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: Provide context about the laboratory equipment and its importance in the medical function
•  Issue Identification: Describe how you identified the problem with the laboratory equipment
•  Troubleshooting Approach: Explain the steps you took to troubleshoot the issue
•  Problem Resolution: Detail how you resolved the problem with the laboratory equipment
•  Outcome & Impact: Discuss the outcome of your troubleshooting efforts and the impact it had on the laboratory function
•  Reflection & Improvement: Reflect on what you learned from this experience and how it influenced your approach to troubleshooting in the future

  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 technical issues with laboratory equipment
•  Technical knowledge: Evaluating the candidate's understanding of laboratory equipment and their troubleshooting capabilities
•  Adaptability: Assessing how the candidate handles unexpected situations and their ability to think on their feet
•  Attention to detail: Evaluating the candidate's meticulousness in identifying and resolving issues with laboratory equipment

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

•  Lack of technical knowledge: If the candidate is unable to explain the specific issue with the laboratory equipment or the troubleshooting steps taken, it may indicate a lack of technical knowledge
•  Inability to work under pressure: If the candidate cannot provide an example of troubleshooting under pressure or fails to mention any challenges faced during the process, it may indicate an inability to handle stressful situations
•  Poor problem-solving skills: If the candidate does not demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to troubleshooting or fails to mention any successful resolution, it may indicate poor problem-solving skills
•  Lack of attention to detail: If the candidate overlooks important details or fails to mention any precautions taken during troubleshooting, it may indicate a lack of attention to detail
•  Ineffective communication: If the candidate struggles to clearly explain the issue, the steps taken, or the outcome of the troubleshooting process, it may indicate ineffective communication skills

 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?
• 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?
• Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an unexpected issue during a laboratory experiment.
• 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?