30 Radiologic Technologist Interview Questions

1.

What supervision style do you prefer to work under?

The correct answer to this question is that you can work under ANY type of supervision style. You wouldn't want to bring up a particular style for fear that the interviewer is the total opposite. Let the interviewer know that you've worked under various types of supervision and you've been successful under all of them.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I've worked under all types of leadership styles and have been able to work under all of them. I do find that I work best with a supervisor that is confident, hard working and possesses the same integrity as I do."

Heather's Answer #2

"I've had the opportunity to work and excel with all types of supervision."

2.

How would your former employer describe you?

Word travels fast when you are looking for employment. Hopefully you made a good impression with your current employer and they will say a few kind words about your work ethic if called on as a reference. Tell the interviewer about your professional work relationship with your past employer.

Ryan's Answer #1

"

Heather's Answer #2

"My former employer would describe me as one that led by example in the department. I made a point to always be on time, assist my co-workers and treat each patient with dignity while maintaining my professionalism."

Anonymous Answer

"My informer employer described me as a on time person with high responsibility, so does need to assist her co-workers and treats each patient with dignity."

Lauren's Answer

Great start; it’s great to convey your previous employer’s feedback regarding your work ethic and interpersonal skills. I edited your grammar and some of the wording.

"My former employer has provided positive feedback on my performance and patient care. I have been described as a highly reliable, helpful, and patient-focused employee. I go above and beyond to ensure patients are treated with dignity and respect."

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3.

How do you prevent personal burnout?

Talk to the hiring manager about how you balance work and play. Discuss ways that you ensure you do not experience burnout.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I am careful to keep a balance in my life in order to prevent personal burnout. Working out regularly and reading books on my downtime is a very helpful way for me to avoid burnout."

Heather's Answer #2

"To prevent personal burnout I relax with yoga each morning for 20 minutes before I start my day."

4.

How would you respond to a patient who refuses an X-ray?

Difficult patients will show up in your day every now and then. Tell the hiring manager how you deal with difficult patients.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I give difficult patients the same care that I give cooperative patients. I find that patients that refuse X-rays generally are anxious about the scan and just need their mind put at ease and their questions answered."

Heather's Answer #2

"I would first ask the patient if they had any questions. I've found that by listening to the patient I can determine why they are refusing care."

Anonymous Answer

"First, I give difficult patients the same care that I give cooperative patients. I find that patients refuse x-ray or scan are anxious about the exam and just need their mind put at ease and their questions answered."

Lauren's Answer

You provided a great perspective that will be well-received with an interviewer. I provided some alternate wording to enhance your message.

"In my experience, patients refuse x-rays or scans due to anxiety or fear of the unknown. When faced with a nervous or reluctant client, I offer as much information I can about the exam. Typically, patients’ minds are more at ease, and they are more willing to participate."

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5.

What makes a good leader?

Discuss with the hiring manager what you feel are important qualities for strong leadership. Have you had a memorable leader? Perhaps you have been a good leader.

Ryan's Answer #1

"During my training I had a really amazing leader. She was thoughtful, attentive, and thorough. I believe these qualities are what made her team want to listen and learn, from her. I always told myself that when I am in a leadership position I would try to emulate those qualities as well."

Heather's Answer #2

"A good leader is one that is well rounded in the job, willing to help others, confident and displays a high level of integrity."

6.

How would your co-workers describe you?

When answering this question you will want to consider qualities that are relevant to this position. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and technical mindset are all important characteristics for any Radiologic Technologist. Show off your strengths, like having a good attitude when faced with difficulty or being willing to go above and beyond expectations to help someone out. Don't be afraid to brag a little, but keep it relevant.

Ryan's Answer #1

"My peers would describe me as an energetic, hardworking, knowledgeable Tech. They would say that I'm always willing to help others and that I love my job."

Heather's Answer #2

"My coworkers would say that I always come to work with a positive attitude ready to start the day."

7.

What skills would you like to develop in this job?

When answering this question be sure not to answer that 'you are a perfectionist' or you 'don't have any skills to improve.' Focus on a work skill you would like to improve that is not critical to your industry or job level and demonstrate how you would like to develop this skill further implying you already have a level of competency.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I would like to further develop my leadership skills by actively mentoring others. It is important to not only help others around you learn, but to also help them develop their skills and achieve their objectives. I believe this will help me become a much more effective manager in the future and create a more positive and productive environment for my work team."

Heather's Answer #2

"I'd like to develop my public speaking skills. In my current job we've recently started weekly training where we each teach a topic in front of the staff. It's been challenging for me to speak in front of other and I'm hoping it gets easier each time I present."

8.

What do you know about our organization?

This question is being asked of you to see if you did your homework on their facility. Discuss the main population you'll be seeing, the awards they've won, the size of facilily and how long they've been taking care of the community. Be positive in your answer.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I want to work in a large hospital environment because it provides opportunities for me to expand my knowledge with training and by working alongside experts."

Heather's Answer #2

"Your facility has one of the top-rated cardiac units in the country, and I am interested in utilizing my experience with cardiac patients in a hospital engaging in the latest research and techniques."

9.

What is your ideal schedule?

This question could be a way for you to flip the tables and find out what schedules they work and what they wanted the new hire to work in. Be sure to voice at this time if day shift is the only shift you can work because of other obligations.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I'm available to work any shift you need me on. What shifts do you all have here? Was there one that you needed me to fill? "

Heather's Answer #2

"My ideal schedule would be an evening shift. I'm a bit of a night owl and enjoy working the night shift."

10.

How are your administrative skills?

For some, administrative duties are the boring part of the job. Complete notes, update charts and organized paperwork will make your day go so much smoother. Let the interviewer know that you are an organized person that excels at administrative duties. An added bonus to this answer would be to mention that you enjoy supporting your administrative staff when they need assistance. Always a great idea to show you're a team player.

Here's a sample answer: "Whenever I get some downtime I like to work with the administrative team at the front desk. I help them answer phones, pull charts and enter notes. I've found that when we all work together the day goes much smoother."

Ryan's Answer #1

"Whenever I get some downtime I like to work with the administrative team at the front desk. I help them answer phones, pull charts and enter notes. I've found that when we all work together the day goes much smoother."

Heather's Answer #2

"I have great administrative skills! I always make a point to take a few minutes to chart on the patient before moving to the next. Staying on top of my administrative tasks helps me not get bogged down and behind."

11.

As if explaining this to an 8 year old, how does a CT scan work?

As a Radiologic Technologist, you come in contact with various types of patients. Patients that are sick, nervous and at times energetic like children can be. The interviewer is asking this question to rate your communication skills.

Ryan's Answer #1

"Before performing a CT scan on children I've found it helpful to bring them into the room and show them around before the scan. Explaining how the machine moves around them, allowing them to test out the table where they will lay and showing them where their parents will wait until it is finished."

Heather's Answer #2

"When explaining a CT scan to a child I would be sure to be down on his level, talk softly and answer any questions they may have."

12.

What are your salary expectations?

The compensation question can be very difficult to answer. It's always best to start with what you are currently earning and then discuss what your future compensation goals look like.

Ryan's Answer #1

"Currently, I am earning 55K per year. I'd like to stay in this salary range. What range are you offering for this position?"

Heather's Answer #2

"After researching the average salary for this location it seems that my current salary of $60K is quite comparable."

13.

What is the basic difference from an MRI and a CT scan?

The interviewer is asking you this question to question your knowledge in the career field. As a Radiologic Technologist, you learned early in your training the difference between the scans. Be confident in your answer and feel free to add how many years of experience you have in both areas.

Ryan's Answer #1

"CT scans use X-rays and MRI scans use powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal body structures."

Heather's Answer #2

"CT scans use X-rays and MRI scans use powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses. I've been performing CT scans for 4 years and assisting with MRI's for 2."

14.

Are you able to work well with a team?

Your resume shows that you possess the skills to do the job, now the interviewer wants to see if you can work well with others. Tell the interviewer about a few of the characteristics you possess that will come in handy while working on a team. Do you follow or lead well? Do you keep the team organized? Are you the one that always seems to make others smile?

Ryan's Answer #1

"I do work well within the team. I'm often asked to be the lead of projects because of my time management and organizational skills. I don't have any problems delegating work, keeping a team on schedule and following up with people in order to accomplish a goal."

Heather's Answer #2

"Absolutely! My approach with patients is to work within a multidisciplinary team. It's important that we work well together to provide the best care for the patient."

15.

What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

Preparing for this question requires a little bit of self-awareness and strategy. Focus on a weakness that you could possibly turn into a strength. Share something you are proactively working on improving. Tell the interviewer about a weakness and show how it has helped strengthen the ability to complete tasks and reach goals. Always share what you are learning or have learned from your weakness. This shows your interviewer that you are adaptable and willing to grow.

Ryan's Answer #1

"Sometimes I move too quickly when completing a project under a deadline, and that's when I make mistakes. I have learned to slow down and plan out how I will use my time, setting benchmarks along the way so that I can check in to gauge my status on the project and see how far I am from reaching my goal."

Heather's Answer #2

"Sometimes I have worked through my lunch break. I've come to realize that taking a break is necessary in order to not make mistakes. I've been better about taking a much-needed break and allowing my co-workers to take care of the patients while I am gone."

16.