20 IDEXX Laboratories Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a job at IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., there are a few key questions that you can expect to be asked. These questions will help to assess your knowledge of the company and its products, as well as your ability to perform the job. Here are a few sample IDEXX Laboratories interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next interview.

IDEXX Laboratories Interview Process

The interview process at IDEXX Laboratories is generally quick and easy. The first step is usually a phone screen with a recruiter, followed by an in-person interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the team. If everything goes well, you should receive a job offer within a few weeks.

1. What are your hours of availability?

This question is a way for the interviewer to understand your availability and commitment level. It’s important to be honest about your availability, but also show that you’re willing to work overtime if needed.

Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., however I am flexible and can work weekends as needed. I have no family commitments at this time, so my schedule is completely open.”

2. Do you have any experience working with animals?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have any experience working with animals, which is a common job requirement for many positions at IDEXX Laboratories. If you do not have direct experience working with animals, consider sharing your interest in the field and how it led you to apply for the position.

Example: “I’ve always had an interest in veterinary medicine, but I haven’t had the opportunity to work directly with animals yet. However, I am excited about the prospect of getting hands-on experience working with pets and their owners. I believe my passion for helping animals would make me a great fit for this role.”

3. Are you comfortable handling blood and other bodily fluids?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your comfort level with working in a lab setting. They want to make sure you’re prepared for the tasks that come with the job, so they can determine if you’re qualified and ready to work at IDEXX Laboratories. In your answer, try to emphasize how much you enjoy working with animals and helping veterinarians provide quality care to their patients.

Example: “I have always loved animals, which is why I decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Working in a lab setting might be new to me, but I’m excited about learning more about it. I understand that handling blood and other bodily fluids is part of the job, and I am committed to doing whatever it takes to help my clients and coworkers.”

4. Describe a time when you had to deal with an angry client. How did you handle the situation?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether or not you have experience in customer service.

Example: “In my previous role, I had a client who was upset with our company because they felt we were overcharging them for services. They called me directly to complain about this issue, but I explained that their account showed no outstanding balances and that all of our pricing is clearly outlined on our website. The client then told me that they didn’t know how much our services cost and that they assumed it would be similar to what other veterinary practices charged. I apologized for any confusion and offered to send them a link to our website so they could review our pricing.”

5. What is your greatest strength/weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be prepared with an answer that highlights your strengths while also being honest about any weaknesses you may have. When answering this question, consider what the interviewer will want to hear and focus on those traits.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I am very thorough when working on projects and making sure all of my work is accurate and complete. My weakness is that sometimes I can get so focused on getting things done right that I forget to take breaks or ask for help if I need it.”

6. Tell me about a time that you have worked on a team, what was your role in the project?

Working in a team is an important part of the job at IDEXX Laboratories. The company values collaboration and teamwork, so it’s likely that you will be working with others on projects or assignments during your time there. When answering this question, think about what made you successful as a member of a team.

Example: “I’ve worked on several teams throughout my career, including one where I was the leader. In my last position, I led a team of five people who were responsible for creating marketing materials for our clients. We met regularly to discuss our progress and any challenges we faced. I found that having regular meetings helped us stay organized and productive.”

7. If hired, how would you be able to contribute to IDEXX’s culture of creativity and innovation?

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a company that values innovation and creativity in its employees. This question allows you to show the interviewer how your skills can help IDEXX Labs continue to be innovative and successful.

Example: “I believe that my ability to think outside of the box will contribute greatly to the culture of innovation at IDEXX Labs. I am always looking for new ways to solve problems or improve processes, which has helped me achieve success in previous positions.”

8. How do you think you will fit into IDEXX’s environment?

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a company that values innovation and teamwork. They want to know how you will contribute to their culture of success. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the company’s mission or values that resonate with you.

Example: “I think I would fit in well at IDEXX because I am passionate about helping animals and providing quality care for them. I also believe that collaboration is an important part of achieving goals, so I look forward to working with others who share these same values.”

9. Why do you want to work at IDEXX?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and its values. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about what attracted you to this role, which can be helpful if you are applying for multiple positions at the same company.

Example: “I want to work at IDEXX because I am passionate about animals and their health. I have always wanted to pursue a career that allows me to help pets live longer, healthier lives. Your company’s mission of providing innovative solutions to pet healthcare problems resonates with me. I believe my skills and experience make me a good fit for this position.”

10. How do you feel about working overtime during busy seasons?

Interviewers may ask this question to determine if you’re willing to work overtime when necessary. If you have a family, they might also want to know how you would balance your job with your personal life.

Example: “I’m happy to work overtime during busy seasons as long as I get the same amount of time off later on. In my last position, we had several busy months where I worked extra hours and then got two weeks of vacation at the end of the year. This is ideal for me because it allows me to take care of any pressing issues while still having plenty of time to relax.”

11. Have you ever taken part in continuing education courses or workshops?

Continuing education is an important part of the veterinary technician’s job. Employers ask this question to make sure you have a commitment to learning and improving your skills. In your answer, share what continuing education courses or workshops you’ve taken in the past. Explain how these helped you become a better technician.

Example: “I took a two-day workshop on blood testing last year. It was very informative, and I learned some new techniques that made my work more efficient. The instructor also gave us tips for working with different types of animals. This knowledge has been useful when taking care of our clients’ pets.”

12. What is one common mistake people make when processing lab samples?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to work with clients and ensure they receive accurate results. Your answer should demonstrate that you understand the importance of quality control in a lab setting.

Example: “One common mistake people make when processing samples is not following proper safety procedures. It’s important to always wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when working with chemicals or handling sharp objects. Another common mistake is failing to label samples properly before sending them off for testing. Labeling samples clearly can help prevent errors from occurring during the testing process.”

13. How would you categorize a number of different types of specimens?

This question is a test of your ability to categorize specimens and other items. It also tests your attention to detail, which is an important skill for anyone working in the medical field.

Example: “I would categorize them by type, such as blood or urine samples. I would then further categorize them by species, so that they are ready for testing. For example, if I had a sample from a dog, it would go into one bin, while a cat sample would go into another.”

14. Can you tell us about a time where you had to explain technical information to someone who didn’t have as much experience or knowledge?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you communicate with others and your ability to explain technical information.

Example: “I once had a client who was looking for a test that could tell them if their dog’s weight loss was due to illness or simply because of old age. I explained that there isn’t a test that can do this, but we can use other tests to determine what is causing the weight loss. This helps us treat the underlying cause rather than just treating the symptoms.”

15. As a Customer Support Consultant, you will primarily be interacting with clients over the phone, can you give examples of your previous customer service experience?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you interact with clients. To answer, think of a time when you helped a client solve a problem or resolve an issue.

Example: “I have two years of experience as a customer service representative for a software company. In my role, I primarily answered calls from customers who had questions about the product they purchased or needed help setting up their account. I always made sure to greet callers by name and use positive language to make them feel comfortable. I also asked open-ended questions to understand what they were looking for so that I could provide the best solution.”

16. As a Lab Technician, you will need to know how to use various pieces of equipment. Can you tell us about some electronic devices you have used before?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have experience using electronic devices and can adapt to new ones. When answering this question, try to name the specific device you used and what you did with it.

Example: “I’ve worked in labs for over five years now, so I’m familiar with many different pieces of equipment. In my last position, I primarily used an ELISA reader to test samples for various diseases. I also used a centrifuge to separate blood cells from other elements.”

17. As a Medical Laboratory Technician, you will need to interpret test results for clinicians. What criteria do you use to determine if the result is accurate?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge and skills to solve problems. Use examples from previous experience to show that you are able to think critically and logically when faced with a challenge.

Example: “I have had several experiences where I needed to interpret test results for clinicians, and in each case, I used my knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory procedures to ensure that I was providing accurate information. For example, once I received a result indicating an abnormally high level of protein in a patient’s blood sample. After checking the equipment and re-running the test, I realized that there was no error in the result. However, after further investigation, I discovered that the patient had recently eaten a large amount of protein before their appointment.”

18. Following the company policy is essential to our company culture, how would you enforce company policies to your coworkers?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to follow company policies and procedures. This can be an important factor in determining whether you would fit into the company culture. In your answer, try to emphasize that you are a team player who is willing to do what’s best for the organization.

Example: “I understand that following company policy is essential to maintaining our reputation as a reputable business. I also know that it’s important to maintain compliance with state regulations. If I ever had any questions about company policy or how to apply it to my work, I would always consult my supervisor first. I am committed to upholding the integrity of IDEXX Laboratories.”

19. In order to ensure patient safety, IDEXX requires all employees to follow strict procedures, so we can maintain the highest quality of care. What steps do you take to guarantee the accuracy of your work?

This question helps the interviewer determine how you will fit into their organization. It also allows them to assess your attention to detail and ability to follow procedures. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your commitment to accuracy and quality work.

Example: “I understand that patient safety is of utmost importance in this role, so I take great care when performing my duties. For example, if a procedure requires me to enter data by hand, I always double-check it for accuracy before submitting it. If there are any errors, I immediately notify my supervisor.”

20. We strive to provide great customer service at IDEXX, how would you respond to a difficult customer?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would respond to a challenging situation and if you have the ability to diffuse it. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and use your problem-solving skills to find a solution for both parties.

Example: “I believe in treating every customer with respect and empathy. If I encountered a difficult customer, I would first listen to their concerns and then do my best to explain why we made our decision. I would also offer them an alternative solution or provide additional information so they could make an informed choice.”