Preparing for the Real Thing with Practice Interviews: A Graduate Paramedic Perspective

Behavioural interviews are a critical component of the job application process for ambulance services in Australia. They involve role specific open-ended questions that are designed to test an applicant’s skills, eligibility and experience. It is a process that is standardised and can be practised to increase familiarity and performance. Existing literature supports the benefits of practice interviews ahead of real interviews to improve applicant performance and subsequent employment success. The objective of this study was therefore to examine paramedic graduates’ perceptions on the value of participating in practice interviews before seeking employment with an ambulance service. Methods Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic) at Monash University in Victoria took part in a cross-sectional pilot study. Three paper-based surveys were created to assess the value of practice interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Results Fourteen (n=14) students participated. All participants agreed or strongly agreed that practice interviews would help them gain employment. All participants perceived that practice interview helped improve their confidence and preparation for their actual interview. Conclusion Practice interviews were found to be a positive and worthwhile undertaking. They increased confidence and improved preparation through practise and feedback. Participants agreed that they were valuable and perceived that they led to improved performance in their real interviews and subsequent employment success.