Example response for question delving into Experience, Problem Solving with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

•  Background & Context: Provide a brief overview of the laboratory experiment and its purpose
•  Unexpected Issue: Describe the specific unexpected issue that occurred during the experiment
•  Troubleshooting Approach: Explain the steps you took to troubleshoot the issue
•  Problem Resolution: Detail how you successfully resolved the unexpected issue
•  Lesson Learned: Discuss the lessons you learned from this experience and how it impacted your future approach to laboratory experiments

  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

•  Problem-solving skills: Assessing the candidate's ability to identify and resolve unexpected issues in a laboratory experiment
•  Critical thinking: Evaluating the candidate's capacity to analyze and troubleshoot problems in a scientific setting
•  Adaptability: Assessing how the candidate handles unexpected situations and adjusts their approach accordingly
•  Attention to detail: Evaluating the candidate's ability to identify and address small issues that may arise during experiments

  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

•  Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid giving an example where you were unable to troubleshoot the issue or did not take any steps to resolve it
•  Inability to handle pressure: Avoid mentioning instances where you panicked or became overwhelmed when faced with an unexpected issue
•  Poor communication skills: Avoid sharing examples where you failed to effectively communicate the issue to your team or seek assistance when needed
•  Lack of attention to detail: Avoid discussing situations where the unexpected issue could have been prevented with better attention to detail or following proper protocols

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Medical Laboratory Scientist in Medical function. View details for the Medical Laboratory Scientist here

• What steps do you take to ensure quality control in the laboratory?
• How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with colleagues in the laboratory?
• Tell me about your experience working in a medical laboratory.
• What are the key skills required for a Medical Laboratory Scientist role?
• How do you ensure accuracy and precision in your work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
• How do you prioritize your tasks in a fast-paced laboratory environment?
• What laboratory equipment and instruments are you familiar with?
• Tell me about a time when you made a mistake in the lab. How did you handle it?
• What steps do you take to ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols?
• What is your approach to maintaining accurate records and documentation in the lab?
• How do you handle stressful situations in the laboratory?
• Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team in a laboratory setting.
• How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and developments in the field of medical laboratory science?
• Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with laboratory equipment.
• Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex laboratory findings to a non-technical audience.
• Tell me about a time when you had to handle a high volume of samples in a short period of time.
• What steps do you take to ensure proper specimen handling and storage?
• How do you maintain confidentiality and privacy of patient information in the laboratory?
• Describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult or challenging patient. How did you handle it?