Preparing For A Medical Laboratory Assistant Interview

A lab assistant/ Technician is of utmost importance to any laboratory. You need to be highly knowledgeable and willing to learn to be eligible for this job. However, these two factors will not help you alone in finding a relevant opportunity.

There are specific prerequisites that you need to follow. Once you get done with them, you can move on to preparing for lab assistant/ Technician interview questions to ace your first discussion with the laboratory experts.

If you wish to become a lab technician, this article will help you out. We have brought here all the requirements you need to fulfil, along with some lab technician interview questions. The details will help you prepare and get your dream job at your desired laboratory.

Lab Technician Qualification Prerequisites

For those aspiring to become Medical Laboratory Technicians, it is essential first to understand what credentials you need to get a job. First, you need to have an Associate’s degree.  Before enrolling in the program, ensure that the National Accrediting Agency accredits it for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

In the case that you could consider furthering your education, a Master’s Degree in Medical Laboratory is also an option. Student loans have been a lifesaver for people who are not financially capable of paying their tuition fees.  Citizens Bank is an option for people who are either permanent residents or U.S. citizens in case you need financing for your Medical Laboratory Degree. 

After completion of your studies, the next step is figuring how to pay your student loans which is by getting hired. As a first-timer, you may not know what to expect in the interview room.

But there is nothing to worry about because this article will help you prepare for your interview with some critical lab assistant interview questions and answers. So you will not end up getting stressed and nervous at the last moment. 

Usually, as a medical laboratory assistant, you’ll need strong organizational skills and vast knowledge of chemistry such as data analytics, sample collection, and performing tests. However, there are also some other factors that the interviewer will notice in you. These can be related to knowledge or behaviour. You need to prepare for these beforehand to avoid problems. Here is all the information to help you prepare for the job interview. 

How to Prepare for a Medical Laboratory Assistant Interview

1.    Research the company

Most often, employers will ask you how well you know their company, even though you have not been associated with them previously. This helps them understand whether you prepared for the job by learning about their company and the role or not.

You should have researched the organization thoroughly to avoid getting stuck. When asked about why you want to work there, provide a past success the company has had. For example, you could say you want to work there because their technology is the most advanced globally. 

If the company has always been on your dream jobs’ list, you can also mention that. In short, you just need to show that you did not come for the interview without any knowledge of the company, job, or general clinical lab assistant interview questions. 

2.    Review your strengths

Just because you are recently out of school doesn’t mean you don’t have your strengths. You may have worked part-time at your school’s lab; you could mention that. If you have excellent organizational skills physical or virtually, make sure you demonstrate them.

Employers want people who are confident. You may not have the experience, but your confidence could take you places.

The key here is to show that you have at least some necessary work skills, even if they are not directly related to the lab assistant position. They know you are a fresher, but they just want to learn whether you have the potential to handle to job or not. 

3.    Go through previous practicals

Employers may require you to explain some of the practicals you have performed in the past. They may even make you take a skills test. Familiarize yourself with some of the concepts from school. Review them and ensure you grasp them for a smooth flowing interview.

Most people make a mistake here and become overconfident in their skills. You should not do the same. In any case, you need to revise the concepts once more and ensure that you know enough about them. 

4.    The Eye Contact and Non-Verbal Cues

Just like every other interview, the employers will be looking out for non-verbal cues. They will want to see if you maintain eye contact or you are shy. Your body language will tell if you are nervous or not.

It is normal to be nervous especially if it’s your first interview. However, try and calm down and focus on getting the job. Try not to show how nervous you are. Keep your voice stable. This holds the same value in the interview as other medical laboratory assistant interview questions, if not more than them.

5.     Show You Are Knowledgeable

Most times, if it is an entry-level job, you’ll find everybody else has the same educational qualifications. Therefore, it is crucial for you to try and be unique. When asked to share your skills go in-depth and find something unique.

However, remember not to drag the question in the wrong direction. Remain specific to what has been asked from you. Wandering around will only show the interviewer that you do not know much about the job and you are just trying to stretch things, even when you are not doing any of these things.

It helps to conduct a mock interview with one of your trusted friends who will not hesitate to point out some of the mistakes before going for the interview.

Interview Questions You Will Probably Be Asked

Here are some basic lab technician interview questions that most interviewers focus on. You can understand what these questions are pointing out and answer accordingly. The answers mentioned here will help you learn how you can approach these questions.

Why did you apply for this vacancy?

Most companies will want to hire people who are most passionate about the job. Consider factors that make the role a perfect fit for you. You could consider saying that it has always been a passion and you feel the company is in line with what you want to pursue.

How would your 30 or 60 days be like in the role?

This is an excellent tester of your knowledge in this field. Start by stating what information you’d need, who you would need to sit down with. Think of something that would be a great addition to the company. Don’t forget to add that you are excited to start the job upon a successful vetting process.

Be focused more on what you will do for the company rather than what they can do for you.

What does a medical laboratory assistant position entail in our company?

Ideally, this is a trick question to get to know if you read the job description (JD). Make sure you understand the full JD beforehand so that you don’t get stuck.  Go into detail even on some of the things you think should be among the JD.

The employer will know that you have undoubtedly read the requirements and you did not just apply blindly.

It is also important to have referees who will give a good review of your school life and possibly your employment history in their organization if any.

As much as preparing for the interview may seem like school again due to the research involved, it is for a good course. Nailing the interview should be your priority and demonstrating your strong skills and why you’re are a good fit. This could be a great stepping stone towards greatness.