A HUGE Congratulations! You've received an interview offer for your dream job in the NHS. This opportunity brings you one step closer to your career aspirations in the UK. Based on my personal experience, I can confidently say that once you've secured an interview, you're already 75% on your way to getting the job. The interview process primarily aims to understand you better, delve into your background, and assess your interpersonal skills.
Upon receiving an interview invitation via your chosen platform (e.g., trac/NHS jobs), make sure to promptly book your interview slot. It's best not to wait until the last moment, as they usually interview 8-10 candidates in a day, and you don’t want to be the last person to get interviewed. You'll typically have around one week to prepare from the time you receive the email to your interview date.
Expect to face a panel of interviewers, typically consisting of 3-4 people, including consultants and HR representatives. Although it might seem intimidating at first, rest assured that they are genuinely interested in finding the right candidate and will strive to make the experience comfortable and friendly, resembling a casual conversation. Remember, they're not there to judge you but rather to assess your suitability for the position. You've made it this far, indicating your competence and potential to excel. Ensure to dress in a smart and formal manner to present yourself at your best.
Before the interview, you'll likely receive a Microsoft Teams link for the virtual interview (I don't fully know how in-person interviews work). For a smooth experience, ensure you use a desktop or laptop rather than a tablet or phone. Always perform a trial run beforehand to check your internet connection. I once learned this the hard way during an interview from a prestigious trust while on a trip. I had relied on my tablet and experienced connectivity issues, resulting in a last-minute rescheduling of the interview. Fun fact, I managed to receive a job offer eventually but I wouldn't recommend following my lead in this regard.
Resources for interview preparation:
Now, let's explore the essential steps for effective interview preparation. The overall framework remains the same for every job interview, but some points may vary depending on the specialty. To help you excel in your upcoming interviews, I've compiled a list of essential resources that will give you a competitive edge and boost your confidence.
Guide to ST Interviews:
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone preparing interviews. You can easily find it online for free or purchase the offline version. Reading this guide is a MUST before your interview, as it comprehensively covers almost every potential question that the interviewers may ask you and how to tailor your responses accordingly.
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine:
Regardless of the specialty you're interviewing for, having this book at your disposal during your preparation will prove immensely beneficial. It contains valuable information on emergencies and common topics within various medical disciplines.
Specialty-Specific Oxford Handbooks:
In addition, consider acquiring Oxford Handbooks specific to the specialties you've applied for, whether it's Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGY), or any other specialty. Use them as quick references to brush up on specific topics and enhance your understanding of the respective fields.
Technique to structure your responses:
One of the most effective techniques to ace your interview is by using the STAR approach—a structured method for answering questions that will leave a lasting impression on your interviewers. I will break it down for you with an example:
Situation where you showed empathy towards a patient. What did you do well and what could you have done better?
Situation: (Describing the situation or context providing necessary background information)
I attended to a patient who felt constantly giddy and experienced persistent headaches. The imaging results were inconclusive, leading to requests for further complex investigations. The patient was overwhelmed, seeking more information, and emotionally distressed.
Task: (Your core involvement in the situation and why you were a pivotal part of it)
Recognizing her vulnerability, I aimed to provide both medical clarity and emotional support during this challenging time.
Action: (Actions you took to address the situation highlighting your problem-solving abilities, leadership, teamwork, and other relevant skills)
After attending to immediate responsibilities, I sat with her, speaking gently, and gave her the space to express her emotions. I actively listened as she shared her worries and doubts. With empathy, I clarified the importance of the additional tests and reassured her that she was not alone in her journey.
Result: (Outcomes of your actions, positive impact you made, the results achieved)
The patient found comfort in opening up about her personal problems at home. In addition to addressing her medical concerns, I provided her with psychological support and referred her to a psychologist for further counseling.
Reflection: (Any lessons learned from the experience)
In hindsight, I realized the significance of giving her more time to share her feelings fully. In future situations, I may consider involving a staff nurse to provide additional reassurance to the patient. Despite this, my approach successfully attended to her emotional and medical well-being.
I know while nerves can make it challenging to stay organized during the interview, strive to structure your answers as much as possible. I have used this approach and I assure it is an effective method.
"Tell us about yourself" or "Take us through your CV."
You'll likely encounter one of the most common yet critical interview questions. This seemingly simple question is your golden opportunity to shine and impress the interviewers. To excel in your response, I'll share a strategic approach called the CAMP method, ensuring you leave a lasting impression. CAMP approach meaning highlighting your Clinical, Academic, Management and Personal attributes in that order. Please ensure that the duration does not surpass 3 to 4 minutes. I am giving an example of how I went about this question:
Introduction: I am Dr. Tejaswini, I completed my MBBS in May 2021 from … I secured … (if you have received any significant awards). My aspiration to become a doctor comes from… I did my internship training at ... which is one of the biggest hospitals …
Clinical: My rotations in Medicine, Surgery, OBGY, Emergency Medicine, etc., have honed my skills, allowing me to actively manage a diverse range of outpatients and inpatients, as well as medical emergencies. I learnt … (generic but strong points) After my Internship, I worked as a …. I did a clinical attachment at … Currently I am currently working as …. I am actively involved in ...
PLAB: I gave my PLAB exams in 2022, moved to the UK for PLAB 2 and did the ALS course by UK resuscitation council while I was there. (You can incorporate this chronologically wherever relevant)
Academic: I have a strong academic record and was awarded with (any awards and distinctions). I have a formal/informal teaching experience to medical students and nursing staff various procedures and common topics., etc. I am currently doing a … (any course/degree in teaching)
Management: Along with academics, I was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities such as: include any organizational work, public health related work, research, publications, audits, exchange programs, paper presentations, etc. My experiences have taught me the value of teamwork and effective project management.
Personal: Along with medicine, I am also passionate about ….
Future plans: My next plan is to start a job in UK and build my portfolio by doing some research and audits, CBD, and miniCEXS and then apply for a Core training job in Internal and take the royal college membership exams this year.
Remember to personalize your responses to reflect your individual journey and aspirations. Tailor your answers to align with the job you're applying for, emphasizing the qualities and experiences that make you a unique and ideal candidate.
Some commonly asked questions asked during the interview:
Why this trust?
Before the interview, invest time in researching the trust you're applying to. Identify its core values, clinical accolades, and unique offerings. During my interviews, I conveyed my genuine interest in the trust values, how I am enthusiastic for being part of the prestigious institution and how it will propel my career growth.
Why this specialty?
Honesty is key when answering this subjective question. If you're interviewing for a specialty different from your current pursuits, explain your curiosity and interest in exploring this new field. Avoid generic responses and provide compelling reasons for your choice. Demonstrating a well-thought-out decision-making process will enhance your chances of impressing the interviewers.
Your strengths and weaknesses?
For these commonly asked questions, create a list of 3-4 points for each. Focus on realistic answers that highlight your potential as a competent and caring doctor. Emphasize strengths that align with the job requirements and showcase how they contribute to your patient care approach. Regarding weaknesses, discuss areas you're actively working on improving, displaying a commitment to continuous growth.
Clinical scenarios:
The nature of clinical scenarios may vary based on your specialty. Ensure a structured approach by using the STAR method (as mentioned previously). Draw on your PLAB 2 preparation and oxford handbook knowledge to confidently address scenarios. Demonstrating your problem-solving skills and safety-oriented mindset will leave a positive impression.
Ethical scenarios:
Your PLAB 2 preparation has already equipped you with essential skills to handle ethical scenarios. Recall your training in breaking bad news, counseling, empathy, and sympathy. Apply these skills to navigate ethical dilemmas during the interview. Your notes and experiences will serve as valuable resources to refresh your understanding.
Clinical governance related questions:
Thoroughly acquaint yourself with clinical governance concepts by referring to the comprehensive book, 'Guide to ST Interviews.' Familiarize yourself with audits, quality improvement projects (QIPs), and the audit cycle. While prior audit experience is advantageous, don't fret if you lack it. Focus on grasping the basics and demonstrating your willingness to learn.
Research and Audit Experience:
If you've engaged in research or audit projects, share your experiences and any published papers. While having prior experience is advantageous, remember that it's not a deal-breaker if you haven't had the opportunity yet. Focus on your enthusiasm for research and audit work and showcase your ability to apply these skills in the future.
Teaching experience:
In the UK, teaching experience holds significant value. Whether it's conducting formal seminars or informal teaching sessions on the wards, mention your experiences and their impact on your growth as a professional. (Utilize the STAR approach) If you've pursued courses or degrees in teaching, highlight them to demonstrate your commitment to education.
NHS experience:
If you've had the opportunity to do a clinical attachment in the NHS, leverage this experience during the interview. Share what you learned during your attachment, including insights into the healthcare system, experiences with doctors you worked with, and the specific tasks you were involved in. Articulate how this firsthand experience has equipped you with valuable skills that will contribute to your success in the role you're applying for.
Short term and long-term goals:
By the time you've reached the interview stage, you likely have a clear vision of your professional journey. Outline a rough plan and confidently present it during the interview. Express your aspirations, for example, envisioning yourself as a Medicine Registrar in five years or a Cardiology Consultant in ten years. Demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth, it will leave a positive impression.
Hobbies and personal interests:
Every interviewer is interested in knowing what you do apart from academics and medicine and about your life away from hospital. They want you to have hobbies, trust me. This is a gold mine question for me, and I have always had a lot to talk about. Be genuine and enthusiastic while discussing your interests, as interviewers can easily discern authenticity. Also, given how busy and taxing our job gets, it’s always preferable to have hobbies for our mental wellbeing.
Current problems faced by NHS and solutions to that:
I was asked this question in one of the interviews, I hadn’t prepared for it or anticipated it. But we all keep up with the news in the NHS and it came handy. Draw on your knowledge from reputable news sources and social media to discuss the current challenges faced by the NHS. Provide thoughtful and realistic solutions, showcasing your ability to think critically and approach problems analytically. Remember, the interviewers are interested in understanding your thought process, and there's no need to have all the answers; it's about your approach.
Your Questions and Concerns:
During the interview, you'll likely be asked about your availability to join if selected. Be clear and confident in communicating your potential start date, considering any notice periods or prior commitments. Additionally, use this opportunity to ask any questions or seek clarification on aspects of the job or the relocation process. Having well-thought-out questions demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you gather crucial information.
As you prepare for your interview, keep in mind that there may be unexpected questions, and that's completely normal. Trust in your ability to structure your answers and showcase your competence and enthusiasm. Be confident in your abilities and experiences and remember that it's alright if you can’t answer a question or two out of the 10 amazing answers you gave. The journey to this point has prepared you well, and you're fully capable of handling any challenge that comes your way.
Believe in yourself, be genuine, and let your passion for medicine and the NHS shine through. Best of luck!
Additionally, I want to express my gratitude for the incredible response to my Mastering the Post-PLAB Quest: Finding Your Ideal NHS Job blog. It brings me immense joy to share the information I possess and put it out there for others to benefit from. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended solely for educational purposes and general guidance. The tips and suggestions offered here are based on personal experiences and research, and while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, it cannot guarantee applicability to individual circumstances.
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