NHS pathology interview

[Catchingfire2099]

I have an interview in the histology department for a band 2 support worker role at an NHS hospital and in a section of the email I received, it said that I will have to complete a a filing test for which I have 10 mins. I went on an informal visit to look at the lab and I have a basic understanding of what histology cassettes are. My question is, does anyone know the process of how to file them? Also does anyone know what kind of questions I should be expecting? Thank you very much for all the help!

You will probably have to file them according to sample number, some of which will be very similar so they will be looking to see if you make any mistakes and whether you can be accurate and fast.

They will probably ask you about examples of when you have worked in a team / prioritised tasks / worked under pressure along with possible questions on your scientific knowledge and any lab skills, health and safety in the lab, keeping accurate records type knowledge. Maybe something about following standard operating protocols. These are easier to answer of you've had a similar job or done lab work at uni. I got asked what my favourite part of my degree was when I interviewed for my first lab role at band 2. Maybe something around patient confidentiality.

At band 2 it won't be anything really difficult so try not to worry. Good luck 🙂

I imagine the sample numbers are in numerical order for convenience? Thank you very much for you help though I have been writing down questions and answers for the past week and rehearsing haha.

I'd imagine they are but you never know...! They won't be trying to catch you out, but they will want to know you can spot common mistakes e.g. on test tubes we have names and sample numbers and need people to be able to spot if either or both of these are wrong, in large volumes, so we would swap two names next to each other so they were with the wrong number and see if anyone noticed.

Would also watch for someone who works methodically, and double checks their work.

I see I see! Thank you very much! One last thing, what are good post interview questions to ask?

I did an interview with a ten minute filing task and was just given a pile of cards with numbers on and asked to put them in either ascending or descending order.

The question I wasn't expecting for an entry level role with no relevant experience required/all training provided was being asked to describe the journey of a histology sample.

Good luck!

I would ask how much lab work compared to admin there is, just so you have a good idea.

It's tricky whether to ask about career progression or not ...as loads of people start at band 2 but actually are qualified for much more and don't stay for 5 minutes! Depends on your background and aims I suppose.

Have a look at the department website too, then you can show you've done some research by asking a question about something on there.

Thank you for the help! Had the interview now just doing the dreaded wait haha

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