Lab Technician skills

Essential skills

Attention to detail — Employers check this through questions about how you prevent errors and by reviewing your work history for accuracy-focused tasks.
Following procedures — They may ask how you follow written protocols, safety rules, or quality requirements.
Record keeping — They look for experience documenting samples, results, equipment use, and other work clearly and consistently.
Time management — They may ask how you prioritise tasks when several tests or deadlines need attention.
Basic computer skills — Employers may assess your comfort with spreadsheets, databases, lab information systems, or data-entry tasks.

Sample handling and preparation — Employers check for relevant experience with collecting, labelling, storing, and preparing samples.
Laboratory equipment use — They may ask which instruments you have used and how you operate, clean, or maintain them.
Testing and measurement — They look for familiarity with the methods and measurements used in their type of laboratory.
Quality control — Employers may ask how you check results, use controls, or respond when a result is outside expected limits.
Health and safety practices — They check your knowledge of safe handling, protective equipment, waste disposal, and hazard procedures.
Data accuracy and basic analysis — They may ask how you record, review, and report results, or give you a practical task.

Communication — Employers assess how clearly you explain results, ask questions, and share concerns with colleagues.
Teamwork — They may ask for examples of working with scientists, technicians, or other teams to complete tasks.
Problem-solving — They check how you respond to equipment issues, unexpected results, or changes in priorities.
Reliability — They look for examples of meeting deadlines, following through on tasks, and being consistent.
Adaptability — Employers may ask how you learn new procedures or adjust when priorities change.

Prepared, labelled, and stored samples according to laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
Recorded test results in laboratory records and checked entries for completeness and accuracy.
Operated, cleaned, and maintained laboratory equipment, reporting faults through the appropriate process.

Practise the basics: Build experience with careful measurement, sample labelling, record keeping, and safe work habits.
Learn relevant equipment and methods: Review job descriptions to identify the instruments and procedures commonly used in your target field.
Take suitable training: Consider courses or supervised practice in laboratory safety, quality control, or specific testing methods.
Keep a record of your experience: Note the procedures, equipment, and responsibilities you have worked with so you can describe them accurately.
Ask for feedback: Use feedback from supervisors or instructors to improve accuracy, organisation, and communication.

See which skills you still need for your target role.