In this insightful interview, Sarah Wilkerson shares the key personality traits she seeks when hiring new Infection Preventionists (IPs) and the importance of finding candidates who genuinely understand and connect with the role. For Sarah, the first indicator of a strong candidate is preparation; she looks for individuals who have done their homework and familiarized themselves with the basics of Infection Prevention, perhaps through resources like the APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) website. This initial step shows commitment and signals that a candidate is willing to put in the effort to understand the field.
Curiosity is another core trait that Sarah values in a prospective IP. She views asking questions during the interview as a sign of an engaged and eager mind, one that is not only interested in the role but also enthusiastic about learning and growth. In her experience, candidates who approach the interview as a conversation—rather than just responding to questions—tend to be more suited to the collaborative and investigative nature of Infection Prevention. A lack of curiosity, on the other hand, raises red flags for Sarah, as it may indicate that the individual might struggle in a role that requires continuous questioning, learning, and adaptation.
Sarah also emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and genuine enthusiasm. Infection Prevention is a demanding field, often requiring resilience, adaptability, and collaboration across departments. Sarah explains that candidates who bring energy, positivity, and a genuine interest in the work are more likely to thrive in this setting. An interview, she notes, should feel like a mutual conversation rather than a formal exercise, allowing her to gauge whether the candidate will bring the right spirit to the team.
To better understand a candidate’s personality, Sarah incorporates questions about their interests outside of work and what they find fulfilling in their jobs. By learning about what brings candidates joy and motivation, she gets a glimpse into their values and whether they align with the collaborative, proactive nature of Infection Prevention. This holistic view of the candidate helps Sarah ensure that new hires not only fit the technical requirements but also the cultural and interpersonal dynamics of her team.
Through her thoughtful hiring approach, Sarah highlights the importance of personality in Infection Prevention. By prioritizing curiosity, positivity, and preparation, she builds a team capable of meeting the demands of Infection Prevention with enthusiasm and resilience. Her focus on finding the right fit, both technically and culturally, reflects her commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive environment within her team. For more on Sarah’s approach to building successful teams, check out her full interview coming soon on Voice for Infection Prevention.