Interviews
Resilience and adaptability
- Demonstrates self-motivation and perseverance when challenges arise
- Responds in a calm manner, and able to work effectively, when faced with a difficult situation
- Puts in place effective strategies to cope with pressure inside and outside work
- Adapts approach accordingly when dealing with changes in circumstance or demands
- Is open to trying new ways of doing things
- Seeks support as appropriate when dealing with difficult or demanding situations
Commitment to healthcare
- Demonstrates an awareness of the need to provide the highest standards of care to improve health and well-being
- Demonstrates an awareness of the diversity of people with whom they will be working and an understanding of the differing needs and priorities
- Understands the importance of patient-centred care and putting the patient first in all that they do
- Demonstrates commitment and motivation to following the career path
- Shows passion, drive and enthusiasm for the role
- Exhibits a realistic perception of the tasks and responsibilities of being a doctor
Communication
- Actively engages individuals in open dialogue, through the use of open-ended and exploratory questions
- Demonstrates active listening and effective use of non-verbal behaviour
- Clearly and accurately communicates information
- Adapts style of communication to suit the context and individual’s needs
- Demonstrates the ability to negotiate and influence others as appropriate
- Confirms understanding through seeking verification and/or summarising information
Perspective taking
- Is able to view situations from the perspective of others
- Is non-judgemental when interacting with others
- Seeks to create a safe and trusting atmosphere, through showing a genuine interest and building rapport
- Demonstrates an inclusive approach, considering issues relating to equality and diversity
- Demonstrates empathy, understands and responds to the emotions and feelings of others, e.g. acknowledging or reflecting feelings
- Demonstrates patience and understanding when dealing with others
Panel interviews
These interviews usually involve a panel of two or three interviewers. The interviewers can be a mixture of clinical (patient-facing) and faculty (university) staff, a senior medical student, or a member of the public. Panel interviews can be either structured, where a specific set of questions are followed, or semi structured, where questions can be influenced by the interviewee’s answers. The latter can feel more like a professional conversation. Panel interviews can be 20–30 minutes long and some medical schools require several interviews to be completed over several days.
Multiple mini interviews
These interviews are often referred to as MMIs and consist of seven or eight different ‘stations’ which are essentially small interview scenarios. Each station will assess candidates for specific attributes and will only last for a short time. Stations can range from discussing personal statements and experience to practical scenarios that involve candidates interacting with an actor who will be playing a role. Before MMIs, candidates are briefed on the structure of their interview and given an opportunity to ask questions. It is worth researching or contacting the medical school before an MMI to find out what information is available about each station.
· 5-10 stations
· 5-8 mins in length
· Like speed dating
· Interview / roleplay / presentation
Assessment centres
Assessment centres involve a variety of interview formats and tasks, and can take up to a day to complete. Tasks might include completing written work, group interviews and individual panel interviews. Medical schools should provide applicants with all the relevant information before the interview, but finding out as much as possible from the medical school is advised.