Prepare for your Scientist interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a laboratory setting. If you have no prior experience working in a laboratory, you should explain how you would feel working in one and what your expectations would be.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am comfortable working in a laboratory setting. I have worked in a laboratory setting for the past five years, where I have gained extensive experience with various scientific equipment and techniques. I am familiar with safety protocols and procedures, and I always take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe work environment."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for a scientist and explain why they are so important.
Answer Example: "I believe the most important skills for a scientist to have are analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication. Analytical thinking allows me to break down complex problems into smaller pieces so I can find solutions more easily. Problem-solving is also important because it allows me to come up with creative solutions to problems. Communication is essential because it allows me to share my ideas and findings with others."
This question can help the interviewer understand your research process and how you apply it to your work. Use examples from previous projects to explain how you conduct research, what tools you use and the steps you take to complete a project.
Answer Example: "I start by researching the topic thoroughly to get an understanding of what other scientists have discovered about it. Then I develop a hypothesis about what I think the answer is and create a plan for testing my hypothesis. I use different methods of research, such as experiments, surveys and interviews, to collect data for my project. After analyzing the data, I make conclusions based on what I’ve found. Finally, I write up my findings in a report or paper."
This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you feel about science. It also helps them understand what areas you may be most qualified to work in. When answering this question, think about what interests you most about science and why.
Answer Example: "My favorite area of science to explore is space. I find it fascinating how there are so many planets out there with life forms that could be similar to ours. I would love to one day travel into space and explore new planets."
This question can help the interviewer understand your leadership skills and how you might interact with others in the workplace. Use examples from previous roles where you had to lead a team or group of scientists, or highlight a time when you took on a leadership role within your department.
Answer Example: "In my last position as a scientist, I was responsible for leading a team of five other scientists. We were working on developing new technology that would help businesses increase their efficiency. My team and I worked together to create a plan for our research, which included finding sources of information and conducting experiments. We also discussed our findings with each other to ensure we were all on the same page."
