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Original poster

Interview for school lab tech

16 replies

vickibee · 14/07/2016 09:56

I am surprised but have been shortlisted for interview on Monday I have no idea what to expect. The letter says a practical test, any idea what this could be? and not all candidates will get to the formal interview stage :(
I have a good science degree and have all basic knowledge but it is ten years old. I would really love this job so any help appreciated? I am also introverted and not very good at selling myself. What questions might I be asked if I get to that bit?

OP posts:
TheoriginalLEM · 14/07/2016 10:04

I had an interview for this - i was asked to make a 1M solution of sodium chloride. Everything i needed was laid out. Don't do what i did and forget to wear gloves and eye protection (if provided) because its only salt!

A friend was asked to lay out the apparatus for a simple practical, i would assume that protocol was provided.

Generally lab tech would be putting out equipment, cleaning etc.Ensuring risk assessment has been carried out etc. running new experiments for the teachers to make sure they actually work.

Good luck xx

Original poster
vickibee · 14/07/2016 10:10

thanks The original

I think I can make a 1M solution of sodium Chloride, did you get a periodic table to work out the molar mass of each element?
What Questions were you asked at interview?
Thanks in advance

OP posts:
seasonticket · 14/07/2016 10:11

They might ask you to dilute some concentrated acid to the right concentration, make up a solution (sodium thiosulphate or copper sulphate maybe?) or even set up some trays with equipment.

In one of the schools I worked at (I'm a science teacher with no responsibility over hiring, so I've only heard what technician interviews are like second hand), they would provide the interviewee the instructions for doing the task. The test was to see if they would use it.

Questions: What would you say to a teacher who pops into the prep room and asks for something last minute? How familiar are you with CLEAPPS? What would you say if a teacher requested chemicals/equipment that you weren't fully sure they had thought through?

Introversion won't be a barrier. I've met loads of technicians who were introverted. It's more about organisation and keeping your head in the really busy periods of change over between lessons.

Good luck! Well done for getting to interview.

TheoriginalLEM · 14/07/2016 10:19

The molecular weight is on the pot so (thank god!) no calculations needed.

Google CLEAPPS and have a look at the website.

I think expectations vary from school to school.

i had two interviews for two different schools and taught biology at college briefly. The expectation of the techs was very different in each scenario.

Original poster
vickibee · 14/07/2016 10:41

thanks all - I am really anxious about the whole thing
It makes it easy if masses are on the pots - I thought it was going to turn into a maths exam!
I hop its not Conc HCl - I hate the fumes

OP posts:
TheoriginalLEM · 14/07/2016 10:55

Both sets of interviews were easier than i anticipated (i didn't get either job but there were other factors). Be yourself, friendly and emphasis on being organised, yet flexible.

Original poster
vickibee · 14/07/2016 11:14

I hope I am not making up the numbers! there are probably others who have done this for ever with lods of experience

OP posts:
TheoriginalLEM · 14/07/2016 11:27

Hmmm - its not very well paid so you might find otherwise. xx. Good luck.

Original poster
vickibee · 14/07/2016 14:06

I have just found out that meeting a panel of children forms part of the process? How will this work? I am getting more stressed by the minute, what a drawn out procedure for what is effectively a support role.

OP posts:
TheoriginalLEM · 14/07/2016 18:23

Don't stress it, the children wont be asking you anything difficult. They are not there to trip you up, I suppose they just want to see how you interact with them. My friend is a lab tech, in fact I think he is now the head tech and does do a small amount of teaching, maybe this is something that is part of your potential role? It certainly wasn't on the table for the two positions I went for, however the techs did do some teaching at college.

skatesection · 15/07/2016 12:50

They will be more nervous than you, and it'll be easy questions like "Why do you like science?" and "What's your favourite practical?"

JakeBallardswife · 15/07/2016 12:52

Kids on the interview panel are a winner. Its not how you answer their questions ( although that does help) but making eye contact and talking to them. Give fairly concise answers in a language appropriate for their age.

Original poster
vickibee · 20/07/2016 11:40

Unfortunately I did not get the job :( feedback was I was the best candidate of the four but they could not offer because I had not set foot in a lab for ten years. Fair enough but they could see this on app form. A bit disappointed TBH. They suggested I reapply when it is re-advertised in September but it will still be the same so I won't be bothering with that. I Know I could do the job just need to brush up a bit.

OP posts:
skatesection · 20/07/2016 12:39

I'm sorry, I hate feedback like that. So frustrating! Why are they re-advertising, didn't they give it to anyone???

Original poster
vickibee · 20/07/2016 13:42

No it was not filled, they said I had the potential but needed someone who could do the job straight away. Why on earth would I get the re-ad if I couldn't get the role now? nothing would have changed

OP posts:
skatesection · 21/07/2016 12:58

They sound like they'd be a nightmare to work for. Lucky escape.

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