What to expect during your interview
The focus of your interview is to ensure that you reflect the values of the University and the Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) profession.
Your interview is an opportunity to tell us why you want to start your journey to becoming an ODP here with us at the University of Staffordshire. It is also time for you to show us what skills and experiences you have had previously that have shaped you into the person you are today as well as demonstrating why these skills will aid you on your path to becoming a registered ODP.
The interview
If your interview is via Microsfort Teams, you will be sent an email detailing all the relevant information of how to join your teams interview as well as contact details in case you encounter any issues on the day. You will also receive an invitation with your specific time slot for your individual interview. Please ensure that you take note of this time.
The invite will have a “Click here to join the meeting” message which is located near the bottom of the email, which you will need to click, and your interview panel will admit you into the interview.
The links below are guides for joining Microsoft Teams via a PC/laptop or mobile. It is recommended that you use a PC/laptop.
The interview questions
We know that interviews can be a daunting event however good preparation is key to helping you show us why you would make an excellent ODP.
To ensure every candidate has the same opportunity to highlight their key achievements, skills, and experiences we are enclosing examples of our interview questions you may wish to consider:
- Why do your want to be an Operating Department Practitioner?
- What have you done to prepare yourself to study ODP?
- What do you understand the role of the ODP to be?
- What do you think a patient and family expects from an ODP?
- What challenges do you think you will face and how will you manage these?
How to prepare
During your interview we will be looking to see:
- Your current understanding of the role of the ODP
- Who regulates ODP as well as our professional responsibilities
- What qualities should ODPs demonstrate
- What challenges you feel you may encounter and how you may overcome these
- How have you prepared yourself for studying at Staffordshire University
Here are some good ways to research the profession you want to join:
- Familiarise yourself with our regulating body, The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is vital to show that you fully understand what is expected of you as an ODP student but also what is expected once you qualify.
- Think about reading some recognised professional journals or listening to the many podcasts available. You may also find it helpful to see what topical issues are voiced within the news and social media.
- Consider taking some additional courses. There are many free courses available to increase your academic skills as well as some that relate specifically to ODP. Digital skills can also be particularly helpful.
- Think about how you will manage your work life balance - being organised is the key. Studying ODP is a full-time course with not only your academic work to consider but also working on placement. This does equate to a full working week and many students need to balance this with their home lives. Consider what support you may need to enable this.