Jenny Caroline Leggott's diary

I felt very old fashioned this week and considering I'm only 21 this is not good!

I'm currently going for interviews to hopefully gain a place on a Paramedic Science course...well at least I thought they were interviews... So far I have had two experiences which were both classed as such, yet didn't match my expectations at all.

The first was classed as a group interview and appeared to start as soon as we entered the building. Someone was standing with a clipboard in the corner and taking notes as all the applicants chatted to each other. It was sooooooo weird - slightly "Big Brother" too. Then it began properly. We all had to introduce ourselves in front of the interviewers and the rest of the group - that was scary - why is it that everyone else always seem better??? GRRRRR

Our first assessment was to get into two groups and build a box in a specific way using foam jigsaw shapes (like kids have!), but without speaking or making any noises. This was probably the most bizarre experience ever. Everyone was making the strangest hand signals and pulling the funniest faces too - bless! The second task wasn't that exciting - just a simple presentation about the role of the paramedic in promoting health and well being in the community. Oh and to top off the day I managed to walk 25mins to the pub to see my work mates and fall over right in front of the pub in my beige trousers and cover one side in mud as well as knocking my knee so hard it looks like it's done a round with Lennox Lewis!!!

Today, I had my second interview - different location this time. A much less formal setting with a few uni bods who seemed so chilled they could have been penguins! The interview itself was one-to-one but was conducted more like a chat with your mates down the Union. The two paramedic interviewers were relaxed which was good as it helped me to relax and just focus on being me. Overall, a much nicer experience and I felt much better after this one.

Funny that I used to have the idea that interviews were boring, stuffy and unfriendly - these two were certainly not! Makes me wonder what the logic behind both styles is...hmmmmm. Oh, and I hope I'm successful in at least one of them too!!!