Surgical Technologist, Operating Room - Days
Posted Sep 29, 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
Tell me about a time a case went wrong or changed suddenly. How did you react?
What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and adapt quickly during an emergency or change in plan.
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a surgeon or nurse. What did you do?
What they are checking: Whether they handle tense moments professionally and keep the focus on the patient.
What would you do
You notice the surgeon touched something non-sterile. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they will speak up to protect the sterile field, even to a senior surgeon.
What do you do if an instrument tray is missing something or isn't sterile?
What they are checking: Whether they check trays carefully and get replacements before the case starts.
How do you turn over a room quickly without cutting corners?
What they are checking: Whether they balance speed with cleaning and safety steps.
About the work
Walk me through how you set up your back table for a total knee replacement.
What they are checking: Whether they know instruments and setup well enough to be ready before the surgeon asks.
Your count is off by one sponge at closing. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they stop and follow the count policy, even if the surgeon wants to close.
How do you learn and remember different surgeons' preferences?
What they are checking: Whether they use preference cards and attention to anticipate needs, as the posting stresses.
How do you help with patient positioning safely?
What they are checking: Whether they know how to prevent nerve injuries and pressure injuries during surgery.
Which surgical specialties are you most comfortable with, and which do you need to learn more?
What they are checking: Whether they are honest about their range at a trauma center like Janesville.
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As published by Mercyhealth.