Preparing for an interview with the sterile processing department can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time applying for such a position.
Landing a job is difficult, but if you carefully consider these seven sterile processing manager interview questions and prepare your answers, you’re well on your way to standing out in your interview.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What is the role of a sterile processing manager?
- How do you handle your workload?
- How do you manage teamwork issues?
- What qualities are required of a sterilization processing manager?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses in a team setting?
- What strategies will you use as a sterile processing manager?
Now that you know the seven most common sterile processing manager interview questions you’re likely to be asked, you can equip yourself to answer each one honestly and accurately.
The rest of this article will dive deep into these questions to ensure you’re ready for your interview.
Sterile Processing Manager Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
It’s almost a given that your hiring manager will ask you these simple sterile processing manager interview questions to assess your:
- personality,
- work etiquette,
- and overall mindset toward the job.
After all, if you’re hired for the job, you become part of the team, required to work alongside everybody else.
Answer this question honestly and thoughtfully, drawing on your positive personality traits and work qualifications.
Example answer:
I’ve served as a sterile technician for the past few years and have grown in my understanding and expertise of sterilization procedures.
See also: Sterile Processing Technician Interview Questions
My best quality is my attention to detail. It keeps me focused in the office to ensure all equipment is properly sterilized before reuse.
2. What is the role of a sterile processing manager?
A sterile processing manager not only needs to have the mechanical knowledge of sterilization procedures themselves, but they also need to be able to train new technicians and oversee the rest of the staff.
As such, reference your training and your capability to work with others when answering these sterile processing manager interview questions.
Example answer:
A sterile processing manager should be familiar with sanitization and sterilization processes for every piece of equipment – no shortcuts allowed.
It’s crucial that the manager be not only familiar with and capable of these procedures but also able to explain and oversee the process for the other technicians.
See also: Sterile Processing Educator Interview Questions
3. How do you handle your workload?
Being a sterile processing manager is no easy task since it involves a lot of back and forth, communicating regularly with other staff members to ensure all equipment is clean and ready for use.
That workload doubles when you delegate tasks to technicians and take on all equipment responsibilities.
When answering this sterile processing manager interview question, refer to your dental experiences to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
Example answer:
I always try to get an early start to the day with some exercise to prepare me mentally for the workload.
I’ll admit that my past years as a sterilization technician have often been stressful.
Still, as I’ve grown, I’ve learned how to communicate with other staff members, get along with difficult coworkers, and interface with the dentists to establish a healthy workflow.
Doing so has helped me manage stressful situations and workloads.
4. How do you manage teamwork issues?
Teamwork is an essential part of a dental office, and learning how to deal with difficult people and situations must be the norm as a sterilization processing manager.
When evaluating this question, refer to previous conflicts that were peaceably resolved in your work experience.
Example answer:
Whenever there’s conflict, I always try to evaluate the other person’s perspective, whether it’s a dentist or another technician.
See also: Dentist Interview Questions
Establishing what everyone needs and ensuring all concerns are aired is important.
In response, I try to compromise and find a solution that works best for everyone.
5. What qualities are required of a sterilization processing manager?
Your hiring manager will likely ask you what’s required of a sterilization processing manager to assess how seriously you view the role and how you will approach it.
Answer this question honestly and refer to your experiences as a technician.
Example answer:
The essential quality of a sterilization processing manager is attention to detail.
It’s the skill that’s made me an excellent sterilization technician and is paramount for patient hygiene and cleanliness.
The second most important skill is leadership.
See also: Nurse Leadership Interview Questions
I fully understand the delegation role I must step into to ensure that all equipment is sterilized according to the proper protocol and done on time.
6. What are your strengths and weaknesses in a team setting?
As mentioned above, teamwork is essential to a functional dental practice, so evaluating what assets you bring to the team and what you need to work on is essential.
Example answer:
My biggest strength is communication.
As a prior dental practice technician, I was always sure to communicate clearly regarding what my supervisor expected of me and speak up about potential solutions to workflow disruptions.
See also: Dental Technician Interview Questions
I can tend to be a little blunt at times, which is a weakness I have been working on since entering the field.
Over the years, I’ve significantly improved at communicating fairly yet compassionately.
7. What strategies will you use as a sterile processing manager?
Your hiring manager will likely be interested in the strategies you plan to train new technicians and manage your time effectively to sterilize all the necessary equipment on time.
Example answer:
I plan to ensure that all technicians in my purview are correctly trained in sterilization procedures.
The less I have to oversee every step directly, the more competent newer technicians will become.
I also plan to interface regularly with the dentists to see if they have any feedback about equipment availability and incorporate that feedback into my delegated work schedule.
Sterile Processing Manager Interview Questions and Answers PDF
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Conclusion: Interview Questions for Sterile Processing Managers
Interviews can be stressful, and you shouldn’t worry if you’re nervous!
Think ahead on these seven essential questions to make sure you’re prepared for the interview ahead to answer each question honestly and clearly.
Good luck with your upcoming interview!
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