Top Lab Assistant Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of how the candidate handles problems. The ideal candidate has experience with resolving issues in the lab and knows how to work through difficult situations. Their answer demonstrates their ability to think on their feet and come up with a solution to a problem.

Sample Answer: I was working on a project that required me to isolate DNA from a very small sample. I had to use a new technique and I ran into some problems with the DNA extraction. I consulted with my supervisor and we came up with a new method that worked much better.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of problem
• - Description of solution

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the candidate's career goals. You may want to choose a lab assistant who has a similar career path as you do. The answer to this question also shows how the candidate thinks about their future.

Sample Answer: I would like to move into a management position in the next five years.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of career goals
• - Future plans

Question Overview: This is an important question to ask because you want to make sure that the lab assistant is available to work the hours that you need them to. The answer to this question also shows you how flexible the candidate is with their schedule.

Sample Answer: I am available to work from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. I am also available to work overtime on weekdays and weekends if needed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Hours available
• - Days available
• - Ability to work on weekends
• - Ability to work overtime

Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's experience in a lab setting. The ideal candidate has at least one year of experience in a lab setting, and they should be able to explain what they did in their previous lab positions.

Sample Answer: I have worked in a lab for three years. I have performed a wide range of tests including PCR, ELISA, Western blotting and immunofluorescence.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Years of experience
• - Description of duties
• - Listing of specific tasks performed

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of what the candidate considers to be their biggest weakness. You may want to choose a candidate who is aware of their weaknesses and has taken steps to improve them. Their answer may also reveal a weakness that you can help them with.

Sample Answer: I have a hard time keeping up with the latest technology. I have taken online courses to learn how to use new software and equipment.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of weakness
• - Steps taken to improve weakness

Question Overview: This question is important to ask because it demonstrates the lab assistant's ability to stay focused and accurate while doing a repetitive task. The ideal candidate is able to maintain accuracy while performing repetitive tasks.

Sample Answer: I use a checklist to ensure that I have performed every step of the process.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to maintain accuracy
• - Ability to stay focused
• - Ability to follow directions

Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of how the lab assistant views themselves. Their answer will give you a sense of their self-awareness and self-confidence. You may want to choose a candidate who is aware of their strengths and weaknesses and who can clearly articulate them to you.

Sample Answer: My strengths are my attention to detail and my ability to work independently. My weakness is that I am not very good at public speaking.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Self-awareness
• - Self-confidence
• - Ability to articulate strengths and weaknesses

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's ability to work with others. You may want to choose a candidate who has experience working in a group setting. The answer to this question will also tell you the level of experience that the candidate has with group work.

Sample Answer: I have worked in groups for the past five years. I have found that I am most productive when I can work independently, but I also enjoy the camaraderie of working with my colleagues.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of group work experience
• - Level of experience
• - Ability to work well with others

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's career goals. You may want to choose a candidate who is interested in staying with your laboratory for the long term. The answer to this question will also tell you the level of commitment that the candidate has to your laboratory.

Sample Answer: I would like to stay with this laboratory for at least five years. I am interested in taking on more responsibility and eventually becoming a lab manager.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of future plans
• - Length of time with current employer
• - Description of career goals

Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of the candidate's personality and work ethic. The answer to this question tells you how they would describe themselves and how they are perceived by others.

Sample Answer: My friends would describe me as a hard worker who is always willing to help others.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of personality
• - Description of work ethic

Question Overview: This is an important question to ask because it gives you an idea of the candidate's interest in the position. The answer to this question also gives you an idea of the candidate's enthusiasm for the job.

Sample Answer: I am interested in joining your laboratory because I am passionate about research and I enjoy working with people.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Listing of reasons for applying
• - Description of interest in the position

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it will give you an idea of how much research the lab assistant has done on your company. The ideal candidate has done some research on your company and knows about its products, services, mission and goals.

Sample Answer: I read your website and annual report. I also read the latest news about your company.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of research process
• - Description of how information was gathered
• - Description of how information was used

Question Overview: This question is a good one to ask because it gives you insight into the candidate's interests outside of work. The answer to this question may reveal a candidate who is interested in the same activities that you are. The answer also tells you how well the candidate will fit into your work environment.

Sample Answer: I am passionate about playing the piano and I practice every day.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passion for a particular activity
• - Description of how the activity is pursued

Question Overview: This is an important question to ask because it demonstrates the lab assistant's ability to work with other students. The ideal candidate is able to teach others and explain complex procedures in a way that is easy to understand. Their answer also shows their ability to work with different types of people and their level of patience.

Sample Answer: I have taught students in a variety of settings including high school, college and graduate school. I prefer to use a hands-on approach that allows students to learn by doing.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to explain complex procedures
• - Knowledge of teaching methods
• - Listing of teaching experience

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the candidate's career goals and how they see themselves fitting into your organization. It also gives you an idea of how they would respond to new challenges and opportunities.

Sample Answer: I would like to continue to develop my skills as a lab assistant. I would also like to take on more responsibility for organizing and managing the lab.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of role in the organization
• - Career goals
• - Description of how they would respond to new challenges

Question Overview: This is an important question to ask because it gives you an idea of how much time the lab assistant will be able to devote to their work. The ideal candidate has a flexible schedule and can work around their classes. Their answer also shows you how much time they have available to devote to the job.

Sample Answer: I am taking six credits this semester, which leaves me with plenty of time for lab work. I have a flexible schedule and can work around my classes.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of course load
• - Availability of time for work
• - Ability to work around class schedule

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the candidate's interest in the position. You may want to choose a candidate who is enthusiastic about the job and who is willing to work hard. The answer to this question will also tell you how well the candidate understands the job description and what they can offer to the company.

Sample Answer: I have a strong background in laboratory work and I am eager to learn more about your company. I am a hard worker and I am willing to take on any task that is assigned to me.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Listing of skills and attributes
• - Description of how the candidate can contribute

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's experience with the type of work that is performed in your laboratory. The ideal candidate has experience working in a similar laboratory setting. Their answer also tells you how much experience they have with the types of experiments that are performed in your laboratory.

Sample Answer: I have worked in a molecular biology lab for five years. I have experience with DNA extraction, PCR, real-time PCR and sequencing.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Years of experience
• - Level of experience
• - Description of work performed

Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's ability to work with people from different backgrounds. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with patients from different cultures and ethnicities. The answer to this question also tells you how the candidate feels about working with patients who have different backgrounds.

Sample Answer: I have worked with patients from different backgrounds for the past five years. I enjoy working with people from different cultures and ethnicities.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of experience working with patients from different backgrounds
• - Ability to work with patients from different cultures
• - Comfort level with patients from different backgrounds

Question Overview: This is a fun question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's personality. The answer to this question also tells you how they think on their feet and how they react to unexpected questions.

Sample Answer: I would be a dolphin because I am very social and I like to swim.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Description of animal
• - Description of personality traits
• - Description of physical traits