Medical Interviews, Hospital Interview, Medical Doctor, ST and GP VTS Interviews:
What to expect and how to answer specialist Interview Questions
By Annette Lewis
Having worked in recruitment in the Healthcare sector I am often asked for tips and guidance on how to succeed in medical and healthcare job interviews and what interview questions one should expect when interviewing for Medical Interviews and Doctor and Hospital Jobs including ST and GP places.
Competition for ST places in 2008 is going to be even tougher with the Department of Health predicting an average 3:1 ratio of applicants to places.
This article reflects the 2008 MMC Recruitment Process and the information here is designed to help candidates interviewing for Medical and Hospital Jobs and Junior Doctor positions at Specialty Training and GP levels, and is also relevant for:
-F1 and F2, Foundation Interviews
-ST, CT and FTSTA Interviews
-GP VTS and GPR Interviews
-Consultant and Senior Medical Appointments Job Interviews.
My Top Tips for Success in Medical Interviews, Hospital Job Interviews Medical Doctor, ST and GPVTS Interviews
Surveys suggest that between 80%-90% of candidates fail to prepare adequately. They take the view that their CV is so good they will sail through the interview or believe that it is impossible to anticipate the questions asked and therefore no point in preparing answers. This attitude will lead to failure.
I know from experience that preparation is key to success and key steps you should take include:
- Review the Person Specification in depth and detail all of the key competencies, personality skills and clinical skills required
- Carry out research into the recruiting hospital, trust or clinic. What is its reputation? How did it perform against its targets? What are the issues it is facing?
- Review your CV and application form and be aware of your skills, your achievements, your strengths and your weaknesses
- Create a list of the most likely questions and prepare answers giving examples where appropriate .
- Be prepared for a Structured Panel Interview as this is now commonly used in the Healthcare Sector
- Practice your answers in advance by taking part in a mock interview with a friend or colleague
- Practice with Role Plays and Group Discussions as these are standard at Stage 3 GP Selection Centres
The NHS Medical Interview Structure
Within the NHS today, you will be asked to take part in a Structured Interview in front of a panel of interviewers or number of stations.
Each panel/station will have a different topic to explore with you such as:
- Eligibility,
- Clinical Skills
- Research and Audit
- Personal Skills,
- Probity
- Commitment to Specialty
While the format changes regally, expect 3-4 questions from each panel and as this is a structured interview each candidate will be asked exactly the same questions with no deviation from the script.
In 2008, some Deaneries have used one station to take candidates through a communication exercise. This involved describing items on a table.
For GP VTS selection interviews you will be asked to participate in a patient simulation (role play) with an actor taking the part of the patient. In addition, Group Discussions are the norm and you will be asked to complete a Written Exercise.
For Salaried GP and Senior Medical Appointments, a presentation is common. You will be given time to prepare for this but do check in advance on the availability of equipment such as projectors etc.
Click here to learn how to succeed in your Medical Interview
Sample Interview Questions for Hospital Job Interviews, Medical Doctor, ST / GPVTS Interviews:
For example, how would you answer these questions?
Interview Question 2: 'Describe a recent patient interaction which shows your ability to create trust and what steps would you take to develop an effective relationship with your patient.'
Interview Question 3: 'Tell me about a time when your communication skills played a key role in achieving a successful outcome. What was involved and what part did you play?'
Interview Question 4: 'Describe a time when you felt frustrated during an interaction with a patient. How did you deal with this emotion both during the interaction and afterwards?'
Interview Question 5: 'How would you go about ensuring that you improve the quality of the care you give to your patients?'
Interview Question 6: 'Can you please detail a time when a new and different approach to your patient proved beneficial. What did you do and what was the outcome?'
* Questions taken from the InterviewGOLD™ Interview System. Click here for more.
How to Succeed in your 2008 Medical Interview
Learn how to succeed in your Medical Interview with the interactive online medical interview course from InterviewGOLD™.
- Excel in front of an NHS panel
- Communicate fluidly
- Learn how to sell yourself effectively
- Learn about Structured Medical Interviews
- Specialist Medical Interview Techniques
- Online Medical Interview Course
- Avoid the Most Common Mistakes
- Perfects your interview skills quickly
About the Author
Annette Lewis is an accredited interviewer and has recruited for many organisations within Healthcare, Education, Customer Services and Banking.
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