On this page
Questions to practise
How do you make sure your results are correct?
Accuracy is the heart of lab work. Dana wants to hear real habits, not just "I am careful".
Name your steps in order. For example: I read the procedure first, check each label, follow the steps in order and record every result at the time. Say how you check your own work before you finish.
How do you follow a procedure, and what do you do if you are not sure about a step?
Labs depend on procedures. She needs to know you will not skip steps or guess.
Read the full procedure first. Follow it step by step and record each step. Then say that when you are not sure, you stop, check again and ask your supervisor before you continue. Guessing can spoil results.
Can you tell me how you start a normal day of lab work?
Your daily routine shows how organised and careful you are.
Give a short, real routine. For example: check the schedule, check that equipment is clean and ready, put on the right safety equipment and read the procedures for the day's tasks. Keep it simple and in order.
Tell me about a mistake you caught at work.
She wants proof that you notice problems and speak up, instead of hiding them.
Use three parts: what you noticed, what you did yourself and what happened next. For example: two samples had the same number, so I stopped and told my supervisor. We fixed the labels before testing. Use "I", not only "we".
How do you handle and label samples to avoid mix-ups?
A mixed-up sample can give wrong results. She wants to hear clear, careful habits.
Describe your steps. For example: I label each sample at once, check the label against the form, work with one sample at a time and record where I store it. Say what you do if a label is unclear.
What do you do when a result is outside the expected range?
She wants to know you notice unusual results and act calmly, without guessing.
Give clear steps. For example: I check the sample label and my notes, check the equipment, and repeat the test if the procedure allows. If it is still unusual, I tell my supervisor and record what I did.
How do you keep the lab safe?
Safety matters to Dana. One careless habit can hurt you or your team.
Name one or two real habits. For example: I wear the right gloves and glasses, I clean up spills straight away and I store chemicals correctly. Then say how you help others stay safe.
What do you do if you see a colleague doing something unsafe?
Good teams speak up about safety in a calm and respectful way.
Show you are kind but clear. For example: I tell them politely and straight away, like "There's a spill here, let me help." If it is serious, I tell the supervisor. Safety comes first for everyone.
How do you work with others in the lab?
Lab work is teamwork. She wants someone who shares information and helps the team.
Give real examples. Talk about clear handovers, labelling shared samples, telling the team about problems and asking for help when needed. A short story about helping a colleague is very useful here.
How do you manage your time when you have several tasks or urgent samples?
Labs can be busy. She wants to know you stay organised and accurate under pressure.
Say how you plan. For example: I check which samples are urgent, make a short list and do one task at a time. I do not skip checks to save time. If I cannot finish, I tell my supervisor early.
First I check the procedure, then I check the labels.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
First I check the procedure, then I check the labels.
I record each result at the time, not later.
After that, I double-checked the result.
When I am not sure, I stop and ask before I continue.
I noticed a problem, so I stopped and told my supervisor. As a result, we corrected the label before testing.
I always wear the right gloves and glasses, and I clean up spills straight away.
Common questions
What if my English is not perfect?
That is fine. Use short, clear sentences. Dana cares most about clear steps and real examples. You can say "Let me think of a good example" to give yourself time. Speaking slowly and calmly helps more than using difficult words.
What if I don't have a big story about a mistake?
A small example is fine. Maybe you saw a wrong label, a missing record or a dirty piece of equipment. Say what you noticed, what you did yourself and what happened next. A small, true story is better than a big, unclear one.
How long should my answers be?
Try about 30 seconds to one minute for most answers. Give your main point, then a real example or your steps in order. If Dana wants more detail, she will ask. Then you can add more.