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
Your interview will be conducted on our video interviewing platform, Shortlister. You will receive an email from us if you have been selected for interview and then you will hear from Shortlister with your log in information.
Once logged in, you will find a lobby area with a few tips on how to navigate around the platform, a practise area where you can try out answering a few questions. Please note that the first question will always ask for a form of ID to be shown to the camera. This must be photo ID (a passport, driving license – full or provisional, or a college ID card).
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 publish our interview questions. The questions are:
- Please show a form of ID
- Why do you 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 Operating Department Practitioner to be?
- What do you think the patient and family expects from an Operating Department Practitioner?
- 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 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.