17 Procedure Writer Interview Questions and Answers

Procedure writers create the step-by-step instructions that users rely on to complete tasks, whether it’s changing the oil in a car or conducting a scientific experiment. They use their skills in writing, editing, and research to ensure that the instructions they produce are clear, concise, and accurate.

If you’re applying for a procedure writing job, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your writing experience, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines. You may also be asked questions about your knowledge of the company’s products or services, as well as your ability to work independently.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample procedure writer interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the concept of workflow management?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of a specific process that’s important in the medical field. When answering, you can explain what workflow management is and how it applies to your role as a procedure writer.

Example: “In my previous position as a procedure writer, I was responsible for creating workflows for each department within the hospital. A workflow is essentially a map of steps that need to be completed before a patient receives care. For example, when working with the emergency room, I would create a workflow that outlines all of the procedures needed to treat patients who come into the ER. This includes everything from triage to diagnosis and treatment.”

What are the different types of procedures you could write?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the different types of procedures you could write and how they differ. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of each type of procedure, including when it’s appropriate to use them.

Example: “There are three main types of procedures I can write as a procedure writer. The first is SOPs, or standard operating procedures. These are documents that outline the steps for completing tasks within an organization. They’re usually quite detailed and include information on who should complete the task, what materials they need and how long it should take.

The second type of procedure I can write is PICs, or performance improvement checklists. These documents help employees identify areas where they can improve their work. For example, if someone consistently misses deadlines, I would create a PIC to help them understand why this happens and how they can change their behavior.

The third type of procedure I can write is OSPs, or operational standards procedures. These documents provide instructions for performing specific tasks in certain situations. For example, if my company needed to know how to handle a situation where a customer was unhappy with their purchase, I would write an OSP outlining the steps we should follow.”

How would you approach writing a procedure for a complex task?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach a task and the steps you take to complete it. Use your answer to highlight your critical thinking skills, attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Example: “When I write procedures for complex tasks, I first identify all of the steps involved in completing the task. Then, I create sub-steps that break down each major step into smaller ones. This helps me organize my thoughts and ensure I include every important detail. After writing the procedure, I proofread it several times to make sure there are no mistakes or missing information.”

What is your process for ensuring that your procedures are up-to-date?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and ensure that it’s effective. Your answer should show that you have a process for keeping up with changes in technology, regulations or other factors that may affect your procedures.

Example: “I use several methods to make sure my procedures are up-to-date. First, I regularly read industry publications and attend conferences to stay informed about new developments. Second, I ask colleagues if they know of any recent advances that could impact our processes. Finally, I update my procedures as needed when I notice something has changed.”

Provide an example of a procedure you wrote that improved efficiency within your workplace.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your experience as a procedure writer. They want to know how you can help their company improve its processes and procedures. In your answer, explain the steps you took to create the procedure and what impact it had on your organization.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that our team was spending too much time searching for documents online. We would have to search through multiple websites to find the information we needed. To solve this problem, I created a document library where all of our important files were stored. This made it easier for us to access the information we needed when completing projects. As a result, our team saved hours each week by not having to search for documents.”

If you were unable to complete a procedure for a specific task, what would your backup plan be?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle challenges in the workplace. They want to know that you can complete tasks and are willing to find solutions when things don’t go as planned. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure you meet deadlines and expectations for completing procedures.

Example: “If I was unable to complete a procedure, I would first try to reach out to my supervisor or manager to discuss the situation. If they were unavailable, I would contact another colleague who could help me with the task. If neither of those options worked, I would look at the resources available to me online and use them to complete the procedure.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker was following your procedure incorrectly?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle conflict and whether you’re willing to speak up. In your answer, try to show that you value the importance of following procedures correctly and are willing to help others learn.

Example: “If I noticed a coworker was following my procedure incorrectly, I would first make sure they understood the correct way to do it. If they still weren’t able to follow the procedure properly, I would offer to train them on it in person or over video conferencing software so they could watch me perform the task myself. This can be helpful for coworkers who have trouble remembering things from written instructions.”

How well do you understand technical terminology?

As a procedure writer, you will need to understand the technical terminology used in your organization. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to use specialized language and adapt it for non-technical users. Use your answer to show that you have experience with technical writing and can apply it to your new role.

Example: “Throughout my career as a freelance writer, I’ve worked with many clients who needed help translating their technical jargon into something their customers could understand. In fact, one of my current clients is an IT company that hires me to write content for their website. I am familiar with most computer terms and how they relate to everyday life. This has helped me create procedures that are easy to follow.”

Do you have experience using any specific software programs to create procedures?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience using specific software programs that help you create procedures. Use your answer to share which programs you have used in the past and how they helped you complete your work.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of software programs to write procedures, including Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro and SharePoint. I find these programs helpful for organizing my thoughts when writing a procedure because they allow me to use tables, lists and other organizational tools to keep track of important information. These programs also make it easy to collaborate with others on projects.”

When writing a procedure, what is your process for ensuring that your instructions are clear and concise?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your writing skills and how you approach a task. Your answer should show that you can write clearly, concisely and in an organized manner. You can also mention any specific tools or software you use to help you with these tasks.

Example: “I always start by reading the procedure I’m working on to ensure that it’s clear and easy to understand. Then, I’ll edit for grammar and spelling errors before moving on to formatting. After that, I’ll check my instructions again to make sure they’re accurate and complete. Finally, I’ll proofread one last time to look for any mistakes.”

We want to encourage our employees to seek out new knowledge and skills. How would you encourage your coworkers to try new things and expand their capabilities?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you might encourage your coworkers to learn new things and develop their skills. Showcase your ability to be an encouraging and supportive team member in your answer.

Example: “I think it’s important for everyone on the team to feel comfortable asking questions or admitting when they don’t know something. I would make sure that my coworkers knew I was available to answer any questions they had about the procedures I write, and I’d also offer to review their work if they wanted feedback. This way, we could all support each other as we learned more.”

Describe your experience working with others in a team setting.

Teamwork is an important skill for a procedure writer to have. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you collaborate with others on projects. Use your answer to highlight your teamwork experience, including any specific examples of when you worked well with others in a team setting.

Example: “In my current role as a medical transcriptionist, I work alongside two other transcriptionists and one editor. We all use our different skills to complete the same project, which requires us to communicate with each other regularly. For example, if I notice that there’s a mistake in the transcriptions, I’ll let my teammates know so they can check their work too. Then we discuss what needs to be done to fix it.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, it can be helpful to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention any certifications you have in the medical field.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a nurse. In my previous role as a registered nurse, I was responsible for creating patient care plans with physicians. This helped me develop an understanding of what procedures are most effective for patients. I also have extensive knowledge of medical terminology, which helps me write clear instructions for nurses.”

Which industries do you have the most experience working in?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience level and how it relates to their company. It’s important to show that you have relevant experience for this role, but also that you’re open to new industries or types of work.

Example: “I’ve worked in healthcare my entire career, starting as an assistant procedure writer at a large hospital before moving on to a smaller medical center where I was responsible for writing all procedures for staff members. I’m excited about the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills by working with a larger team.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of a procedure?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of procedure writing and what you consider important. Your answer should include an explanation of why this aspect is so important, as well as how it can help improve the company’s processes.

Example: “I think that the most important part of any procedure is clarity. If employees don’t understand what they’re supposed to do or how to do it, then there’s no point in having a procedure at all. I always make sure my procedures are clear and easy to follow so everyone understands exactly what they need to do.”

How often do you think procedures should be updated?

This question can help interviewers understand your approach to updating procedures and how often you do it. Your answer should show that you are willing to update procedures when necessary, but also that you know when not to update them.

Example: “I think procedures should be updated as soon as there is a change in the company’s policies or processes. However, I am aware that sometimes this isn’t possible because of budget constraints or other factors. In these cases, I make sure to document why the procedure hasn’t been updated so that if the situation changes, we have an idea of what needs to be changed.”

There is a discrepancy between your procedure and the actual results of a task. How do you react?

This question is a great way to determine how you react in stressful situations. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to admit your mistakes and learn from them. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Example: “If there was a discrepancy between my procedure and actual results, I would first look at the instructions I gave to the team members. If they were clear and concise, then I would check the task list for any errors. If everything looks good, then I would re-evaluate the procedure and make sure it’s accurate.”