Acing interviews

Interviews are structured around the person specification. Each member of the interview panel will have a specific area of questioning on which they will focus. These areas include: clinical experience on your CV, academic interests, teaching and current issues facing the NHS. Although the interview questions vary, the information gathered from each candidate is similar to make sure that the interview process is fair. It also helps the panel come to a decision as candidates can be compared more easily. 

Interview panels tend to ask open questions, which gives you the opportunity to display your knowledge in your answers. There’s usually a question about clinical practice – you will also be asked about difficult clinical situations. It’s also important to mention when asked that as well as using your own knowledge, you would also consult colleagues in more senior positions to find the best course of action. There are often questions on managing difficult patients or colleagues. Talk to consultants and other senior staff for advice on how you might deal with these situations so that you are armed for the interview.

How to prepare

It’s crucial to review the person specification so that you know exactly what the interview panel are looking for. You should also review your CV and career to date and think about your strengths and the things you would like to mention. Work out what your trump cards are beforehand so that you can lay them all out on the table during the interview. For example, if you did a good piece of work on a rare disease and you want the panel to ask about it, make sure you’ve prepared answers that someone from a non-medical background can understand and that you can show how the skills you’ve learned from that experience are relevant to the job itself. 

As well as looking at the specifics of the job, do some research about where you will be working. Look at what the trust or hospital specialises in and use it to impress the interviewers, eg ‘I decided to apply for a position in this trust because it specialises in …’ You might also consider contacting the present incumbent in the role or arranging a visit to the hospital. Finally, make sure that you arrive at the interview on time so you don’t start off on the wrong foot – first impressions really do count. 

DR ANDREW FRANKEL is director of the NORTH WEST THAMES FOUNDATION SCHOOL.