Top 25 Laboratory Technician Interview Questions & Answers 2024

It is crucial to be fully prepared before going for a job interview. Some candidates prepare themselves by looking up several favorite questions that may be asked for the position they applied for. In this article, we will look at 25 interview questions and answers that could be used when interviewing for a laboratory technician position.

8 Tips to Prepare for a Laboratory Technician Interview

Here are eight key areas a Laboratory Technician should focus on when preparing for a job interview, including both general and technical aspects:

Laboratory Technician Interview Preparation

Focus Area	Details	Tips
Academic Background	Highlight your relevant educational qualifications, certifications, and any specialized training.	Emphasize courses or projects directly related to laboratory work. Discuss specific skills gained during your education.
Technical Skills	Showcase proficiency in common laboratory techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols.	Provide examples of applying skills in previous roles. Mention specific instruments or methodologies.
Soft Skills	Discuss your ability to maintain accuracy and precision in experimental procedures and data recording.	Share instances where attention to detail led to successful outcomes or identified and rectified potential issues.
Critical Thinking	Demonstrate capability to troubleshoot issues, adapt to unexpected challenges, and find innovative solutions.	Share examples from past experiences where you successfully resolved problems or improved laboratory processes.
Soft Skills	Highlight ability to communicate effectively with team members, superiors, and potentially external stakeholders.	Discuss instances where clear communication played a crucial role in project success or conflict resolution.
Technical Skills	Discuss understanding of quality control measures and ensuring accuracy and reliability of experimental results.	Provide examples of implementing quality control protocols, emphasizing attention to standards and precision.
Technical Skills	Showcase familiarity with various laboratory instruments and equipment relevant to the position.	Be prepared to discuss hands-on experience with specific tools and any maintenance or troubleshooting performed.
Compliance and Regulations	Highlight understanding of safety regulations, ethical considerations, and compliance with industry standards.	Discuss training or experiences in maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment, including knowledge of relevant regulations.

Remember to tailor your responses to the specific job requirements and provide concrete examples to support your claims.

Top 25 Laboratory Technician Interview Questions & Answers

Here are the top 25 Laboratory interview questions, along with a sample answer for each question.

1.  Why Are You Interested In This Job?

The interviewers are curious about the candidates’ enthusiasm for the position.

Tip #1: Emphasis your interest in the position offered

Tip #2: Mention what are the expected opportunities anticipated

Sample Answer:

I am very passionate about science. I am a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Science. Throughout my study, I have enjoyed my experiences working in a laboratory hence I strive to work there as my profession. I believe with my strong interest, I may be able to achieve accomplishments for my intrinsic interest and for the sake of the company.

2. What Makes You Qualified For This Job?

To tackle this question, candidates are expected to state the qualities that may seem fit for the role.

Tip #1: Check what are the expected qualities sought by the company

Tip #2: Mention some of your best qualities

Sample Answer:

I am a meticulous and disciplined person. I have a strong passion for sciences, especially chemistry, as they are my major field in education. Aside from my passion and knowledge of the science field, I am also competent in technical skills for electronics and computers. I am well aware that a laboratory technician may work alone or in groups depending on the situation. I am confident in my performance in working alone and collaborating with others.

3. What Do You Know About The Position As A Laboratory Technician?

This is to test candidates’ knowledge about the job scopes.

Tip #1: State the roles of a laboratory technician

Tip #2: Be concise and familiar with your answers

Sample Answer:

The laboratory technician’s main role is to act as the support for any scientific studies carried out in a laboratory. The tasks range from technical work to performing experiments. Some of the specific tasks of a laboratory technician include handling and labeling samples, performing analysis, supporting scientific experiments, etc. Aside from the technical tasks, the laboratory technician is also responsible for documenting, reviewing, and presenting results.

4. Can You Handle Conflict In Your Group?

Interviewers want to know about candidates’ conflict management skills, especially in group work.

Tip #1: State what you would do if a conflict arises

Tip #2: Be confident and convincing with your answer

Sample Answer:

The first step that I will take is finding the source of the problem. If it were within my capabilities, I might take the initiative to bring my team members to discuss the issue together. However, if it is beyond my position, I would seek assistance from a more experienced expert such as senior colleagues or managers. It is preferable to resolve the issue in a good manner, and nobody gets offended in the process.

5. How Do You Manage If A Problem In The Laboratory Arises?

This question also revolves around conflict management skills, especially in unexpected circumstances.

Tip #1: State what procedures you would do

Tip #2: State the important traits needed to handle the unforeseen situation

Sample Answer:

I will try to apply all the laboratory protocols during emergency times. If the problem is trivial, I will seek experts’ judgment to see what methods are fit to resolve the issue. However, if the problem is of a higher scale and may cause casualties, the most important step is to halt the operation immediately. The most important thing in a time of emergency is to stay calm and lead others to safety. Mental preparedness is also fundamental hence I will always remind myself to be cautious and alert.

6. Share With Us About Your Greatest Achievement

Share about candidates’ measurable performance they have achieved in the past.

Tip #1: Share your exceptional accomplishment, preferably related to the field of the job

Tip #2: Be concise and convincing

Sample Answer:

My greatest accomplishment is my previous research paper. Due to a few circumstances, the samples that my team was working on did not come out perfectly. My team almost gave up and decided to go with the results due to the time constraint. However, I urged them not to give in and volunteered to experiment one last time. I stayed up the whole night with two other members and experimented a few more times. The result came out perfectly.

7. Share With Us Your Experience With Anything Related To This Field

Interviewers are more interested in candidates with background knowledge or experience in the position offered.

Tip #1: State any good experience you had while working in a laboratory

Tip #2: Be professional in stating your feelings

Sample Answer:

During my internship, I learned from one of the top researchers there. We learned a lot of new experiences and performed a new experiment under her supervision. The experiment revolved around researching the toxicity effects of extracts on zebrafish embryos. The internship was only for two weeks, but it was a great experience to apply all sorts of knowledge we had while working in a laboratory.

8. Do You Have Any Experience Working With Someone Who Is Not On The Same Page As You?

Candidates’ answers may display if they can cooperate with people well or not.

Tip #1: State what you would do to resolve the issue

Tip #2: Do not negate other people

Sample Answer:

If the person is in the same position as me, I would first consider discussing with that person about our differences. It is better to be respectful of others’ differences rather than pushing your preferences on others. If that person’s action could harm the process in the laboratory, I may need to seek advice from a more experienced colleague to ask for their opinions.

9. What To Do If Your Colleague Does Not Abide By Lab Rules And Protocol?

This question centers on communication skills, especially in group work.

Tip #1: Mention the importance of rules and protocols, especially in the laboratory

Tip #2: State what measures will you take to resolve this

Sample Answer:

It is crucial to adhere to all laboratory protocols and rules. Failure to do so may harm the people and damage the laboratory. If my colleagues forget to abide by the rules, I will remind that person to correct that behavior. If the action persists, I may have to consult with a more senior colleague about it.

10. How Do You Ensure Safety In The Laboratory?

This question will test candidates’ readiness to work in a laboratory.

Tip #1: Provide some examples of common laboratory protocols

Tip #2: State some measures to avoid accidents

Sample Answer:

Some common laboratory rules that we must follow are wearing gloves, covered shoes, lab coats, no food, beverages, etc. Another rule that I particularly pay attention to is not overcrowding the laboratory to avoid collisions. Personally speaking, I avoid idling and chatting with my co-workers at all costs while I am in the laboratory, as these would divert my attention.

11. Do You Have Any Experience With Mishandling Chemicals In The Laboratory? How Do You Address The Issue?

Interviewers want to know candidates’ experiences in working in the laboratory.

Tip #1: Provide a genuine experience

Tip #2: Talk about how you address the issue

Sample Answer:

There was a time when some of the chemicals we were working on spilled. The chemical was considered hazardous. We quickly delegated tasks among ourselves to clean them up immediately. Wiping the spill, spraying alcohol quickly to avoid further damage. It was a shocking experience, but we managed to handle it well, and no harm was done.

12. Are You Aware Of The Current Advancement In Science And Technology?

This question tests candidates’ knowledge of current issues and advancement.

Tip #1: Share your knowledge and how you keep up with the news

Tip #2: Provide an example of new things you are interested in

Sample Answer:

I am a technology enthusiast, especially anything related to science. I keep up to date with the current advancement in science and technology by reading magazines and news. I enjoy reading about innovations from both local and foreign countries. Sometimes, I reviewed research published by renowned people to learn about new findings in my field of interest.

13. Aside From Technical Work, Do You Have Experience In Any Other Job Related To This Position?

The interviewers want to know what other experience candidates had in this field.

Tip #1: Share some experiences of different tasks

Tip #2: Be concise and mention how well you did on those tasks

Sample Answer:

Once, I was in charge of record-keeping. My group was also assigned to perform inventory and waste management in the laboratory. Those experiences were new to us, but we managed to perform those tasks well under our lecturers’ supervision. Those experiences taught us that our roles are not limited to inside a laboratory only, but we are expected to be skillful in other tasks as well.

14. Would You Help Doing One Job Even Though It Is Not In Your Job Scope? (Eg: Cleanliness?)

This question revolves around candidates’ willingness to do other people’s tasks

Tip #1: State the boundary that you must not cross

Tip #2: Be firm in your principle

Sample Answer:

I am well aware that working in a laboratory involves a lot of consideration for everyone. I am willing to do tasks out of my responsibilities if it is deemed urgent. For example, if one section of the laboratory is left unattended and may be dangerous for the members, I would voluntarily help clean up the place. However, I have to be firm in ensuring that I do not cross my boundary that may disrupt other people’s performances and exhaustion.

15. What Are The Examples Of Lab Equipment That You Are Familiar With?

The interviewers want to know about the candidates’ competency in handling equipment.

Tip #1: State some of the equipment you are familiar with.

Tip #2: Briefly share your experiences in handling the equipment.

Sample Answer:

A few examples of equipment that I am competent with are titrators, pH meters, and microscopes. There were many times when I was the leader in my group to perform all sorts of experiments and tests. These examples of equipment were used in most of the experiments we conducted.

16. What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Are Required For This Role?

Interviewers want to know candidates’ level of readiness

Tip #1: List a few strategies substantial in the laboratory

Tip #2: Provide examples of scenarios

Sample Answer:

I believe tasks in the laboratory could run smoothly if everyone followed the rules and performed their tasks proactively. My mindset is not procrastinating, no matter how minor the task is. It is essential to be fully prepared for any sudden bunches of tests coming in at one time. I believe the essential key to coping with this role is to be patient and flexible.

17. What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Foresee In This Job?

Interviewers want to know what challenges candidates may expect for the position.

Tip #1: State examples of challenges that may occur

Tip #2: Mention how to counter the challenge briefly

Sample Answer:

One of the challenges that I foresee in this position is the constant irregularities in our analysis. Our experiment results should be informative and accurate, but sometimes, errors are inevitable. I believe this role requires high patience and persistence.

18. How Do You Stay Motivated At Work?

This is a personal question to know about candidates’ enthusiasm for work.

Tip #1: Name some ways to stay motivated

Tip #2: Be concise and provide a professional answer

Sample Answer:

One of the ways of relieving my exhaustion from work is by chatting with team members. Sometimes, I love to spend some time together outside of work. By doing this, it will not only strengthen our bond but will also add up the enjoyment of working together as a team.

19. What Are The Qualities That A Laboratory Technician Needs?

Interviewers want to know if candidates are aware of the fundamental qualities needed.

Tip #1: State a few important qualities

Tip #2: Provide some consequences that may occur if those qualities are absent

Sample Answer:

One of the key qualities needed in a laboratory technician is to be observant. They need to be attentive to everything that is going on in the laboratory and address any issues immediately. Besides, it is crucial to be organized and vigilantly abide by all protocols in a laboratory. If these traits were absent from a laboratory technician, mistakes and accidents are prone to happen. 

20. Describe Your Daily Routine As A Laboratory Technician

Candidates are tested on what they know about the tasks of a laboratory technician.

Tip #1: List down a few mundane tasks        

Tip #2: State a few other side roles of the laboratory technician

Sample Answer:

The roles include performing miscellaneous laboratory procedures and technical tasks. Some of our responsibilities are handling and managing equipment to analyze samples and specimens aside from conducting experiments from time to time. A few other tasks include supervising staff as well as managing resources.

That sums up the 20 probable interview questions and the answers if you intend to apply for a laboratory technician position. This article may be useful for both employees and candidates behalf as references.

21. What Is Your Experience With Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)?

Sample Answer:

I have extensive experience working with LIMS in my previous roles. In my last position, I was responsible for implementing a new LIMS system and training my colleagues on how to use it. I also used LIMS to manage sample tracking, data analysis, and report generation. I am comfortable working with different LIMS platforms and can quickly learn new systems.

22. Describe A Time When You Had To Troubleshoot A Piece Of Laboratory Equipment. What Was The Issue, And How Did You Resolve It?

Sample Answer:

In my previous role, I was working with a mass spectrometer that was producing inconsistent results. After investigating the issue, I discovered that the instrument was not calibrated correctly. I recalibrated the instrument and ran a series of tests to ensure that it was working properly. This resolved the issue, and we were able to continue our research without any further problems.

23. What Is Your Experience With Quality Control And Quality Assurance In A Laboratory Setting?

Sample Answer:

I have extensive experience with quality control and quality assurance in a laboratory setting. In my previous roles, I developed and implemented quality control procedures to ensure that our work met the required standards. I also conducted regular audits to identify areas for improvement and worked with my colleagues to implement corrective actions. I am committed to maintaining high standards of quality in my work.

24. Describe A Time When You Had To Work With A Difficult Colleague Or Supervisor. How Did You Handle The Situation?

Sample Answer:

In my previous role, I had a colleague who was difficult to work with. They were often unresponsive to emails and would not provide me with the information I needed to complete my work. To resolve the issue, I scheduled a meeting with them to discuss our communication and work processes. We were able to come to an agreement on how to work together more effectively, and our collaboration improved significantly.

25. What Is Your Experience With Data Analysis And Visualization? How Have You Used These Skills To Support Scientific Research?

Sample Answer:

have extensive experience with data analysis and visualization in a laboratory setting. In my previous roles, I used statistical software to analyze large datasets and create visualizations to communicate my findings. I also worked with my colleagues to develop new data analysis methods and tools to support our research. I am comfortable working with different data analysis platforms and can quickly learn new systems.