Key messages from our webinar about the interview process.
Myself and my colleague recently hosted a webinar for Newly Qualifying GPs to talk through the ins and outs of the interview process.
It was a great opportunity to share information to confirm understanding and also shine a light on some potentially challenging or more difficult conversations that may arise in the interview. It was great to hear from ST3 Registrars as to what was on their minds and to answer questions for everyone’s benefit.
I’ve prepared the main take home points for those who missed the webinar or prefer to read through.
Following the application
The main aim of the visit is to establish whether you are a fit for the practice and vice-versa, from a practical perspective and a skills and interest perspective. It is a 2-way process and whilst this might sound basic but I have worked with practices who expect the GP to fit exactly into their ways of working and on the flip side, I’ve working with GPs who expect a high level of flexibility to their needs. A thorough conversation or 2 is critical to ensure you have all of the information in order to make the right decision for yourself.
Every practice works differently, but typically, you will meet once or twice – potentially a combination of informal then more detailed meeting. An in-person meeting at the practice is very beneficial and virtual meetings if required to meet with Partners who perhaps weren’t available when you visited.
The information you have collated about the practice will make a great platform on which to build your knowledge during the visit.
Before your meeting
Plan your journey and allow flex for traffic! (Sorry to mention this step, but it just takes unnecessary stress out of the process!)
Find out who you are meeting and prepare to ‘interview’ your interviewers. It’s completely acceptable to take written questions into the meeting to make sure you don’t miss anything out.
What should you ask to get the best from the meeting?
I’d recommend breaking questions down, with a view to building your knowledge on:
- The practice
- The role
- Learning and development opportunities
For a full list of recommended questions, email [email protected]
The full list of recommended questions includes how to approach the tricky questions, like confirming the salary and package, for example.
Sharing your experience
Prepare to talk about yourself and your experience, whilst an interview, lots of practices will generate 2-way conversation so you naturally have the opportunity to highlight your experience that aligns with the practice, for example experience with a certain demographic which is similar to theirs.
Some questions may be specific, making it easier to give a direct answer, and some maybe very open, such as ‘tell me about your experience’, in which case I’d recommend starting the practice you currently work in and work backwards from there! Information such as the patient demographic you have worked with as well as special interests you’d like to develop and what you think were the best things about the practices you have trained in.
You may be asked about clinical scenarios, as the practice may be interested to learn how you work through more challenging situations and how you progressively learn from them.
You may not need to go into such detail in an initial meeting, however if the conversation is going well, I’ve known practices to dig into a deeper conversation because they want to make the most of the time!
To close the meeting
Wrap up the meeting to leave a good impression and ask about timeframes and next steps to manage your expectations.
Do you like them? Tell them! The practice will really like this and appreciate your honesty! They may be considering a number of GPs for the post, so this could very well stand you out from the crowd.
If you are working with a Menlo Park Consultant, speak with them after the meeting to share your thoughts. They will act as your personal assistant throughout the process and will facilitate the next steps.
We wish you all the very best with making the move from Registrar to Salaried GP. Myself and my 6 colleagues in the Salaried GP appointing team are happy to support and will be routing for you!
For a copy of the webinar, email [email protected]
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