We’re excited to meet you, and we want you to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible. This page will provide you with all in the information you need for your interview.
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.
Please be assured that our approach to interviews is very informal, albeit important. The process will be a natural dialogue between you and the panel, led by specific questions. We essentially want to get to know you and discuss your ambitions, experience, understanding and the skills you have acquired.
You will be invited to attend either a on campus interview or a Microsoft Teams interview.
Both interviews will usually last approximately 20 minutes and will be led by a paramedic from our lecturing team. Your panel may also include a paramedic student.
If you are attending an interview on campus, please arrive 15mins prior to your interview.
Microsoft Teams interview
Although interview will be held virtually, we endeavour to provide you with a valuable and informative experience.
Prior to your interview day 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” 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.
Although I would encourage you, where possible, to use a PC/Laptop to join the meetings.
The interview question
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.
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:
Questions 2 - 4 are scenario-based questions:
Scenario: You are walking through a busy shopping centre when you notice a person has collapsed and appears unresponsive. People around you are unsure what to do and are starting to panic. You don't have any medical training or supplies, and an ambulance has been called but is 10 minutes away.
- What does being a paramedic mean to you? And why have you chosen to study Paramedic Science at The University of Staffordshire?
- What skills and experience do you have that would help you in this situation?
- What does professionalism mean to you, and how would you uphold it in this situation?
- How might you handle the bystanders, ensuring the environment remains calm and safe while you assist the individual?
- Tell us about a time when you had multiple important tasks or deadlines to meet at the same time. How did you prioritise, manage your time, and ensure the quality of your work?
- Can you share an example of a difficult experience you have faced and how you demonstrated resilience in overcoming 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.