If you’ve landed an interview for your next biomedical scientist role or are thinking about applying for a position, you’ll find our interview guide helpful. It’s based on the questions we know Health Science Services (HSS) employers ask.
Of course, you’ll be asked some of the obvious questions such as why do you want to work here? and some competency questions about your ability to perform within the role. A biomedical scientist candidate interviewing for a role in phlebotomy, for example, might be asked about the Vacutainer blood collection system, or about which anticoagulants are used in phlebotomy, together with what the latest research shows.
Preparation is key, so you’ll want to rehearse your responses to common questions beforehand.
Why did you choose to become a biomedical scientist?
This is a specific question that requires you to talk passionately about your area of specialism, biomedical science. Share a personal story that connects your motivation with your clinical skills. If you can remember the first time you ever wanted to pursue your chosen career and link this same feeling to how you feel and act today, you’ll resonate with the employer.
Why should we appoint you?
Despite popular belief, many healthcare professionals struggle with this question. After all, it’s not within most people’s nature to think they are better than their peers.
A good way to approach the answer is to look back at the feedback you’ve had from line managers and patients – what have they said about you? Look for consistent values. Plus, you’ll be able to reference specific perceptions and be ready with real-life examples to back-up what you are saying.
demonstrated work on committees will help strengthen your organization’s commitment to active internal leadership.”
Talk about a time you disagreed with some clinical findings
The interviewer is interested in how you deal with conflict. As a biomedical scientist, you will work with several related healthcare professionals and may occasionally be challenged on your findings or research. Some might disagree with your research or findings altogether.
Try to use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to explain how you would approach any objections.
If a biomedical mistake happened in the lab, what would you do?
Discuss how you would assess the situation and decide whether you can deal with the issue alone, with a colleague or if you need to escalate to somebody more senior. Depending on what the issue is, you might need to inform the relevant person within your department, most likely the laboratory manager, and complete an incident form. Be clear on exactly what you would do but try not to add too much detail to the scenario, especially if it is hypothetical.
Can you explain your understanding of ISO 15189?
This is a frequent interview question for biomedical scientists. The interviewer is not expecting you to know everything about ISO. They just want to feel confident that you have enough knowledge to be an effective member of the lab team in maintaining compliance.
Focus on a couple of ISO areas where you know you can add real value and describe this clearly.
Tell us about your approach to new equipment
Adapting to new equipment is a key aspect of any biomedical scientist position. Explain how you would learn about the new technology. You’ll want to go above and beyond saying you’ll attend the relevant training sessions. A strong answer shows willingness to explore the technical manual in depth and read recent research papers where the technology has been used for research. You could even use this as an opportunity to explain how you also make recommendations for equipment updates or replacements in your current role.
What do you see as the future of healthcare?
This is a nice question. It’s often asked towards the end of the interview and gives you the chance to be philosophical. Biomedical Science is changing rapidly, and employers want passionate, innovative scientists to help facilitate that change.
Highlight the work you’ve been involved in to date and how it has helped current and previous employers stay ahead.
The chances are, your answer could be enough to inch you over the finish-line just ahead of another viable candidate.
Ourinterview guidewill tell you everything you need to know...
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