Interviews for Specialty Training BMA Careers

Aims: To know what happens at an Specialty training interview and selection centre To understand how to prepare for an interview or selection centre To understand what happens at a GP Assessment Centre To practice answering some typical interview questions

“I know I’m a good doctor, so I thought I’d just go in there, be myself and wing it. It was really hard!”

What happens at a Specialty Training interview? Portfolio-based/Competency station Professionalism or ethical station Clinical skills station Scenario station/s Commitment to specialty station Presentation station Written test or exam

What are they looking for? Clinical competences Evidence of involvement and achievement in Research, Teaching and Audit Personal Skills Professionalism and probity Commitment to Specialty All visible on the Person Specification

Interview anxieties 6

Different types of questions Understanding questions – ‘What are the essential elements of…?’ Scenario questions – ‘What would you do if…?’ Behavioural questions – ‘Describe a situation in which you…’ Negative questions – ‘When did you fail…’ Motivation questions – ‘What appeals to you most about…?’ Random questions – ‘If you were a fruit, what type of fruit would you be?’

Ethical issues - SPIES S eek information (what is the problem) P atient Safety – assess I nitiative – can you do anything yourself? E scalate – involve other colleges (who?) S upport – Can you now offer support?

Common Themes Patient safety is always your first priority. If patient safety is at risk you must act now. Never lie or do anything fraudulent Blaming colleagues is unprofessional Putting yourself in danger ultimately affects patient care Patient confidentiality is to be protected at all times (except for extreme cases)

Generalisations Ignoring a problem or just leaving it to someone else is generally a bad idea Generally asking for help or involving a senior is a good idea If you have an issue with a colleague, generally talking to them first is a good idea

Other tips If you have a choice, treat the sickest patient first. If equally sick, treat the one in front of you. If there are multiple issues requiring attention categorise them as 1. Emergency, 2. Urgent 3. Routine If a mistake has been made, explain and apologise to the patient ASAP. Fix it if you can. Even if the mistake wasn’t yours.

Practice In groups of 3-4 have a go at some of the scenario questions on the back of your questions handout.

Why do you want to be a... Past Reality check Linking Now Training? Networking? Future Changes? Fit for you?

Commitment to specialty Qualifications and courses Evidence of seeking out extra opportunities to learn or observe Attendance / presentations / posters at conferences Research Teaching opportunities Practice talking about your achievements – make sure your role and the outcomes are crystal clear!

Knowing your field Know what’s going on! Changes in your field – new technology, new approaches, changes in emphasis, changes in protocols Changes in the medical professions – appraisals, revalidation Changes in the NHS and healthcare more widely – commissioning, contracts

Personal skills and competencies Situation– where and when did this happen? Task– what were you trying to achieve? Action – what was the outcome of your actions? (This should be the bulk of your answer) Result – what happened? What did you learn from this situation? Also CARE or BARE (circumstances / background, action, result, evaluation).

Practice In groups have a go at some of the general questions on your questions handout. GP’s – come over to me and we’ll start to think about some of the scenarios you may face in your interview

Extra Resources Extra questions from South Thames Foundation School can be found here: guidance/preparing-specialty-applications-and- selection-centres (download the interview skills booklet) guidance/preparing-specialty-applications-and- selection-centres From the BMA e-library (free to members) - How to get a specialty training post by Danny Lim. (sign in and search the catalogue for Lim in ebooks) 18

Body language Smile, make good eye contact – be prepared to shake hands if someone offers! Stay relaxed, especially if you’re pausing to think Roleplays – body language is very important in demonstrating that you’re listening to a patient or when setting boundaries.

General advice Understand the interview process fully – talk to CT/ST1s, read books, read all the information Know your portfolio inside out Arrive minutes early Make sure you have a charged phone and contact details for the reception / organisers If something goes wrong, let them know

BMA Careers benefits BMA Careers e-learning modules – F1,F2 –Maximising your e-portfolio –Adding value to your CV –How to be successful with your application for specialty training –Effective handovers –Getting and giving useful feedback Discounts on Workshops –Interview skills for junior doctors BMA Careers monthly webinars

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