Perioperative assistants aid operating room personnel and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) staff by performing various tasks. A perioperative assistant may perform nursing and non-nursing tasks such as removing IV’s from patients, assisting restless patients recovering from anesthesia, keeping post anesthesia care units clean, stocking supply closets, and answering telephones. There are several things you can do to prepare for an interview as a perioperative assistant to ensure that you put your best foot forward.

Do your homework. Learn pertinent information about the hospital or medical facility you are applying to and impress the interviewer when asked if you know anything about the organization. Be confident in your explanation of what you learned about their organization.

Make sure you have a copy of your resume. If you applied for the job online, you probably had the opportunity to upload a resume. Sometimes the resume does not convert or print well through online uploading tools. Take along a few clean copies of your resume, printed on resume paper for the interviewer to look at during the interview. Make sure that your previous experience shows why you are a good fit for the perioperative assistant position you are applying for.

Get copies of your CPR certification and high school diploma or GED. It is always good practice to have copies of your professional certifications, accomplishments or achievements. If you have advanced or specialized medical training that would be valuable to the prospective employer, take copies of those with you as well.

Prepare answers regarding work experience. If you worked in another post-anesthesia care unit, be ready to give detailed information about your job responsibilities. If you worked in another medical facility, prepare to discuss how your previous duties qualify you for the position you are applying for.

Practice good communication skills. Rehearse your answers to anticipated questions aloud. Since you are applying for a job working with patients, it is important to have excellent communication skills. Show the interviewer that you can communicate well.

Dress to impress. First impressions are always important in the interview process. Although you may be required to wear a uniform to work, now is the time to make sure the interviewer knows that you care about your appearance. Professional attire may include dress pants or slacks, a professional shirt or blouse, skirt or dress. Be mindful of wearing perfumes, lotions or deodorants that may be strong, overbearing or offensive.