Common radiographer interview questions and how to answer them

If you’re in the process of applying for jobs as a radiographer, you may be wondering what you’ll be asked when it comes to the interview stage.

Rest assured, we can help you prepare. At Pulse, we’ll support you at every stage as you look for your new role. Our candidate care team offers full CV support and interview advice, in addition to the guide on common radiography interview questions we’ve provided here.

Although it’s never possible to predict everything that an employer or hiring manager will ask, there are some radiography interview questions that frequently come up. Familiarising yourself with these will give you useful areas of discussion to think about in advance.

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Common interview questions for radiographers

We have looked at some of the most common radiographer interview questions asked for locum and permanent roles, followed by ideas for how to answer them.

Interview questions for permanent radiography roles

1. What do you like the most about being a radiographer?
2. How do your own values match those of our company?
3. How do you deal with the pressure of working as a radiographer?
4. What is your best attribute that supports your work as a radiographer?
5. How do you keep up with the latest news and developments in radiography?
6. How would you deal with a challenging patient?
7. What would you do if a physician didn’t agree with your findings?
8. How do you help patients to feel prepared for imaging procedures?

It’s important to know that there’ll be other questions you’re likely to be asked. However, the information we’ve put together will help as you prepare and give you a strong head start.

1. What do you like the most about being a radiographer?

This is where you can demonstrate the passion you’ll bring to the role. Your answer will, of course, be personal to you and you’ll already know what you love about radiography. However, it will help to name something that shows what drives you to do good work from day to day.

For example, you could discuss how you love supporting patients in managing their health as you play an integral role in their diagnoses.

2. How do your own values match those of our company?

This is a chance to demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the employer you’re applying to, as well as showing that you’ve done your research.

Your answer should align with the mission of the company. If the company’s mission focuses on patient care, an example answer could be that you’re equally as passionate about placing the needs of the patient at the centre of care at all times.

3. How do you deal with the pressure of working as a radiographer?

Radiography interview questions are likely to include this, as the employer will want to know how you would handle any possible challenges. Show that you know how to take control of your own wellbeing.

You could say that you know the importance of taking a break to recharge, as well as naming any self-care methods you use such as deep breathing, exercising or spending time in nature.

4. What is your best attribute that supports your work as a radiographer?

When you answer this question, discuss qualities that match the desired skills mentioned in the job description. If you consider it a genuine strength that you possess, choose something that shows how you will perform the role well.

This could be something like having good problem-solving abilities, attention to detail or strong communication skills.

5. How do you keep up with the latest news and developments in radiography?

This is a radiographer interview question that gives you an opportunity to state how proactive you’re in keeping your industry knowledge updated.

You can cite examples of resources such as The Society of Radiographers, RAD Magazine and Radiopaedia. It will further strengthen your answer if you can give examples of any events you’ve attended, or plan to attend.

6. How would you deal with a challenging patient?

This is one of the radiographer interview questions that will give a clear picture of how you conduct yourself professionally.

You could give an example of when this has happened before, showing how you have previously helped to put a patient’s mind at ease. It is a good idea to show that you have empathy and understand the stress that can be experienced by patients.

7. What would you do if a physician didn’t agree with your findings?

In this case, you can show that you’re confident in your skills and can calmly and professionally state your point of view to your colleagues. You’ll need to also state that you can take on the opinions of others and see things from their perspective, with an understanding of how to work together to find a resolution.

8. How do you help patients to feel prepared for imaging procedures?

This is another of the key radiographer interview questions, as this element of patient support will be a regular feature of your role. Show that you’re used to considering the needs of patients by talking the interviewer through your usual process.

This could include outlining everything that will happen during the procedure and always giving the patient a chance to ask questions.

Interview questions for locum radiography roles

At Pulse, we have a wide range of locum roles available for radiographers. For these positions, the interviews are often more informal and conversational. They’re also likely to be with a member of our team, who will look to understand more about your skills, experience and career goals.

We’ll typically ask you questions around:

1. Radiography skills
2. Qualifications
3. Personality/fit
4. Experience in the UK
5. Compliance

Sometimes, there will be an informal interview with the client too where they ask you one or two radiographer interview questions.

Find your next radiography job at Pulse

You go above and beyond, so we do too. Register your interest in a radiography job or browse our available radiographer vacancies to find you perfect role and apply today.