Because of the level of formality involved with applications for all State or Federally provided jobs, the job descriptions tend to both waffle and be frustratingly vague. This isn’t helpful if you’re interested in paramedic jobs, or even if you’re trying to figure out quickly if you’re qualified for the position being advertised.
Cutting through the waffle can be a challenge, deciding if you’re suitable for the job is worse, and the actual process of applying makes many people wonder why they wanted the job in the first place.
That said, the process of applying for paramedic jobs is doable, but it requires some stamina and an understanding of what people are looking for.
For a start, assume that you need to be well qualified. Most employers that recruit paramedics are all too aware of the high turnover rates they suffer – paramedics both burn out and get promoted very rapidly – and of when each batch of graduates will be coming out of training from Universities and vocational trainers in their catchment area.
They tend to time their intakes to these periods so as to snaffle up the best and brightest recruits. With unemployment phenomenally low amongst qualified paramedics – the take-up rates for job offers directly after graduation is above 90% in most States – if you don’t have the right qualifications, then you’re going to have to punch well above your weight. If that’s the case, then what you’re probably better off working under a traineeship or a student paramedic job.
Assuming you have the right qualifications, then you need to consider whether the job you’re looking at is an entry-level, straight-down-the-line paramedic position or whether it has special requirements. Employers will be up-front about this, and whether they will provide specialist training if there is such a need, for example, for aerial paramedics or a particular deployment.
If you’re unsure as to what sort of experience an employer is looking for, contact them and ask. Often they will be vague on the application’s outline to try and cast as wide a net as possible, but human resource managers generally have an ideal candidate in mind.
Of course, if you have basic paramedic qualifications then your training provider will usually be able to point you in the right direction as far as where the jobs are going. It makes sense for all parties concerned to have paramedics filling positions as soon as possible; in fact, being wooed by one particular employer over another can be an intensely flattering experience for someone recently graduated.
Joining a union is often an excellent way to both hear about positions opening and potentially receive some additional support and assistance in applying for paramedic jobs. Unions don’t like their members to be out of work, and often have contacts within the Health and Care industries that can smooth over or streamline the application process. Don’t expect favoritism from being in a union, but it’s never going to hurt.
Taking a direct approach with employers can be a two-edged sword, but is effective if done properly. If you are considering applying to one position that’s been advertised, we strongly recommend making personal contact with whoever’s managing the application process. Even a two or three minute phone call can let you scope out the feel of the position, give you an understanding on how it’s come about – retirement, promotion of the incumbent, etc – and give you an idea of the competition.
Some jobs are advertised from a legal necessity to make someone a permanent appointment, and will already have someone ‘acting’ in the role. If they’ve been there for a while and have no performance issues, you will be fighting a very strong uphill battle to dislodge them and it may be worth spending your time on other applications.
Don’t worry if your resume is a little sparse if you’re still coming out from training or have recently graduated. Any voluntary experience on your part will be looked at favourably by potential employers, but if that’s a little thin on the ground, don’t loose too much sleep over it.
We wish you the very best in finding the absolute best paramedic job for you!