Surgical assistants play a critical role in healthcare, ensuring smooth surgical procedures, patient safety, and optimal outcomes. Their job involves supporting surgeons during operations, preparing surgical instruments, monitoring patient vitals, and maintaining sterile environments. With an average UK salary ranging from £25,000 to £38,000 per year, this role combines responsibility, skill, and satisfaction in contributing to life-saving procedures.
Preparing for your surgical assistant interview is vital. The competition is strong, and hiring managers are looking for candidates who demonstrate competence, confidence, and professionalism. Below, I have detailed 30 surgical assistant interview questions and answers, covering everything from opening questions to competency-based inquiries, STAR model responses, and closing techniques. I’ve also included practical interview coaching tips and dos and don’ts to ensure you shine in your interview.
Opening Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
This classic opening question is your opportunity to introduce your background, experience, and motivation for applying. Keep it concise, professional, and relevant to surgical assisting.
Answer: “I am a qualified surgical assistant with over three years of experience in operating theatres. I specialise in assisting surgeons during complex procedures, maintaining sterile environments, and ensuring patient safety. I am motivated by the impact my role has on patient outcomes and enjoy working as part of a dedicated healthcare team.”
2. Why do you want to be a surgical assistant?
This question evaluates your passion and understanding of the role.
Answer: “I have always been committed to patient care and healthcare support roles. Becoming a surgical assistant allows me to combine my skills in attention to detail, manual dexterity, and teamwork while directly contributing to successful surgical outcomes.”
3. What do you know about our hospital/clinic?
This question tests your research and enthusiasm for the employer.
Answer: “I admire your hospital’s commitment to patient-centred care and innovation in surgical procedures. Your recent adoption of minimally invasive techniques demonstrates leadership in the healthcare sector, and I am keen to contribute to such a forward-thinking team.”
Competency-Based Questions Using the STAR Model
Competency-based questions are designed to assess your skills and behaviours. Use the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structured, effective answers.
4. Describe a time you handled a difficult surgical situation.
Answer: “During a laparoscopic procedure, we encountered unexpected bleeding (Situation). I was responsible for assisting the surgeon while ensuring patient safety (Task). I quickly prepared the necessary instruments and helped maintain the sterile field (Action). The procedure was completed safely, and the patient recovered without complications (Result).”
5. How do you ensure surgical instruments are sterile?
Answer: “I follow strict sterilisation protocols, including cleaning, autoclaving, and careful handling of instruments. I routinely check expiration dates of sterilisation indicators and ensure all equipment is prepared according to surgical guidelines.”
6. Tell me about a time you worked as part of a surgical team.
Answer: “In a complex orthopedic surgery (Situation), my task was to assist the surgeon and coordinate with nursing staff (Task). I communicated clearly, handed instruments efficiently, and anticipated the surgeon’s needs (Action). The operation was successful, and feedback from the team was highly positive (Result).”
7. Give an example of when you handled stress in the operating theatre.
Answer: “During an emergency appendectomy (Situation), there was an unexpected complication (Task). I remained calm, followed protocols, and assisted the surgeon efficiently (Action). The patient was stabilised, and the procedure was completed safely (Result).”
8. Describe a time you had to learn a new surgical technique.
Answer: “I was asked to assist with a robotic-assisted procedure (Situation). I needed to quickly understand the setup and instrument handling (Task). I shadowed experienced colleagues, practiced in simulation labs, and asked questions (Action). I successfully assisted in my first procedure, gaining confidence in the technique (Result).”
9. How do you prioritise tasks during surgery?
Answer: “I assess the procedure, anticipate the surgeon’s needs, and focus on patient safety. Critical tasks like instrument readiness, monitoring vitals, and maintaining sterility are prioritised over less urgent tasks.”
10. Give an example of a time you prevented a mistake in surgery.
Answer: “During a knee replacement, I noticed an incorrectly labelled implant (Situation). I immediately alerted the surgeon and cross-checked the inventory (Task). We corrected the error before implantation (Action). This prevented a potentially serious complication (Result).”
Technical Knowledge and Skills Questions
11. What types of surgeries have you assisted with?
Answer: “I have assisted in orthopedic, general, and laparoscopic procedures, including joint replacements, appendectomies, and hernia repairs, ensuring smooth workflow and instrument readiness throughout each surgery.”
12. How do you handle surgical emergencies?
Answer: “I remain calm, follow protocols, assist the surgeon promptly, and support the team in monitoring the patient. Quick, precise actions and clear communication are critical in emergencies.”
13. What are the key responsibilities of a surgical assistant?
Answer: “Responsibilities include preparing and sterilising instruments, assisting surgeons during procedures, monitoring patient vitals, maintaining a sterile environment, and documenting procedures accurately.”
14. How do you manage infection control?
Answer: “I strictly follow infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and careful handling of surgical instruments.”
15. Explain how you handle surgical instruments during procedures.
Answer: “I ensure instruments are organised, anticipate the surgeon’s needs, pass them efficiently, and return them safely. Precision and timing are essential to avoid delays or errors.”
Behavioural Questions
16. Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a colleague.
Answer: “I disagreed with a colleague about instrument handling (Situation). I calmly discussed the issue privately (Task), suggested an alternative method, and listened to their perspective (Action). We implemented the solution successfully (Result).”
17. How do you handle constructive feedback?
Answer: “I welcome feedback as a learning opportunity. I listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and implement suggestions to improve my performance and patient care.”
18. Describe a time you had to adapt quickly.
Answer: “During an emergency surgery, the procedure was changed last minute (Situation). I adjusted instrument setup and coordinated with the team (Task), maintaining focus and ensuring smooth workflow (Action). The surgery proceeded without delays (Result).”
19. How do you maintain focus during long procedures?
Answer: “I stay organised, anticipate the surgeon’s needs, and take short mental breaks between critical steps to maintain concentration and accuracy.”
20. Give an example of when you went above and beyond in your role.
Answer: “I noticed a patient’s vital signs fluctuating during surgery (Situation). I promptly informed the anaesthetist, assisted with monitoring, and ensured the patient’s stability (Action). The patient recovered safely (Result).”
Situational and Problem-Solving Questions
21. What would you do if an instrument was missing during surgery?
Answer: “I would immediately inform the surgeon, locate an alternative, and ensure the procedure continues safely without compromising patient care.”
22. How would you handle a surgeon’s request for an unfamiliar instrument?
Answer: “I would remain calm, check inventory quickly, consult colleagues if necessary, and provide the correct instrument efficiently.”
23. What steps do you take if a patient develops complications during surgery?
Answer: “I follow protocols, alert the surgical team immediately, assist with stabilisation, and ensure all necessary equipment is available for emergency intervention.”
24. How would you prioritise multiple surgeries in a busy theatre schedule?
Answer: “I coordinate with the surgical team, ensure all instruments and patients are prepared, and adapt flexibly to changes while prioritising patient safety.”
25. Describe a time you had to make a quick decision in surgery.
Answer: “During a routine procedure, unexpected bleeding occurred (Situation). I assisted in quickly preparing the required instruments (Task), communicated clearly, and supported the surgeon’s immediate actions (Action). The patient remained stable (Result).”
Ending Questions and Answers
26. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: “Yes, could you describe the typical surgical procedures I would assist with and the team structure in the operating theatres?”
27. Why should we hire you as a surgical assistant?
Answer: “I bring experience, dedication, and a proactive attitude to supporting surgeons and patients. My attention to detail, teamwork, and commitment to safety make me an ideal candidate.”
28. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I aim to continue developing my skills as a surgical assistant, potentially specialising in advanced procedures and taking on leadership responsibilities within the theatre team.”
29. How do you handle stressful surgical environments?
Answer: “I focus on preparation, teamwork, and clear communication. Staying calm and organised ensures patient safety and smooth operations even under pressure.”
30. What motivates you in your role as a surgical assistant?
Answer: “Knowing that my work directly contributes to patient recovery and surgical success motivates me. I enjoy collaborating with surgeons and theatre teams to deliver excellent care.”
Interview Coaching Tips – Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
Research the hospital/clinic before the interview.
Prepare examples using the STAR model.
Dress professionally and arrive early.
Maintain eye contact and positive body language.
Practice common questions and answers.
Don’ts:
Don’t speak negatively about previous employers.
Don’t exaggerate experience or skills.
Avoid being unprepared for technical questions.
Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
Closing Encouragement from Jerry Frempong
Preparing for your surgical assistant interview is your opportunity to showcase skills, experience, and professionalism. Remember, confidence comes from preparation. Practise using the STAR model, anticipate technical and behavioural questions, and maintain a calm, positive presence in the interview. With thorough preparation and the right mindset, you can impress any hiring manager and secure the role.
For personalised guidance, consider booking an interview coaching online session. An interview coach can help with mock interviews, feedback, and targeted job interview preparation, ensuring you walk into your interview with confidence. Explore interview training today to take your career to the next level.
