Career planning

Where are you now? I have chosen the specialty I wish to pursue I am not certain which specialty I wish to pursue but I have started to narrow it down I havent decided which specialty to pursue and I havent yet started to narrow it down

Career Planning Career planning will involve foundation doctors learning and being coached about how best to match their skills, strengths and interests with the needs of the NHS. Operational framework for foundation training (Paragraph 186) Framework-FINAL.pdfhttp:// Framework-FINAL.pdf

Career Planning Good career planning will also involve helping foundation doctors to understand that life-long learning is vital to a successful career, giving them flexibility and adaptability throughout their medical working lives. Operational framework for foundation training (Paragraph 186) Framework-FINAL.pdfhttp:// Framework-FINAL.pdf

SkillsStrengthsInterests The Needs Of The NHS

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Career Planning You Needs of the NHS CHANGECHANGE UNCERTAINTYUNCERTAINTY SkillsStrengthsInterests ? ? ? ? ?

Choosing a career Self awareness What you have to offer & What you want Opportunity awareness What they have to offer What they want + Decision Making Making a career choice Having back up plans = Transition Moving on Effective applications

The Recruitment Process

Skills Exercise Demonstrating personal skills SkillActivityEvidenceRelevance to chosen specialty In what way are you able to demonstrate that your own skills and attributes are suitable for a higher career in this specialty?

Recruitment Application form Interview References

Application form

Application Form Section A – monitoring information Section B – application for employment Registration status Educational & professional qualifications Courses attended Employment history 6 questions

Questions 1.Why this speciality and what have you done to explore your suitability for this speciality? (300 words) 2.Describe your skills & competencies, highlighting strengths & weaknesses and areas for improvement (300 words) 3.Your experiences of & contribution to audit (150 words) 4.Describe your relevant teaching experience (150 words) 5.Research work, publications & presentations (150 words) 6.Other helpful supporting evidence? (300 words)

Shortlisting for interview – stage 1 Question 1 Motivation Orientation Suitability Insight Exploration Use of experience to date Quality of written communication Question 2 Generic skills Technical skills Relevance Strengths Areas for improvement Quality of written communication

Full application form If successful, interviewed Shortlisting for interview – stage 2

Application Form Exercise Complete 2 questions 150 words per answer 30 minutes time limit These are two of the questions from last years ST1 application forms.

Answers? Why this speciality and what have you done to explore your suitability for this speciality? (300 words) …at least you have to use your brian for this speciality (unlike surgery)…

Questions Why this speciality and what have you done to explore your suitability for this speciality? (300 words) What are your experiences of & contribution to audit? (150 words)

Group Task 30 minutes to shortlist the application forms Create an agreed scoring system Identify which applications you would shortlist Identify which you would reject (at least 2) Summary of key +/- feedback

Feedback From the short listing groups about the application form answers Positive elements to the answers Negative elements to the answers Also feedback about the group activity How you worked together How everyone contributed

Teamwork-positive indicators Demonstrates participative, non- confrontational approach Actively seeks contributions from others Respects others views. Listens and negotiates. Able to compromise. Actively supports, encourages and recognises need to draw on others Understands importance of being target focused

Teamwork-negative indicators Lack of respect for others and their views Little evidence of support for others Sticks rigidly to own agenda, no negotiation No understanding of how others contribute to success Dominates the team

Written applications - problems Including negative statements about yourself. Applying for colleagues -We.. Not giving clear examples that highlight your role and contribution Being too passive/negative (the role required…) Making mistakes with spelling and grammar Leaving time gaps / not answering all questions Not including referees and their full contact details Too long, important information buried Too many fonts/styles/unattractive layouts

Before you write anything…pppppp Familiarise yourself with the applications timetable and keep this in mind when planning holidays etc Read all supporting documentation. The job description The person specification and the application form, so that you understand what is required from you Familiarise yourself with any other material, including any deanery guidance for applicants Gather your evidence Do your career research Plan your time Follow the instructions Language Referees Working e mail account

Interviews

Questions about you (what do they know already?) Questions about the job/specialty (what do you know?) Technical / Specialist questions (to test specific knowledge / skills that are required in the job) Questions about the organisation/profession (what do you know? Where can you find out more ) On-the-spot / off-the-wall questions… Questions you are dreading…

Competency Based Questions Questions that require a clear example to show how you have demonstrated the required skills/qualities, e.g. Describe a time when your communication skills made a difference to patient care. Tell us about a time when you effectively led a team Tell me about a time when you had conflicting priorities and what you did to resolve them.

Structured Answers Situation or Task Action Result or Reflection Context Action Result 1.Context. Give a quick introduction by outlining the situation or task you were faced with. 2.Action – what you actually did. Clearly show your role and contribution. The skills and qualities you demonstrated. 3.Result- quick summary – the results of your actions (ideally a positive outcome). Can also show reflection about your performance / the situation.

Interview Exercise Groups of 3: Interviewer, interviewee, observer 5 min interviews – questions from list Observer (and interviewer) – give feedback on answers: what was said & how it was said Rotate roles

Interview Techniques - problems Poor body language Irrelevant answers Badly organised answers Recited answers Repetition Being nervous / lacking in confidence Being over confident Talking too quickly (or slowly) Failing to engage all the panel

Other selection methods? Simulated patient interaction Group exercise Written test/MCQ Written exercise Others…?

Being more competitive Knowing what they want Understanding transferability Making the most of current opportunities Networking & identifying new opportunities Be inventive & original Document/evidence (Portfolio)

Summary Know yourself and be able to talk about your skills and experiences positively Know whats out there & what they want Make effective plans Get yourself in a position to act positively and quickly towards change, uncertainty and opportunities.

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