20 Bio-Reference Labs Interview Questions and Answers

Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. is a leading provider of clinical laboratory testing services in the United States. With over 3,000 employees and a network of over 170 laboratories nationwide, Bio-Reference Labs provides a comprehensive range of testing services to healthcare providers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.

The interview process at Bio-Reference Labs is designed to assess a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and knowledge. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of sample Bio-Reference Labs interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Bio-Reference Labs Interview Process

The interview process at Bio-Reference Labs can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone interview and one in-person interview. For some positions, like Specimen Processor, you may also be required to take a typing test and/or a memory test. Overall, the interview process is relatively standard, but each position may have different requirements.

1. What are some of your strengths?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want to know what skills you have that will help you succeed in the role, so it’s important to highlight any transferable skills or soft skills you have.

Example: “I am a very organized person, which is why I love working in a lab setting. I enjoy keeping track of all my samples and making sure they’re labeled correctly. Another strength of mine is my attention to detail. I always make sure to double-check everything I do, which helps me avoid mistakes. My ability to multitask also comes in handy when I’m running tests.”

2. How would you handle a patient who was nervous about having their blood drawn?

This question can help interviewers assess your interpersonal skills and ability to calm patients who may be anxious about their blood tests. In your answer, try to highlight how you would use your communication skills to make the patient feel more comfortable and confident in the testing process.

Example: “I have had several patients who were nervous about having their blood drawn. I usually start by introducing myself and explaining what will happen during the test. Then, I ask them if they have any questions or concerns. If they do, I take time to explain the procedure thoroughly so that they understand everything that is going to happen. This helps put them at ease and makes them feel more comfortable with the process.”

3. Do you have any experience working with medical insurance companies?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working with insurance companies and how well you communicate. If you do not have direct experience, you can talk about your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects.

Example: “I’ve never worked directly with an insurance company, but I have had to call them when a patient’s insurance information was missing or incorrect. In these situations, I always make sure to be polite and respectful of their time. I also try to provide as much information as possible so they can process the claim quickly. This has helped me develop my communication skills and learn more about medical billing.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and stress. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you have good problem-solving skills, patience and communication skills.

Example: “In my last position as a lab technician, I had an angry customer who was upset about their results. They were convinced they had tested positive for something when in reality, it was just a false positive. I explained this to them calmly and patiently until they understood. This helped diffuse the situation and made them feel more comfortable with the test results.”

5. When was the last time that you worked in a team environment and what kind of tasks did you work on together?

Working in a team environment is an important part of working at a bio-reference lab. Team members need to be able to communicate effectively and work together on projects that require multiple people’s input. Your answer should show the interviewer that you are comfortable with teamwork and can contribute to a group effort.

Example: “In my last job, I worked as part of a research team where we were tasked with finding new ways to treat diseases. We had weekly meetings where we discussed our progress and brainstormed ideas for how to solve problems or find solutions. It was a very rewarding experience because it allowed me to learn from other professionals who had more experience than me.”

6. Describe a time when you were faced with a problem at work and how you resolved it.

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to resolve the issue and how your actions benefited your employer or coworkers.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working with a client who had an abnormal blood test result. The patient was very concerned about the results and wanted to know what they meant for their health. I explained that while the results were concerning, there could be many reasons why the test came back abnormal. I also told them that we would do everything in our power to ensure they received the best care possible.”

7. Why do you want to work for Bio-Reference Labs?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know that you have done some research on the organization and are excited about working there. When preparing for this question, make sure you read through the job description and any other information they provide about the company. This will help you understand what they value most in their employees.

Example: “I am very interested in working for Bio-Reference Labs because of its reputation as an innovative leader in the healthcare industry. I feel like my skills and experience would be a great fit for this role, and I’m eager to contribute to the success of such a well-respected company.”

8. What is your availability like?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your availability and how it might fit with their needs. If you have any scheduling conflicts, be honest about them and explain what you can do to work around them.

Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but I also have some flexibility on my schedule. For example, if there was an emergency situation that required me to stay late or come in early, I would certainly make myself available. I understand that sometimes things happen unexpectedly, so I’m willing to accommodate as needed.”

9. Are you able to lift up to 50 pounds?

This question is asked to determine if you are physically capable of performing the job duties. Employers want to make sure that you can lift and move large boxes, bags or other items without injuring yourself. In your answer, explain how often you have lifted this amount in the past and what kind of precautions you take when lifting heavy objects.

Example: “In my previous position as a lab technician, I was responsible for moving large boxes of supplies from storage to the testing area. I would always ask for help when carrying anything over 50 pounds because it’s important to be safe while working with others. I also use proper form when lifting so I don’t injure myself.”

10. Have you ever been fired from a job? If so, why?

This question is a way for employers to learn more about your character and how you respond to challenges. It’s important to answer honestly, but it can also be helpful to explain what you learned from the experience.

Example: “I was fired from my first job as a receptionist at an accounting firm because I accidentally sent an email to all of our clients with their tax returns attached. The client information was confidential, so this was a serious mistake that could have caused us major problems. However, when I explained what happened, the company understood and let me keep my job. This taught me to always double-check my work and take extra care with sensitive information.”

11. Bio-Reference Labs has many different departments. Which department are you most interested in working in?

This question is a great way to determine what type of work you’re most passionate about. It also helps the interviewer understand your career goals and how they align with the company’s objectives. When answering this question, be sure to mention which department you are most interested in working in and why.

Example: “I am very interested in working in the research department because I love learning new things. The idea of researching different diseases and treatments sounds like an exciting challenge. I think my background in biology would make me a good fit for that department.”

12. How long have you been working in the lab industry?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your experience and how it relates to the position. If you have been working in the lab industry for quite some time, consider sharing what has changed over that period of time. If you are new to the field, explain why you’re passionate about this career path.

Example: “I’ve worked in the lab industry for five years now. In my first year as a lab technician, I was still learning the basics of the job. Now, I feel confident in my abilities and am excited to continue growing with this company.”

13. What type of training or certifications do you have?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any relevant training or certifications. If they are looking for a specific certification, it can be helpful to mention that you already have the certification and include the date of when you received it.

Example: “I am certified in blood collection techniques through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. I also completed an online course on how to use the Bio-Reference Labs software system.”

14. How well do you work under pressure?

This question is a great way to assess your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Employers ask this question because they want to know that you can handle the pressure of working with tight deadlines and large workloads. In your answer, explain how you stay calm under pressure and complete tasks on time.

Example: “I am very comfortable working under pressure. I have worked in a high-pressure lab setting for five years now, so I’m used to it. When I feel like I’m getting stressed out, I take a short break or call my manager to discuss any concerns I may have. I find that taking a few minutes to myself helps me refocus and get back into work mode.”

15. What are some of your weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see how you respond to criticism. When answering this question, try to be honest about your weaknesses while also showing that you’re working on them.

Example: “I sometimes get so focused on my work that I forget to take breaks. This can lead to me feeling stressed or overwhelmed at times. To combat this weakness, I’ve started taking short breaks every hour to stretch and walk around the office. It helps me clear my mind and refocus on my tasks.”

16. In your opinion, what skills does someone need to be successful in this position?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the position and how you can be successful in it. When answering this question, make sure to list skills that you have or are willing to learn.

Example: “I think someone who wants to succeed in this position needs excellent communication skills. You need to be able to clearly explain test results to patients so they understand them. I also think it’s important to have strong attention to detail because you’re working with sensitive information. Finally, I think it’s essential to have computer skills as well as medical terminology knowledge.”

17. What do you think makes a good leader?

This question can help interviewers understand your leadership skills and how you would apply them to a new role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about the qualities of a good leader that you’ve seen in others or have yourself.

Example: “I believe a good leader is someone who is able to motivate their team members while also being empathetic to their needs. A good leader should be able to communicate clearly with their team so everyone understands what they’re working on and how they can contribute to the project. I think leaders should also be confident in themselves but not arrogant. They should be open to feedback from their team and willing to learn from mistakes.”

18. What do you know about Bio-Reference Labs?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of their company and how you might fit in. If you have done research on the company, be sure to mention it in your answer. You can also use this opportunity to show that you are passionate about working at Bio-Reference Labs.

Example: “I know that Bio-Reference Labs has been around since 1999 and that they offer services such as blood testing, DNA sequencing and more. I am excited to learn more about what makes them unique and how I can contribute to the team.”

19. Have you ever dealt with difficult patients before? If so, how did you handle them?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use examples from your experience to show that you have the ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively with patients and solve problems quickly.

Example: “In my previous role as a lab technician, I had a patient who was very upset about their test results. They were convinced they had cancer even though their blood work showed otherwise. I listened carefully to what they said and explained why their test results didn’t indicate cancer. After explaining everything in detail, they seemed more at ease and agreed to come back for another test after six months.”

20. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research the job description so you know what skills they’re looking for in an ideal candidate. In your answer, explain why you have these skills and provide examples of when you’ve used them in the past.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my extensive knowledge of medical terminology and my ability to work well with others. Throughout my career as a lab technician, I’ve worked alongside many different healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and other technicians. I understand that we all have unique roles within the healthcare system, but we also need to work together to ensure patients receive quality care.”