risk test batches which have really helped me to understand the requirements of the field."

The interviewer wants to know what sets you apart from other candidates that are interviewing for this same role. Your answer to this question helps the interviewer to determine what skills or qualifications you possess that the company can benefit from and that others interviewing for the role may not have.

Think about what skills, training, and certifications you have relating to the role that you are interviewing for. Talk about what makes you the ideal candidate for the role over others who may be interviewing for the same position. If you have any rare experiences or background that pertain to the role, you will want to discuss that now.

"My experience in the field of laboratory makes me the ideal candidate for this position. With over 2 years of experience as a laboratory technician, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills that are essential for success in this role. I have a strong foundation in laboratory techniques and methods, which I acquired through both academic studies in biology and practical experience during my internships and career achievements. Furthermore, I possess proficiency in using laboratory equipment, which enables me to adapt quickly to new technologies and protocols. Finally, my communication skills allow me to effectively collaborate with team members."

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

"I would have to say having the ability to work on trials for the COVID-19 booster was a really meaningful piece of my career. It was amazing to see the results and how much has changed based on it."

The interviewer wants to know that you are proud of your work and that you feel fulfilled in your role as a laboratory assistant. The interviewer is interested to know what specific piece of work you are most proud of and if it relates to your potential role with their company.

Think about your career in the scientific industry thus far. When reflecting back on your work experience, think about what piece of your work makes you feel most proud. Discuss why this particular accomplishment holds such value to you.

What do you believe is the most important aspect of a laboratory assistant's role?

"The most important aspect of any lab role is always safety. Next, I would have to say that it is documentation. If documentation is not completed in real-time or if something is recorded incorrectly, it can alter and possibly invalidate the results of that testing."

The interviewer wants to hear why you believe the role of a laboratory assistant is an important role when working in a laboratory environment. The interviewer wants to know that you realize the significance of responsibilities and how you are able to contribute to the success of your team.

Think about your duties as a laboratory assistant. Talk about which of your responsibilities are most important and why you feel that way. Talk about how the laboratory would differ if it were not for a laboratory assistant completing this particular task.

"The lab assistant role consists of several important aspects. Firstly, being organized and detail-oriented is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient lab environment. Secondly, the ability to work independently and follow instructions carefully is essential. Thirdly, having a basic understanding of laboratory equipment and methods is beneficial. Effective communication with other members of the lab team is also crucial.Safety is always a top priority in any laboratory role. In addition, documentation plays a critical role in ensuring accurate test results. Incorrect documentation or failure to complete it in real-time can potentially alter or invalidate the results of a test. Therefore, accurate and timely documentation is of utmost importance"

When working on a group project, what role do you typically take on?

"Most times I tend to take on a leadership role when working on group projects. I usually am making sure that the tasks are getting completed and in a timely manner, assisting others with whatever I can, and holding each of us accountable for the work that is assigned."

At times, you may be required to work with others as part of a group project. The interviewer is attempting to determine what you are most comfortable taking ownership of when completing group work. Some individuals take on the role of a facilitator, some are comfortable leading the group, some are more comfortable completing the research, and others may enjoy being in charge of the documentation.

Think about times that you have worked as part of a team on a project. Discuss what your main focus generally is during the group work. Maybe you are required to run testing, or complete all preparation work. Maybe you make sure that everyone keeps on task or maybe you present the project to others once it is complete. Whatever role you typically are responsible for, talk about that now. Discuss why you feel most comfortable completing that piece of the project.

"When working on a group project, I typically take on a collaborative role. I enjoy working with others and leveraging each person's strengths to achieve the best possible outcome."

What do you enjoy least about the role of a laboratory assistant?

"Sometimes it is tough to be taken seriously by clients when in a lower level scientific role. I work very hard to build trust and a great working relationship with them but at times I feel that they don't take my experience seriously."

The interviewer is trying to determine what pieces of your position you least enjoy and prefer not to do. Your answer to this question will help the interviewer to understand if you will be a fit for the role that you are interviewing for and if it will be something that keeps you interested.

Think about your role as a laboratory assistant. Discuss while of your duties and responsibilities you prefer not to do. Talk about why you dislike those particular pieces of your role.

"What I enjoy least about the role of a laboratory assistant is the repetitive nature of some tasks, such as preparing samples or cleaning equipment. However, I understand that these tasks are essential for ensuring accurate results, and they provide an opportunity to practice attention to detail."

What do you enjoy most about the role of a laboratory assistant?

"I really enjoy getting to work alongside experienced scientists and having the opportunity to learn from them. I also enjoy that we get the chance to work on things that can have a great impact on lives."

The interviewer wants to understand what pieces of your role you like most. Your answer to this question will help the interviewer to know if you will enjoy working in the position that you are interviewing for and if it aligns well with your interests.

Think about your duties and responsibilities. Talk about which of your responsibilities you really enjoy. Discuss what pieces of your job make you feel happy and fulfilled as a laboratory assistant.

"What I enjoy most about the role of a laboratory assistant is the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques in the lab. As a science enthusiast, I find it fascinating to work with different types of equipment and instruments, and I enjoy seeing how they can be used to solve problems. It's also rewarding to work alongside experienced scientists and technicians and learn from their expertise."

What do you look for in a company culture when you are seeking a new role?

"I look for a company that values its employees. I always appreciate a company that is very transparent about its financials, its upcoming goals and projections, and its growth opportunities. It is also really impressive to me when a company takes the time out to show appreciation for their employees through team-building activities, and employee recognition programs."

The interviewer is trying to understand what you value as an employee and what you are seeking from a company when you are vetting a career opportunity. Your answer to this question helps the interviewer determine if the company would be a good fit for you.

Think about what is important to you when you are vetting a potential new role with a company. Company culture can be anything from communication from the management team, to work-life balance. Decide what you value in an employer and discuss that with the interviewer at this time.

"I appreciate a company culture that values its employees and provides opportunities for growth and development. This can include regular performance evaluations, training and development programs, and opportunities for advancement within the company. I always appreciate a company that is very transparent about its financials, its upcoming goals and projections, and its growth opportunities"

Why are you looking for a position outside of the company that you are working for?

"I have a friend that works for the company who has spoken so highly of the company culture and how well the employees are valued. That type of employment relationship is not always easy to find and I really would like to build my career with an employer that values my hard work and goals."

The interviewer is trying to understand why you have applied for a position outside of the company that you are currently working with rather than seeking growth opportunities within your current place of employment. You will want to be careful not to speak poorly of your current employer.

Think about why you are currently considering a new role. Talk about why you have decided to seek employment outside of your current employer. Without speaking poorly of your current employer, discuss why you feel like you are ready to part ways with the company.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

"Ultimately, I would like to move into a senior scientist role. I would like to start working for a company that has progression plans and has room for growth and opportunities because I would really like to be able to grow my knowledge and skillset and then utilize it to contribute to the success of the company and its clients."

The interviewer is trying to understand what your future goals are. Your answer to this question will help the interviewer determine if you are looking for growth opportunities and longevity with the company.

Think about your longer-term career goals. Talk about what you would like to accomplish over the next five years. If you are looking to grow with a company, talk about your desire for longevity now.

What made you want to pursue a career in the scientific industry?

"My father worked as a chemist for most of my childhood and he always spoke so highly of his career. I always thought that it was amazing for him to work on clinical trials and be involved in creating medications and treatments that helped improve the lives of so many individuals."

Your answer to this question helps the interviewer to understand why you have taken this career path. The interviewer wants to hear you speak with passion about the industry rather than saying something cliche like "I have always liked science."

Think about when you first realized that you wanted to explore the field of science. Talk about what ultimately made you want to have a future working with science. Discuss what led you to the career path that tour is on. The interviewer wants to hear that you are passionate about the scientific industry.

Talk about a goal that you have and what steps you have taken towards achieving that goal.

"It has been a goal of mine to move into a scientist role at some point but I know that I need to be prepared for that role and to work more independently. I do believe that my skillset has grown immensely since graduating and I know that if I continue to work hard I will get there. I had taken steps and enrolled in my current company's mentorship program which has allowed me to work alongside higher-level scientists and it has really prepared me for what my responsibilities will be when I am ready for a more independent role."

The interviewer wants to hear that you set goals for yourself and that you actively work at achieving those goals. This helps the interviewer to know that you are determined and disciplined enough to pursue your goals.

Think about the goals that you have for the future. Discuss a specific goal that you have set for yourself. This goal can be personal or career-related. Talk about what steps you have taken towards achieving this particular goal and what additional steps you plan to take in the future to be sure that your goal is met.

"My main goal was to use and enhance my skills in the field for which I had studied for five years and earned a bachelor's degree. To achieve this goal, I learned German and did an internship in a laboratory in Germany, which was very useful, and I entered the job market. I started working part-time and gained valuable experience. However, my long-term goal is to secure full-time employment in my field, and I am actively seeking opportunities to achieve this goal."

If I were to contact your current/most recent supervisor, what would they say is an area that you could improve in?

"I think that my supervisor would say that sometimes I spend a little too much time reviewing my documentation after running testing. A few times, she has told me to go ahead and pass my documentation on to the data review team and move on to my next testing batch. I know that passing on my documentation, allows me to free up time for additional testing. I am always afraid I will have missed something and the error will not be caught by the reviewer. I am working on improving this as I know that it also gives the data reviewer a chance to do their job and continue to grow their skillset."

The interviewer wants to know that you are aware that you are not perfect and that you have areas for growth and opportunity. The interviewer also wants to hear that you are actively working on making the improvements necessary to assist you in being a better laboratory assistant.

Think about one on one meetings as well as previous performance reviews that you have had. Discuss something that has been brought to your attention that you need to work on to be a better laboratory assistant. The interviewer wants to hear that this growth opportunity will not negatively affect your performance in the role that you are interviewing for. The interviewer also wants to hear that you are taking steps to work on this necessary improvement.

"It is possible that if you were to contact my supervisor, they might mention that I should still focus on improving my German language skills."

What made you initially apply for a role within our company?

"I have a friend that works in the biology department and he absolutely loves the work that he has been involved in. He has spoken so highly of the company culture and the growth opportunities through career progression plans. It seems that the company really values its employees and shows appreciation through team-building activities, employee gatherings, and recognition programs. I have also heard great things about open communication from the upper management team. These are all things that are important for me to have in order to feel that I want to have longevity with a company."

The interviewer is trying to gain an understanding as to why you decided to pursue a role with their company. The interviewer wants to know that you have taken the time to research the company and the role that you are interviewing for.

Talk about how you initially heard about the company. If you had a current employee refer you, or if you came across the role on a job board, discuss that now. The interviewer wants to hear that you have done some research on the company and its mission. The interviewer wants to hear about what caught your interest relating to the role and the company. You will want to be careful not to speak poorly of your current employer at this time.

"After researching your company, I have found that your values and commitment to excellence align with my own values. This alignment is essential to me as it ensures that I can have a meaningful role and stay motivated in my position. Also, a positive and collaborative work environment is crucial for productivity and job satisfaction. From my research and interactions with current employees, it appears that your company fosters a supportive and pervasive team culture, which I find very appealing."

Please provide us with a brief overview of your professional and educational background.

"I studied chemistry at Villanova University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in science in 2018. Immediately out of college, I began working as an associate laboratory assistant at Viral Labs. In February of 2020, I started working for EA Labs as a laboratory assistant. I still hold that position at this time and I have learned so much from the role and have greatly enjoyed the type of work that I do. I have learned a great deal about safety and best lab practices. I have gotten to prepare and run batch testing. I have also had the chance to work closely with our data review team which has given me knowledge of laboratory documentation standards."

The interviewer wants to gain an understanding of what your qualifications are and determine if they align with the role that you are interviewing for. Your educational background and your professional work experience will assist the interviewer in determining if your skillset is a good fit for this position.

Tell the interviewer about your educational and professional background relating to the scientific field. You should begin with your educational background, where you earned your degree and what your major was. You should then discuss your work experience beginning with your first position in the scientific industry and working your way towards your most recent role.

"I hold a bachelor's degree in cellular and molecular biology from Islamic Azad University in Rasht, Iran. It is worth noting that my studies in Germany were evaluated and approved. As part of my academic journey, I conducted research on the "Effect of Algae Extract on Cancer Cells" for my thesis, which was evaluated by ZAB. Our research was fascinating as we assessed cell viability and found potential anticancer effects of the algae extract.Regarding my work experience, I worked for a year and a half on experiments and analysis of raw milk samples at the Connecticut Milk Lab, including using "Milcoscan." Additionally, I completed two internships. In the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena's Institute of Microbiology, I worked closely with a team for six months on a project involving the isolation and molecular identification of carotenoid-producing bacteria from environmental samples. In Tehran, Iran, I worked on a project for two months related to the extraction of work blood samples during my other internship."

Have you previously worked with Laboratory Information Systems?

"Yes. I have worked in LIMS where we did all test recording, documentation, and data review. I currently work in a system called CoIMA which is very similar but more updated."

The interviewer wants to hear that you are familiar with Laboratory Information Systems and that you have used them to house your documentation and testing results in prior roles. Your answer to this question allows the interviewer to determine how much training you will be needing on their systems in order to properly document your work.

Think about any Laboratory Information Systems that you used in school and any systems that you have utilized throughout your career. Discuss what systems you are familiar with and how you have been required to use them.

"In my field of work, I filled the laboratory forms manually with test data, of course, I am also familiar with various software such as Microsoft Excel and special laboratory software and I can work with them easily, in addition, I also have knowledge in the field of computer systems and I can work with them easily."

Why do you believe that it is important to follow laboratory safety requirements?

"Not following safety requirements in the lab would put not only my life but the lives of my teammates and anyone else working in the building in jeopardy. I have seen people burn themselves, accidentally pour hazardous waste into the drain, spill chemicals, and get chemicals into their eyes and onto the skin. These things could have easily been prevented if safety protocols had just been followed."

The interviewer wants to know that you are familiar with laboratory safety requirements and that you understand why they need to be followed and taken seriously. Your answer to this question will help the interviewer to determine the amount of laboratory safety training you have had in prior roles and throughout your educational experience.

Think about what you have learned throughout your career regarding laboratory safety. Talk about why it is important to follow laboratory safety requirements and what the consequences would be if you were to not follow these safety rules.

"I believe that the most important aspect of laboratory safety is to comply with established protocols and procedures. Following all safety instructions is essential to protecting yourself and those around you from possible harm. This includes wearing appropriate protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat when working with hazardous materials. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of any potential hazards in the laboratory environment, such as chemical spills or broken glassware, and to take necessary measures to immediately mitigate them. Proper waste disposal is also key to maintaining a safe work environment, which means disposing of hazardous materials in accordance with local regulations and properly labeling containers for storage."

What skills do you feel are most important for a laboratory assistant to possess?

"Being able to multitask is a must. I am often working on one project and then a rush testing order might come in and I will need to start working on that. I also feel that general knowledge of laboratory safety as well as an understanding of scientific terms is very important."

The interviewer is trying to determine which skills you feel are most important for a lab assistant to have. Your answer to this question will help the interviewer determine what your skillset is and if your skills are transferable to the role that you are interviewing for.

Think about your skills as a laboratory assistant. Think about how you utilize these skills each day in your work setting. Talk about which of your skills you believe is most important and discuss why that particular skill holds such value in your role.

"Firstly, being organized and detail-oriented is crucial. This helps in maintaining a clean laboratory and ensuring efficient performance. Secondly, it is important to have the ability to work independently and follow instructions accurately. Thirdly, having knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and techniques is beneficial. Lastly, effective communication with other laboratory team members is essential."

At times, this role can require some scheduling flexibility. Are you available to work the occasional evening and weekend?

"I would not have any issues with scheduling changes or working additional hours. I know that certain times of the year can become busier, and I also realize that a lot of vacations are requested near holidays and over summer, so coverage is needed. I am available to assist when needed."

The scientific field can tend to have a busy season which can mean the need to work additional hours and later shifts as well as the occasional weekend and holiday. The interviewer is trying to determine your availability in order to understand if you would be available to meet scheduling requirements during the busier times of the year.

Think about your availability. Your role may require some flexibility in scheduling. Discuss any reservations that you may have about this scheduling requirement. If you are available to meet this particular requirement, reassure the interviewer of that at this time.

"I would not have any issues with scheduling changes or working additional hours. I know that certain times of the year can become busier, and I also realize that a lot of vacations are requested near holidays and over the summer, so coverage is needed. I am available to assist when needed."

What safety protocol do you follow if a hazardous chemical were to spill in the laboratory?

"If a hazardous chemical were to spill in my work area, I would alert my team and management team immediately so that if they needed to evacuate they could do so immediately. I would then dial 111 which alerts our safety team and they would come and clean up the spill and determine if it was safe to have staff enter the area to continue working. I am also trained to clean up hazardous spills if there is not a safety team available."

The interviewer wants to know that you have had the proper lab safety training and that you know how to handle a hazardous situation in the laboratory. Your answer to this question will let the interviewer know how prepared you are to work around hazardous substances.

Think about your prior safety training. Think about what you have been trained to do in the event that a hazardous chemical was to spill in the laboratory. Talk about what steps you would take to alert your teammates, and your management team, and how you would go about making sure that the spill was properly cleaned up and any risk was eliminated.

"If a hazardous chemical were to spill in my work area, I would alert my team and management team immediately so that if they needed to evacuate they could do so. I would then dial 111 which alerts our safety team and they would come and clean up the spill and determine if it was safe to have staff enter the area to continue working. I am also trained to clean up hazardous spills if there is not a safety team available."

How do you ensure that you are recording all laboratory notes accurately?

"I have had a great deal of laboratory documentation training. Each company usually reviews its requirements during new hire orientation but it is generally similar across the board. I know that documentation must be recorded in real-time and must be recorded accurately. I know that I cannot take any documentation out of the lab and that all data must be recorded while the testing is being performed. I also know how to properly correct errors in documentation so that the data is not invalidated."

The interviewer is trying to determine the amount of laboratory documentation training you have had in previous roles and throughout your schooling. The interviewer wants to hear that you are familiar with the guidelines and requirements for completing laboratory documentation.

Talk about what documentation training you have had in your current and prior roles. Talk about the steps that you take and the requirements that you follow to be sure that all information is recorded accurately. You may also want to discuss how you go about fixing any errors in documentation.

"I know that documentation must be recorded in real time and must be recorded accurately. I know that I cannot take any documentation out of the lab and that all data must be recorded while the testing is being performed."

Tell us about a time that you were faced with a difficult ethical decision in the workplace.

"A few months ago, I had a coworker who was coming in over an hour late but putting her start time on her timecard. She was basically getting over eight hours of pay that she had not worked each time we received paychecks. It felt unfair to have the company paying her for the time that she was not there. She also frequently took long lunches and extended breaks. I spoke about it with my team lead who did a timecard audit and was able to see the major discrepancies. She was no longer employed with the company a few weeks later but we were never told if that was why because of confidentiality."

The interviewer wants to know that regardless of the circumstances, you will report any ethical concerns to your management team. The interviewer wants to hear that you will make the right decision and address any ethical issues.

Think about a time that you witnessed something at work that was unethical. An ethical concern can be related to time falsification, intentionally recording false data or even financial fraud. Think about a time that you needed to make a decision about an ethical issue and what you ultimately decided and what steps you took to address the concern.

Tell us about a time that you had a disagreement with your supervisor and what steps you took to resolve the situation.

"In a previous role, I had a supervisor who would also point out our data errors during team meetings. He very seldom would recognize the accomplishments of our team but rather our downfalls. In one particular meeting, he was pretty harsh about a newer employee's error in data and she was really upset. Our department had been having high turnover and a few of us felt that his approach to addressing performance errors played a part. In my next one-on-one, I brought it up to him and just stated that I felt that performance concerns were private and should be addressed individually because it caused moral issues with the team and made people feel embarrassed. He did not realize people were feeling this way and ended up apologizing to the team and moving forward we did not discuss data errors in our team meetings."

The interviewer wants to hear that if you disagree with a decision that your supervisor has made, you are comfortable addressing it. The interviewer wants to know that anytime you are handling a disagreement, you will do so professionally.

Think about a time when you were not quite on board with a decision that your supervisor made. Discuss what you did to address the disagreement and how it was ultimately resolved. If you were able to learn anything from the situation, talk about that at this time.

Tell us about a time that you had a conflict in the workplace and how you handled the conflict.

"In my first role after graduation, I interviewed for a first shift position and was offered the role. When I came into work on my first day after the new hire orientation, I was told that I was hired for the second shift and that there was no second shift position available. It ended up being an error that was made by the recruiter who hired me and I had to decide if I was able to work the second shift or if I would need to end my employment relationship. Ultimately, after rearranging my schedule a bit, I was able to move to the second shift. A first shift position eventually did come open and I was able to switch my schedule and it all ended up working out."

The interviewer wants to know that if you are faced with a conflict in the workplace, you will handle yourself with professionalism. The interviewer is also trying to gain some insight into any conflict resolution training that you may have had previously.

Think about a time when you had a conflict in the workplace. Talk about any steps that you took to resolve the conflict quickly and effectively. Discuss what you learned from the conflict and what you would do differently in the future.

Laboratory Assistant Interview Questions

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1. Tell us about a challenge that you faced in your most recent role and what steps you took to overcome that challenge?
2. Tell us about a time that you made a mistake at work and what steps you took to correct the mistake.
3. What would you say is your greatest strength?
4. What is your greatest weakness?
5. How do you go about beginning to work with an already established team?
6. How do you best learn the tasks of a new role?
7. How do you think that your coworkers would describe you?
8. What makes you the ideal laboratory assistant for our company?
9. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
10. What do you believe is the most important aspect of a laboratory assistant's role?
11. When working on a group project, what role do you typically take on?
12. What do you enjoy least about the role of a laboratory assistant?
13. What do you enjoy most about the role of a laboratory assistant?
14. What do you look for in a company culture when you are seeking a new role?
15. Why are you looking for a position outside of the company that you are working for?
16. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
17. What made you want to pursue a career in the scientific industry?
18. Talk about a goal that you have and what steps you have taken towards achieving that goal.
19. If I were to contact your current/most recent supervisor, what would they say is an area that you could improve in?
20. What made you initially apply for a role within our company?
21. Please provide us with a brief overview of your professional and educational background.
22. Have you previously worked with Laboratory Information Systems?
23. Why do you believe that it is important to follow laboratory safety requirements?
24. What skills do you feel are most important for a laboratory assistant to possess?
25. At times, this role can require some scheduling flexibility. Are you available to work the occasional evening and weekend?
26. What safety protocol do you follow if a hazardous chemical were to spill in the laboratory?
27. How do you ensure that you are recording all laboratory notes accurately?
28. Tell us about a time that you were faced with a difficult ethical decision in the workplace.
29. Tell us about a time that you had a disagreement with your supervisor and what steps you took to resolve the situation.
30. Tell us about a time that you had a conflict in the workplace and how you handled the conflict.

Laboratory Assistant Interview Questions

1. Tell us about a challenge that you faced in your most recent role and what steps you took to overcome that challenge?

2. Tell us about a time that you made a mistake at work and what steps you took to correct the mistake.

3. What would you say is your greatest strength?

4. What is your greatest weakness?

5. How do you go about beginning to work with an already established team?

6. How do you best learn the tasks of a new role?

7. How do you think that your coworkers would describe you?

8. What makes you the ideal laboratory assistant for our company?

9. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

10. What do you believe is the most important aspect of a laboratory assistant's role?

11. When working on a group project, what role do you typically take on?

12. What do you enjoy least about the role of a laboratory assistant?

13. What do you enjoy most about the role of a laboratory assistant?

14. What do you look for in a company culture when you are seeking a new role?

15. Why are you looking for a position outside of the company that you are working for?

16. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

17. What made you want to pursue a career in the scientific industry?

18. Talk about a goal that you have and what steps you have taken towards achieving that goal.

19. If I were to contact your current/most recent supervisor, what would they say is an area that you could improve in?

20. What made you initially apply for a role within our company?

21. Please provide us with a brief overview of your professional and educational background.

22. Have you previously worked with Laboratory Information Systems?

23. Why do you believe that it is important to follow laboratory safety requirements?

24. What skills do you feel are most important for a laboratory assistant to possess?

25. At times, this role can require some scheduling flexibility. Are you available to work the occasional evening and weekend?

26. What safety protocol do you follow if a hazardous chemical were to spill in the laboratory?

27. How do you ensure that you are recording all laboratory notes accurately?

28. Tell us about a time that you were faced with a difficult ethical decision in the workplace.

29. Tell us about a time that you had a disagreement with your supervisor and what steps you took to resolve the situation.

30. Tell us about a time that you had a conflict in the workplace and how you handled the conflict.