Surgical Technologist Extern
Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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
Where are you in your surgical technology program, and what cases have you scrubbed so far?
What they are checking: Whether they can describe their real experience so preceptors know where to start teaching.
Tell me about a time someone corrected you sharply. How did you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they can stay composed and keep learning in an OR where feedback can come fast and direct.
How would you prepare the night before for a case you've never seen?
What they are checking: Whether they take initiative to study procedures and instruments rather than waiting to be taught.
This externship may be in Berlin, Neenah or Shawano. What do you hope to learn at each type of hospital?
What they are checking: Whether they see the externship as a learning opportunity and think about where they want to start their career.
How do you stay focused through a long case when you're tired or your feet hurt?
What they are checking: Whether they have the stamina and concentration that real OR work requires.
What would you do
You notice you may have touched something non-sterile with your glove. No one else saw. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they have a surgical conscience and will speak up even when it is embarrassing.
A surgeon asks for an instrument and you don't know which one it is. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they ask quickly and clearly rather than guessing and slowing the case down.
About the work
Walk me through how you set up a back table for a basic general surgery case.
What they are checking: Whether their foundational setup skills are organized and match sterile technique principles.
How do counts work, and why are they so important?
What they are checking: Whether they understand that counts prevent retained items, which are serious and fully preventable harm.
How do you handle sharps on the field to keep yourself and the team safe?
What they are checking: Whether they use a neutral zone and safe passing, which prevents needlestick injuries.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by ThedaCare.