What to expect during your interview
The focus of your interview is to ensure that you reflect the values of the University and the paramedic profession.
Your interview is an opportunity to tell us why you want to start your journey to becoming a paramedic 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 paramedic.
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 Paramedic.
- Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in paramedic science, and what steps have you taken to explore or prepare for this field?
- What skills and experience do you have that are applicable to being a Paramedic?
- What does professionalism mean to you, and how would you uphold it?
- Paramedic Science is a rewarding but challenging degree. What challenges do you think there are and how do you plan on mitigating them?
- Describe a time when you were in an unfamiliar or high-pressure situation. What did you do, and what did you learn from it?
How to prepare
During your interview we will be looking to see:
- Your current understanding of the Paramedic role
- Who regulates us as well as our professional responsibilities
- What qualities should Paramedics 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:
- You should thoroughly research your choice in the Paramedic profession. Be prepared to be able to discuss the role and importance of organisations such as the College of Paramedics and The Health and Care Professions Councils.
- You should familiarise yourself with Staffordshire University and the structure and content of our course. This could be through our website, YouTube channel or social media or through other university metrics.
- Have a good general awareness of the current trends in paramedic practice or research by reading a recognised paramedic journal or listening to a podcast.
- We are aware that many of the typical routes and experience such as volunteer organisations or observation opportunities have been curtailed due to the pandemic. Any experience such as customer service or caring for a loved one can be used to illustrate the communication skills and care we look for in prospective paramedics.
- Good interpersonal skills are vital when you are looking to engage in a career which involves working within unplanned emergency care.
Other points to consider:
- Ideally, you should be a car driver or aim to have passed your test and have daily access to a vehicle by the start of your first placement. Placement can be across the West Midlands Ambulance Service area and is not limited to Stafford and the surrounding areas.
- Consider your work/life balance and home circumstance and the impact of a full-time course which involves placement on shift work (such as lates, nights, weekends, bank holidays).
- Additionally, many ambulance services require a C1 (LGV) license as an essential criterion for employing staff, whilst this isn’t an essential criteria for commencing your degree training it may be worth considering.