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Donor Center Phlebotomist

American Red Cross · Madison, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

We offer paid training and don't require medical experience. What makes you think you'd do well sticking needles in people all day?

What they are checking: Whether they have the steadiness and comfort with patients that training can build on but cannot create.

Tell me about a time you followed a procedure exactly even though it would have been faster to skip a step.

What they are checking: Whether they will follow strict regulated procedures every time, which is the core of blood collection work.

Describe a time you gave great customer service while you were busy with a task that needed your full attention.

What they are checking: Whether they can stay warm with donors while concentrating, since donors are volunteers who need a good experience.

How do you feel about early mornings, standing for long shifts, and possibly working at mobile blood drives?

What they are checking: Whether they have honestly thought about the physical and scheduling demands before accepting the job.

What would you do

A first-time donor is visibly nervous and says they almost fainted the last time they had blood drawn. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can calm a donor, watch for warning signs, and put safety ahead of collecting the unit.

Partway through a donation, the donor goes pale and says they feel dizzy. Walk me through your next steps.

What they are checking: Whether they know to stop and respond to a reaction quickly instead of trying to finish the draw.

You miss the vein on a regular donor who's always been easy. How do you handle the moment with them?

What they are checking: Whether they stay professional and honest after a mistake and keep the donor willing to come back.

The center is backed up and a donor complains loudly about the wait. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they can calm frustration and keep the donor from leaving without becoming defensive or rushing care.

You notice a coworker skip a donor identity check during a rush. What would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up about a safety lapse even when it is awkward with a peer.

About the work

Why does it matter so much that every label, form and tube matches the donor exactly?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that a labeling mistake can put a patient at risk, so the steps are never optional.

What do you know about infection control and handling sharps safely?

What they are checking: Whether they already respect basic safety habits that protect both donors and staff from exposure.

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The full job description

As published by American Red Cross.

Please use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when accessing Candidate Home. By joining the American Red Cross you will touch millions of lives every year and experience the greatness of the human spirit at its best. Are you ready to be part of the world's largest humanitarian network? Join us—Where your Career is a Force for Good! Job Description: We provide Paid-Training – no prior medical experience required! Phlebotomy experience preferred. Joining The American Red Cross is like nothing else – it’s as much something you feel as something you do. You become a vital part of the world’s largest humanitarian network. Joining a team of welcoming individuals who are exceptional, yet unassuming. Diverse, yet uncompromising in unity. You grow your career within a movement that matters, where success is measured in people helped, communities made whole, and individuals equipped to never stop changing lives and situations for the better. When you choose to be a force for good, you’ll have mentors who empower your growth along a purposeful career path. You align your life’s work with an ongoing mission that’s bigger than all of us. As you care for others, you’re cared for with competitive compensation and benefits. You join a community that respects who you are away from work as much as what you do while at work. Where Your Career is a Force for Good! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (Job Overview): When you join our team you will be utilizing your healthcare and/or customer service skills to assist with every step of the blood collection process at our fixed site locations. This includes collaborating with your team to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for volunteer donors, and following all safety procedures while collecting lifesaving blood donations that are delivered to hospitals. The Red Cross offers paid phlebotomy training with the ability to grow your healthcare skills and career within the nation’s top humanitarian organization. To learn more about being a phlebotomist and the impact you can make in this position, watch this short video: rdcrss.org/lifesavingrole WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE FOR GOOD (Key Responsibilities): • Take the time to personally connect with donors – listen to their stories and help them understand how impactful their donation is. • Collaborate with your teammates to create a welcoming and friendly environment so our volunteer donors feel comfortable coming back again and again. • Be detailed oriented all day, every day. This ensures that the blood you collect meets goals, regulatory requirements and can be safely transfused Standard Schedule (Madison, Wisconsin): • To best meet the needs of our donors and community, staff work a variable schedule which may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. • Schedule is provided two to three weeks in advance Pay Information: • Starting rate $23.34/hr (Entry-Level) $27.81/hr (LPN License), $33.00/hr (RN License) WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (Minimum Qualifications): • Associates degree OR a combination of education and work experience is required. • Minimum of one year customer service experience in public setting is required. • A current, valid driver's license with a good driving record is required. • Physical requirements may include the ability to lift, push or pull heavy weights up and down ramps and stairs, good manual dexterity, the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time and adapt to long, irregular hours and frequent schedule changes are required. • Basic computer skills are required. Must be proficient with Microsoft office applications. WHAT WILL GIVE YOU THE COMPETITIVE EDGE (Preferred Qualifications): • Prior healthcare or phlebotomy experience (CNA, MA, EMT, etc.) • Prior leadership experience BENEFITS FOR YOU: As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive package includes: • Medical, Dental, and Vision plans • Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts • PTO: Starting 15 days a year; based on type of job and tenure • Holidays: 11 paid holidays comprised of six core holidays and five floating holidays • 401K with up to 6% company match • Paid Family Leave • Employee Assistance • Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term • Service Awards and recognition Apply now! Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to make your career a force for good! The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. ​ Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and any other applicable state and local laws. AmeriCorps, the federal agency that brings people together through service, and its partners — the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps Alums, National Peace Corps Association, and the Service Year Alliance — launched Employers of National Service to connect national service alumni with opportunities in the workforce. American Red Cross is proud to be an EONS partner and share our employment opportunities with the network of organizations. Interested in Volunteering? Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions. To view the EEOC Summary of Rights, click here: Summary of Rights

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