Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Interview Questions & Answers

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Observation skills
• Emotional stamina & stability
• Outdoor skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Zoologists and wildlife biologists write scientific papers and give talks to the public, policymakers, and academics.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Critical thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical thinking skills:

Zoologists and wildlife biologists need sound reasoning and judgment to draw conclusions from experimental results and scientific observations.

Learn more about critical thinking interview questions and how to answer them!

Emotional stamina & stability

Why interviewers are interested in your stability and emotional stamina:

Zoologists and wildlife biologists may need to endure long periods with little human contact. As with other occupations that deal with animals, emotional stability is important in working with injured or sick animals.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically work on teams. They must be able to work effectively with others to achieve their goals or to negotiate conflicting goals.

Observation skills

Why interviewers are interested in your observation skills:

Zoologists and wildlife biologists must be able to notice slight changes in an animal’s behavior or appearance.

Outdoor skills

Why interviewers are interested in your outdoor skills:

Zoologists and wildlife biologists may need to chop firewood, swim in cold water, navigate rough terrain in poor weather, carry heavy packs or equipment long distances, or perform other activities associated with life in remote areas.

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

Zoologists and wildlife biologists try to find the best possible solutions to threats that affect wildlife, such as disease and habitat loss.

Learn more about problem-solving interview questions and how to answer them!

(source: bls.gov)

Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. What are your favorite animals to work with and study? Why?
2. How would you rate your critical-thinking skills? Can you give me a recent example of a time you successfully used these skills?
3. In your opinion, which events can significantly impact zoological research in the next five to ten years? Why?
4. Do you consider yourself a team player? Tell me about a time you effectively worked with others to achieve or to negotiate conflicting goals.
5. How do you stay up to date on recent developments in the zoological community?
6. Describe a time you made a mistake. How did you fix it? What did you learn from that situation?
7. What skills or knowledge could you improve to become a better zoologist or wildlife biologist?
8. Tell me about the accomplishment you are most proud of as a zoologist or wildlife biologist.
9. Describe a time you took the lead on a project. How did you ensure that everything went according to your plans?
10. Give me an example of a time you went above and beyond to achieve your goal.

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.