46 Phlebotomist Interview Questions (Plus Example Answers)

Updated 18 March 2023

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Phlebotomists are an essential part of the health care community because they help providers evaluate patient health. These medical professionals have specialised training that allows them to draw blood safely and accurately from patients of varying ages and health conditions for laboratory testing. If you are interviewing for a phlebotomist position, it may be helpful to know some common questions employers ask during the process. In this article, we explore 46 phlebotomist interview questions, including questions about your interest, background, experience and skills and share four example answers you can use as a reference to prepare your own responses.

General Questions

General phlebotomist interview questions provide employers with summaries and overviews of your interest in the role and previous experience in this field. Hiring managers may ask you general questions to understand your personality, background, unique skills and how these features align with their expectations for the role. Here are 14 common general questions you may experience during a phlebotomist interview:

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Can you summarise your resume for me?
Why did you decide to pursue a career in phlebotomy?
What are your short-term career goals?
What is your ultimate career goal?
What can you tell me about this organisation?
Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team?
How would you describe your communication style?
If you get this job, when are you available to start?
Can you work evening or weekend shifts if necessary?
What are your salary expectations for this job?
What do you think are your three greatest professional strengths?
What is one area of your career in which you want to improve?
Do you have questions about this role or the organisation?

Questions About Background And Experience

Questions about your background and experience often involve more specific details about your professional history as a phlebotomist. Employers and hiring managers may ask you about specific circumstances, scenarios, challenges or achievements and how you performed during those instances. Questions about your background and experience may also provide employers with information about your level of education and certifications. Here are 14 common questions about background and experience:

How much experience do you have as a phlebotomist?
Do you have any experience managing phlebotomy teams?
Have you worked in any other health care or laboratory-based roles?
What do you like the most about being a phlebotomist?
What do you find most challenging about working as a phlebotomist?
Can you tell me about a time you helped a patient remain calm for a blood draw?
Can you summarise the steps you take to prepare a patient for a blood draw?
Do you have experience working with critically ill or injured patients?
Do you have experience working with paediatric or geriatric patients?
How do you think your most recent manager would describe you?
How would you describe your relationship with your most recent colleagues?
Can you tell me about a time you failed to draw blood successfully and how you handled it?
How do you stay updated on current phlebotomy issues, technology and procedures?
Have you completed additional training or continuing education programmes?

In-Depth Questions

In-depth interview questions often require you to answer or respond to hypothetical scenarios in more detail. Employers and hiring managers often ask these types of questions to measure your ability to respond quickly to unexpected scenarios, make decisions and reflect thoughtfully on your experiences. In-depth questions may also test your industry knowledge and technical skills. Here are 14 common in-depth questions you may receive during a phlebotomist interview:

How do you decide on the type of gauge and needle to use for a blood draw?
What is a butterfly needle, and what is its purpose?
What are some areas to avoid when choosing a puncture site?
What methods do you use to evaluate the suitability of a vein?
What do you do if you cannot find a suitable vein for a blood draw?
What are the most important steps for ensuring a site remains sterile?
How do you respond if a patient faints during a blood draw?
Can you tell me about your most challenging patient and how you handled the situation?
What is thrombin time, and why is it important?
What do you do if you cannot draw enough blood from a patient?
What are the essential elements to include on a sample tube label?
What are the differences between a vacuum container needle and a regular syringe needle?
What are the primary anticoagulants phlebotomists use to prevent clotting in sample tubes?
When would you take a plasma sample instead of a whole blood sample?

Interview Questions With Example Answers

Reviewing interview questions hiring managers often ask and reading example answers can help you practise your own responses before your interview. Here are four interview questions for a phlebotomist with example answers:

1. Phlebotomy is a routine-based position. How would you stay motivated at work?

Employers may ask this question to measure your ability to self-motivate. To answer this question successfully, consider how you prevent your routine from feeling monotonous. This could include personal techniques you have learned during your experience as a phlebotomist or methods you use in other areas of your life. When answering this question, try to emphasise how adjusting to a routine can help you prioritise patient health and safety.

Example: "One reason I enjoy phlebotomy is that I thrive on routine. I think having an established routine at work helps me improve my skills consistently and learn new knowledge skills that contribute to my success as a phlebotomist. The level of comfort I find in repetitive tasks helps me keep patients safe and relaxed. While the work is routine, I also enjoy the variety of experiences I have working with different patients. I look forward to the conversations I have with them and the ability to help them in a time of need."

2. How do you reassure an anxious patient?

Employers might ask you this question to evaluate your level of compassion and your ability to connect with your patients. Some patients may feel anxious about the procedure for many reasons, especially if they are facing challenging health concerns. Your interaction with them can help them feel reassured about having their blood drawn. When responding, remember to emphasise the importance of empathy as a phlebotomist and share the steps you take to help patients relax.

Example: "My patients often feel anxious about having their blood drawn for many reasons, such as a fear of needles or apprehension about a potential medical diagnosis. If I notice that a patient seems nervous, I communicate with them to understand their concern. This helps me decide how I can approach the procedure and if there are steps I can take to make them feel better. Regardless of the situation, I show compassion for them so they know they are safe and that I care about their well-being."

3. What are the traits of a good phlebotomist?

Hiring managers likely ask this type of question to measure how well you can recognise the skills and traits necessary to succeed in this field. They may also expect you to use this opportunity to discuss your own strengths and how they apply to your work in phlebotomy. When answering this question, try to incorporate similar qualifications to those mentioned in the job description to help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Example: "I think it is important for phlebotomists to have a mix of clinical and soft skills to interact with patients effectively and complete their duties efficiently. As a health care professional, I prioritise patience, interpersonal skills and communication to help me connect with my patients on a personal level. As a clinical professional, I rely on skills like critical thinking and phlebotomy best practices to perform my job accurately. I think this combination makes me a good phlebotomist."

4. Why do you want to work here instead of in other facilities?

Hiring managers often ask this question to determine your motivations for applying for the job. If you are passionate about the organisation, you may be more likely to perform to the best of your abilities. Make sure you research this organisation and other potential employers before interviewing so you can prepare to answer this question thoughtfully and genuinely. When forming your answer, consider the values, company culture and opportunities for career growth the position may offer.

Example: "Before I applied for this job, I researched phlebotomist roles in many organisations. I chose this job because I have heard positive reviews from friends who have worked here and read many reviews from patients who feel satisfied with the care they have received here. I also feel the mission, vision and goals align with my own values and professional goals, so I believe working here would be a mutually beneficial experience for me and the organisation."