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Questions to practise
How do you support a birth plan?
They want to know if you respect what each person wants for their birth.
Say how you learn the plan. For example, you read it with her early and ask questions. Say how you keep her wishes in mind during labour. Give one short real example if you can.
What do you do when a birth plan has to change?
Plans often change. They want to see that you explain changes clearly and kindly.
Say that you explain the change before it happens, if possible. Use simple words. Say why it is needed and what happens next. Show that you still listen to her wishes.
Can you tell me about an emergency you helped with?
They want to see that you act safely and quickly under pressure.
Tell one real story. Keep it short. Say what happened, what you did yourself, and how it ended. Say clearly when you called for help. Use 'I' for your own actions.
In your emergency story, when did you call for help, and why then?
This is a common follow-up question. Safe midwives escalate early. They want to know you don't wait too long.
Give the moment you noticed a problem and the moment you called. Say what you saw, for example a change in the baby's heart rate or in the mother's condition. Use your own real example, in your own words.
In that emergency, what did you do yourself?
This is a common follow-up question. They want your own actions, not only what the team did.
Name two or three clear actions you took. For example: you called for help, stayed with the mother, and explained what was happening. Then say the result. Don't only talk about 'we'.
How do you give a handover to the next midwife?
Clear handovers keep mothers and babies safe. They want to see good teamwork habits.
Describe your usual steps. For example: key facts first, any risks, the birth plan, and what needs checking next. Say that you give the next midwife time to ask questions.
How do you work with doctors and other staff on a busy unit?
Birth units need strong teamwork. They want to know you communicate well and respectfully.
Give one concrete habit. For example, you share changes quickly and clearly, and you speak up when you are worried. A short example of good teamwork helps.
A family is upset because the plan has changed. What do you say to them?
They want to see that you stay calm and clear with worried families.
Say the words you would use. Say that you listen first, then explain what is happening in simple words, and what comes next. Stay calm and honest. Offer to answer questions.
How do you keep a partner informed during labour?
Partners are often worried. They want to know you include them kindly.
Say you tell the partner what is happening, in short and simple words. Say you check they understand. Give an example, like explaining a monitor or a change in position.
Tell me about a birth you remember well.
They want a real story that shows your care, skills and values.
Choose one birth. Say what the person wanted, what you did, and how it ended. Show respect for her wishes. Keep personal details private. You can begin: 'Let me think of one birth I remember well.'
Let me think of one birth I remember well.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
Let me think of one birth I remember well.
I read the birth plan with her early.
I explain any change before it happens, when I can.
I escalate early. I don't wait when something feels wrong.
I called for help at once and stayed with her.
I tell the family what is happening in simple words.
Common questions
How long should my answers be?
Aim for about one minute for most answers. For a story, say what happened, what you did, and how it ended. Then stop. The interviewer can ask more questions if they want more detail. Short and clear is better than long.
What if I can't think of an example?
It is fine to pause. You can say, 'Let me think for a moment.' Before the interview, prepare two or three stories: one about a birth plan, one about an emergency, and one about a worried family. Then you have something ready.
Should I say 'I' or 'we' in my stories?
Use both, but focus on 'I'. Teamwork matters, but the interviewer wants to know what you did yourself. Say clearly what you noticed, when you called for help, and what actions you took. Then say how the team worked together.