Assistant Healthcare Scientist
Interview process
I submitted an application for the position via the NHS jobs website, I later received an email inviting me to attend an interview at the hospital pathology department. The interview was at 9am and lasted for 30 minutes.
The interviewers were the Laboratory Medicine Ops Manager and the Chief Biomedical Scientist of the Histology department.
I was firstly asked to confirm my I.D by providing a drivers license and proof of address. There was an initial chat about my application, and discussion of how I had used my time at university and about the relevant work experience that I already had. I was then asked questions about why I wanted the job, and why I believed I was a good fit for the job. In addition I was also asked about my understanding of data confidentiality and about health and safety and risk assessments. We also discussed support that would be available for career development, and for relocation.
After this, I was asked to submit a handwriting sample, and was also given some basic maths problems to solve with no time restrictions.
I was then given a tour of the lab by a member of staff, who had previously held the role I was applying for which gave me ample opportunity to ask more questions about the job role.
The interviewers were the Laboratory Medicine Ops Manager and the Chief Biomedical Scientist of the Histology department.
I was firstly asked to confirm my I.D by providing a drivers license and proof of address. There was an initial chat about my application, and discussion of how I had used my time at university and about the relevant work experience that I already had. I was then asked questions about why I wanted the job, and why I believed I was a good fit for the job. In addition I was also asked about my understanding of data confidentiality and about health and safety and risk assessments. We also discussed support that would be available for career development, and for relocation.
After this, I was asked to submit a handwriting sample, and was also given some basic maths problems to solve with no time restrictions.
I was then given a tour of the lab by a member of staff, who had previously held the role I was applying for which gave me ample opportunity to ask more questions about the job role.
Most difficult question
What qualities do you have that make you a good fit for the position?
Interview tips
If going for a pathology based role, be prepared to answer questions on what you understand by data confidentiality and about health and safety risks.
I would also ask if you can have a tour of the lab, if they don't offer it in the beginning. This can give you a greater perspective of what the job role entails, and it gives you a chance to be reminded to raise more job specific questions about your daily working tasks.
I would also ask if you can have a tour of the lab, if they don't offer it in the beginning. This can give you a greater perspective of what the job role entails, and it gives you a chance to be reminded to raise more job specific questions about your daily working tasks.
Experiences at the assessment centre
N/A
Interview steps
Interviews:
- Phone
- 1:1
- Group / Panel
- Senior Management
- Video
Tests:
- Numerical
- Personality
- Verbal reasoning
- Psychometric
Other:
- Assessment centre
- Group exercise
- Background check
- Presentation
- Competency based questions