1. Explain me what is your favorite part of working in forensics?
I have always loved science - I was the kid with the chemistry set in the basement.
Forensic science allows me to still do science, and I can also directly impact my community. Additionally I like the relatively quick turnaround for casework. Cancer research, AIDS research, etc. may take many years with little or no progress. Forensic casework often yields results in a matter of weeks.
2. Explain do you have any advice for youth interested in joining this field of work?
Get knowledgeable about it. Don't rely on TV for your thoughts of what the job really entails.
See if it would be possible to get a tour of your local forensic lab, or at least an interview with an analyst.
3. Tell me what is the annual salary?
Somewhere between 15 000 and 30 000 pounds (20 to 50 thousand dollars?) United Kingdom.
Plus shift allowances, plus weekend working allowances (and, rarely, overtime). Plus call out for major incidents that occur at night (my office is not open between midnight and 7am).
4. Tell me how do you handle the stress?
A lot of it is talking with the people you deal with every day. In forensics we often develop a warped sense of humor; we find humor in grotesque things. Forensic folks together will laugh about stuff that would horrify people outside the field. You build your own defenses, and vent it at work.
5. Tell me what personal qualities are recommended?
Dark sense of humor and ability to separate yourself from your work.
Forensic scientists often deal with homicides, rapes, and sexual assaults of children. If you internalize every crime that comes through the lab you will not last long in this field.
6. Tell me is it tough to get into school for forensic science?
I do not know. I know that CSI and forensics is becoming more popular due to the shows on television, so more people are becoming interested in the field,but more and more universities and colleges are setting up courses to fill the demand.
7. Tell me have you ever had to juggle two or more projects at the same time?
Of course in the lab as well as being a mom, a soldier, a student and employee at the same time. As a generalist in the lab it is common to be doing multiple timed testing while bein interrupted on the phone and in person by other staff.
8. Tell me are there any benefits from the job?
My friends think my job is cool.
You get to see 'behind the scenes' of investigations.
You get treated as a respected part of a team.
9. Tell me how do you keep up on the latest tools and technology in forensic science?
To be able to adjust with advanced tools and technologies is very important in my opinion. I hope and I will try my best to cope with advancement in order to do my duty.
10. Explain me how do I become a forensic scientist?
If you wish to work in a crime laboratory, you must obtain a degree where you have a sound grounding in the basic sciences of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. For most jobs you must also have a masters degree in biology or chemistry. A major in criminal justice is not adequate preparation for a career in forensic science.
11. Explain me what work experience is recommended?
Lab work.
If you can intern at a forensic lab, that is best. If you can't, then any amount of actual lab work is beneficial. Nobody wants to hire a person and then have to teach them the absolute basics of how to conduct themselves in a lab. You should be able to utilize a pipettor and know safe lab practices.
12. Tell me what degrees do you have?
B.S. in Biochemistry (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA)
M.S. in Forensic Science (University of New Haven, CT)
13. Tell me what do you like most about being a Forensic Science Technician?
I enjoy being a part of a process that can help others and also has the capability of helping the future of mankind whether it be the process of protecting citizens from further crime or developing new testing or treatments for patients.
14. Tell us how would you define success as a forensic science technician?
I would define success for someone in my chosen career as a person who has managed to be in the field and grow as a professional learning many things that would bring his/her experiences into a new level.
15. Have you ever testified in court?
In 16 years of work at the MDSP-FSD I have testified over 50 times.
16. Explain what would be your definition of a forensic scientist?
An individual who applies science to answer questions related to matters of the law.
17. Please explain what made you choose to become a Forensic Science Technician?
I have loved forensic science since I was in 7th grade. I have always enjoyed science and wanted to help people. problem solving is something that has always been a big part of my life. with the studies over the past 5 years, I know that this is the field I want to be in an I am ready to make a contribution to the world of forensic science.
18. Explain me how you go about delegating work?
Before I delegate the work, I take a step back and see what I can do on my own first without overwhelming myself or trading quality for time when I know I can not dedicate the appropriate effort to a task. Once I figure out what I will do and what I must delegate, I do it in such a way that the person I am delegating the work to has the qualifications and strengths to complete the work up to a higher standard. I also tend to look over delegated work once it is completed to ensure that we both agree the work is top quality.
19. Explain what does a forensic scientist do?
Many forensic scientists work in crime laboratories. For example, a forensic biologist usually specializes in DNA analysis or continues to medical school to pursue a career as a medical examiner, a forensic chemist analyzes non-biological trace evidence found at crime scenes in order to identify unknown materials and match samples to known substances. A forensic geologist applies soil analysis to crime investigations, and forensic physicist works with trajectories.
20. Which field of forensics do you work in?
Biology (serology and DNA)
21. Tell us what skills are most important to hone?
You need to understand scientific principles. You need to know how to conduct an experiment, generate a theory, and then see if you can make it fail. In DNA, you have to know enough biology to understand genetics. In firearms testing, you need know physics, math, how things ricochet and how trajectories can be figured out.
You've got to understand the instrument you're using, how a mass spectrometer works, what it's doing, what it's telling you; how you might get a false positive or false negative reading. You have to take notes, write reports, and be articulate enough to explain complicated science to a jury.
22. Tell us what is the most difficult part of being a Forensic Science Technician?
Discovering the areas in which I need to focus more of my time because my knowledge is not currently up to date.
23. Explain me in what ways are you trying to improve yourself as a forensic science technician?
I try to learn as much as I can from those around me and in literature and media. I take peoples criticism seriously and thoughtfully without compromising my identity or self esteem.
24. Explain how did you begin your career?
I got into the forensic field by accident.
I was working in the toxicology lab at the medical school in Portland, and the state police crime lab was upstairs. They'd come down and ask for assistance with blood alcohol or toxicity, so I got to know them.
When they got a grant to expand the lab, I decided I'd just as soon not be a medical tech the rest of my life. After that it was on-the-job training. I went to the FBI academy for training in hairs and fibers, instrumental analysis for paint chips-all that trace evidence.
25. Tell me are there any classes you suggest taking while in high school?
Depends on what aspects of forensic science interests you.
If getting into DNA, then you need Biology.
If getting into Drug Chemistry, then you need Chemistry.
I would also suggest taking some class on public speaking... many people think about the lab side of forensic science and forget that every case analyzed has the potential to go to court. If you can't accurately and confidently discuss your analysis and conclusions, you cannot be an effective expert witness.
All my colleagues are 'people persons', you have to have an interest in the job and also a desire to help people, as the role can be very hard - particularly when young people or old people are involed.
27. Tell me what are the other specialized forensic science careers outside the crime laboratory?
Forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, forensic psychiatry, forensic odontology, forensic engineering and so on.
Forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, forensic psychiatry, forensic odontology, forensic engineering and so on.
29. Explain what does a forensic biologist do?
Forensic biologists utilize scientific methodology and analyses to investigate matters that involve public legal systems, including crime and civil actions. The majority of a forensic biologist's work occurs in the laboratory, but they often collect evidence from the "field" at crime scenes or other areas of interest to the legal system. This evidence can include human, animal or plant remains, DNA traces, physical material like clothing fibers, and other material that can be helpful to legal investigations. Forensic biologists have degrees in either forensic science or biological sciences with a focus on forensics, and they may work for law enforcement or government agencies, private and consulting companies that specialize in laboratory analyses, or at universities. You may think of the popular television show CSI and homicide investigations as the typical job of a forensic biologist, and indeed this is a common application to the field of forensic biology. Crime scene investigations often involve collection of human biological material, including hair, teeth, skin, blood and other human remains that can be analyzed for DNA to identify potential victims and suspects. Sometimes this biological material occurs in only trace amounts, and may be found from corpses, walls, floors, and objects (including murder weapons) at crime scenes. Samples are collected with swabs (similar to a Q-tip), filter paper, tweezers, sample tubes, and other specialized, sterile equipment for subsequent analysis in the laboratory. Some biological material (e.g., blood) can be identified at the crime scene with the use of special lighting or chemical sprays. Other similar applications may include assistance with autopsies to determine time and manner of death, and collection of physical or biological evidence from suspects in crimes.
However, some forensic biologists specialize in the identification of confiscated animal remains (e.g., horns, skins, fur, feathers, bones) to aid law enforcement agencies that combat illegal wildlife trade, including endangered species. Other forensic biologist specialties include investigations of animal cruelty and zoonotic disease, which are pathogens that can pass between humans and animals-examples include SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and West Nile virus. The latter field is an integral component of managing disease outbreaks, and other applications that are relevant to public health.
Well, just starting, they would not be an 'expert'. Learn all they can. Take advantage of any courses available. Do not rush to be considered an 'expert', take your time and you will just discover one day that you are one. Do the little jobs and not push to move onto major cimes too quickly. Wait until you are ready and trained before taking on too much work.
31. What is an average day in the field like?
Morning shift...
Unlock the office, switch on computer, while it boots up put the kettle on for a cup of tea.
Check the overnight logs of crime to see if there was any incidents that may need dealing with quickly (assault scenes where a cordon has been put in place, scenes where the weather may destroy evidence etc). If there is, get in touch with any allocated officer (if there is one yet), contact officers at scene and give them an E.T.A.
If no major incidents, check the crime scene log for the scenes that have come in overnight or have been left over from the day before. Check what staffing levels for the CSI office are that day and allocate the scenes. Drink tea. If no immediate scenes (that need attending pronto - such as businesses that will want to get their crime scenes done quick so they can get on with opening for business, or people who are available for a visit straight away) get kettle ready for the CSI officers who are coming on soon.
32. Tell me are there any type of job duties that would disgust you and inhibit your performance?
I would have to think that the only thing that would disgust me thus inhibit my preformance would be smelling something disgusting, however after a sertain amount of time the smells tend to become common.
33. Basic Forensic Biology Job Interview Questions:
☛ Are you a patient person? When have you displayed patience in the workplace?
☛ Have you ever been the main lead in a case?
☛ What do you like least about being a Forensic Science Technician?
☛ What is the most difficult part of being a Forensic Science Technician?
☛ What made you choose to become a Forensic Science Technician?
☛ Sometimes long reports need to be summarized. Are you able to summarize a very long report in a clear and concise way?
☛ Do you have strong documentation and report writing skills?
☛ Why do you feel that your job is so important?
☛ While attending university/college, what was your most challenging subject and why?
☛ While attending university/college, what was your favorite subject and why?
☛ A lot of people can misunderstand forensic science facts from hollywood movies and tv shows. Which, in your opinion, is the most absurd portrayal you have seen on tv so far?
☛ Do you have an area of expertise within forensic science? (Ie: fingerprinting, biochemistry, or handwriting analysis.)
☛ If you could specialize in any area of forensics, which would you choose?
☛ Have you ever written a report or study as a SME (subject matter expert)? If so, what was the subject and whom was the report for?
☛ Do you have a criminal record and/or is there anything in your history that would be important for us to know?
☛ If you could choose, would you rather work in a lab or on a crime scene?
☛ Have you ever had to reconstruct a crime scene? Did you find it helpful?
☛ Are you comfortable with calling in specialized experts, and can you recognize when they may be required? (Ie: doctors, chemists, etc)
☛ As a forensics scientist you will come across disturbing crime scenes and data. Do you have strong command over your emotions?
☛ Do you have strong verbal communication skills?
☛ Tell me about your post-secondary education. Did you begin university/college knowing that you wanted a career in forensic science?
☛ How do you stay up to date with new trends and discoveries in forensic science?
☛ What do you like most about being a Forensic Science Technician?
☛ In what ways are you trying to improve yourself as a forensic science technician?
☛ Tell me how you go about delegating work.
☛ What would your current coworkers say about you?
☛ How do your soft skills help you to be a successful forensic science technician?
☛ Have you ever had to juggle two or more projects at the same time?
☛ How would you define success as a forensic science technician?
☛ Are you a detail oriented person?
☛ Are there any type of job duties that would disgust you and inhibit your performance?
☛ Tell me about a time when you contaminated or ruined evidence by accident. What happened and what did you learn from your mistake?
☛ How do you keep up on the latest tools and technology in forensic science?
☛ Your schedule as a forensic science technician can be sporadic at times. Are you available to work overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays - even if it is short notice?
☛ Are you comfortable testifying in court? Have you ever had to testify in court?
☛ If you weren't in forensic science, what career would you choose?
☛ How do you prioritize your day to day activities?
☛ What 3 positive things would your most recent supervisor say about you?
☛ Have you ever lost control of your emotions on a crime scene?
34. Behavioral Forensic biology interview questions:
☛ Give examples of ideas you've had or implemented.
☛ How do you keep track of things you need to do?
☛ What kind of events cause you stress on the job?
☛ What kinds of situations do you find most stressful?
☛ What can you do for us that other candidates cant?
35. Situational Forensic biology interview questions:
☛ What parts of your education do you see as relevant to this position?
☛ Which subjects did you enjoy during your qualifying degree?
☛ What relevant experience do you have?
☛ What attracted you to this company?
☛ How do you think you can make a contribution to this company?
Never interrupt even where the question is obvious, wait for the interviewer to finish before your reply. Limit your answer to your career background and experience. Always focus on the positive reason such you were seeking the opportunity to expand your career opportunities.
