Top Lab Technician Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Lab Technician interview by going through these most asked Lab Technician interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: How much do you know about blood manufacturing?
  • Question Overview: Blood manufacturing is a very complex process that requires a lot of specialized equipment and highly trained technicians. A lab technician who is familiar with the process will be able to perform their job more efficiently.

    Sample Answer: I'm very familiar with the blood manufacturing process. I've worked in a blood bank for the past two years and have been responsible for maintaining inventory and performing routine tests on specimens.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of blood manufacturing
    • - Familiarity with blood manufacturing equipment

  • Question: What is your biggest weakness?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well an applicant can self-critique and identify areas for improvement. The best answer will be one that shows the applicant has a good understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses and is willing to improve upon the latter.

    Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist and can sometimes be too hard on myself when things don't go exactly as planned. I'm always working on improving my time management skills so that I can better manage my time and workload.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to improve
    • - Ability to self-critique

  • Question: What is your experience in a research lab?
  • Question Overview: A research lab is a place where scientists are actively engaged in the discovery of new knowledge. A qualified applicant should be able to demonstrate their experience in this setting.

    Sample Answer: I've had experience working in a research lab as an undergraduate student. I worked with a team of other students to design experiments and collect data.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Previous research experience
    • - Ability to work in a team setting
    • - Willingness to work in a research setting

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great opportunity to show off your strengths and how you handle weaknesses. You should be honest in your response, but don't be afraid to highlight your best qualities.

    Sample Answer: My strengths are my attention to detail and my ability to work independently. I'm also very good at problem solving. My weaknesses are that I can be a bit of a perfectionist and I'm not the best at working in a group setting.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strengths
    • - Weaknesses

  • Question: What do you know about us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how well an applicant has researched your company. You want to hire someone who has taken the time to learn about your business and its goals.

    Sample Answer: I've read about your company's commitment to providing high-quality products and services to your customers. I'm very excited about the opportunity to be a part of that.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of company history
    • - Knowledge of company goals and objectives

  • Question: What did you learn from your previous experience?
  • Question Overview: A lab technician is responsible for a lot of different tasks and procedures. It's important to find out what an applicant has learned from previous lab work and what they've taken away from the experience.

    Sample Answer: I learned a lot about laboratory safety during my internship. I also learned how to properly clean and disinfect equipment and how to use specialized instruments.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Skills they've acquired
    • - Knowledge they've gained
    • - Things they've learned

  • Question: Can you tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This is a general question that is used to get a feel for the applicant's personality. You want to hire someone who is both professional and personable, and this question will help you to determine if the applicant fits that description.

    Sample Answer: I'm a hard-working individual who is always looking for ways to improve my skills. I'm also very detail-oriented and have a passion for the sciences.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate effectively
    • - Friendly demeanor
    • - Willingness to work with others

  • Question: What is your expected salary range?
  • Question Overview: The salary range for a lab technician is dependent on the type of work they're doing, their level of education and experience and the geographic location of the lab. A qualified applicant should be able to give you a range that is appropriate for their background.

    Sample Answer: I'm looking for a salary in the $40,000 to $50,000 range.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Salary range based on education
    • - experience and location

  • Question: How do you handle working with someone you don't get along with?
  • Question Overview: Working in a lab can be a stressful environment. There will be times when you have to work with someone you don't get along with. A lab technician must be able to work well with others, even if they're not the most pleasant people.

    Sample Answer: I've worked with people I didn't get along with before and I've been able to resolve any issues that came up. I'm always willing to work with others and find solutions that benefit everyone.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to work with others
    • - Ability to resolve conflicts
    • - Ability to get along with others

  • Question: How would you handle a situation where an employer wrongfully accused you of making an error?
  • Question Overview: Lab technicians are often put in the position of having to defend their work. This can be a stressful situation, but it's important for lab techs to be able to effectively communicate and defend their work in a professional manner.

    Sample Answer: I would first ask my employer to provide details of the test that was performed incorrectly. I would then review the test results and compare them with the original data. If I found that there was an error on my part, I would immediately take responsibility and correct the problem.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate effectively
    • - Willingness to defend work
    • - Ability to remain calm under pressure

  • Question: What drives you?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that can help you to determine how motivated an applicant is. A lab technician must be driven to complete tasks and meet deadlines.

    Sample Answer: I'm driven by the desire to be the best at what I do. I'm always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge so that I can provide the best possible service to my employer.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Motivation to complete tasks
    • - Willingness to work hard
    • - Desire to succeed

  • Question: What was the most difficult situation you had to work with someone?
  • Question Overview: Working with others in a lab setting is a must. A lab technician must be able to work with others in a professional manner and be able to communicate effectively. This question will help you to determine how well an applicant can work with others.

    Sample Answer: The most difficult situation I've had to work with someone was when a lab partner and I were working on an experiment together. We had different ideas about how the experiment should be conducted and we ended up having a heated argument about it. In the end, we compromised and worked together to get the experiment done.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to communicate effectively
    • - Willingness to collaborate

  • Question: Can you follow instructions?
  • Question Overview: A lab technician must be able to follow a set of instructions and complete a task without deviating from the plan. This question will help you to determine if the applicant is capable of working independently and completing tasks in a timely manner.

    Sample Answer: I'm very good at following instructions. I have a high attention to detail and can work independently without supervision.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to follow instructions
    • - Dependability
    • - Willingness to complete tasks on time

  • Question: Are you willing to relocate?
  • Question Overview: Lab technicians are often required to relocate to different facilities in order to advance their career. This is especially true for those who are looking to work in the private sector.

    Sample Answer: Yes, I am willing to relocate.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to relocate

  • Question: How long have you worked on the project?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to find out how long the applicant has been working on the project. This will help you to determine if they have the experience and knowledge needed to complete the project.

    Sample Answer: I've been working on this project for about a year now.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Length of time working on the project
    • - Previous experience with similar projects

  • Question: How will you handle communication received through the grapevine?
  • Question Overview: Lab technicians are often privy to information that is confidential and not meant for public knowledge. It's important that they know how to keep this information private and not spread rumors or gossip.

    Sample Answer: I'm very aware of the importance of keeping confidential information confidential. I would never share information that I wasn't authorized to share and would always keep the lab's best interests in mind.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to keep information confidential
    • - Ability to resist temptation to gossip

  • Question: What challenges did you face in your previous job, and how did you overcome it?
  • Question Overview: A lab technician must be able to handle a variety of challenges in their daily work. They may have to deal with equipment malfunctions, unexpected results or other unforeseen circumstances. A qualified applicant should be able to explain how they handled these situations and what they learned from them.

    Sample Answer: I once had a problem with a centrifuge that was causing it to overheat and shut down. I had to figure out how to fix it myself because the manufacturer was unable to provide me with a solution. After some research and troubleshooting, I was able to fix the problem and the centrifuge has been working properly ever since.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem-solving abilities
    • - Willingness to persevere until an answer is found
    • - Mental flexibility

  • Question: How do you handle multitasking?
  • Question Overview: Lab technicians are often required to perform multiple tasks at once. They may be running a test while recording data and communicating with a research team. This question will help you to determine if the applicant is able to effectively handle multiple tasks at once.

    Sample Answer: I'm able to work well in a team setting and am comfortable taking on additional responsibilities when needed. I'm also able to effectively multitask and prioritize my workload.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to multitask
    • - Ability to work in a team setting
    • - Willingness to take on additional responsibilities

  • Question: Can you fix machines when they break down?
  • Question Overview: A lab technician must be able to troubleshoot and fix equipment when it malfunctions. They may not be able to fix everything, but they should be able to identify the problem and know how to get in touch with someone who can.

    Sample Answer: I've had some experience with basic electronics and have been able to troubleshoot some of the equipment in my lab. If I can't fix the problem myself, I know how to get in touch with the right people who can.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of basic electronics
    • - Willingness to learn how to fix machines
    • - Ability to communicate with others about equipment problems

  • Question: What are the qualities of a good supervisor?
  • Question Overview: A good supervisor is someone who is supportive, fair and honest. They should be able to work well with others and be able to communicate their expectations clearly. A good supervisor is also someone who can be trusted to keep sensitive information confidential.

    Sample Answer: A good supervisor is someone who is able to communicate their expectations clearly and effectively. They should be able to work well with others and be able to resolve conflicts in a professional manner.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Honesty
    • - Supportiveness