NHS Interview Questions for Doctors

  • May 16, 2022
 

NHS doctor interviews require preparation.... 

And familiarising yourself with NHS interview questions & answers will help you make a great impression to a potential employer. This helpful article on NHS interviews for doctors is aimed at helping you prepare for different scenarios as well as questions and answers to create a good impression. 

In this article we look at the following topics: 

Preparing for your NHS doctor interview:

Getting invited to an interview means you’ve passed the first hurdle – your CV must have made a good impression so now it's time to prepare. There are some key questions to consider before you start: 

  • What do you know about the employer? (hospital & trust)
  • What do you know about the service? 
  • What do you know about the job? 
  • What do you know about the team structure?
  • Who will you be reporting to? 
  • What will the interview be like? 
  • Who will be interviewing you?
  • What questions do you need to prepare? 

For doctors, these are just a few of the interview questions that you should now be asking yourself as you start to prepare for your NHS interview. Why? Knowing as much as possible about the vacancy that you are interviewing for will help you answer questions with relevant points, ask questions to spark conversation, sound confident and well researched, overall helping you to make a good impact. 

Where do I start with my research?

Know the trust and department

Firstly, find out about the employer and the job. Speak with your IMG Consultant who knows the hospital or trust well, they can provide you with reading materials & information packs, job descriptions, information on recent developments, trust objectives and values. 

In some circumstances we will be able to arrange an informal chat with someone working in the Trust, or even better an IMG who has recently joined the Trust and has been through the same situation. 

We always recommend taking a broad look at the trust online, use their official website to understand the trust structures, departments and services, as well as recent advances within the department you are applying for and the training programmes offered.


It is important to take the time to learn about their department and organisation. Knowing the job you are applying for will give you a better chance of securing it. 


Know the interview panel

Secondly, discuss with your IMG Connect consultant and find out what the interview will involve, making sure you are prepared. 

Consider who will be on the panel and what their roles are. Do some homework and look up the hospital online, you may be able to find some key information to help you to understand your panel in more detail. Use LinkedIn to connect with panel members, or just to look at their experience and contributions to the trust as a whole. 

What can I do to prepare? 

Think about preparing in the following areas to give yourself the best chance of success in your interview:

Job description & person specification:

Get to know what the trust wants, and work this into your answers, matching to your skills and experience.  Take time to review and analyse the content of your current CV matched to the specifications of the job that you want and the Trust you want to work for. Consider how you will contribute to the service and how you will meet or exceed their standards. 

Trust vision and values:

Look up the trust values, measure yourself against them and consider what you will offer to the service.

Explore the Trust values and policies for best practice and consider how you will meet/achieve these in your daily work as well as in your career. Conduct research on the hospital and familiarise yourself with any recent developments and advances within the team you are applying for. Consider the training programmes offered via the hospital and the structure of department and staffing.

Selling yourself:

Your CV functions as a way of recording all your achievements, skills, and experiences, and your interview is your opportunity to share these and sell them to your prospective employer. You will likely be asked questions regarding your career, so review your CV regularly with a focus on points relevant for the role you are interviewing for. 

Preparing questions and answers for your interview:

You will be asked a range of questions throughout your interview, some short and direct, others more detailed and clinically specific. As such we advise preparing a wide range of questions and answers to give you a head start in the interview and every chance of success. 

Preparing for the types of interview questions for doctors that you may be asked:

Before we look at each type of NHS interview questions for doctors in detail, it is important to say that you should prepare concise answers. These should of course be full of facts and detail but be succinct – stick to two or three sentences where you can. 

FAQs:

As part of the interview you will likely be asked a few FAQs, these can be hard to predict and can be general in nature. The interview panel will want to know why you are an excellent fit for the job. Try to answer without giving too much, or too little personal information.

These relate to you, your ambition, how you cope in situations, working in the UK, personality traits and so on. Prepare a number of answers you can rely on. We have included some recent examples below: 

FAQs

Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to work here? 
Why do you want to work in this specialty?
Where do you see yourself in 3 – 5 years? 
Do you have an interest in… further training? Research? Teaching? Audit? 
Why do you want to work in the NHS? 
What do you know about our service? 
What do you know about us? 
What impact would you like to make here? 
What concerns you about a career in this specialty?
What are the challenges facing this specialty in the next five years?
Is the clinical governance system really necessary?
What are the main issues facing the NHS over the next five years?
If you could change one thing in the NHS what would it be?
Do you think doctors are misrepresented by the media?
What do you want from your career?
Looking over your CV, could you pick two or three achievements which you are most proud of?
If you could go back to your first day of medical school and do all of your training again, what would you do differently?
We are interviewing many high calibre candidates, why should we appoint you?

Clinical questions: 

Undoubtedly you will be asked relevant questions in a clinical context, do your homework on the service and relate this to your own practice. Clinical questions are hard to predict, so prepare a wide range of responses and review your own practice against the trust you are applying for. 

Consider how you deal with certain aspects of your role, including: 

  • Clinical techniques
  • Equipment
  • Prescribing
  • History taking and management planning
  • Clinical judgement
  • Physical examination procedures
  • Knowledge of specialism
  • Ethical dilemmas & practice
  • Professional behaviour
  • Trust policies
  • Communication & team discussions
  • Input from senior colleagues

Remember, interview panels want to feel confident that you will be able to adapt quickly to practice in the UK, so don’t forget you will be working in the NHS and all answers should reflect current practice in the UK.

Competency-based questions (typically clinical questions):

Many clinical questions will ask you to explain what you would do, often these require detailed answers, with several variables. Competency-based questions are focused on actual experiences and ask specific questions that require you to give examples from past experience.

Reflect on your practice, how you deal with situations, and how you work with your multidisciplinary team to ensure the best care and outcomes for the patient.

The STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a useful model for describing your capability and competency. When preparing answers these should be in depth, a lack of depth means your answer lacks impact. The STAR technique will ensure your answers are structured, don’t talk in broad terms – give specific examples. 

Briefly describe:

  • S - the background to the specific situation
  • T - the task being undertaken, specifically describe your responsibility
  • A - what action you took 
  • R - describe the result of your actions

Example competency-based questions:

  • Give an example of a time when someone has complained about your work or when you’ve known that someone wasn’t pleased with your work?
  • Give an example of a time you had to work with a group of people on a project or another job?
  • Describe a recent patient interaction which shows your ability to create trust and what steps would you take to develop an effective relationship with your patient.
  • Can you please detail a time when a new and different approach to your patient proved beneficial? What did you do and what was the outcome?

Direct questions:

Whilst most questions will be broad, be prepared for direct questions, such as: 

  • What specifically qualifies you for this position?
  • What do you know about us? 
  • Why do you want this job?
  • Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

Take a second to compose your answer and avoid a jumbled response. 

Behavioural skills questions:

These cover a wide range of behavioural skills necessary to be successful in your NHS role, i.e. communication, problem-solving, teamwork, managing others, organisation, empathy and so on. As these can be hugely varied in nature, we have included a table of examples: 

Communication Skills

Describe a situation where your communication skills had a positive effect upon patient care.
How do you know that you are a good communicator?
How would you like to develop your skills further?
Give an example of how your communication skills have enabled you to develop effective relationships with your colleagues.
Describe a time when you found it difficult to communicate with a colleague or patient. What did you do and how did you feel?

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Describe a difficult problem you have faced at work. How did you contribute to the solution?
Give an example of a difficult decision you have made recently. How did you decide what to do?
Describe a time when you felt that you made the wrong decision. How did you feel and what has happened as a result?
What is your strategy dealing with difficult problems at work?
Do you always know the right thing to do in any given situation?

Managing Others and Team Involvement

Describe a time when you have led a team successfully.
Describe a time when you have supported a colleague with a work related issue.
Outline a situation where you have had to motivate work colleagues to do something that they did not agree with.
Which do you prefer, leading a team, or being a team member?

Empathy and Sensitivity

Why is it important for doctors to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity?
Describe a situation where your sensitivity to a patient's perspective altered the way that you managed their care?
Describe a situation where you have demonstrated sensitivity or empathy towards one of your colleagues.
Do you really need to show sensitivity and empathy to be a good doctor or are clinical skills and knowledge more important?

Organisation and Planning

How do you keep yourself organised at work?
What strategies do you use to plan your work effectively?
How do you cope when unexpected and unplanned work is added to your workload?
What advice would you give to an FY1 doctor on their first day, about being organised at work?
How have your planning skills had a positive impact upon those around you?

Vigilance and Situational Awareness

Describe an example of when your awareness of a developing situation at work, enabled you to avoid a problem or difficulty.
What impact has clinical governance had on your work to date?
Why is vigilance an important attribute to have for this specialty?
Describe a situation where you lacked awareness of a developing situation, resulting in difficulty for you, your colleagues, or a patient.

Coping with Pressure

How do you cope with pressure?
Describe a situation where you found yourself under conflicting pressures. What did you do to resolve them to the satisfaction of everyone involved?
What do you do when you can no longer cope with the pressures of your workload?
What strategies do you have in place to manage your workload and the pressure that you are under?
How have you used your initiative to manage your work effectively, and reduce the pressure that you are under?

Professional Integrity

Give an example of a clinical scenario where you made a mistake. What did you do about it?
What do you understand by the term 'professional integrity' and can you give an example where you have shown professional integrity at work?
Why is it important for doctors to demonstrate integrity in all elements of their work?
Is it ever justifiable to bend or break the rules at work? Have you ever done so?
What would you do if you overheard a senior colleague making an inappropriate remark to a patient?
How would you respond if one of your patients asked you out on a date?

Clinical Knowledge and Expertise

Describe a difficult clinical scenario you have been involved in. How did you contribute?
Describe the most interesting case you have been involved in recently. How did you contribute to the management of the case?
Describe a situation where management of a patient did not go as planned. What happened and what did you learn?
You may also be asked a range of questions about particular clinical scenarios relevant to your specialty.

Research Skills

Why is research important?
Describe your last audit.
Is it important for all doctors to undertake research?
Which is more important - research or teaching? Which do you prefer?
Tell us about your publications.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewers: 

“Do you have any questions?”

This is almost always asked at the end of an interview. Asking some questions can show you are interested and have done your research. Topics can include training, department structure and staffing, recent advances in the service, technology, equipment and clinical procedures.  

Try to treat your NHS interview like a conversation, with well-prepared questions that are based on the job description, service structure and patient care delivery, as well as the vision of the trust as a whole. 

For more articles on making a success of your NHS interview, including preparing for interview questions for doctors, take a look at these articles


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Relevant Jobs

105,504- 139,882

A large NHS teaching hospital in the East Midlands is looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with an interest in lung, gynaecology, and/or colorectal cancer. The oncology department comprises a team of over 20 consultants and is supported by a large team of specialty doctors and junior trainees.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration or FRCR are most encouraged to apply.

FRCR (or equivalent) and extensive oncology experience are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in lung, gynaecology, and/or colorectal cancer should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide comprehensive non-surgical oncology services, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy clinics, for patients across lung, gynaecology, and/or colorectal tumour sites.

  • Participate in the oncology on-call rota (1:12) and provide reciprocal cover for colleagues during periods of leave.

  • Support the education and training of junior doctors, specialty doctors, ACPs, and medical students.

  • Contribute to clinical governance, service development, and research initiatives across the Trust.

LIFE IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

This role is based in the East Midlands, a region that offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and rural charm. Residents can enjoy city living in Derby or find quieter settings in the nearby countryside and villages. The area boasts outstanding schools, excellent transport links, and a wide variety of cultural, sporting, and outdoor activities. With its strong ties to Britain’s industrial heritage and the beautiful Peak District on its doorstep, the East Midlands is a popular choice for healthcare professionals relocating to the UK.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

  • CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists

  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice

  • At least two video calling interview preparation sessions

  • Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more

Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:

  • Document gathering and checking

  • COS and Visa Application support if applicable

  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation

  • Travel Arrangements

£105,504 - £139,882

This exceptional opportunity beckons Consultant Histopathologists specializing in Gynae oncopathology to become integral members of an NHS Trust that is a global beacon in cancer research and treatment. This role offers a chance to contribute to a consultant-led, subspecialist histopathology team, making a significant impact on the forefront of cancer care. We invite enthusiastic candidates to explore this exciting career prospect through NHS Jobs in the UK.

The NHS Foundation Trust, standing as Europe\'s largest comprehensive cancer center, commands an impressive annual budget of £360 million, employing over 3,500 staff, including 335 medical professionals. Acknowledged for its excellence, the Trust consistently ranks among the top four in national surveys, affirming its commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. The Histopathology Department, under the leadership of esteemed professionals, manages a substantial caseload, processing around 21,000 surgical pathology accessions annually. This involves the examination of approximately 280,000 slides, with a notable 1,000 cases annually seeking second opinions, underscoring the department\'s dedication to providing comprehensive diagnostic support.

This role is tailor-made for ambitious consultants looking to expand their career horizons. The well-funded department is a hub for impactful research, underscored by its recognition in a recent CQC report as an area of outstanding practice. The NHS Foundation Trust has a strong reputation for education and training, supporting junior doctor training programs across various specialties.

Living in London, a vibrant metropolis, provides a unique lifestyle enriched by cultural diversity. Residents can explore scenic spots like Hyde Park and the Thames River. World-renowned schools, including Imperial College London and University College London, contribute to the city\'s intellectual vibrancy. Excellent transport links facilitate easy travel within the city and to major cities and airports. Housing options, ranging from historic townhouses to modern apartments, accommodate diverse preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enriching life for medical professionals in the heart of London.

Apply now for a dynamic career at the forefront of cancer care, complemented by the vibrant and diverse urban lifestyle offered by the capital city.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

Non-EEA candidates: 

  • FRCPath
  • Experience in Histopathology (sub specialised in Gynae oncopathology)

EEA candidates: 

  • Specialist certification in Histopathology
  • Experience in Histopathology (sub specailised in Gynae oncopathology)

UK candidates: 

  • CCT, CESR or within 6-12 months of specialist registration 
  • Experience in Histopathology (sub specialised in Gynae oncopathology)

 

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A hospital in the Channel Islands is looking for a Staff Grade Doctor in General Medicine with interests in Respiratory, Renal, or Care of the Elderly. The department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This role is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP qualifications are most encouraged to apply.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

Full registration with the General Medical Council and a minimum of 2 years of post-qualifying experience are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Respiratory, Renal, or Care of the Elderly should apply. The salary will be between £58,742 and £97,050 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide high-quality care across both inpatient and outpatient services within the chosen specialty.
  • Participate in the middle-grade tier rota, including on-call duties.
  • Support the clinical management of patients in various units, including emergency and intensive care.
  • Collaborate with consultants and multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuous service improvement.

LIFE IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

The hospital is located in a vibrant town, with popular residential areas offering both urban and rural living options. The region offers excellent schools, efficient transport links, and a wide range of leisure activities for both adults and families, including beautiful beaches, sports facilities, and cultural events. The area has a rich history, having been a strategic location during World War II and now boasting a unique blend of cultural influences.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:

  • CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
  • At least two video calling interview preparation sessions Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more

Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:

  • Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
  • Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
105,504 - 139,882

A UK-based mental health service is seeking a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist to join their Neurodevelopmental Team. This is a part-time (0.8 FTE), permanent post, offering an exciting opportunity to take on a senior clinical leadership role within a well-established specialist service for children and adolescents with complex neurodevelopmental conditions.

The team operates within a multidisciplinary framework, delivering comprehensive assessments, pharmacological treatment, and evidence-based care for young people. The role is ideal for experienced consultants looking to shape service delivery while maintaining strong clinical involvement.

This opportunity is also open to international applicants, particularly those eligible for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register and who will be applying via CESR.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

  • Job Title: Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist – Neurodevelopmental Team

  • Contract: 8 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week – Part-Time

  • Contract Type: Permanent
  • Salary: £105,000 – £139,000 (pro rata, dependent on experience)

Applicants must have:

  • Full GMC registration with a licence to practise
  • GMC Specialist Register in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Section 12(2) MHA approval, or a willingness to complete this upon appointment
  • Experience working in child, adolescent, or neurodevelopmental psychiatric services
  • Strong leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, and communication skills
  • The ability to travel independently across service sites, including schools and service users\' homes

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Lead on psychiatric assessments, diagnosis, and pharmacological treatment planning for young people with complex and/or high-risk neurodevelopmental presentations.

  • Provide consultation and guidance to the multidisciplinary team, as well as external agencies including paediatrics, schools, Tier 4 providers, and primary care.
  • Maintain clinical oversight for young people under the care of the team, participating in emergency assessments and the consultant out-of-hours rota.
  • Attend and contribute to weekly multidisciplinary team meetings and clinical formulations.
  • Collaborate with carers, families, and professionals to co-create effective, evidence-based care plans.
  • Support transitions from child to adult mental health services in line with protocol.
  • Fulfil duties under the Mental Health Act, including conducting assessments and contributing to reports and tribunals as required.
  • Maintain clear and timely medical documentation and support audit and quality improvement initiatives.

MANAGEMENT & STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide senior clinical leadership in partnership with the non-medical Clinical Team Lead.

  • Contribute to the development of service-wide clinical guidelines and care pathways.
  • Support service planning and transformation initiatives based on emerging need.
  • Actively participate in governance activities, clinical audit, and performance monitoring.
  • Engage with stakeholders and external partners at strategic and operational levels.

LIFE IN THE REGION

This role is based in a well-connected and scenic part of the UK, ideal for those who enjoy a balance between urban accessibility and countryside living. With excellent road and rail links, London is just 1 hour by train and car, offering easy commuting and travel.

The area is highly attractive for families, with access to top-rated schools, green open spaces, and a vibrant local community. Whether you\'re seeking historic towns, cultural attractions, or tranquil rural retreats, this region offers something for everyone.
 

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:

  • CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice.
  • At least two video interview preparation sessions.
  • Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.

Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including:

  • Document gathering and checking.
  • COS and Visa Application support, if applicable.
  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
  • Travel arrangements and family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.
105,504- 139,882

An NHS teaching hospital in Kent is looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with an interest in urology. The Oncology department comprises a team of over 40 Clinical and Medical Oncology consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors, fellows, and trainees.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

  • This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist qualifications or FRCR are most encouraged to apply.CCT in Clinical Oncology or equivalent experience, including CESR pathway candidates.

  • The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide high-quality specialist care to melanoma patients attending the Kent Oncology Centre.

  • Attend relevant MDT meetings and coordinate treatment planning with other specialists.

  • Participate in departmental research initiatives and contribute to national and local clinical trials.

  • Contribute to training and supervision of junior doctors and participate in clinical governance activities.

Life in Kent

The area offers the best of both worlds: urban living in towns like Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, and tranquil countryside villages such as Lenham or Goudhurst.

Kent boasts a wide range of excellent primary and secondary schools, including several grammar schools, and is well connected to London via high-speed rail and road. Residents enjoy easy access to historic castles, the coast, national parks, shopping, and outdoor activities—perfect for both adults and families.

Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent holds historical significance with its Roman heritage, medieval cathedrals, and coastal defense legacy, offering a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:

  • CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists

  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice

  • At least two video calling interview preparation sessions

  • Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more

Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you all the way to starting your new role, including:

  • Document gathering and checking

  • COS and Visa Application support, if applicable

  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation

  • Travel arrangements

  • Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

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