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

99,532 - 131,964

An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Consultant to join this NHS Trust as a Consultant in Haematology working in an established medical setting in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support and international applications from IMGs are welcome.

The NHS Trust

The NHS Trust is one of the largest integrated care providers in England, serving a diverse population with a commitment to high-quality care and continuous improvement. The Trust operates across multiple sites, offering a broad range of services through various care groups, including Surgery, Integrated Medical Specialties, Family Health, Community, and Clinical Specialist Services. It provides a dynamic environment that supports innovation, education, and collaboration.

The Haematology Department & Team

The Haematology Department is a forward-thinking unit, staffed by a dedicated team of Consultant Haematologists and Clinical Nurse Specialists. The department focuses on outpatient and day case treatments, with a collaborative approach to inpatient care. It utilizes advanced facilities for a wide range of haematological services and participates in regional MDTs. This new consultant post will primarily be based at one of the main hospital sites but may involve activities across other locations within the Trust.

Continued Professional Development

This NHS job offers further training and accreditation within haematology, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The Trust supports continuous professional development and encourages participation in research and teaching activities. There is a strong emphasis on education with regular clinical meetings, audit sessions, and opportunities for career advancement.

Location

The location is ideal for international doctors and their families, offering affordable living costs, good schools, and a rich cultural heritage. There are numerous recreational activities, from exploring beautiful countryside and national parks to enjoying vibrant community events and historical sites. The area has excellent transport links, including easy access to major cities and convenient connections to international airports.

Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:

  • Active GMC registration with license to practice
  • Experience in Haematology

EEA candidates: 

  • European Specialist Qualification in Haematology

Non-EEA candidates:

  • MRCP or FRCPath Haematology or PLAB
109,725 - 145,47

Consultant Psychiatrist – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
South Wales

A dynamic and transformational CAMHS service in South Wales is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in child and adolescent mental health. The successful candidate will join a well-established multidisciplinary team delivering specialist care across the region, contributing to service development and clinical leadership within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a progressive mental health service with access to regional tier 4 services and a population of approximately 380,000. The post supports the organisation’s strategic vision to integrate CAMHS more closely into community settings while developing clinical pathways in areas including eating disorders, complex care, youth justice, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

We welcome applications for full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements and will support CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) development on an individual basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

  • Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.

  • Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.

  • Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.

  • Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).

  • Experience delivering psychiatric care in CAMHS or related services is required.

  • A collaborative, developmental, and family-focused approach, with excellent communication and leadership skills, is highly valued.

  • Opportunities for career development through CPD, peer supervision, quality improvement, and service leadership.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide consultant-level psychiatric care to children and adolescents as part of a multidisciplinary CAMHS team.

  • Lead clinical care planning, review, and treatment delivery in partnership with colleagues across mental health, health, education, and social care.

  • Work closely with specialist regional services including adolescent inpatient units, eating disorder outreach services, and forensic CAMHS consultation teams.

  • Participate in the CAMHS consultant on-call rota (with prospective cover).

  • Contribute to service improvement, pathway development, and integrated working in line with strategic planning goals.

  • Provide supervision and clinical leadership to junior medical staff and allied professionals.

  • Participate in annual appraisal, job planning, and revalidation, with access to local peer groups and CPD.

  • Uphold principles of clinical governance, information governance, and risk management across the CAMHS Directorate.

LIFE IN SOUTH WALES
South Wales offers a rare combination of coastal beauty, green open spaces, and urban convenience. With beautiful landscapes, affordable living, and excellent local amenities, it is an ideal location for professionals and families alike. The region is well-connected by public transport and road networks and offers easy access to nearby cities and airports.

Healthcare professionals in the area benefit from a supportive and inclusive working environment and access to a wide network of services across health, education, and social care.

If you are passionate about delivering outstanding CAMHS care and want to help shape future services in a supportive, innovative setting, we welcome your application. Please note that we may close this post early if sufficient applications are received.


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.

109,725 - 145,478

Consultant Psychiatrist – Acute Inpatient Service
South of England | Close to London

  • Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.
  • Recruitment premia £15,000 over 3 years *subject to policy requirements
  • Relocation allowance: up to £8000 *subject to policy requirements

An inclusive and progressive NHS mental health trust in the South of England is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in acute inpatient care. The successful candidate will join a compassionate and collaborative multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality psychiatric care to adults and clinical leadership across inpatient services. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading NHS Foundation Trust known for integrated working, a strong culture of kindness and respect, and its commitment to clinical excellence and innovation.

Applications are welcome for full-time, part-time, or flexible working patterns. CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) support is available and tailored to individual needs.


JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

  • Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.

  • Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.

  • Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).

  • Clinical experience in managing acute adult mental illness in inpatient settings is required.

  • Strong teamworking, communication, and leadership skills are essential.

  • Ongoing opportunities for professional development through training, leadership pathways, teaching, and academic engagement.


CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide Consultant-level psychiatric care to adult inpatients, in line with the Trust’s Acute Operational Policy.

  • Deliver clinical leadership and active involvement in quality improvement initiatives.

  • Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a recovery-focused, trauma-informed approach to care.

  • Coordinate with specialist and community teams to ensure effective patient transitions and continuity of care.

  • Supervise and support junior doctors, specialty trainees, and students.

  • Participate in Consultant on-call rota (details available on request).

  • Engage in audit, teaching, research, and service development activities.


LIFE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND

Located in the South of England, this opportunity offers the perfect balance of professional fulfilment and quality of life. The area combines vibrant urban centres, picturesque countryside, and excellent transport links — with London just 30 minutes away by train, and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports nearby for easy international travel.

This region is known for its historic market towns, outstanding schools, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Whether you\'re relocating alone or with family, it offers something for everyone — from city convenience to coastal calm.

The Trust is committed to inclusivity, wellbeing, and the development of its workforce, offering access to flexible working and a wide range of staff benefits.


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.

99,532 - £107

An NHS district general hospital in the West Midlands is looking for a Specialist Grade Haematologist with an interest in haemato-oncology, laboratory haematology and blood transfusion. The Haematology department comprises a team of 3 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Haematology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath (or equivalent) 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

FRCPath (or equivalent) and broad experience in clinical and laboratory haematology are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in clinical trials, haemato-oncology, education, or blood transfusion should apply. The salary will be between £96,990 to £107,155 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide clinical support in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working closely with consultants and the multidisciplinary team.

  • Participate in the delivery of chemotherapy and specialist care via the dedicated oncology/haematology unit.

  • Contribute to clinical governance, teaching of junior doctors and nurse practitioners, and development of service pathways.

  • Assist with laboratory haematology duties including blood film reporting, and advise on transfusion and diagnostic services.

LIFE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

This hospital is located in a picturesque region of the West Midlands, with access to both rural retreats and small city living. Residents enjoy a mix of traditional market towns and vibrant city centres, with good schools, easy rail access to Birmingham, and plenty of green spaces for outdoor activities. The area has deep historical roots, from medieval cathedrals to Roman forts, offering a unique combination of heritage and modern living.

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

An NHS hospital in South East England is looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with an interest in Upper and Lower GI cancers. The Oncology department comprises a team of four Clinical Oncologists and a Consultant Radiographer, supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration, GMC Specialist Register, CCT, or CESR 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

GMC registration with a license to practice, CESR, or a GMC-recognised qualification such as FRCR is required for this role. Anyone with an interest in Upper and Lower GI cancer should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 – £139,882 dependent on experience.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide expert oncology care for patients diagnosed with Upper and Lower GI cancers, overseeing treatment plans and managing patient care.

  • Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings across sites to coordinate treatment.

  • Contribute to research and clinical trials within the Oncology department, promoting innovation in GI cancer treatment.

  • Engage in teaching opportunities with medical students and junior doctors, especially in preparation for the launch of a new postgraduate medical programme.

LIFE IN SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

This hospital is located in the South East of England, a region known for its mix of lively coastal cities and peaceful countryside towns. It offers great transport links to London, top-performing schools, and diverse leisure options, including historic landmarks, nature trails, and vibrant cultural scenes. The area is rich in maritime and military history, making it a unique and engaging place to live and work.


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 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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