Practice 30 Surgical Technologist interview questions covering sterile technique, instrumentation, and OR protocols.
Question 14 of 30
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
Community Answers

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer may ask about a time you broke a rule at work to gauge your honesty and integrity and your ability to make difficult decisions and take calculated risks. They are not looking for a candidate who routinely breaks rules or disregards company policies, but rather someone who can think critically and act responsibly in challenging situations. By sharing an example of a time you bent a rule for the greater good, you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commitment to ethical behavior. Be sure not to fall into the trap of thinking that the interviewer is your friend, and you can tell them about ALL the rules you break at work! The hiring manager is looking for a light example of when you bent a rule for the greater good.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I am never one to break the rules out of rebellion, but I have bent one or two for the greater good of the patient. One time I can recall is when I had a patient in postoperative care. We have a rule of no mobile phones. His wife had a medical emergency, so I allowed him to have his phone with him after surgery. It didn't cause any harm to him, and he was very thankful for the empathy I showed for his situation."

Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Master scenario-based questions that assess your sterile field judgment and instrument knowledge.
Get StartedJump to Question

Written by Krista Wenz
30 Questions & Answers • Surgical Technologist

By Krista

By Krista