Do you feel that you are capable of working independently, rather than having a supervisor or coworker work with you?
Like any other medical department, medical laboratories have unit managers or supervisors who oversee the day-to-day operations and assign duties to personnel within that department. However, medical laboratory technicians are expected to learn skills that will enable them to work independently of other staff. The interviewer wants to know that you are comfortable with being given independent assignments. Be sure that your confidence does not come across as "being cocky." You can do that by stating that you are comfortable working independently, but that you don't mind working with a partner or team, and that you also ask for help if you are unsure about something.
"I am very comfortable working independently. Wherever I work, I try to learn the routine of the lab and what my supervisor expects of our team so that my independent work can be an asset to the team. Although I am comfortable working alone, I also enjoy the company of others and am willing to work with a partner or team."
"I have no problem working independently. I do enjoy working with a team as well, because I feel like, as a new medical lab tech, I can learn a lot from my peers."
"Throughout my career, I have worked in various laboratory settings. Some of those settings required that the techs have a lab partner and others required independent work. I feel that because of my experience, I can work well in either environment."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, I am capable of working independently as long as I have had the proper training to do the given tasks. I am not afraid to ask questions when I am confused or if something is unclear to me.
Rachelle's Feedback
The fact that you mention your ability to ask for help is a great touch. Excellent response.
Anonymous Answer
I can work independently at the same time I am also a good team player.
Lauren's Feedback
It would be better to respond with more specificity. An interviewer will read a general response like this many times. It is your responsibility to offer unique responses that will help you stand out from other candidates with similar skillsets.
I am very confident in my abilities and have worked a lot independently throughout my career. I would have no hesitations working alone or within a group.
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