Resources
Post a Job
 Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a £100 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs posted directly on Indeed are 65% more likely to report a hire than non-sponsored jobs**
  • Visibility for hard-to-fill roles through branding and urgently hiring
  • Instantly source candidates through matching to expedite your hiring
  • Access skilled candidates to cut down on mismatched hires
*The £100 Sponsored Job credit offer is only available for new accounts in the UK that post a job and expires one year after account creation. Upon expiration of the credit, users are charged based on Sponsored Job budget. Terms, conditions and quality standards apply **Indeed data, United Kingdom, Q2 2024

Lab Assistant Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Lab Assistant interview questions and answers.

  1. What certifications have you acquired that make you fully equipped to handle this role? See answer
  2. What, to your understanding, are the qualities you need to perform your duties as a lab assistant? See answer
  3. Working in the labouratory can be quite hazardous. What safety methods are you familiar with? See answer
  4. In a scenario where two lab technicians give you something to handle, how would you go about it? See answer
  5. Was there ever a case where you had to deliver unfavourable test results to a patient at your previous job? How did you go about it? See answer
  6. In a situation where you are grouped with other assistants to work on a project, how do you intend to ensure you deliver effectively in due time? See answer
  7. Research deadlines are a big part of your job as a lab assistant. Was there ever a time you missed a deadline? What would you do differently? See answer
  8. Describe a time where you had to do something outside your specified duties. What were you asked to do, and did you take it up? See answer
  9. The world of science is constantly changing and bringing about innovations. How do you intend to stay on top of current scientific advancements? See answer
  10. Can you describe what an MSDS is? Why is it necessary in the execution of your duties? See answer
  11. How do you intend to stay motivated as a lab assistant? See answer
  12. What would you do if you accidentally damaged a sample? See answer
  13. If you found out that another lab assistant was knowingly falsifying results, would you report the situation? See answer
  14. What is your system for data collation and reporting? How effective is it, in your opinion? See answer
  15. We’re very upfront about our company’s labouratory policies. Do these policies resonate with you? 
Show more questions Show fewer questions

Ready to get started?

Post a job

Ready to get started?

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Lab Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

What certifications have you acquired that make you fully equipped to handle this role?

This question lets you know if the candidate is qualified for the job at hand. Depending on your company's requirements, the certifications the candidate holds may be important. The higher the certification, the more likely they can handle the work you assign to them. What to look for in an answer:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific subject
  • Computer literacy 
  • licence and certification your province or city requires

Example:

"I have a diploma from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. There I studied Medical labouratory Technology. After my diploma, I decided to get certified by the CSMLS to get my licence to work in a medical labouratory. I'm very passionate about my work, and I assure you that I'm well equipped to perform the task at hand."

What, to your understanding, are the qualities you need to perform your duties as a lab assistant?

There are different qualities that a good lab assistant will need to perform their duties well. If the candidate can list out these qualities and they align with your requirements, they may be a good fit for your business. What to look for in an answer:

  • Accuracy and attention to details 
  • Resilience and hard work
  • Sound work ethics 

Example:

"Our line of work requires accuracy and attention to detail. I'm very particular about what I do and how I execute my duties. I'm a hard worker and a very meticulous person. I assure you that I'll be a great asset to your company."

Working in the labouratory can be quite hazardous. What safety methods are you familiar with?

This job comes with many risks, and hiring someone well aware of these risks and their preventive procedures will be a great addition to your business. There are standard practises to avoid accidents in the labouratory. This question tests the candidate's knowledge of standard safety procedures. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of various lab safety procedures
  • Knowledge of labouratory risks
  • Candidate's regard for rules

Example:

"I have studied standard labouratory safety procedures, and I intend to use this knowledge in the execution of my duties. I understand the need to minimize exposure to chemicals, avoid skin and eye contact with harmful materials and always wear my PPE."

In a scenario where two lab technicians give you something to handle, how would you go about it?

This draws on the candidate's experience and how they intend to take orders. The candidate should be able to prioritise tasks and complete work on time. What to look for in an answer:

  • How candidate prioritises tasks
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Ability to take instructions 

Example:

"If two lab technicians assign a task to me at the same time, I'll have to use my knowledge and forward-thinking skills to decide which task I should prioritise. I will communicate respectfully to the second technician on why I cannot get to his assignment right now. This is so that I'm able to be productive and move the business forward."

Was there ever a case where you had to deliver unfavourable test results to a patient at your previous job? How did you go about it?

One of the more sensitive responsibilities of a lab assistant is to deliver test results to patients. How they carry out this task is essential. This tests the candidate's ability to perform this task, which gives you insight into who to hire. What to look for in an answer:

  • Superior interpersonal communication skills
  • Empathy and compassion levels
  • People management skills 

Example:

"I was in charge of HIV testing at my previous job, and whenever the head technician wasn't available, I had to give the results to the patients. One time, a patient had positive testing and was also undergoing some other health challenges and was quite nervous. I delivered the results to them in a calm and professional manner. Then I..."

In a situation where you are grouped with other assistants to work on a project, how do you intend to ensure you deliver effectively in due time?

This question is a good test of the candidate's teamwork capabilities. There are times when they will be required to work on a project in groups. A good team player is an excellent asset to your business. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to work with others
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Conflict management skills 

Example:

"I can work independently and with a team effectively. When I was getting my diploma, I had many group projects, and the team was able to pull through all of them. I have great communication skills and interpersonal skills that allow me to work well with everyone involved in a project."

Research deadlines are a big part of your job as a lab assistant. Was there ever a time you missed a deadline? What would you do differently?

Lab assistants handle the analysis of samples provided by lab technicians. Their ability to turn in the results of their analysis on time is vital. This also tests the knowledge and experience of the candidate. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to acknowledge past mistakes
  • Ability to learn from mistakes 
  • Time management skills 

Example:

"I worked in a lab that ran tests on hepatitis B. I was assigned a particular sample to look for a stringent gene. I was having difficulties isolating that gene, and I kept trying repeatedly, and I was unable to deliver results when it was due. Despite being unable to deliver the results, I learned that..."

Describe a time where you had to do something outside your specified duties. What were you asked to do, and did you take it up?

A candidate's willingness to help out is something worthy of note. They may have specified duties but being able to take on something outside of that speaks to their character. Such a person would add value to your business. What to look for in an answer:

  • Empathy and compassion levels
  • Willingness to help out
  • Great team player

Example:

"I like to help out wherever and whenever I can.  When I wasn't assigned any lab tasks at my previous job, I sometimes had to work with people in another department. This allowed me to learn beyond the scope of my skill set."

The world of science is constantly changing and bringing about innovations. How do you intend to stay on top of current scientific advancements?

This is an essential question. There are always new developments in science. How the candidate intends to stay aware of these new developments should be considered. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in science
  • Resourcefulness 
  • Curiosity to learn new things

Example:

"I understand that things change and there are constant innovations in science. I intend to attend seminars, webinars, conferences, and training to stay on top of the current advancements in science. I am also subscribed to various leading scientific newsletters and publications that'll help keep me updated on new developments."

Can you describe what an MSDS is? Why is it necessary in the execution of your duties?

MSDS is short for Material Safety Data Sheet. Every lab assistant should be familiar with it. This tests the candidate's knowledge of basic health and safety requirements in the labouratory. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of MSDS
  • Ability to use MSDS
  • Understanding of basic health and safety procedures

Example:

"MSDS is a document that contains information regarding potential hazardous materials in the lab and basic ways to minimize risks such as exposure to chemicals. Knowing this will help me be careful and stay while working around hazardous materials."

How do you intend to stay motivated as a lab assistant?

A lab assistant can run the same analysis on multiple samples daily. You'll want to hire someone who can stay motivated while doing the same thing over and over again. What to look for in an answer:

  • Genuine interest in the field
  • Resourcefulness
  • Desire to stay motivated

Example:

"I understand that this job can be repetitive, but I genuinely love my job and doing it makes me happy. I also understand the need to take breaks and communicate when I'm feeling unmotivated."

What would you do if you accidentally damaged a sample?

This job requires problem-solving skills. These kinds of mistakes can be quite costly, so you want to employ an accountable and careful person. Keeping errors like this to a minimum is required. What to look for in an answer:

  • Accountability 
  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Ability to follow procedures

Example:

"If I accidentally damaged a sample, I would immediately report it to the head technician and follow the specified procedure for reporting issues like that. Depending on the sample, I would employ whatever procedure required to clean it up. I would like to believe that I'm meticulous and hope this never happens."

If you found out that another lab assistant was knowingly falsifying results, would you report the situation?

The candidate you're looking to hire must have the best interest of your business at heart. Falsifying results is wrong, and you should employ someone who thinks the same. This question tests the candidate's integrity. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to follow rules
  • Accountability 
  • Work ethics

Example:

"I will follow company protocol if I find out a colleague is falsifying lab results. I believe it's very unethical, and shouldn't be condoned. I will report such a situation to my immediate supervisor."

What is your system for data collation and reporting? How effective is it, in your opinion?

One of the responsibilities of a lab assistant is to collate and report data. For this to be effective, there has to be an efficient way of performing this task. What to look for in an answer:

  • Computer literacy
  • A proper strategy for data management
  • Experience collating and reporting data

Example:

"At my previous job, I was tasked with the responsibility of finding irregularities in blood samples. I had to collate the data or over a hundred samples and group them. I reported this data using my skills with various Microsoft tools. It is very effective."

We're very upfront about our company's labouratory policies. Do these policies resonate with you? 

This proves that the candidate has done background research and has a genuine interest in working at your establishment. What to look for in an answer:

  • Candidate's interest in your business
  • Ability to research 
  • Thoughts on your company's policies

Example:

"Before coming for this interview, I went on your website to read up on your policies, and they align with what I believe in. I, too, have the desire to help people and to make a change wherever I go."

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

Ready to get started?

Post a job

Explore Interview Questions by Title

No search results found

    Related articles

    How to conduct a job interview
    Read article
    Best practices for virtual interviews
    Read article
    How to write a candidate rejection email
    Read article