ISO Standards

Term from Laboratory Work industry explained for recruiters

ISO Standards are internationally recognized rules and guidelines that help organizations maintain consistency and quality in their work. Think of them like a detailed recipe book that tells laboratories and companies exactly how to do things properly. When someone mentions ISO Standards in their resume, they're saying they know how to follow these official guidelines to ensure work is done correctly and can be trusted by others. The most common ones in laboratories are ISO 17025 (for testing labs), ISO 9001 (for quality management), and ISO 15189 (for medical labs). Having ISO experience means the person understands how to document work properly, follow procedures carefully, and maintain high-quality standards.

Examples in Resumes

Implemented ISO Standards in chemical testing laboratory improving accuracy by 40%

Maintained compliance with ISO quality management systems for sample testing

Led team training on ISO Standards implementation and documentation procedures

Achieved ISO certification for microbiology department

Typical job title: "Quality Managers"

Also try searching for:

Quality Assurance Manager Laboratory Manager Compliance Officer Quality Control Specialist ISO Coordinator Quality Systems Manager Laboratory Quality Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement an ISO quality management system in a laboratory that has never had one before?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that discuss creating a step-by-step plan, involving all staff levels, documenting procedures, training programs, and managing the change process. They should mention risk assessment and getting buy-in from leadership.

Q: How do you handle resistance to ISO implementation from staff members?

Expected Answer: Strong answers should include communication strategies, showing benefits of ISO standards, providing proper training, addressing concerns promptly, and making the transition manageable for all staff members.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What documentation is required for ISO compliance in a laboratory setting?

Expected Answer: Should mention quality manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, records of testing, calibration records, and staff training documentation.

Q: How do you ensure continuous compliance with ISO standards?

Expected Answer: Should discuss regular internal audits, staff training, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and keeping up with ISO standard updates.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic principles of ISO standards in a laboratory?

Expected Answer: Should explain that ISO standards ensure consistency, proper documentation, traceability of work, and following set procedures for quality results.

Q: How do you document your daily work to meet ISO requirements?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic record-keeping practices, following SOPs, properly filling out forms, and maintaining accurate logs of activities.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of ISO requirements
  • Following standard operating procedures
  • Basic documentation practices
  • Quality control checks

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Internal auditing
  • Training others on ISO procedures
  • Managing documentation systems
  • Implementing corrective actions

Senior (5+ years)

  • ISO system implementation
  • Quality program management
  • External audit management
  • Staff training program development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic documentation requirements
  • Unfamiliarity with quality control procedures
  • Lack of attention to detail
  • No experience with laboratory procedures
  • Unable to explain basic quality management concepts