Tessa Davis

Common misconception:

'I've got time before my interview; I'll practice later.'

The truth?

Early practice identifies weaknesses and strengths.

The more you prep, the more confident you become.

If you choose to ask a question at the end of your interview, ensure it's meaningful.

Avoid asking about information readily available or previously discussed.

Don’t ask about leave, pay, or working hours.

Or…just don’t ask one at all.

Practicing with a timer helps you master the art of concise communication.

Don't let lengthy answers derail your interview.

Aim for 3-4 minutes per answer to stay on track.

When it comes to finances in your consultant interview:

Think about HOW you'd save the Department money.

Show how you understand how and where savings can be made while still delivering excellent patient care.

Don't assume the interview panel remembers everything from your CV.

Assume they remember nothing.

The interview is your chance to highlight key points and be specific about your skills and experiences.

Think of it as starting with a clean slate.

Don't forget to ask key questions during your pre-interview meeting.

Ask about:

- The major issues they've faced over the past year
- What they hope to develop in the years ahead

This helps you understand the immediate needs and focus areas of the team.

‘Going with the flow’ sounds great until you find yourself lost in your own answers.

Structuring your answers helps avoid stress and keeps you confidently on track.

One of the biggest perks of practicing?

Spotting weak areas.

Maybe it's your conclusion or your intro.

Pinpoint, refine, and perfect with every round.

In every interview, your goal is to leave a memorable impression.

Know what you offer and communicate it effectively.

It's about matching your strengths with the team’s needs.

Discussing weaknesses in your interview isn't about self-sabotage.

It's a chance to showcase your growth.

Dodge 'no-go' weaknesses and plan carefully what you’ll say.

Nervous about sending a pre-interview email?

It's normal.

You're reaching out to busy senior clinicians you've never met.

My tip:

Be direct and express interest.

'I’m finishing my training in x and looking at jobs. It would be great to catch up for a chat.'

It’s worth it.

Want to stand out in your consultant interview?

Identify the bottlenecks in patient flow for your specialty.

Think about theatre start times, clinic cancellations, and discharge processes.

How would you improve them?

Sending that pre-interview email might feel daunting, but remember, it's your foot in the door of potential opportunities.

Break the ice, introduce yourself, and express genuine excitement.

Facing an interview presentation?

Think about it from the panel’s point of view.

Understand the brief, research the department thoroughly, and remember:

Your presentation should answer the question, not just serve as a knowledge dump.

Want to impress in your interview?

Present cost-saving strategies and flow efficiencies that resonate with your department’s goals.

Designing your interview presentation?

DON’T just dive into PowerPoint.

Strategise on paper first, pinpoint the Department's goals, and frame your content to address those directly.

Show that you're thinking like a team member already.

The aim of your interview is to paint a picture of who you are as a team member.

Choose examples that are genuine, show constructive vulnerability, and demonstrate learning.

Don’t only use your examples in 'Tell me about a time when...' questions.

Integrate them throughout your answers to add depth and relatability.

Real growth comes from real challenges.

In interviews, don't shy away from past hurdles.

Show how you've implemented effective strategies to overcome them.

Remember:

In an interview presentation, it's better to leave them wanting more than to overstay your welcome.

Finish before your time's up to leave a strong impression.

Don’t wait to get cut off.

Don’t feel embarrassed about sounding braggy or unsure if your experiences are unique.

Focus on what the panel wants to hear.

They need to know your strengths.

In PERM, 'P' stands for Personal.

Use this to share your passion for the job.

This way, you’ll connect with the panel on a deeper level.

Want to catch the panel’s attention?

Show how you'll handle:

- Mistakes
- Conflicts
- Challenges

within their team.

That’s what they want to know.

A great way to impress the panel?

Showcase multiple skills through a single project.

For example:

Implementing a new patient pathway demonstrates leadership, training ability, and dedication to quality care.

Your USPs should NOT be personality traits.

Focus on:

- Specific projects
- Placements
- Skills

To showcase your strengths.

Why do you need good examples for interviews?

Because you'll get at least one specific question about them.

Use them to demonstrate senior-level thinking.

Pro Tip:

Use a framework for your interview examples.

Start by briefly setting the scene to provide context.

Then, dive into your specific actions.

Finally, reflect on the outcome and what you learned.

This structure showcases your abilities and makes a lasting impression.

Want to make a memorable impression in your interview?

Push yourself to share something you feel vulnerable about.

It shows authenticity and growth.

When you know your Unique Selling Point (USP), you radiate confidence.

Be sure to:

- Uncover your strengths
- Show your best self to the panel
- Demonstrate your potential to be integral to the team

Don't:

Shy away from promoting your strengths in the interview.

Do:

Showcase WHY you're the top candidate.