Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if it is for a position that you are particularly passionate about, whether you are just beginning your ultrasound career or are advancing in the medical imaging field. What can you do to improve your chances of landing the job? Here we share important tips as well as sample interview questions.
Keep in mind you were called in for the interview. This means the prospective employer has a hunch you have what it takes—they see the potential in you and feel your skills and experience may be an ideal match. Embrace this and walk inside that interview room confident (but realistic and not arrogant). Before you walk in, poised with a smile on your face, wearing attire that oozes success, take some steps to adequately prepare so you know how to ace the interview.
Before going into the interview, do some basic research on the employer. “Whether you are interviewing in a hospital or a private practice, it is important to find out as much as possible about your prospective employer before you walk in for the interview,” states the The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). For example, if you are interviewing for an ultrasound technician position at a medical center, find out what kind of sonography services the center provides, the range of patients they serve and the make-up of that particular healthcare department. It is also important to research the particular position you are interviewing for. This may involve requesting a detailed job description, reviewing it beforehand and working out how you are qualified for each of the required duties.
It never hurts to have a dress rehearsal for your upcoming interview. Come up with a series of questions you anticipate being asked and ask a friend, family member or mentor to go through a trial run with you. As you rehearse, try to come up with specific examples and answers that reflect your individuality so that your responses do not appear generic.
2. What made you interested in pursuing a career in Ultrasound (or Radiologic Technology or Medical Imaging)?
15. Describe a time where you disagreed with a colleague and how did you resolve this?
16. Do you value continuing education and if so, what areas would you like to further study?
Before setting out for your interview, there are a few things that you pack to bring with you. The night before, set aside your best interview clothes and pack extra copies of your resume and references, a pen and a notebook (for note taking) and directions to the interview location (so you can ensure you will arrive 15 minutes early).
You should also come with a few questions written down for the employer interviewing you. More times than not, at the end of the interview, you will be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” If you do not ask any questions, it may appear you are not interested in the position.
• What is a typical day like here or how would you describe the work environment? (For example, is it fast-paced, unpredictable, highly scheduled, etc?)
During the Interview • Be yourself. It is better to come across as a little nervous but genuine, rather than scripted, phony and sounding like everybody else.
• “Regardless of how you act under pressure, take advantage of the pause…” states ReadyPrepInterview.com. “Pause before providing a response to each interview question asked. Use the time to formulate your answer.” That way you can give an answer that fully represents your distinctive talents and expertise. It also shows your answers are not scripted and you are taking a few moments to answer the questions as genuinely as possible.
The winner of the Spring 2022 Sonography Student Scholarship is Jessica Dondlinger! Jessica will be attending Washburn University’s DMS program.
A graduate of Gwinnett Tech’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, Candice Marie Sellers, RDMS was awarded top clinical student honors in her class!
The Learning Curve: The Skilled Sonographer, DruAusten Fields, RDMS (AB, OB/GYN), RVT shares her Sonography Story!
How to ace your sonography college program interview
General sonography interview questions
As your interview begins, a hiring manager may ask some general questions to better understand you as a candidate and as an individual. Questions may relate to your personal life, interests, experiences and professional motivations. Using these questions, a hiring manager can gather useful information about your history in the field, why you enjoy it and what you understand about their company. General questions may also ask about your general work skills, such as communication skills, patient approach and writing skills.
These general questions can also help your interviewer understand your speaking patterns, tone of voice and mannerisms. Your answers are opportunities to be casual, explain your passions and be honest with the person youre speaking to. Some general questions you may encounter during your sonography interview include:
What is your reaction to something alarming that the patient hasn’t yet noticed?
An employer may ask this question because, as a sonographer professional, one of your duties is to remain calm around each patient, even if your scan discovers an issue. In the medical field, when faced with something alarming, a suitable response is to remain objective and refer the patient to their doctor for consultation about the results. When answering this question, consider situations youve faced in the past and possibly answer with a story of experience.
Example: “If the image showed something medically concerning, I would stay focused on my responsibilities to get the best possible images for the referring physician. I would stay calm and continue informing the patient about the steps of the procedure, avoiding any reference to my concern. After the scan, Id let the patient know that their physician can access the scan soon and remind them of their follow-up appointment. Their doctor has expertise, knows the details of their case and is in the best position to evaluate their scan.”
Questions about experience and background
Questions that an interviewer may ask about your experience and background can allow you to detail your qualifications as a sonographer. You can explain your work history, specific patients youve helped, difficulties youve encountered in the job and your most recent position. Consider using these questions to showcase the responsibilities youve managed, the people youve trained or the accomplishments from previous positions that may highlight your previous experience.
Interviewers ask these questions to learn more details about your working experience. Although your resume provides a summary of your experience, these questions allow you to elaborate on specific important details and provide examples of your qualifications. Some questions about experience and background may include:
Before the Interview
What Are The Roles Of A Sonographer?
A sonographer uses a device known as a sonogram to conduct diagnostic analysis of disease or pregnancy-related imaging using ultrasound waves. The results help the doctor to analyze the results, diagnose the underlying medical condition, and prescribe treatment accordingly. It is a non-invasive test and the primary imaging test often referred by doctors. The roles and responsibilities of a sonographer are critical and multifaceted. The following are the roles of a sonographer:
I would appreciate any advice you could give me! Like I said, I am scared and nervous. I honestly dont know what I will do if I dont get in…I have done all these pre-reqs and now am in student loan debt. I am not in my early 20s or just out of high school either. 10-13 out of 40-50 students get in. Radiology and Nuclear med are alternative careers but Ultrasound is where my interest is.
So my interview is coming and those are some questions I am prepared to answer. I am just curious how others answered. My program is very competitive and I am an A student in my pre-reqs. So the interview is really my make it or break it moment and I am terrified! My understanding is there is going to be a panel of 10-12 people interviewing me. I am going to wear a pant suit. A lot of questions were to be about our observations hours…that I did not get to do due to Covid so those hours were excused. But obviously, the questions wont be asked. The interview is supposed to be about 15 minutes.
FAQ
How do I prepare for a sonography program interview?
- How do you keep accurate patient records? …
- What is your reaction to something alarming that the patient hasn’t yet noticed? …
- Tell us more about what sonography equipment you have experience working with.
How do you answer why do you want to be a sonographer?
“I have always wanted to understand how the human body works. I chose to be an Ultrasound Tech because I knew it would give me exposure to the medical field and allow me to use and grow in my technical skills. I love learning and helping others. I think I will be a great fit for this position!”
Is sonography school harder than nursing?
What are the 3 most important attributes an ultrasound technologist must have?
