Professional & Generic Skills Career Management

Interview Skills Mary Valentine

Shortlisted! Congratulations! …..What do you do now? How might you do this??

Shortlisted? Info finding….. Do you actually want this post? …… not just do they want you!

Shortlisted? Info finding….. Visit? Telephone conversation? , the leaving person the current drs practice manager…. Other staff… Anyone you know who may have worked there , Caveats?

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare What’s topical /in the news? Read GP/Pulse magazine (apps on phone/iPad) Listen to or watch the news NB medical hot topics courses and most gp refresher courses have a section on political hot issues, well worth a read.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare Find a recent research article just in case! Re-learn the definition of clinical governance What do you understand about the NHS changes and what do you think about them??

Before, During and After Prior to interview read up. If you don’t understand, ask before interview stage Don’t bring out a note pad of questions for the panel Dress smartly and presentably Smile A firm hand shake, before and afterwards Questions at the end of the interview? Leave an impression

Basic Tips for the Day! Prepare well in advance Be calm and relaxed Listen to the questions, think, take your time If you don’t understand the question, ask for it to be repeated Eye contact Illustrate your answers What can you bring? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvuZY3DWtIY

General Demeanour Suit Don’t fidget Don’t chew gum Bring copies of CV with you Arrive early ?Relaxation techniques Don’t take the coffee!

Interviewers, what they want to know Are they the most suitable for the job ?personality/drive Will they do the job well? ?capable and willing Will they fit in? team, character, dependability, initiative, congeniality

Legislation and employment law Employers have to be able to demonstrate that all candidates are treated equitably. Many interviews are now conducted using standard questions and a marking ‘crib sheet’ Discrimination – actual and perceived Record keeping Contracts Sick pay, Maternity pay, Annual/Study leave

Discuss with a neighbour -5mins What do you think makes a good interview? What do you think makes a bad interview? What advice would you give to a friend applying for a job?

Selling yourself Few of us like it but sometimes we have to do it Some people sell themselves better than others What makes a good salesperson? How do you sell yourself?

Selling Yourself 2 A good salesperson finds out what the buyer needs and demonstrates how their product can meet those needs

Selling yourself 3 What does the employer want and how can you find out? What can you offer that the employer definitely wants? How can you demonstrate to the employer that you have the skills and the attributes that they want? What will everybody else have on their application? What extra do you have that fits the person spec?

Selling yourself

Interview skills ethical/difficult work scenarios, current issues clinical governance, CCGs,QOF & other NHS issues and hot topics. Have a mock interview if possible  Get Feedback.  

Interview skills Technique refining. Use bank of interview questions, derive comprehensive answers to the questions you find most difficult, thus refining your technique further.  

Substance AND style Try to elaborate….. If a choice is presented, then why are you answering in this way, what would you need to consider? Be balanced but support your choice. Make your points quickly and then stop talking; your interviewer will be appreciative. Thank them for their time

Your questions? What anticipated questions have you been asked in interview? Any tough questions? In groups 3 groups of

The common questions Why did you apply for this job? Why this place What are your career aspirations? What are your strengths/weaknesses Tell us about a clinical audit which you have done Tell us about a recent interesting clinical case What is the most challenging situation which you have been in?

Common Q2 Clinical governance Why do you want to leave your current job? What is the most/least enjoyable part of your current job? What interests do you have outside work? What is your flexibility regarding session timings? Do you have any questions for me? (yes you should!)

Question bank http://www.redgoldfish.co.uk/interview-tips-and-advice.aspx http://www.frca.co.uk (consultant interview tips –free) + many more pay sites/others