RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
Joe, I would never wear a denim miniskirt! Regards Tony Henwood JP, MSc, BAppSc, GradDipSysAnalys, CT(ASC), FFSc(RCPA) Laboratory Manager Senior Scientist Tel: 612 9845 3306 Fax: 612 9845 3318 the children's hospital at westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead NSW 2145, AUSTRALIA -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joe Nocito Sent: Thursday, 26 January 2012 11:14 AM To: joelle weaver; trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com; billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; Histonet Subject: Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions I used to give a 10 question test on general histology. I also had the expected answers written down and on my copy. Was accused once of being a racist. What saved me was having the answers in front of me. The person didn't get one answer correct. I had a couple of embedding questions, some cutting, special stains, immunos and some QC questions. I gave the interviewee the test while I was reviewing their resume. I would also see what their facial expressions were too. I had one person tell me they didn't do specials or immunos and didn't like embedding either. When I asked if they liked filing blocks and slides, they really would rather have a lab aide do it. This person didn't have to finish the test. Too make matters worse, she wore a denim miniskirt to boot. Just my three cents Joe - Original Message - From: joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com To: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com; billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; Histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:02 PM Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment etc. I don't know, I think its fair if those are important skills to the position/role. Was not sure if Sara's job was mostly technical though, so thought I might keep it general. Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver From: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:01 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: If your replacement will be doing actual histology, will your institution permit the applicant to embed and cut? Can you sit down at a multi-head scope and review slides with them? What will the person be responsible for? Do they have experience with all of these tasks? What would they do in a crisis situation (you can make up one yourself that would be plausible). People who volunteer in their personal lives, may do the same at work. Ask how they juggle their schedule though, if there is a lot going on in their personal lives. Be careful with how you ask these questions though. Your HR department should be able to give you guidance in how to phrase things. Good luck. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:19 PM To: Breeden, Sara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs in the department figured it out almost right away) To be fair, it was during a time in hiring history when HR departments were not willing to give useful reference data and there were only a handful of questions they would even ask when checking. None of them were particularly useful or telling. For inistance, they would not ask if the person was an histo tech, but would
Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions
I would appreciate that Tony - Original Message - From: Tony Henwood (SCHN) tony.henw...@health.nsw.gov.au To: 'Joe Nocito' jnoc...@satx.rr.com; joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com; trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com; billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; Histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 3:39 PM Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions Joe, I would never wear a denim miniskirt! Regards Tony Henwood JP, MSc, BAppSc, GradDipSysAnalys, CT(ASC), FFSc(RCPA) Laboratory Manager Senior Scientist Tel: 612 9845 3306 Fax: 612 9845 3318 the children's hospital at westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead NSW 2145, AUSTRALIA -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joe Nocito Sent: Thursday, 26 January 2012 11:14 AM To: joelle weaver; trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com; billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; Histonet Subject: Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions I used to give a 10 question test on general histology. I also had the expected answers written down and on my copy. Was accused once of being a racist. What saved me was having the answers in front of me. The person didn't get one answer correct. I had a couple of embedding questions, some cutting, special stains, immunos and some QC questions. I gave the interviewee the test while I was reviewing their resume. I would also see what their facial expressions were too. I had one person tell me they didn't do specials or immunos and didn't like embedding either. When I asked if they liked filing blocks and slides, they really would rather have a lab aide do it. This person didn't have to finish the test. Too make matters worse, she wore a denim miniskirt to boot. Just my three cents Joe - Original Message - From: joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com To: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com; billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; Histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:02 PM Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment etc. I don't know, I think its fair if those are important skills to the position/role. Was not sure if Sara's job was mostly technical though, so thought I might keep it general. Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver From: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:01 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: If your replacement will be doing actual histology, will your institution permit the applicant to embed and cut? Can you sit down at a multi-head scope and review slides with them? What will the person be responsible for? Do they have experience with all of these tasks? What would they do in a crisis situation (you can make up one yourself that would be plausible). People who volunteer in their personal lives, may do the same at work. Ask how they juggle their schedule though, if there is a lot going on in their personal lives. Be careful with how you ask these questions though. Your HR department should be able to give you guidance in how to phrase things. Good luck. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:19 PM To: Breeden, Sara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs
[Histonet] Interview Questions
Okay, My People - I will be one of the interviewers for locating my replacement). I've not been this fortunate before and I do know there are questions one cannot ask so that's not an issue. What I'd like to know is what I SHOULD ask. This position is fairly straightforward - basic veterinary histology with nothing significantly challenging (but with that potential). What would YOU want to know about a candidate that would convince you that this person was The One? I need questions with meat to them. Your suggestions will be much-ly appreciated. Gracias! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions
First of all, DON'T ASSUME ANYTHING. Ask questions about every aspect of the position. Let them know what they will be responsible for. Look for desired qualities ie: detail oriented, high work standard, team worker, flexible, multitasker, critical thinker, acceptable to constructive criticism, good verbal communication, etc. Interview Questions I use are: Are you proficient with frozen sections? Are you willing to work over occasionally to perform frozen sections? What are your interest or hobbies? Where are your professional goals. Where do you see yourself in 5 years. I always ask one critical thinking question about processing to test their knowledge. Debbie M. Boyd, HT(ASCP) l Chief Histologist l Southside Regional Medical Center I 200 Medical Park Boulevard l Petersburg, Va. 23805 l T: 804-765-5050 l F: 804-765-5582 l dkb...@chs.net Breeden, Sara sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu Sent by: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 01/25/2012 10:41 AM To histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu cc Subject [Histonet] Interview Questions Okay, My People - I will be one of the interviewers for locating my replacement). I've not been this fortunate before and I do know there are questions one cannot ask so that's not an issue. What I'd like to know is what I SHOULD ask. This position is fairly straightforward - basic veterinary histology with nothing significantly challenging (but with that potential). What would YOU want to know about a candidate that would convince you that this person was The One? I need questions with meat to them. Your suggestions will be much-ly appreciated. Gracias! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet -- Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain information that is Proprietary, Confidential, or legally privileged or protected. It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) and entity named in the message. If you are not an intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender immediately and delete the material from your computer. Do not deliver, distribute or copy this message and do not disclose its contents or take any action in reliance on the information it contains. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
Here are some idea starters..http://www.negotiations.com/articles/top-interview-questions/ maybe you can adapt it to your particular job role, the culture and people that you were working with directly, or what you found most challenging/frustrating/inspiring? How interesting to be interviewing your replacement!Joelle Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:37:29 -0700 From: sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Interview Questions Okay, My People - I will be one of the interviewers for locating my replacement). I've not been this fortunate before and I do know there are questions one cannot ask so that's not an issue. What I'd like to know is what I SHOULD ask. This position is fairly straightforward - basic veterinary histology with nothing significantly challenging (but with that potential). What would YOU want to know about a candidate that would convince you that this person was The One? I need questions with meat to them. Your suggestions will be much-ly appreciated. Gracias! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Interview Questions
So far, I am TOTALLY impressed and so grateful for your suggestions. And here's why... did I ever tell anyone out there what the FIRST question I was asked by the pathologist at my interview? It was. (wait for it) How do you feel about personal phone calls?. Un-freakin' believable. I sure don't want someone to remember ME that way!!! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs in the department figured it out almost right away) To be fair, it was during a time in hiring history when HR departments were not willing to give useful reference data and there were only a handful of questions they would even ask when checking. None of them were particularly useful or telling. For inistance, they would not ask if the person was an histo tech, but would simply ask, did he indeed work at your institution? The place where I worked required little or nothing for proof of experience. There was no background check either. Today, however, reference checking is a lot easier and more reliable. I guess my point here is that a good reference check needs to be done as well weeding them out by histo questions. I'm sure your HR folks will do a fine job of this. Also, once you have determined that they actually have the skills, or a realistic potential of gaining them, questions concerning dynamics of interaction are appropriate, though may lead to wrong impressions in the mind of the applicant. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Breeden, Sara Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:52 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Interview Questions So far, I am TOTALLY impressed and so grateful for your suggestions. And here's why... did I ever tell anyone out there what the FIRST question I was asked by the pathologist at my interview? It was. (wait for it) How do you feel about personal phone calls?. Un-freakin' believable. I sure don't want someone to remember ME that way!!! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet This electronic mail and any attached documents are intended solely for the named addressee(s) and contain confidential information. If you are not an addressee, or responsible for delivering this email to an addressee, you have received this email in error and are notified that reading, copying, or disclosing this email is prohibited. If you received this email in error, immediately reply to the sender and delete the message completely from your computer system. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
Good point about personality questions. I have often had this experience, where I was leaving the meeting wondering about the place from too much time spent on this sort of thing. However, I think that some line of questioning for this information is good to try to see if you can learn a little about everyone's general temperment - though I do concede this is difficult in such a staged interaction as an interview. Sometimes people have knowledge and technical skills, but are very confrontational, poor communicators, or have other attributes which make them a bad fit for any particular organization, and sometimes these things end up sinking the ship so to speak as far as the employee-employer relationship, even when skills, reference or credentials are there. Everything about an interview is pretty much a calculated risk I suppose. Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:19:05 -0700 From: billodonn...@catholichealth.net To: sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs in the department figured it out almost right away) To be fair, it was during a time in hiring history when HR departments were not willing to give useful reference data and there were only a handful of questions they would even ask when checking. None of them were particularly useful or telling. For inistance, they would not ask if the person was an histo tech, but would simply ask, did he indeed work at your institution? The place where I worked required little or nothing for proof of experience. There was no background check either. Today, however, reference checking is a lot easier and more reliable. I guess my point here is that a good reference check needs to be done as well weeding them out by histo questions. I'm sure your HR folks will do a fine job of this. Also, once you have determined that they actually have the skills, or a realistic potential of gaining them, questions concerning dynamics of interaction are appropriate, though may lead to wrong impressions in the mind of the applicant. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Breeden, Sara Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:52 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Interview Questions So far, I am TOTALLY impressed and so grateful for your suggestions. And here's why... did I ever tell anyone out there what the FIRST question I was asked by the pathologist at my interview? It was. (wait for it) How do you feel about personal phone calls?. Un-freakin' believable. I sure don't want someone to remember ME that way!!! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet This electronic mail and any attached documents are intended solely for the named addressee(s) and contain confidential information. If you are not an addressee, or responsible for delivering this email to an addressee, you have received this email in error and are notified that reading, copying, or disclosing this email is prohibited. If you received this email in error, immediately reply to the sender and delete the message completely from your computer system. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
If your replacement will be doing actual histology, will your institution permit the applicant to embed and cut? Can you sit down at a multi-head scope and review slides with them? What will the person be responsible for? Do they have experience with all of these tasks? What would they do in a crisis situation (you can make up one yourself that would be plausible). People who volunteer in their personal lives, may do the same at work. Ask how they juggle their schedule though, if there is a lot going on in their personal lives. Be careful with how you ask these questions though. Your HR department should be able to give you guidance in how to phrase things. Good luck. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:19 PM To: Breeden, Sara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs in the department figured it out almost right away) To be fair, it was during a time in hiring history when HR departments were not willing to give useful reference data and there were only a handful of questions they would even ask when checking. None of them were particularly useful or telling. For inistance, they would not ask if the person was an histo tech, but would simply ask, did he indeed work at your institution? The place where I worked required little or nothing for proof of experience. There was no background check either. Today, however, reference checking is a lot easier and more reliable. I guess my point here is that a good reference check needs to be done as well weeding them out by histo questions. I'm sure your HR folks will do a fine job of this. Also, once you have determined that they actually have the skills, or a realistic potential of gaining them, questions concerning dynamics of interaction are appropriate, though may lead to wrong impressions in the mind of the applicant. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Breeden, Sara Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:52 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Interview Questions So far, I am TOTALLY impressed and so grateful for your suggestions. And here's why... did I ever tell anyone out there what the FIRST question I was asked by the pathologist at my interview? It was. (wait for it) How do you feel about personal phone calls?. Un-freakin' believable. I sure don't want someone to remember ME that way!!! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet This electronic mail and any attached documents are intended solely for the named addressee(s) and contain confidential information. If you are not an addressee, or responsible for delivering this email to an addressee, you have received this email in error and are notified that reading, copying, or disclosing this email is prohibited. If you received this email in error, immediately reply to the sender and delete the message completely from your computer system. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message and any included attachments are from Somerset Medical Center and are intended only for the addressee. The information contained in this message is confidential and may contain privileged, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information entitled to protection and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. Unauthorized forwarding, printing, copying, distribution, or use of such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the addressee, please promptly delete this message and notify the sender of the delivery error by e-mail or you may call Somerset Medical Center's computer Help Desk at 908-685-2200, ext. 4050. Be sure to visit Somerset Medical
RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
How did you answer?! Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:52:08 -0700 From: sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Interview Questions So far, I am TOTALLY impressed and so grateful for your suggestions. And here's why... did I ever tell anyone out there what the FIRST question I was asked by the pathologist at my interview? It was. (wait for it) How do you feel about personal phone calls?. Un-freakin' believable. I sure don't want someone to remember ME that way!!! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment etc. I don't know, I think its fair if those are important skills to the position/role. Was not sure if Sara's job was mostly technical though, so thought I might keep it general. Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver From: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:01 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: If your replacement will be doing actual histology, will your institution permit the applicant to embed and cut? Can you sit down at a multi-head scope and review slides with them? What will the person be responsible for? Do they have experience with all of these tasks? What would they do in a crisis situation (you can make up one yourself that would be plausible). People who volunteer in their personal lives, may do the same at work. Ask how they juggle their schedule though, if there is a lot going on in their personal lives. Be careful with how you ask these questions though. Your HR department should be able to give you guidance in how to phrase things. Good luck. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:19 PM To: Breeden, Sara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs in the department figured it out almost right away) To be fair, it was during a time in hiring history when HR departments were not willing to give useful reference data and there were only a handful of questions they would even ask when checking. None of them were particularly useful or telling. For inistance, they would not ask if the person was an histo tech, but would simply ask, did he indeed work at your institution? The place where I worked required little or nothing for proof of experience. There was no background check either. Today, however, reference checking is a lot easier and more reliable. I guess my point here is that a good reference check needs to be done as well weeding them out by histo questions. I'm sure your HR folks will do a fine job of this. Also, once you have determined that they actually have the skills, or a realistic potential of gaining them, questions concerning dynamics of interaction are appropriate, though may lead to wrong impressions in the mind of the applicant. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Breeden, Sara Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:52 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Interview Questions So far, I am TOTALLY impressed and so grateful for your suggestions. And here's why... did I ever tell anyone out there what the FIRST question I was asked by the pathologist at my interview? It was. (wait for it) How do you feel about personal phone calls?. Un-freakin' believable. I sure don't want someone to remember ME that way!!! Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet This electronic mail and any attached documents are intended solely for the named addressee(s) and contain
RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
I guess someone could get hurt. I had to stop someone once, either they were unbelievably nervous, or had not used a microtome in QUITE some time, and I thought they might hurt themselves. I stopped the activity, but legalities might prevail, a consent could suffice to cover for this maybe. Probation is good, if it is enforced. Have seen people that I was not sure how they made it through that period, so I guess the weight that is given varies. All in all, a challenge to locate, recruit, screen, hire and retain good people! Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver From: powell...@mercer.edu To: louise.ren...@gmail.com Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:15:48 -0500 Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Make them sign a non-liability clause before doing the test? You need to know if they can do the work before hiring, not after, nervous or not, and not how well they answer questions. sp -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Louise Renton Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 1:09 PM To: Histonet Subject: Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions Just to be devil's advocate here.. asking a person to prove their skills - what happens, if through nervousness, or being unfamiliar with the equipment, they injure themselves. Where does the liability lie? Rather ask questions regarding cutting speed, way in which tissue is embedded etc, and review the person's skill during an agreed probationary period. If they are not what u expected, then you can get rid of them. ... On Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 8:02 PM, joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.comwrote: Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment etc. I don't know, I think its fair if those are important skills to the position/role. Was not sure if Sara's job was mostly technical though, so thought I might keep it general. Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver From: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:01 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: If your replacement will be doing actual histology, will your institution permit the applicant to embed and cut? Can you sit down at a multi-head scope and review slides with them? What will the person be responsible for? Do they have experience with all of these tasks? What would they do in a crisis situation (you can make up one yourself that would be plausible). People who volunteer in their personal lives, may do the same at work. Ask how they juggle their schedule though, if there is a lot going on in their personal lives. Be careful with how you ask these questions though. Your HR department should be able to give you guidance in how to phrase things. Good luck. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:19 PM To: Breeden, Sara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs in the department figured it out almost right away) To be fair, it was during a time in hiring history when HR departments were not willing to give useful reference data and there were only a handful of questions they would even ask when checking. None of them were particularly useful or telling. For inistance, they would
RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions
Your company will have to invest a lot of money to hire the person you choose. Background check and physical to start with. Then a training period. If you could have known during practical session that the applicant would not measure up to the needs of the department, you will save yourself time (for training), and HR (financial). Also, if the person gave up a job to take yours, and was terminated after the probationary period, that leaves them without a job too. Not a good scenario for either side. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Shirley A. Powell Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 1:16 PM To: Louise Renton Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions Make them sign a non-liability clause before doing the test? You need to know if they can do the work before hiring, not after, nervous or not, and not how well they answer questions. sp -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Louise Renton Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 1:09 PM To: Histonet Subject: Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions Just to be devil's advocate here.. asking a person to prove their skills - what happens, if through nervousness, or being unfamiliar with the equipment, they injure themselves. Where does the liability lie? Rather ask questions regarding cutting speed, way in which tissue is embedded etc, and review the person's skill during an agreed probationary period. If they are not what u expected, then you can get rid of them. ... On Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 8:02 PM, joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.comwrote: Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment etc. I don't know, I think its fair if those are important skills to the position/role. Was not sure if Sara's job was mostly technical though, so thought I might keep it general. Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver From: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:01 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: If your replacement will be doing actual histology, will your institution permit the applicant to embed and cut? Can you sit down at a multi-head scope and review slides with them? What will the person be responsible for? Do they have experience with all of these tasks? What would they do in a crisis situation (you can make up one yourself that would be plausible). People who volunteer in their personal lives, may do the same at work. Ask how they juggle their schedule though, if there is a lot going on in their personal lives. Be careful with how you ask these questions though. Your HR department should be able to give you guidance in how to phrase things. Good luck. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:19 PM To: Breeden, Sara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs in the department figured it out almost right away) To be fair, it was during a time in hiring history when HR departments were not willing to give useful reference data and there were only a handful of questions they would even ask when checking. None of them were particularly useful or telling. For inistance, they would not ask if the person
[Histonet] interview questions
I think it is great that you are using the histonet this way to ask probing questions. SInce they are replacing you, I would get a feel for how they would do your job by telling them the general taskings and letting them tell you what they know about all of the taskings. I have also found that some people can really answer questions well but then when they are asked to perform, there seems to be some, um confusement. Yes confusement, my own werd. Seriously if I interview anyone again, I will see if I can ask them to mock going through some of the taks, like without an actual blade or sample mock setting up to cut, embed, stain, maybe even some simple computer tasks. ANy chance you can overlap with the replacement? Nick Madary, HT/HTL(ASCP)QIHC George Washington University Pathology Core Laboratory Ross Hall, Room 706 23rd and I Street NW Washington D.C. 20037 202.994.8196 pat...@gwumc.edu BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:2.1 X-GWTYPE:USER FN:Joseph Madary EMAIL;WORK;PREF;NGW:pat...@gwumc.edu N:Madary;Joseph ORG:;Pathology TITLE:Senior Research Assistant TEL;PREF;FAX:202 994-5056 END:VCARD ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions
I used to give a 10 question test on general histology. I also had the expected answers written down and on my copy. Was accused once of being a racist. What saved me was having the answers in front of me. The person didn't get one answer correct. I had a couple of embedding questions, some cutting, special stains, immunos and some QC questions. I gave the interviewee the test while I was reviewing their resume. I would also see what their facial expressions were too. I had one person tell me they didn't do specials or immunos and didn't like embedding either. When I asked if they liked filing blocks and slides, they really would rather have a lab aide do it. This person didn't have to finish the test. Too make matters worse, she wore a denim miniskirt to boot. Just my three cents Joe - Original Message - From: joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com To: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com; billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; Histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:02 PM Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment etc. I don't know, I think its fair if those are important skills to the position/role. Was not sure if Sara's job was mostly technical though, so thought I might keep it general. Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver From: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:01 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: If your replacement will be doing actual histology, will your institution permit the applicant to embed and cut? Can you sit down at a multi-head scope and review slides with them? What will the person be responsible for? Do they have experience with all of these tasks? What would they do in a crisis situation (you can make up one yourself that would be plausible). People who volunteer in their personal lives, may do the same at work. Ask how they juggle their schedule though, if there is a lot going on in their personal lives. Be careful with how you ask these questions though. Your HR department should be able to give you guidance in how to phrase things. Good luck. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:19 PM To: Breeden, Sara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I was much younger I hired a person who was able to answer all the right histo questions and so I hired him. He turned out to be a poser, who, shortly after I fired him showed up at a local university with a lab coat that listed him as Dr. He had indeed worked in a histo lab, but as a lab assistant, and so the the understanding of what a histologist does was well rehearsed. (BTW, it topok me about two weeks to catch on, though the more experienced techs in the department figured it out almost right away) To be fair, it was during a time in hiring history when HR departments were not willing to give useful reference data and there were only a handful of questions they would even ask when checking. None of them were particularly useful or telling. For inistance, they would not ask if the person was an histo tech, but would simply ask, did he indeed work at your institution? The place where I worked required little or nothing for proof of experience. There was no background check either. Today, however, reference checking is a lot easier and more reliable. I guess my point here is that a good reference check needs to be done as well weeding them out by histo questions. I'm sure your HR folks will do a fine job of this. Also, once you have determined that they actually have the skills, or a realistic potential of gaining them, questions concerning dynamics of interaction are appropriate, though may lead to wrong impressions in the mind of the applicant. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun
Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions
A long time ago, I worked in a lab where we had a manual dexterity test that we gave to all applicants for medical technologist or histotechnologist positions. It was designed by psychologists to test hand-eye coordination, spatial orientation, fine motor skills, and (to a certain degree) reasoning skills. Our HR department also signed off on use of the test. We found that doing well on the test did not predict an employee with good skills, but doing poorly on the test pointed out those who would never be able to cope in our laboratory. I'll dig through some old files and see if I can find more info on this test. Two questions I have always asked: 1. Describe the characteristics of the best supervisor/manager for whom you have worked. 2. Describe the characteristics of the worst supervisor/manager for whom you have worked. (For new graduates, I substitute professor for manager.) One applicant, who seemed to have all of the technical skills, described his worst manager as one who sounded just like me: hands-on, involved in day-to-day operations of the lab, picky about being to work on time, perfectionist. I knew right then that we would not be a fit. Good luck with your search! Eric Hoy === Eric S. Hoy, Ph.D., SI(ASCP) Clinical Associate Professor Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Texas Email: eric@utsouthwestern.edu === On 1/25/12 12:09 PM, Louise Renton louise.ren...@gmail.com wrote: Just to be devil's advocate here.. asking a person to prove their skills - what happens, if through nervousness, or being unfamiliar with the equipment, they injure themselves. Where does the liability lie? Rather ask questions regarding cutting speed, way in which tissue is embedded etc, and review the person's skill during an agreed probationary period. If they are not what u expected, then you can get rid of them. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions
This is certainly an interesting thread and I generally hate to get into these ever but I still can't figure out one thing and never have over all these years in pathology. What other endeavor in life and job seeking is an on-the-spot demo that you can do something required at a job interview? Does a lawyer have to go into a courtroom for 5 minutes and show he/she can say I object? Does a sanitation worker have to go round the block once and show he/she can empty 9 cans in 5 minutes? Does a doctor need to show he/she can use a stethoscope? Does a bricklayer have to show he/she can lay 20 bricks in 2 minutes? Or fail the interview? Does a med tech have to show they can stain 6 tubes with CD4 and CD 8 and successfully put them on a flow cytometer? Does an actuary have to show they can really add 100 4-digit numbers on a calculator without a mistake? Does a grocery bagger boy /girl have to show they can put x number of items in 3 bags? Does a Pathologist have to show they know how to turn on a microscope and look through it? Does a peanut counter have to show they can count peanuts? I just can't get into my mind the necessity of someone having to cut to show they can cut? What other profession does this at an interview? Now certainly you can come up with scenarios where it might be important to find out. A brand new histotech whose only cut 3 blocks in their life. A tech from the deepest, darkest nether regions of the earth where you cannot check on their background. But a tech whose has been working cutting the last 3 or 7 or 15 years and you've verified with a previous company that is exactly what they did; how will them cutting for 10 minutes further stratify them into yes or no categories. If 2 potential techs cut and one finishes in 9 minutes and one in 10 minutes, is that a true qualifier or disqualifier of what they can do cutting? There are a myriad of things I'd love to know and always ask; personality, job knowledge, wants, desires, needs, ambitions, etc, etc, etc. My blood pressure skyrockets when I give blood because I HATE anyone sticking a needle in me. But I have a really needed blood type. Should nervousness each time disqualify me. This still boggles my mind about what is being accomplished with cutting during an interview? Ray Seattle, WA - Original Message - From: joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com To: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com, billodonn...@catholichealth.net, sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu, Histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:02:39 AM Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment etc. I don't know, I think its fair if those are important skills to the position/role. Was not sure if Sara's job was mostly technical though, so thought I might keep it general. Joelle Weaver MAOM, (HTL) ASCP http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelleweaver From: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:47:01 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions CC: If your replacement will be doing actual histology, will your institution permit the applicant to embed and cut? Can you sit down at a multi-head scope and review slides with them? What will the person be responsible for? Do they have experience with all of these tasks? What would they do in a crisis situation (you can make up one yourself that would be plausible). People who volunteer in their personal lives, may do the same at work. Ask how they juggle their schedule though, if there is a lot going on in their personal lives. Be careful with how you ask these questions though. Your HR department should be able to give you guidance in how to phrase things. Good luck. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:19 PM To: Breeden, Sara; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions It would seem that questions like How do you feel about cannibalism? might also be out but might be far more helpful; than phone questions. On the serious side, when I
Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions
Not upset in the least. Just posting my own questions and doubts within the parameters of the situation. When the Chinese philosopher who fell asleep under a tree and dreamt he was a butterfly and then spent the rest of his life asking if he was a human who fell asleep under a tree and dreamt he was a butterfly or was really a butterfly dreaming he was a human who fell asleep under a tree who? Wouldn't say he at all took offense to the situation; pondering, reflecting and just asking a question. Ray Seattle Sent from my Bedroom Wireless Laptop - Original Message - From: joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com To: koelli...@comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 7:26:37 PM Subject: Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions Well I am sorry that you took such offense, but some jobs do have say words/minute typing for example. I guess the variation in qualified individuals leads me to not be upset to be asked to demonstrate tasks within the assigned duties. I think maybe you have simplifed a bit too. I think all those professions,such as attorneys have to do much more than you indicate_sorry this upset you Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: koelli...@comcast.net Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:59:49 To: joellewea...@hotmail.com Cc: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com; billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions This is certainly an interesting thread and I generally hate to get into these ever but I still can't figure out one thing and never have over all these years in pathology. What other endeavor in life and job seeking is an on-the-spot demo that you can do something required at a job interview? Does a lawyer have to go into a courtroom for 5 minutes and show he/she can say I object? Does a sanitation worker have to go round the block once and show he/she can empty 9 cans in 5 minutes? Does a doctor need to show he/she can use a stethoscope? Does a bricklayer have to show he/she can lay 20 bricks in 2 minutes? Or fail the interview? Does a med tech have to show they can stain 6 tubes with CD4 and CD 8 and successfully put them on a flow cytometer? Does an actuary have to show they can really add 100 4-digit numbers on a calculator without a mistake? Does a grocery bagger boy /girl have to show they can put x number of items in 3 bags? Does a Pathologist have to show they know how to turn on a microscope and look through it? Does a peanut counter have to show they can count peanuts? I just can't get into my mind the necessity of someone having to cut to show they can cut? What other profession does this at an interview? Now certainly you can come up with scenarios where it might be important to find out. A brand new histotech whose only cut 3 blocks in their life. A tech from the deepest, darkest nether regions of the earth where you cannot check on their background. But a tech whose has been working cutting the last 3 or 7 or 15 years and you've verified with a previous company that is exactly what they did; how will them cutting for 10 minutes further stratify them into yes or no categories. If 2 potential techs cut and one finishes in 9 minutes and one in 10 minutes, is that a true qualifier or disqualifier of what they can do cutting? There are a myriad of things I'd love to know and always ask; personality, job knowledge, wants, desires, needs, ambitions, etc, etc, etc. My blood pressure skyrockets when I give blood because I HATE anyone sticking a needle in me. But I have a really needed blood type. Should nervousness each time disqualify me. This still boggles my mind about what is being accomplished with cutting during an interview? Ray Seattle, WA From: joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com To: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com, billodonn...@catholichealth.net, sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu, Histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:02:39 AM Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment etc. I don't know, I think its fair if those are important skills to the position/role. Was not sure if Sara's job was mostly technical though, so thought I might keep it general. Joelle
Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions
My most hated question in interviews is where do you see yourself in 5 years?answer - in your job asking stupid questions! On Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 5:48 AM, koelli...@comcast.net wrote: Not upset in the least. Just posting my own questions and doubts within the parameters of the situation. When the Chinese philosopher who fell asleep under a tree and dreamt he was a butterfly and then spent the rest of his life asking if he was a human who fell asleep under a tree and dreamt he was a butterfly or was really a butterfly dreaming he was a human who fell asleep under a tree who? Wouldn't say he at all took offense to the situation; pondering, reflecting and just asking a question. Ray Seattle Sent from my Bedroom Wireless Laptop - Original Message - From: joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com To: koelli...@comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 7:26:37 PM Subject: Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions Well I am sorry that you took such offense, but some jobs do have say words/minute typing for example. I guess the variation in qualified individuals leads me to not be upset to be asked to demonstrate tasks within the assigned duties. I think maybe you have simplifed a bit too. I think all those professions,such as attorneys have to do much more than you indicate_sorry this upset you Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: koelli...@comcast.net Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:59:49 To: joellewea...@hotmail.com Cc: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com; billodonn...@catholichealth.net; sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Interview Questions This is certainly an interesting thread and I generally hate to get into these ever but I still can't figure out one thing and never have over all these years in pathology. What other endeavor in life and job seeking is an on-the-spot demo that you can do something required at a job interview? Does a lawyer have to go into a courtroom for 5 minutes and show he/she can say I object? Does a sanitation worker have to go round the block once and show he/she can empty 9 cans in 5 minutes? Does a doctor need to show he/she can use a stethoscope? Does a bricklayer have to show he/she can lay 20 bricks in 2 minutes? Or fail the interview? Does a med tech have to show they can stain 6 tubes with CD4 and CD 8 and successfully put them on a flow cytometer? Does an actuary have to show they can really add 100 4-digit numbers on a calculator without a mistake? Does a grocery bagger boy /girl have to show they can put x number of items in 3 bags? Does a Pathologist have to show they know how to turn on a microscope and look through it? Does a peanut counter have to show they can count peanuts? I just can't get into my mind the necessity of someone having to cut to show they can cut? What other profession does this at an interview? Now certainly you can come up with scenarios where it might be important to find out. A brand new histotech whose only cut 3 blocks in their life. A tech from the deepest, darkest nether regions of the earth where you cannot check on their background. But a tech whose has been working cutting the last 3 or 7 or 15 years and you've verified with a previous company that is exactly what they did; how will them cutting for 10 minutes further stratify them into yes or no categories. If 2 potential techs cut and one finishes in 9 minutes and one in 10 minutes, is that a true qualifier or disqualifier of what they can do cutting? There are a myriad of things I'd love to know and always ask; personality, job knowledge, wants, desires, needs, ambitions, etc, etc, etc. My blood pressure skyrockets when I give blood because I HATE anyone sticking a needle in me. But I have a really needed blood type. Should nervousness each time disqualify me. This still boggles my mind about what is being accomplished with cutting during an interview? Ray Seattle, WA From: joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com To: trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com, billodonn...@catholichealth.net, sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu, Histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:02:39 AM Subject: RE: [Histonet] Interview Questions Love this! I always want to do demonstration during technical interviews, but usually get shot down from managers and argued with in general, as in people don't feel that they should have to prove they can do histology. This perception, I never got, because I always saw it as in a job interview-in what other situation are you more trying to prove or impress with your knowledge, attitude, skills and experience? If you do bench work, you can tell in just a few minutes of observation much more information than you could get with quite a few questions. To be fair, I take into account nervousness, being closely observed, and lack of familiarity with equipment
