Abstract
Graduating midwives unsuccessful in gaining employment in their preferred model/location;
or finding a job within a year of graduation are more likely to leave the profession.
Obtaining post-graduate midwifery employment is competitive with midwifery students
needing to confidently sell themselves to potential employers. Whilst midwifery students
may be prepared with the requisite midwifery skills and knowledge, there is no guarantee
of attaining a midwifery position upon graduation. Increasingly employers are requiring
‘soft skills’ including communication, teamwork, reflexivity and personal attributes
of the individual to be able to effectively respond within different contexts. Demonstrating
these skills within an employment interview requires confidence and knowledge in how
to prepare. Designed with health service partners, simulated employment interviews
were introduced into the final year of a Bachelor of Midwifery program as part of
a suite of employability strategies connected to the student lifecycle. An exploratory
evaluation study of students ‘experiences of a simulated employment interview was
undertaken. The simulated interview emulated real employment interviews with students
receiving immediate written and oral feedback. Evaluation through surveys, focus groups
and individual interviews provided rich data around the effectiveness of this approach.
Students, health service partners and academics found the simulated employment interview
provided a valuable learning experience, assisting students to reflect, explore and
further develop skills sought by employers. Collaboration with health service partners
created an authentic process enabling students to receive feedback relevant to the
real world of practice. Students were able to work through anxiety, gain confidence
and exposure to employers in preparation for employment interviews.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 07, 2019
Accepted:
October 14,
2019
Received in revised form:
October 13,
2019
Received:
May 7,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
