The Inside Scoop: Interview Prep & Insight

How would you rate your interviewing skills? Although there is no true formula to calm your nerves for a panel interview, we believe the more you practice and prepare, the better the outcome!

Structured Oral Interview (SOI)

All applicants who are successful in the Application Review phase of the hiring process will be invited to attend a Structured Oral Interview(SOI). We are now conducting these interviews virtually. Below you’ll find more information about the SOI, which will help you better prepare yourself for this required step in our hiring process:

• The SOI Panel is made up of a three-person team that includes a member of Human Resources, a Captain, and a Commander.
• Each SOI will take approximately 30 minutes and will consist of eight interview questions that are based on the qualities and attributes of a Field or Communications Medic (depending on the position you are applying for). Each candidate will be given two minutes at the start of the interview to tell the panel a little bit about themselves and their professional experience.

Possible dimensions of the interview questions for Field (F) and Communications (C) are:

• Honesty/Integrity (Both F & C)
• Teamwork (Both F & C)
• Empathy/Compassion/Selflessness/Humility (Both F & C)
• Stress Management/Adaptability (Both F & C)
• Self-Motivated/Discipline (Both F & C)
• Decision Making/Judgement & Reasoning (Both F & C)
• Relating with Diverse People/Customer Advocacy (Field only)
• Multi-Tasking (Communications only)

Due to the Field-specific and Communications-specific interview questions, if you are an active candidate in both Field and Communications hiring processes, you will have to sit for two SOIs (one specific to Field and one specific to Communications). This is the only phase of the hiring processes that you will be required to duplicate as a dual candidate.

The SOI is a timed interview with 3 minutes given per question. Be aware that this is longer than it sounds!

All candidates will receive a Pass/Fail result shortly after the conclusion of the interview.

The SOI score determines your rank on the Initial Ranked Civil Service list.

If you have actively served in the Military, received an Honorable discharge, and submitted your DD-214 by the application deadline, you will be eligible to receive an additional 5 points toward your SOI score.

Tie-breakers are determined according to the candidates’ application date and time.

Those who are not successful in passing the SOI will not be given any feedback. Keep in mind that unsuccessful SOI attempts have no impact on future hiring processes.

Tips for Success:

• Think of (work-related) situations you have experienced that will showcase each dimension.
• Practice with a friend while keeping the time so you familiarize yourself with how three minutes feels.
• Try not to over practice! Avoid sounding robotic or over rehearsed.
• The panel is interested to know your qualities. Think of your answer as a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

During the SOI, the Assessor will read each question aloud, with the candidate able to follow along on their screen. The time clock will start when the Assessor says, “You have 3 minutes to answer this question”. The time clock can be seen on the screen along with the question so that time can be managed.

Some candidates opt to utilize a pad of paper and a pen/pencil during the SOI. You can choose to gather your thoughts and write them down prior to telling the panel your answer. If you are finished and there is still time, go ahead and look at the answer again to see if you missed any follow up parts. Try to refrain from repeating what you have already said.

Make sure you speak loud and clear, sit up in your chair, and keep your hands under control.

If you run out of time and did not finish your answer, shake it off, take a deep breath and prepare for the next question. Don’t let it effect the rest of your interview.

Even though the assessors will be taking detailed notes, keep good eye contact through your camera at all times.

If you are passionate about your job, let it show throughout your interview!

Remember, this is a professional process so dress for success!

Arrive on time! You are expected to enter the virtual room on time — not early or late. Late arrivals/no-shows will be disqualified with no exceptions.

If you have never participated in a virtual interview please let the Recruiting team know prior to your scheduled SOI. We are happy to conduct a software test with you to ensure that everything works properly before your interview.

To learn more review the Structured Oral Interview Candidate Orientation & Preparation Guide.

Interested in a career with ATCEMS? Contact our Recruiting team at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov or give us a call at 512–974–1098. You can find dates for the hiring process elements here.

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This publication features ATCEMS work culture and the lives of our medics. *Readings from other publications posted to Medium do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Austin-Travis County EMS, the City of Austin, or Travis County*

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974–3210 or TTY (512) 974–2445.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. ADA Office: (512) 974–3256 TDD (512) 974–3303.