Why this matters:
Chemistry is an ever-changing field, and for new discoveries to emerge, hypothetical assumptions must be constantly challenged. The candidate should stay abreast of chemistry developments and discourse to keep your organization up to date and competitive within the scientific community.
What to listen for:
- Knowledge of recent developments in chemistry
- Willingness to stay at the cutting edge of chemistry advancements and discourse
- Broad interest in the field of chemistry beyond the workplace
Why this matters:
Chemistry is a specialized field, and strong candidates should be knowledgeable about a niche, whether it’s biochemistry or agrochemistry. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate curiosity for in-depth, granular aspects of the field. This interest naturally motivates a chemist to do research — and those research skills and experience will benefit your organization.
What to listen for:
- Excitement for a particular aspect of chemistry
- Demonstrable knowledge of a chemistry specialty
- Experience researching and learning about new areas of the field
Why this matters:
Some chemical substances are inherently dangerous — and others are dangerous when mixed together. For the safety of the candidate and your employees, it's critical that the candidate understand best practices for experimenting, performing routine duties, and handling equipment.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with dangerous reactions between substrates and reagents
- Personal safety best practices like wearing close-toed shoes and lab goggles
- Avoiding chemical contact with skin and making sure fire extinguishers and safety showers are in working order
Why this matters:
Proper scientific research requires diligence and accuracy. But mistakes are bound to happen eventually, whether it’s an improper measurement or data error. The ideal candidate will address any issues quickly and thoroughly, and pivot their work if necessary.
What to listen for:
- Indication that the candidate took responsibility for the mistake
- Action to mitigate potential impacts on productivity and project feasibility
- Signs that the candidate learned from the experience and has taken steps to avoid similar mistakes in the future
Why this matters:
During a lengthy research period, it can be difficult to work hard only to yield an incorrect result — and just as difficult to inform a colleague of an issue with their work. The chemist candidate should have experience empathetically and productively helping collaborators understand and overcome inaccuracies in research.
What to listen for:
- Confidence in one’s knowledge combined with a willingness to entertain other viewpoints
- Ability to provide a colleague with constructive feedback
- Experience finding a common middle ground to move forward
Why this matters:
In a chemist’s career, there will be occasions in which difficulties such as time constraints and supervisor demands need to be faced and overcome to move forward. Successfully working through at least one high-pressure experience will better prepare the chemist candidate to manage similar situations at your organization.
What to listen for:
- Experience handling a high-pressure situation as a chemist
- A process for effectively navigating competing priorities
- Learnings about what could have been improved to optimize efficiency
Why this matters:
Environmental fit can be an especially important factor for chemists: some perform better in a workplace that encourages collaboration, while others need to work independently to be productive. This question helps you assess whether the candidate is the right fit for the role while also offering them a chance to determine whether they want to join your organization.
What to listen for:
- Self-awareness about which environments the candidate prefers
- Possible adaptability to different settings and scenarios
- A sense of collaboration across settings
Why this matters:
Whether they involve a fellow team member or a supervisor, workplace conflicts are an inevitability. To maintain productivity, chemists should address disputes as soon as they arise — especially if they might impede research. In doing so, they can cultivate a stronger workplace culture.
What to listen for:
- Strong conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work effectively in collaborative settings
- A friendly, open-minded attitude
Why this matters:
On occasion, chemists may need to adapt to major workplace shifts, such as unfamiliar technology or a new workflow. Candidates should be able to quickly grasp new concepts and seek guidance when necessary. By staying organized and embracing change, a chemist can keep pace with major transitions — as well as ensure seamless research.
What to listen for:
- Ability to remain level-headed in fast-paced environments
- A genuine passion for learning
- Resiliency and a flexible, adaptive mindset
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