Welcome to the 6th part of a 7-part career guide for junior doctors written by Dr Abhijit Pal (PGY2) with Dr Emma McCahon (Clinical Director of Critical Care Program at Children’s Hospital, Westmead, and Clinical Lead of LEAP, a leadership program for junior doctors run by HETI).
Request a pre-interview (most recruiters find it hard to believe when candidates have not contacted a member of the panel) – bear in mind this is a busy time so you may be told that this is not possible but it never hurts to ask.
Ask relevant questions at the pre-interview, don’t just show up. Dress formally. Do your research from friends, colleagues and the internet and come with real and legitimate questions to demonstrate your interest.
Before the actual interview go through potential interview questions, first with yourself, and then with a friend or a video camera. It’s important to get feedback on both the content of your responses and how you deliver it.
Know your CV well.
Prepare and practice answer points, have ready-made prepared examples of how you have demonstrated the selection criteria – even create a sheet of examples of the various aspects likely to be asked (teamwork, leadership, conflict, multidisciplinary team, challenge you’ve faced, a mistake you’ve made, an adverse event you’ve been involved in).
If possible find out the names of the interview panel members beforehand and write them down.
Being genuine and authentic at the interview is possible if you’ve done a thorough self-assessment and are interested in the job being offered.