got an interview for paramedic science from UEA, help please!

guys im nervous this is gonna be my first interview and im scared im gonna flop it. what if they ask a question i havent prepped for at all, and im just looking like a dumb fish trying to answer it help

Reply 1

McGinger

Look at the 'Skills' section in this job description and think about what examples you could use to show that you have the right skills and attributes - Paramedic: Salary and job description | Prospects.ac.uk

Reply 2

UEA Rep Rosie

Official Rep

Original post

by zyzrui

Hey!

Firstly, this is really normal, everyone feels nervous before interviews! It sounds like you’ve done some preparation already which is really good! I’m not sure if you’ve already looked but the paramedic science website (https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/bsc-paramedic-science) has info on what to expect from the interviews and how to prepare yourself. Other than that, working out how to calm yourself down before interviews will be really valuable, if you use any techniques before exams (for example listening to music or watching a tv show) you can use those too! I would focus on just being yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or to admit what you don’t know, it’s always better to be honest and interviewers will value this!

Good luck, I hope it goes well for you!
UEA Rep Rosie 🙂

Reply 3

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by zyzrui

Hey @zyzrui

First of all congratulations!! Paramedic science can be such a competitive course so well done on the interview offer.

Here’s a post i created on paramedic science interview tips — hopefully this helps :smile:

.

———————————————————————

I had no idea where to start when preparing for myparamedic science interview, so here’s some tips Iwish I had! These will also be applicable to many other allied health professions courses.

•🚨NHS Values + 6Cs - Research these and tryand link these values to personal experiences.

•🚑HCPC code of conduct - The HCPC is theregulatory body for paramedics and other alliedhealth professions. It’s good to understand what is expected of you.

•🚨Understand the career - This may sound likean obvious one to some but as a paramedic youwon’t always be responding to life-threateningcalls. You can attend a wide range of patients in aday. Make sure you properly research the career prior to your interview.

•🚑Have an understanding of some latest topics of discussion in the field, upcoming research, challenges faced, etc.

•🚨Dress smartly - whether your interview is inperson or online, it’s good to show the interviewerthat you have made an effort.
•🚑Show your passion and know why you want to be a paramedic!

•🚨Reflect - Not everyone will have previoushealthcare experience (and that’s okay!) Make sure to reflect on the experiences you have and how they will help you as a paramedic.

•🚑Be realistic about challenges - university canbe a stressful time and you may be exposed todifficult experiences on placement. How will you cope with these and know when to seek help.

•🚨Ask something at the end of the interview.

Finally, it’s okay to be nervous! Interviewers are expecting it.

Get more advice for your interview:https://bit.ly/3ZYrueL

Molly
BCU Student rep x

Reply 4

UEA Rep Gaowa

Official Rep

Original post

by zyzrui

Hi there — first of all, take a breath. What you’re feeling is completely normal, especially for a first interview. You’re definitely not alone in this.

A really important thing to remember is that interviewers don’t expect you to have a “perfect” answer to every question. In fact, they often intentionally ask questions you won’t have pre-prepared answers for. They’re not trying to catch you out — they want to see how you think, how you communicate, and how you handle unfamiliar situations.

If you get a question you haven’t prepared for:
• It’s absolutely okay to pause and think for a moment.
• You can say something like, “That’s a really interesting question — let me take a second to think about it.”
This shows confidence and thoughtfulness, not weakness.
• Focus on structuring your answer clearly rather than being “perfect”.

Also, interviews are not exams. You’re not being judged on knowing everything — you’re being judged on whether you’re genuine, reflective, and willing to learn. A bit of nervousness is actually a good sign; it means you care.

Finally, remember this:
👉 They invited you to interview because they already see potential in you.
The interview is just a conversation to get to know you better.

You’ve got this — and no one looks like a “dumb fish” in an interview, even if it feels that way in your head 🙂

Good luck — you’ll do far better than you think.

Reply 5

zyzrui

Original post

by BCU Student Rep

Hey @zyzrui
First of all congratulations!! Paramedic science can be such a competitive course so well done on the interview offer.
Here’s a post i created on paramedic science interview tips — hopefully this helps :smile:

.
———————————————————————
I had no idea where to start when preparing for myparamedic science interview, so here’s some tips Iwish I had! These will also be applicable to many other allied health professions courses.
•🚨NHS Values + 6Cs - Research these and tryand link these values to personal experiences.
•🚑HCPC code of conduct - The HCPC is theregulatory body for paramedics and other alliedhealth professions. It’s good to understand what is expected of you.
•🚨Understand the career - This may sound likean obvious one to some but as a paramedic youwon’t always be responding to life-threateningcalls. You can attend a wide range of patients in aday. Make sure you properly research the career prior to your interview.
•🚑Have an understanding of some latest topics of discussion in the field, upcoming research, challenges faced, etc.
•🚨Dress smartly - whether your interview is inperson or online, it’s good to show the interviewerthat you have made an effort.
•🚑Show your passion and know why you want to be a paramedic!
•🚨Reflect - Not everyone will have previoushealthcare experience (and that’s okay!) Make sure to reflect on the experiences you have and how they will help you as a paramedic.
•🚑Be realistic about challenges - university canbe a stressful time and you may be exposed todifficult experiences on placement. How will you cope with these and know when to seek help.
•🚨Ask something at the end of the interview.
Finally, it’s okay to be nervous! Interviewers are expecting it.
Get more advice for your interview:https://bit.ly/3ZYrueL
Molly
BCU Student rep x

tysm!!!

Reply 6

zyzrui

Original post

by UEA Rep Gaowa

Hi there — first of all, take a breath. What you’re feeling is completely normal, especially for a first interview. You’re definitely not alone in this.
A really important thing to remember is that interviewers don’t expect you to have a “perfect” answer to every question. In fact, they often intentionally ask questions you won’t have pre-prepared answers for. They’re not trying to catch you out — they want to see how you think, how you communicate, and how you handle unfamiliar situations.
If you get a question you haven’t prepared for:
• It’s absolutely okay to pause and think for a moment.
• You can say something like, “That’s a really interesting question — let me take a second to think about it.”
This shows confidence and thoughtfulness, not weakness.
• Focus on structuring your answer clearly rather than being “perfect”.
Also, interviews are not exams. You’re not being judged on knowing everything — you’re being judged on whether you’re genuine, reflective, and willing to learn. A bit of nervousness is actually a good sign; it means you care.
Finally, remember this:
👉 They invited you to interview because they already see potential in you.
The interview is just a conversation to get to know you better.
You’ve got this — and no one looks like a “dumb fish” in an interview, even if it feels that way in your head 🙂
Good luck — you’ll do far better than you think.