MockQuestions

Phlebotomist Mock Interview

30 Questions Created By

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

First Question

30 Phlebotomist Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

How to Answer

Employers realize that there is life outside of work. Getting to know employees and potential employees and what interests them allows employers to develop a relationship with them. Share what you like. You can describe a place you have always wanted to visit or a place you have visited but would love to return to. This is also an opportunity for you to get to know the employer. Ask questions to show your interest in building a relationship.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"You know, I've been so caught up in school and work that I haven't really taken the time to create a bucket list of things I'd like to do. When I was younger, I always wanted to visit Australia. I think that will be one of the first places I would go."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"Without a doubt, I would go to Italy. I have always wanted to travel, and Italy will be one of the first places I go to once I have time to go and really experience it. Have you ever been to another country?"

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"When I was younger, I went on a mission trip to Brazil. I have always wanted to return and spend time with the missionaries who are still there. I came back with such an appreciation for the opportunities and conveniences that we have here. What about you? Have you ever traveled abroad?"

Written by Darby Faubion

2.   How do you handle stressful situations?

How to Answer

Stress management will be essential for you to handle tight deadlines, long hours, and demanding patients. Before answering this question, think of some tools that have helped you manage your stress. Share any helpful techniques that you use every day to remain clear-headed in some of the most stressful scenarios.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and do my best not to get distracted."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have learned not to take words or actions of stressed patients personally. Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a deadline and being pulled in too many directions, I can ground myself knowing that I'm providing the best customer service and care for my patients the best way that I can."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"I think we all experience stress on different levels and from various triggers. For me, being self-aware has played a big role in my personal stress management. If I have things that I know need to be done on a specific day, I try to create a list and prioritize the order in which those things should be done. I also try to factor in time for things that may be unexpected, for instance, an emergency blood draw, and try to stay focused on each assignment. Learning to stay focused is a big stress reliever in and of itself."

Written by Darby Faubion

3.   Do you anticipate any changes in your life within the next 12-24 months that may cause you to have to relocate or leave this job?

How to Answer

Knowing what goals you have and any changes you anticipate in your life will allow the interviewer to evaluate two things: (1) what positions are available that won't disrupt your plans, and (2) if you are interested in having a long-term relationship within the company. Either way, being upfront and honest is always appreciated.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"I recently completed a phlebotomy course and became certified. I hope to find a position that will allow me to work long-term. I do not anticipate any significant changes that would affect that."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"I recently became engaged. Although we have not set a date yet, we have agreed to wait twelve months before the marriage. My fiance just passed the Bar exam here and has been offered an opportunity to join an existing law firm. Presently, we plan to stay where we are and build a career, not just work a job. Also, we do not plan on having children for at least two years after our marriage. We both feel that being able to become established in our careers and save for our future would be the responsible thing to do before starting a family."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"I have no plans of relocating, and all of my family lives close by. I have traveled before and have come to a place in my life where I want to find a stationary position and grow with a company."

Written by Darby Faubion

4.   Can you think of a time that you had a disagreement with a boss or co-worker, and if so, how was it resolved?

How to Answer

Any time you work with someone else, there is a chance of disagreeing about something at one time or another. The interviewer knows this. It's human nature for people to have their own opinions. What is important to the interviewer is whether or not you are willing to compromise and work through difficult situations with your co-workers. Being unwilling to compromise or find alternative solutions to a dispute can affect everyone on the team, even if it is indirectly. Share a personal experience and its resolution.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"I am a pretty easy-going person and do my best to avoid conflict. Like anyone else, I am sure there have been times that a co-worker and I have had a difference of opinion, but there has never been an instance that the disagreement was something that would have interfered with my work."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"I believe if we think about it, each of us could remember at least one disagreement with a friend or co-worker. Although I consider myself to be pretty easy-going, I am also very passionate about my patients and the care they receive. I have been aware of disagreements between other co-workers but really like to think of myself as a peacekeeper. I feel like professional people should be able to discuss things logically and come to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"I think the most common disagreement between myself and others has involved our personal feelings about how healthcare should be carried out. However, while our opinions are important, I have learned that plans of care are designated by strict guidelines and with the input of everyone on the care team and the patient. Learning to respect those guidelines and patient wishes usually resolves issues that arise."

Written by Darby Faubion

5.   What is an ANA used for?

How to Answer

There are several different types of lab tests. Knowing what these tests are and what they could indicate is an important skill for a phlebotomist. Share your knowledge with the interviewer.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"An ANA helps to show if a patient has a disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"An ANA or antinuclear antibody test is used to help indicate autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is done to help doctors diagnose an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is best described as cells of the body that mistake other cells as foreign and attack those cells. One example is rheumatoid arthritis."

Written by Darby Faubion

6.   What is the purpose of a platelet aggregation test, and what color tube would you use to collect the specimen?

How to Answer

A platelet aggregation test checks how well a patient's platelets clump together to form blood clots. If platelets are not functioning properly, they could hemorrhage to death if they experience a traumatic injury. Share your knowledge of why this test is important with the interviewer.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"This test is done to check the ability of platelets to form clumps and produce a clot. The specimen is collected in a light blue topped tube."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"Aggregation is a term used to describe the clumping together of platelets which is essential for proper clotting when a person experiences some cut or another wound that causes bleeding. A light blue top tube is used."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"A physician may order an aggregation test if the patient is exhibiting symptoms of a bleeding disorder, abnormal platelet function, or low platelet count. Symptoms may include excessive bleeding, excessive bruising, bleeding from the nose or gums, or excessive menstrual bleeding. The test will show whether or not platelets are properly clumping together to form clots. The blood sample is collected in a light blue topped tube containing buffered 3.2% sodium citrate, which is then mixed gently immediately upon filling."

Written by Darby Faubion

7.   What is PKU. and when is it normally diagnosed?

How to Answer

PKU is a rare genetic condition that affects metabolism. A person with PKU can't create the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine, which is found in protein. A PKU test is a routine test performed on all babies in the US. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of this test.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"PKU is a disease that causes a baby's inability to break down phenylalanine, which is found in protein. It causes problems with metabolism."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"PKU is one of the tests done as part of a newborn's routine health screening. It helps determine the presence of phenylalanine in the blood, which should be broken down if metabolism is normal."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"Every baby in the United States is tested for PKU as part of newborn screenings. It is a genetic condition that affects a baby's metabolism, namely the ability to break down phenylalanine, a protein. Amino Acids, which are the building blocks of protein, regulate all metabolic processes within the human body. If PKU builds up in the blood, it can cause damage. While there is no cure, there is treatment."

Written by Darby Faubion

8.   What is an HIV test window?

How to Answer

Understanding concepts such as test window and what it means is crucial when working with blood. The interviewer wants to know what knowledge you have of HIV and what may happen during this 'test window' time.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"HIV test window is the time between infection with HIV until the virus actually shows up in a blood test."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"The HIV test window is used to describe the time between when the patient becomes infected with HIV until the appearance of the detectable antibodies of the virus."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"The HIV test window is a period of about 14-21 days, but in some cases up to 12 weeks. This is when a blood sample from an HIV patient will show no sign of HIV, meaning they will test negative for the infection. After the HIV window period, the virus can be detected in a blood sample."

Written by Darby Faubion

9.   What are some ways to avoid mistakes when drawing blood?

How to Answer

It is imperative to avoid mistakes when drawing blood. The interviewer wants to know that you understand safety measures to take to prevent mistakes. Share your knowledge.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"Identifying a patient by having them, or a parent, tell me their name and date of birth is the first way I can think of to avoid a mistake."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"I understand that avoiding mistakes is important and believe following the simple rule of verifying information is the best way to do so."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"There are several ways to avoid making mistakes. The most logical and easiest are identifying a patient by having them state their name and date of birth and verifying that the name on the patient's armband matches what the patient says and the orders I have."

Written by Darby Faubion

10.   Do you have a preference of what age group you like to work with when performing venipunctures?

How to Answer

While phlebotomists usually don't get to specify a particular age group they would like to work with, some facilities have large patient populations. Because of this, a supervisor may assign a phlebotomist to work in a specific area, for instance, pediatrics or oncology. This is your chance to voice your opinion about what you want. However, always remember to leave the door open by saying you are willing to work where you are needed. This shows the interviewer you are willing to be a part of the team.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"I would have to say, at this point, I prefer adults. I have performed venipunctures on various age groups and am willing to work with anyone, but I feel the most comfortable with adults at this time."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"I am comfortable with any age group. If I were given a choice, I would definitely say that I would like to work with pediatrics. I know several people who would rather not work with children, but I love kids and think I would really enjoy caring for them."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"I have been a phlebotomist for a while now, and I have to say that I have no real preference of an age group to work with. There are easy sticks with neonates and difficult sticks with adults, just like there are difficult sticks with newborns and easy ones with adults. I feel confident with my skills and am willing to work where I am needed."

Written by Darby Faubion

11.   What do you think are some characteristics of a good phlebotomist?

How to Answer

When an interviewer asks a question like this, they usually try to see what characteristics or traits you may be 'bringing to the game,' so to speak. When you answer this question, try to think about what you would like to see in a person who is providing care for you or a loved one.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"A phlebotomist should definitely be kind and show genuine concern for patients. Being sick can be a very stressful situation, and showing concern often causes patients to feel more comfortable."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I think a phlebotomist should be kind and sympathetic. Needing to have lab work done can be frightening for some people. and if I can make my patient feel at ease, I think that is an important characteristic."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"I believe a phlebotomist should be professional but approachable. Dealing with sick people can be very stressful and requires a professional approach, but not so much that it leaves a patient feeling ill at ease."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

12.   What is something that scares you about being a phlebotomist?

How to Answer

Any job that involves caring for others can have scary moments. Although a phlebotomist may not have a risk of a medication error, there are still things that can happen that can cause one to feel worried. Admitting things that cause you to be uneasy is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign that you know things you may need to focus on. The interviewer will appreciate that.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"I think the fear of being stuck by a contaminated needle is the thing that scares me the most. It is part of the job and requires extra attention to detail to be secure."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have always had a fear of a patient being harmed if a needle broke off into their skin, perhaps if they are combative."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"There are a few things that make me feel uneasy when I think of them. First and foremost is the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, if a contaminated needle sticks a patient or me. Also, the risk of a patient being injured if a needle is broken due to them moving around."

Written by Darby Faubion

13.   If you were drawing blood and using a light blue top specimen collection tube, what kind of test is being performed, and what are some things one should know about using this tube to perform this test?

How to Answer

Understanding which tubes are used for specific tests is crucial for a phlebotomist. Although someone who is just beginning a career in phlebotomy may not be able to answer a question with a lot of 'in-depth' information, a general understanding is expected before becoming certified.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"Light blue tops are used when a patient's clotting time needs to be checked, such as someone who is taking an anticoagulant, like Coumadin."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"A light blue top is used when drawing blood to test coagulation, or clotting, times."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"Light blue topped containers contain sodium citrate, which prevents coagulation by binding to calcium. This tube is used when we need to check the actual clotting time of a patient's blood. A blue top should never be drawn first, and if it is the only tube required for the tests ordered, a vial of blood should be drawn first and then discarded. The tube should be inverted 3-4 times only. This tube should never be underfilled or mixed vigorously."

Written by Darby Faubion

14.   How would you deal with an angry patient, and why?

How to Answer

Knowing how you will handle a difficult situation will tell the interviewer if you have the right attitude for this job. Being a phlebotomist means you have to deal with people from different backgrounds and with varying personalities. Give the interviewer an example of how you would handle an angry patient.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"I think it is important to try and find out what has made the patient mad. If it is something such as not being called as quickly as they had expected, a simple explanation regarding what caused the delay may help calm them."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"I believe acting calmly and speaking rationally is a great way to calm someone who is angry. I try to be the voice of reason without making someone feel that I am belittling them."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"There are a couple of different approaches, and safety is, of course, the most important thing to consider. If I were to try and perform venipuncture on someone who is angry, they could become combative, resulting in injury to them, me, or both of us. I feel the best approach is to ask what has made the patient upset and try to resolve the underlying cause, if at all possible."

Written by Darby Faubion

15.   What makes you think you will be successful at our organization?

How to Answer

Rather than just sharing how you have gone above and beyond expectations in the past, focus on how your qualities will help you meet and exceed expectations with their organization. Discuss the reasons why you will be great at this job. Talk about your qualifications and skills that will help you to do this job well. If you can, match your strengths to the requirements outlined in the job description.

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Entry Level

"I feel I have the education and skills necessary to become an asset to your organization, and I believe, given the opportunity, I can prove that."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Answer Example

"I know I will be successful in this role because I have been working in this industry for five years with great training and mentorship. I have a solid understanding of X, Y, and Z (skills listed in the job description). Also, I have all of my updated certifications as outlined in your job description. I am well-prepared for this next step in my career."

Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021

Experienced

"I believe my success with your organization will come from having all of the hard skills that you are looking for, whether learned in school or gained through work experience. I know all the key players in this region and stay informed of best practices."

Written by Darby Faubion

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