If you have an interest in animals and their ecosystem and are progressing to know more about them then you have chosen the right field i.e. Animal Scientist. With your skills related to their feeds, you can improve the overall animal ecosystem and also provide advice to farmers and agricultural staff. In this article; we will be sharing some of the questions with answers that you might be asked in your interview as an Animal Scientist.
1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
I had an interest in animals since my childhood. When I got a chance to choose my subjects, I immediately chose this field due to my interest. Last week when I was applying for this, I researched various projects that have been completed under your umbrella and I was interested because It will increase my exposure and I would be able to make a difference for all my furry friends.
2. What Are The Roles Of An Animal Scientist?
As a scientist, the responsibilities include
- Researching and collecting data regarding animals and their relation to the ecosystem,
- Writing scientific journals regarding the field,
- Assisting the teams regarding the conservation and
- Researching and finding an appropriate solution to a variety of animal diseases.
3. What Are The Qualities That An Animal Scientist Needs To Be Successful?
To ace this field, one must have good mathematical skills including statistics for the analysis purpose. To write research papers, communication skills should be excellent as well. As Scientists work in groups so people’s skills and interpersonal skills are important too.
4. What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role? How Did You Manage Them?
During my internship, I faced a lot of challenges as I was new to the industry. My biggest challenge was to deal with sick animals and elderly animals that needed assistance. I got emotionally attached to animals and this started affecting me emotionally and my work too. With the help of my supervisor, I learned that I should limit my emotions while working in this capacity because it can raise a lot of questions about my work.
5. Describe Your Daily Routine As An Animal Scientist?
My shift starts at 8 in the morning and my first task is to check my calendar to know what sort of daily tasks I need to complete. Once the day starts, I discuss my current research with my seniors and the staff in charge to take their opinion and feedback regarding any development. I also spend some time checking with in-house animals to understand their ecosystem and daily routine.
6. Describe Briefly About Your Experience?
I joined ABC limited in 2009 which developed and improved the practices related to animal housing, animal feeding, and sanitation. Through my research, I was able to assess the genetics of the animal population. My research there also involved several vaccines for animals by identifying diseases in the animal population. Since the primary role was related to livestock, I was able to document efficient ways to improve meat and egg quality that was beneficial for human health as well. In 2014, I joined XYZ Limited in another city as a lead. My job responsibilities included the formulation of new initiatives to increase the egg, milk, and meat from the animals. I did clinical experiments on several farm birds and animals and developed several educational ways to educate the local farmers.
7. What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Are Required For This Role?
To excel in this role, one must remain positive despite challenges and failures. One must have good critical thinking skills and communication to lead major jobs involved in this role. I have learned that this field requires a lot of patience and willingness to learn. If any candidate pays attention to detail, the work becomes a lot easier.
8. What Is The Biggest Challenge You Foresee In This Job?
The biggest challenge is new complicated health issues that are arising in the animals. To stay updated in this field, we have to stay updated with all information, especially in veterinary medicine. Sometimes there are drug shortages that create hindrance in the research field.
9. How Do You Stay Motivated At Work?
I have a variety of motivational sources when it comes to me. I actively take part in development-related tasks at work that gives me a challenge and I perform well. Apart from working hours, I keep myself focused on other aspects of values apart from work like going out with friends and focusing on achieving my personal goals as well.
10. Describe A Time You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned?
I still remember when I joined this field as an assistant, I did not complete my research on time and all the information I had gathered was not based on peer-reviewed articles. It was a big mistake and my supervisor was angry with me. He knew that I was a fresh graduate and do not know much about the technicalities of the job. He taught me the complete process of conducting research. Now after years, I always pay attention to fresh graduates and assist them whenever possible.
11. Why Do You Feel You Are Qualified For This Role?
I have developed skills and expertise in the field within all these years. I have also gotten a chance to lead and manage teams with a few major projects. I have worked within my team and as an independent resource as well. I have worked closely with livestock animals as well as Zoo and Safari Parks to ensure a sustainable environment for the animals to live. I have done several group pieces of research and separate ones depending on the role. With my qualification and aim to improve the animal life on this planet, I am sure I am a qualified candidate for this role. Hopefully, you will agree to it as well.
12. Share With Us Your Greatest Achievement
I got a chance to work with WWF on the few endangered species where we identified and monitored such animals that were under the threat. With research and revising the policies, we were able to rehabilitate and release the endangered animals back to nature to support the ecosystem. While monitoring those specific species, I identified and monitored several large data sets and used statistical software to predict the future numbers. Within the same project, I was assigned to create some sustainable plans for zoo animals. I got a chance to work with zoo directors of all states to ensure animals are living in their natural habitat and are not in any sort of danger at the zoo facility. It was extensive research done on a state level and it identified a lot of problems and solved many issues for animals related to their environments.
13. What Do You Think Is Your Weakness In This Role?
Well, I pay a lot of attention to detail to reach perfection in my work. If sometimes the result is not as per my expectation, I get upset about it. I am trying to work on it by being easy on myself and giving myself a chance to improve in this field. I want to remain physically and mentally healthy to achieve more. That is why I manage my stress and negativity by working on myself. I am my own biggest critic when it comes to animal science so it takes a lot of courage to bring out perfection in my work.
14. Share The Strength That Makes You Standout
When it comes to science and discovery, I have a curiosity about nature that helps me in achieving more. I have been able to learn a lot through this strength. My first instructor at research always used to compliment me on this trait in me. This trait never tires me because I want to explore more about animal ecosystems and perform new research throughout to educate the teams who are working with animals, be it animals or a livestock farm. I have gotten a chance to attend several pieces of training by key personalities from the country.
15. If You Are In A Difficult Scenario And Your Patience Is Being Tested. How Do You Deal?
I believe every researcher in any field has developed a lot of patience while working. As a team lead on several projects, I have to make sure that I do not lose my patience and I take my whole team with me as the project proceeds. Usually, I divide the entire work with everyone and set several small goals. Goal setting helps in achieving small milestones and keeps a check and balance on the time management as well. If any team member is facing any issue in the meeting timeline, I motivate them to perform better and find solutions to their issues. If still there are issues, I reassign the work and replace the team members if required.
16. Do You Think You Have Convincing Power Skills?
Yes, I do have this skill and I often use it at work to assist my team members in the relevant jobs. Usually, I opt for this skill when I have to convince a teammate to understand my point of view and follow the method. Healthy conversations are important in this role and it helps in understanding the other person’s point of view. In my case, I remain polite and answer all questions with many details to provide utmost clarity from my position.
17. What Do You Prefer- Working In A Team Or Separately?
I have completed a lot of projects and research in both settings. I do not have any preferences when it comes to choosing this. I do believe in the variety of thoughts when teams work together and it can bring a lot of discussions and timelines can be met faster as well. There are several checks and balances required while working with a team but for me, it is always a good addition to the project.
18. How Adaptive Are You When It Comes To Change? How Well Do You Perceive?
I am a very easy-going and calm person so any sort of change at work does not bother me a lot. I like to focus on my work and I accept change easier as long as my workflow is not disturbed.
19. Do You Think Data Analysis Is Your Strength For This Role?
I will proudly say yes that it’s my strength and I have polished it with years of experience. I can do data cleaning and model it into useful information and it should be an essential part of all research-related fields in science. One must pay attention to such skills to excel in this field.
20. To Meet Timelines Of All Projects, What Is Your Working Style?
All tasks and jobs are mentioned clearly in my daily planner. I start my day by going through the tasks and what sort of work pressure I will have during the working hours. Once I know the tasks, I prioritize them as per their urgency and take my line manager on board so that there are no big surprises in the end for anyone. If I have some urgent and extra tasks in hand, I push the flexible timeline tasks to other days where there are fewer loads. To manage my time, I make sure that I finish my work during the working hours and do not spend extra hours at work so I get back home and relax before coming to work the next day. That’s how I meet all my timelines at work.
21. How Do You Ensure That Specimen Is Safely Sent To Laboratories?
This is a critical task because my entire research as a scientist is dependent on the specimen that I have collected. I pay attention and inform the teams about the right method to carry the specimen to the destination. I double-check all ports to ensure they are sealed properly and specimen bags are used to carry them from one place to another. If it’s a delicate matter, I also add a request card in the bag pocket to pass on my required instructions.
22. How Do You Remain Focused During Research And Conducting Several Tests In The Lab?
Once I am at work, I avoid all personal connections through phone or internet to the maximum unless there is an emergency. I put away my phone on silent and focus on the specimen provided. I believe it’s a general practice in this role because only a few emergency reporting are allowed and no one on the floor has an issue with this type of focus.
23. If You Have To Confront Of Co-Worker Regarding Following The Right Procedure. What Would You Do?
At first, I will directly speak to the relevant co-worker regarding the issue and information about the issues that may cause a problem in the research later. I would conduct a recheck on all of her data to ensure that there is no problem in the result that is going to be part of the research. If I still believe that a relevant co-worker is not following the proper protocol, I would politely inform my supervisor and let them investigate and draw results on the Matter.
24. While Dealing With Animals, What Are The Basic Precautions Required To Perform Well?
As a worker, it is important to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, and Lyme. While dealing with any sort of animal, big or small, one must wear protective gear so that in any incident, you do not suffer physically. Basic equipment includes a whistle kit, Leatherman multi-tool, and gloves along with LED Flashlight. If one is dealing with a specific type of animal, you should have skin tests for tuberculosis and parasitic disease.
25. Share Your Experience With Technology When It Comes To Animal Healthcare.
Over the past few years, it has become one of the important sectors in animal healthcare. With a lot of research and technology, methods are being improved and revised to improve the overall state of animal healthcare in the world. Animals are now being introduced to digital imaging systems including radiography- both direct and computerized. This helps in detecting early signs of tumors in animals. In my point of view, dental medicines have started to improve in the past 5 to 6 years and it has become a topic of interest for all pet owners. If you look at the stats, gum disease is a common problem faced by in-home pets and owners are seeking treatment plans for such issues.
Conclusion
These 25 questions are surely going to help in acing the first round of interviews as An Animal Scientist. Good luck! Here is a small tip from us: Wear a nice shirt or dress and walk into the room with confidence. Also, take your updated resume in a hard copy with you. Don’t forget to smile!
