17 Surgical Technologist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various surgical technologist interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Surgical Technologist Interview Questions
- What inspired you to pursue a career as a surgical technologist?
- What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful surgical technologist?
- What do you think are the biggest challenges you will face as a surgical technologist?
- What do you think sets you apart from other surgical technologists?
- What do you think are the most important things to remember when working in the operating room?
- What do you think are the most common mistakes made by surgical technologists?
- What do you think is the best way to avoid making mistakes in the operating room?
- What do you think are the most important things to keep in mind when sterilizing instruments?
- What do you think is the best way to stay calm under pressure in the operating room?
- What do you think is the best way to deal with difficult patients or family members in the operating room?
- What do you think is the best way to handle blood or other bodily fluids in the operating room?
- What do you think is the best way to deal with unexpected situations that arise in the operating room?
- What do you think is the best way to deal with stress while working as a surgical technologist?
- What do you think is the best way to stay physically fit while working as a surgical technologist?
- What do you think is the best way to stay mentally sharp while working as a surgical technologist?
- What do you think is the best way to deal with long hours while working as a surgical technologist?
- What do you think is the best way to deal with on-call shifts while working as a surgical technologist?
What inspired you to pursue a career as a surgical technologist?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a surgical technologist. Some may have been inspired by a family member or friend who works in the medical field, while others may have been drawn to the challenge and excitement of working in surgery. Whatever the reason, it is important to be able to articulate why you have chosen this career path in order to show that you are committed to the field and have a clear vision for your future.
Example: “I have always been interested in the medical field and helping others. When I was researching different careers in the medical field, I came across surgical technologists and was immediately intrigued. I loved the idea of being able to work closely with surgeons and other medical professionals to help provide quality care for patients. After shadowing a few surgical technologists and learning more about the career, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.”
What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful surgical technologist?
Some qualities that are important for a successful surgical technologist are the ability to work well under pressure, excellent communication skills, and being able to stay calm in stressful situations. It is important for surgical technologists to be able to work well under pressure because they often have to assist in surgeries that are time-sensitive and require precise movements. Excellent communication skills are important because surgical technologists need to be able to relay instructions from surgeons to other members of the surgical team. Being able to stay calm in stressful situations is important because it helps ensure that surgical technologists can remain focused and efficient in the operating room.
Example: “The most important qualities for a successful surgical technologist are:
-The ability to work well under pressure and maintain a calm demeanor
-Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
-Attention to detail and a strong focus on safety
-The ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
-Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods of time”
What do you think are the biggest challenges you will face as a surgical technologist?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the surgical technologist's understanding of the role and what challenges may arise. It is important to be aware of the challenges one may face in a role in order to be prepared to deal with them effectively.
Example: “The biggest challenge that I think I will face as a surgical technologist is the need to be able to work well under pressure. There will be times when surgeries will be scheduled back-to-back and there will be little time in between to prepare for the next surgery. In these situations, it is important to be able to work quickly and efficiently while still maintaining a high level of accuracy. Another challenge that I anticipate facing is the need to constantly update my knowledge and skills. As new surgical techniques and technologies are developed, it is important to keep up with these changes in order to provide the best possible care for patients.”
What do you think sets you apart from other surgical technologists?
The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of what the surgical technologist feels makes them unique or special compared to others in their field. This can help the interviewer understand what the surgical technologist feels are their strengths, and why they would be a good fit for the position.
Example: “I believe that my attention to detail and my dedication to ensuring that every procedure is carried out flawlessly sets me apart from other surgical technologists. I take great pride in my work and always aim to provide the best possible care for patients. I am also very passionate about education and training, and often go above and beyond to ensure that new surgical technologists are properly trained and comfortable in their role.”
What do you think are the most important things to remember when working in the operating room?
There are many important things to remember when working in the operating room, but some of the most important things include: maintaining aseptic technique, being aware of potential hazards, and being organized and efficient.
Maintaining aseptic technique is important because it helps to prevent infection. There are many ways to do this, including washing your hands, using sterile equipment, and keeping the operating room clean.
Being aware of potential hazards is also important. There are many potential hazards in the operating room, including sharp instruments, electrical equipment, and chemicals. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take precautions to avoid them.
Finally, it is important to be organized and efficient when working in the operating room. This means having a good understanding of the procedures you will be performing and being able to complete them in a timely manner.
Example: “The most important things to remember when working in the operating room are:
1. maintain aseptic technique at all times
2. follow the surgeon's instructions carefully
3. be aware of potential hazards
4. work as a team with the other members of the surgical team”
What do you think are the most common mistakes made by surgical technologists?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to see if you are aware of the common mistakes that surgical technologists make. Second, they want to see if you are able to identify and correct these mistakes. Finally, they want to see if you are able to prevent these mistakes from happening in the future. By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to get a better understanding of your skills and abilities as a surgical technologist.
Example: “The most common mistakes made by surgical technologists include:
-Not following the proper sterilization procedures
-Not paying attention to detail
-Not being organized
-Not being able to work well under pressure”
What do you think is the best way to avoid making mistakes in the operating room?
The interviewer is asking this question to gain insight into the surgical technologist's work habits and to see if they are able to learn from their mistakes. It is important for surgical technologists to be able to avoid making mistakes in the operating room because their actions can directly impact the health and safety of the patients.
Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to avoid making mistakes in the operating room may vary depending on the individual circumstances. However, some general tips that may help include: paying attention to detail, being organized, and communicating with the surgical team. Additionally, it is important to always be learning and keeping up with best practices in order to minimize the risk of errors.”
What do you think are the most important things to keep in mind when sterilizing instruments?
There are a few things to keep in mind when sterilizing instruments:
-Make sure the instruments are clean before sterilizing them. If they are not clean, the sterilization process will not be effective.
-Sterilize instruments using an autoclave, which uses steam to sterilize instruments.
-Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the autoclave.
-After sterilizing instruments, store them in a clean, dry place.
Example: “There are a few things to keep in mind when sterilizing instruments:
- First, make sure that all instruments are properly cleaned. This means removing any blood, tissue, or other debris from the surface of the instrument.
- Second, make sure that the instruments are placed in the sterilization container in such a way that they will be exposed to the sterilization process evenly.
- Third, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the particular sterilization process being used. This includes ensuring that the correct amount of time is allowed for the process to work effectively.”
What do you think is the best way to stay calm under pressure in the operating room?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the Surgical Technologist's ability to handle pressure in the operating room. This is important because the operating room can be a very stressful environment and the Surgical Technologist needs to be able to stay calm under pressure in order to do their job effectively.
Example: “There are a few ways that surgical technologists can stay calm under pressure in the operating room. First, it is important to have a good understanding of the procedures that will be taking place during the surgery. This way, you will know what to expect and will be less likely to be caught off guard. Secondly, staying organized and keeping a close eye on the clock can help to keep things running smoothly and help to avoid any stressful situations. Finally, deep breathing and positive visualization can also help to keep calm in difficult situations.”
What do you think is the best way to deal with difficult patients or family members in the operating room?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a surgical technologist. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the technologist's ability to handle difficult situations. Second, it allows the interviewer to see how the technologist would react under pressure. Third, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the technologist's bedside manner. Finally, it allows the interviewer to determine whether or not the technologist has the potential to be a good fit for the surgical team.
Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult patients or family members in the operating room will vary depending on the situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult patients or family members in the operating room include remaining calm and professional, being respectful and understanding, and being willing to listen to their concerns.”
What do you think is the best way to handle blood or other bodily fluids in the operating room?
An interviewer might ask "What do you think is the best way to handle blood or other bodily fluids in the operating room?" to a/an Surgical Technologist in order to gauge their knowledge of safety protocols and their ability to think critically about how to handle potentially dangerous situations. It is important for surgical technologists to be aware of the best ways to handle blood and other bodily fluids in order to minimize the risk of exposure to dangerous diseases and to protect both themselves and the patients they work with.
Example: “There are a few different ways to handle blood or other bodily fluids in the operating room, but the best way is to use a suction device. This will help to remove the fluid from the area and keep it from spreading.”
What do you think is the best way to deal with unexpected situations that arise in the operating room?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the surgical technologist's problem-solving abilities. It is important for surgical technologists to be able to think on their feet and adapt to unexpected situations that may arise during surgery, as this can help ensure a successful and safe procedure.
Example: “The best way to deal with unexpected situations that arise in the operating room is to have a plan in place ahead of time. This plan should include contingencies for a variety of potential problems that could occur. By having a plan in place, you can be sure that everyone involved knows what to do in the event of an emergency. This can help to avoid confusion and chaos, and ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.”
What do you think is the best way to deal with stress while working as a surgical technologist?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a surgical technologist. First, it is important for surgical technologists to be able to deal with stress in a healthy way, as the job can be quite stressful at times. Second, the interviewer wants to know if the surgical technologist has thought about how to deal with stress and if they have a plan in place. Finally, the interviewer wants to see if the surgical technologist is self-aware and able to take care of themselves.
Example: “There are a few ways that surgical technologists can deal with stress while working. First, it is important to stay organized and keep on top of tasks. This will help to minimize the feeling of being overwhelmed. Additionally, taking breaks when needed and communicating with co-workers can help to keep stress levels down. Finally, it is important to remember that everyone has different stress triggers and to be aware of what yours are so that you can avoid them or deal with them in a healthy way.”
What do you think is the best way to stay physically fit while working as a surgical technologist?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a surgical technologist. First, it is important for surgical technologists to be physically fit because they need to be able to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects. Second, being physically fit can help reduce the risk of injury while working as a surgical technologist. Finally, being physically fit can help improve the quality of care that a surgical technologist is able to provide to patients.
Example: “There are a few things that surgical technologists can do to stay physically fit while working. First, they can make sure to take breaks throughout the day to move around and stretch. Second, they can eat healthy foods and avoid eating too much junk food. Third, they can exercise regularly, either at the gym or at home. fourth, they can try to reduce their stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.”
What do you think is the best way to stay mentally sharp while working as a surgical technologist?
The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the surgical technologist is aware of the importance of staying mentally sharp while working. It is important for surgical technologists to be able to focus and pay attention to detail while working in order to avoid errors.
Example: “There are a few things that surgical technologists can do to stay mentally sharp while on the job. First, it is important to stay up to date on new procedures and technologies. This can be done by reading surgical journals and attending continuing education courses. Additionally, surgical technologists should try to maintain a good work-life balance. This means getting enough rest and exercise, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress levels. Finally, it is helpful to have a positive attitude and to stay focused on the task at hand.”
What do you think is the best way to deal with long hours while working as a surgical technologist?
This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the surgical technologist's ability to cope with long hours. It also allows the interviewer to assess the surgical technologist's ability to think critically and come up with creative solutions to problems.
Example: “There are a few ways to deal with long hours while working as a surgical technologist. First, it is important to stay hydrated and take breaks when possible. It is also important to eat healthy meals and snacks to keep your energy up. Finally, it is important to stay organized and efficient to make the most of your time.”
What do you think is the best way to deal with on-call shifts while working as a surgical technologist?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a surgical technologist. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the technologist's level of experience and see if they have dealt with on-call shifts before. Second, it allows the interviewer to see how the technologist would handle such a situation if they were to encounter it in their job. Finally, it gives the interviewer some insight into the technologist's work ethic and how they would approach their work if they were on call.
Example: “There are a few different ways that surgical technologists can deal with on-call shifts. Some technologists may choose to work on-call shifts as they are scheduled, while others may elect to take call only when it is convenient for them. Regardless of how a surgical technologist chooses to deal with on-call shifts, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with working on-call.
Some of the potential risks associated with working on-call shifts include:
• Increased stress levels – When surgical technologists are on-call, they may be required to work long hours or be called in at odd hours. This can lead to increased stress levels and can make it difficult to get adequate rest.
• Increased exposure to infectious diseases – When working on-call shifts, surgical technologists may be exposed to more infectious diseases than they would be if they were working regular hours. This is because they may have to work with patients who are sicker or who have more contagious diseases.
• Increased risk of injury – Surgical technologists who work on-call shifts may be at an increased risk of injury due to the nature of their work. They may be required to lift heavy patients or equipment, or they”