EMT Interview Questions and Answers

In order to get a job in the field of Emergency Medical Services, every aspirant needs to go through an interview process. A panel of experts put some questions on various aspects related to the candidates’ job profile, in order to judge their knowledge and skills, keenness to work in the field and to know how their skills will benefit the emergency service provider. This interview process can be really challenging as you will have to face the questions related to emergency treatment trends, and practical and ethical scenarios.  If you are worried about your performance in the EMT job interview, then the following tips and interview questions and answers will be of great help to prepare for one of the toughest phases of your career.

Understanding EMT Interview Pattern


An EMT job interview pattern involves simple to complex questions covering the skill set, personal life and career ambition of the candidate. The questions asked will be categorized into the following:

  • Behavioral based questions
  • Questions based on ethical scenarios
  • Site specific questions
  • Skill specific questions

Apart from the above-mentioned categories, the candidate may expect questions based on general knowledge, industry trends, and sometimes related to the current affairs too. Understanding the blueprint of the EMT interview questions will help you a lot in succeeding and coming up with the flying colors.

The following are common questions that are asked in most of the EMT job interviews. The answers for the same are also provided below.

1. Tell us about yourself.

The right answer to this question is to talk more about your skills which are specific to this job. Many candidates make a mistake by talking about their schooling, graduation and more, but a short introductory note about yourself and your interests, and then ending the answer with your ambition will be sufficient.


2. Tell us about your weaknesses.

This question is the most deciding question and most of the candidates make a mistake by answering that they have no weaknesses. Avoid listing out your weaknesses rather talk about your weakness which you have overcome. Talking about past weaknesses is a great way to answer this question. But never make up a new weakness just for the sake of answering.

3. Brief about your career goals.

Split your career goals into smaller segments and how it helps fulfill your long-term goals. For example, first, say that you would like to clear the interview and perform the given job with utmost excellence. Then talk about how you see yourself 5-10 years down the line. Discuss short-term goals which are practical and achievable with a neat explanation.

4. Why do you think you will fit this position?

Simply list your skills and workplace competencies that you think will best fit the position. You can talk about your strengths in relation to the job opening and can also talk a little about your career goals.

5. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the past year?

This is the most typical question asked in every EMT interview. Make sure you match the answer to this question with the information you have provided in the cover letter and your resume. You can mention a wide variety of skills you have learned in the past. If you have gone through a refresher course then it is very good to state the new set of skills you have learned.

Express your keen interest towards learning new things in the upcoming years. Eagerness and enthusiasm to learn new things will surely impress the panel.


6. What have you learned from your past mistakes on the job?

Is there anything that has happened which would strain your credibility? If so, avoid mentioning such incidences. You can talk about your past mistakes and the lessons you have learned from it. Make sure not to make it big; otherwise, it will affect the confidence of the interviewer on you. The crux behind this question is to know whether you are having the ability to learn from your mistakes and how positive minded you are.

7. Why are you leaving this position? (refers to your last job)

Talking negative things about your previous employer or the job position is a bad interview manner. So, make sure you list out the reasons that are fair enough and in no way related to the attitude of your employer. A few common reasons that are considered as valid can be:

  • Work in an advanced environment
  • Further education
  • The bigger concern with desired career growth
  • Getting a senior position
  • Salary Increment
  • Contract expiry or termination

8. What are your salary expectations?

Be a little tricky while answering this question because this question gives a clearer picture of you to the interviewer. When this question is asked, instead of giving a direct answer, you can give a range, or it is much better to ask a few questions before giving answers.

Ask the employer about the range they would prefer to offer for this position. Some interview panels will let you know the salary figures they are going to offer whereas some others won’t do it. Once they give you an idea of the remuneration offered, express your expectation in a wide range.

9. Tell us about your leadership qualities.

If you have held a leadership position in the past, then talk about how you managed your team. If no positions held then talk about how well you coordinate with the team and what are your strategies to get the best out of your team. Never criticize your ex-leaders rather talk about the good qualities in them that have inspired you.


10. Are you a good team player?

This is a decisive question. Explain in a positive manner how you have worked well with your team in the past and let them know what you can do for your team, in order to produce the best results.

Here are a few more sample questions that you may face in your EMT job interview.

  • Are you overqualified for an EMT basic job?
  • Measure your past job performance.
  • List out your top 3 skills as an EMT.
  • What do you know about the current trends in the field of EMS?
  • How do you scale growth once you are selected for this position?
  • Describe a typical work week for you.
  • What do you do to prevent yourself from getting emotional or panicking at work?
  • List out your strengths.

You must give positive answers to all of the above-listed questions to perform well in the EMT job interview.

Useful Tips

Here are a few useful tips that will help you crack the EMT interview:

  • Always rehearse the interview model questions before attending the interview.
  • You can also get an idea about interview questions online.
  • Be enthusiastic, smart and have a smiling face when you answer the questions.
  • Don’t let your nervousness overtake your ability to answer and think.
  • Act as a medical professional. Cut your hair, shave neatly and wear light colored clothes while going for an interview.
  • It is important to act comfortable and confident during the interview.

There are multiple online sources that provide EMT interview question bank. Do research online and read these question banks to enhance your knowledge about EMT interview process.

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