17 Forensic Medical Examiner Interview Questions and Answers

When someone is the victim of a crime, a forensic medical examiner (FME) is the first person to assess the individual’s injuries and collect evidence. FMEs are specially trained medical doctors who work closely with law enforcement agencies to provide expert testimony in criminal cases.

If you’re interested in becoming an FME, you’ll need to complete medical school and a residency in forensic pathology. You’ll also need to pass a state medical licensing exam. Once you’ve met all the requirements, you can start applying for jobs.

During the job interview process, you’ll be asked a range of questions about your medical experience, your qualifications, and your interest in the job. You may also be asked questions about your ability to handle stress, work long hours, and deal with difficult situations.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample forensic medical examiner interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working in a laboratory setting?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your comfort level with working in a laboratory setting. This is because forensic medical examiners often work in laboratories and other settings that require them to use specialized equipment. A good answer to this question shows the interviewer that you are comfortable working in these types of environments.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a laboratory setting, as I have worked in one for over five years now. In my current role, I perform all of my examinations in a lab setting, so I’m used to using specialized equipment and tools. I also enjoy working in a lab environment because it allows me to focus on my work without any distractions.”

What are some of the most important skills you have for this job?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills they’re looking for in an applicant. They may ask this to see how well your skills match their job description and what you think are important skills for the role. When preparing for your interview, read through the job listing to identify which skills the employer is looking for. Then, make a list of your own skills that align with those. Choose three or four skills from each list and write a short answer explaining why these skills are important.

Example: “The most important skill I have for this position is my attention to detail. As a forensic examiner, it’s essential to be able to examine evidence thoroughly and accurately. Another important skill is my ability to remain calm under pressure. In my previous role as a medical examiner, I often worked long hours and faced challenging situations. I’m confident that I can handle any situation that comes up during my workday.”

How would you handle a situation where you disagree with another forensic medical examiner?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects. In your answer, try to show that you can be a team player while also maintaining your own opinions. Try to find common ground between the two forensic medical examiners’ points of view and explain how you would use it to come to an agreement or compromise.

Example: “If I disagreed with another forensic examiner, I would first attempt to discuss my concerns with them in private. If we were still unable to reach an agreement, I would bring in our supervisor so they could help us resolve the disagreement. Ultimately, I believe it is important to respect other people’s opinions and viewpoints even if I disagree with them. By finding common ground, I think we can usually come up with a solution that works for everyone.”

What is your experience with testifying in court?

This question can help interviewers understand how comfortable you are with presenting your findings in front of a judge or jury. It’s important to be honest about your experience and discuss any challenges you faced when testifying.

Example: “I have testified in court many times throughout my career, but I’ve only done so twice as the primary expert witness. In both cases, I was nervous because it was my first time testifying in that role. However, once I got into the rhythm of answering questions, I felt more confident. The defense attorney asked me several challenging questions, but I was able to answer them all confidently. I think my confidence helped convince the jury.”

Provide an example of a time you used your investigative skills to solve a case.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your investigative skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific case or situation where you used your investigative skills to solve a problem or help someone.

Example: “In my previous role as a forensic medical examiner, I worked with law enforcement officers on many cases. One time, an officer called me because they needed some additional information about a case. The officer asked me if there was any way I could find out what type of weapon caused a victim’s injuries. I told the officer that I would look at the victim’s wounds and compare them to different weapons to see which one matched best. After looking through all the evidence, I determined that the weapon used was a baseball bat.”

If you were called to a crime scene, what would be your first action?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your experience and knowledge of crime scenes. Your answer should include what you would do at the scene, how you would handle it and any safety precautions you would take.

Example: “My first action when I am called to a crime scene is to make sure that my team and I are safe. Once we have confirmed our safety, I will begin taking photos of the scene and collecting evidence. I will also interview witnesses and victims to get their accounts of what happened. After all of this information has been collected, I will review everything with my team and write up my report.”

What would you do if you were given a body that was badly decomposed?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your problem-solving skills and how you would react in an emergency situation. Your answer should show that you can remain calm under pressure, use critical thinking skills and make decisions based on evidence.

Example: “If I was given a body that was badly decomposed, I would first take photos of the scene and then carefully examine the body looking for any clues as to what happened. If there were no signs of foul play or trauma, I would order a toxicology report to see if there were any drugs or poisons in the system. If there were signs of foul play, I would immediately call the police so they could collect evidence at the scene.”

How well can you handle stress?

Working as a forensic medical examiner can be stressful. You may have to work long hours and handle difficult situations, such as examining victims of violent crimes or performing autopsies on children. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared for the challenges that come with this job. In your answer, explain how you manage stress in your life. Share some strategies that help you stay calm and focused when things get hectic.

Example: “I am very good at managing stress. I practice yoga twice a week, which helps me relax and focus. I also try to keep my schedule organized so I know what tasks I need to accomplish each day. This helps me feel more confident and less stressed about getting everything done.”

Do you have any questions for us about the position?

This is your chance to show the interviewer that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. It’s also a good time to ask any questions you may have about the facility or department, such as how often you’ll be working with other medical professionals.

Example: “I was impressed by the number of cases this office handles each year. I’m curious if there are plans to expand the staff so we can continue to provide excellent care for patients while maintaining our current turnaround times.”

When you perform an autopsy, how do you determine the cause of death?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience and expertise in the field. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your skills, knowledge and abilities.

Example: “When I perform an autopsy, I first examine the body for any external injuries or wounds. Then, I collect samples of blood and other bodily fluids for testing. After that, I conduct a thorough examination of the internal organs and tissues. Finally, I compare my findings with the patient’s medical history and test results to determine the cause of death.”

We want our forensic medical examiners to be able to work independently. How would you handle this responsibility?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you can work independently and are comfortable with this responsibility. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a time when you worked independently in the past or how you would handle working independently as a forensic medical examiner.

Example: “I am very comfortable working independently because I have done so for many years. In my current role, I often work independently, but if I ever need help, I know who to ask. As a forensic medical examiner, I would likely only call my supervisor if I was unsure about something. However, I always try to do everything myself first before asking for help.”

Describe your process for documenting your findings.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the ability to work independently and efficiently. Your answer should include a specific example of how you documented findings in a case file, including what information you included and how you organized it.

Example: “I begin by taking notes on my observations as I examine the body. Then, I document any injuries or evidence I find during the examination. Afterward, I take photographs of the scene and the body before moving the body from the location where it was found. Finally, I complete my report based on all of these findings.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention any certifications you have or awards you’ve received in the past.

Example: “I am certified as an emergency medical technician, which is something not many forensic medical examiners are. This certification has helped me understand what patients go through when they’re injured and I’m able to use my skills to help them feel better. In addition, I was recently awarded for excellence in my field by the American Association of Forensic Medical Examiners.”

Which areas of forensics do you hope to specialize in during your time with us?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have a passion for forensics and are eager to learn more about the field. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific areas of forensics that interest you or that you hope to specialize in.

Example: “I’m hoping to specialize in toxicology during my time as a forensic medical examiner. I find the idea of analyzing blood samples and other bodily fluids fascinating, and I think I would enjoy working with those types of samples on a daily basis. I also want to continue learning how to properly conduct autopsies and examine crime scenes.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of this job?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your priorities and how you would approach the job. It’s important to highlight the skills that are most relevant to this position, such as excellent communication or problem-solving skills.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of this job is being able to remain calm under pressure. This role requires me to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, so I need to be confident in my abilities. In my previous role, I was often faced with challenging cases where I had to use my critical thinking skills to solve problems. I feel like these experiences have prepared me for this role.”

How often would you update your skills and education as a forensic medical examiner?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are committed to your career and want to continue learning. They also want to know that you will be able to keep up with the latest technology in the field. When answering, explain how important continuing education is to you. Explain what steps you would take to ensure you stay on top of advancements in forensic medicine.

Example: “I am passionate about my work as a forensic medical examiner. I love being at the forefront of new discoveries and technologies. As soon as I complete my training, I plan to start taking courses online or through local universities. I also plan to attend conferences and seminars to learn more about the newest techniques and tools.”

There is a new disease that causes victims to bleed from their eyes, nose and mouth. How would you handle this situation?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your ability to handle new situations and adapt quickly. It also shows how you would prioritize different cases. In your answer, explain that you would first research the disease and its symptoms. Then, you would determine which of your staff members are best suited to treat this type of case.

Example: “I would immediately start researching the disease so I could understand it better. I would then assign one of my forensic pathologists to work with me on this case. We would need to be able to perform blood tests and other procedures to diagnose the disease. If we needed additional help, I would ask another member of my team to assist us.”