Deputy Director Matanuska-Susitna Borough EMS Palmer, Alaska
Description: Wanted: One EMT/Paramedic. Requirements -- must be brilliant, compassionate, physically fit, psychologically sound, and have a strong work ethic. They should value teamwork and be flexible enough to change assignments on short notice. They should be patient and understanding, able to work easily with all kinds of personalities. Resilience and willingness to learn preferred.
Sound good? Sure does. Now, how do we find these unicorns?
Unfortunately, all we have to go on is our pre-employment process. If your applicants are not meeting your needs coming in the door, then look at the process that brought them there. The battery of tests that your agency uses to screen candidates needs to be optimized to elicit as much information as possible, focused on the attributes and skills your agency's culture values or is looking to develop.
This presentation will look at various ways to adapt and improve the interview process. What kind of questions should you ask? Should you use a written assessment or physical test? Will the scenario be simulation, live actor, or tabletop? Can you interview a distance applicant? No process is perfect, but come figure out what you should look for to get the most out of your screening.
Learning Objectives:
Assess the needs of the department and tailor the interview process to facilitate finding candidates who will best meet those needs.
Adapt questions from non-EMS sources that are applicable in a prehospital context.
Identify poorly constructed interview practices and revise them to improve recruitment outcomes.
Evaluate your recruitment process for effectiveness and review suggestions for improvement.
