Podcast
Ace Your NHS Consultant Interview
Hosted by Tessa Davis + Becky Platt · EN
Welcome to Ace Your NHS Consultant Interview - the podcast for doctors who want to take the stress and guesswork out of their NHS consultant interview prep.
We know how overwhelming it can feel to prep for your consultant interviews when you’re already stretched thin.
Each episode, we’ll break down what actually works - no fluff, no endless reading, just practical steps you can fit into a hectic week. You’ll hear honest advice, real stories, and the frameworks we use with our own students inside the Academy to help you show up confident, prepped, and ready to secure the job you want.
If you’re a final year trainee or locum consultant and you want to prepare, not panic, you’re in the right place.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Stand Out in a Competitive Consultant Interview
2w ago00:15:37Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep38Worried that there are loads of strong applicants for the same consultant job and you will struggle to stand out? In this episode, we break down what actually makes a candidate memorable in a competitive consultant interview, including how to connect your experience to the role, how to talk about your skills in a way that feels specific and credible, and how to show the panel that you understand exactly what their trust or department needs right now.We also cover how to keep your examples concise so you do not get lost in too much detail, how to answer questions about the challenges facing the trust, and how to sound more like a consultant by showing senior level thinking, not just focusing on the patient in front of you but on the wider system, pathways, and service. If you want to sound sharper, more strategic, and more appointable on interview day, this episode will give you practical advice to help you rise above the competition.Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/?utm_source=YTPod&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=1
Transcribe →What to Do If You Get an Interview Question You Cannot Answer
3w ago00:22:14Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep37What should you do if an interview panel asks a question you genuinely do not know how to answer? In this episode, we break down how to stay calm, recover quickly, and still give a credible response even when you feel completely caught off guard. We also explore one of the toughest consultant interview scenarios, what to do if a junior tells you a consultant is bullying them, and how to approach that kind of question with balance, senior level judgment, and professionalism.We also discuss a common weakness example about getting overexcited and taking on too much, including why it works better than cliché answers and how to present it well in an interview. On top of that, we cover one of the biggest prep mistakes candidates make: practising answers by stopping and restarting until they sound perfect, instead of training themselves to think under pressure and respond in real time. If you want to sound more composed, more strategic, and more interview ready, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use straight away.Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/?utm_source=YTPod&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=1
Transcribe →How to Answer Wellbeing, Resilience, and Mistake Questions in a Consultant Interview
4w ago00:21:31Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep36 Worried you will get asked about wellbeing, resilience, mistakes, or conflict in your consultant interview and say the wrong thing? In this episode, we break down how to answer these tough interview questions in a way that sounds thoughtful, professional, and self aware without oversharing or damaging your credibility. You will learn how to talk about wellbeing without sounding weak, how to choose mistake examples that show ownership rather than blame, and how to handle reflective conflict questions that catch candidates off guard.We also cover what to do when an answer starts going wrong in real time, including simple ways to recover your structure, reset your thoughts, and keep the rest of the interview strong. If you are preparing for a consultant interview and want to sound calm, reflective, and appointable under pressure, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you perform with more confidence from start to finish.Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/?utm_source=YTPod&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=1
Transcribe →How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” Without Freezing in a Consultant Interview
Apr 1300:23:35Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep35 If you panic when an interview starts and your mind goes blank at “tell me about yourself,” this episode breaks down exactly how to handle it with a clear structure, stronger confidence, and answers that actually land. You’ll learn how to prepare for the question that almost always comes first, how to make an instant connection with the panel, how to talk through conflict examples without overexplaining, and how to deal with unexpected wildcard questions that throw candidates off.We also cover one of the most overlooked interview skills: knowing how to end your answers cleanly and confidently so you do not drift into awkward silence or get cut off before you finish your point. Whether you are preparing for a consultant interview, medical interview, or any high pressure panel interview, this episode will help you sound more polished, more prepared, and more memorable from your very first answer to your final one.Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/?utm_source=YTPod&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=1
Transcribe →Mastering Consultant Interviews: Answering Tough Questions and Owning Your Role
Apr 600:18:46Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep34 In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview podcast, Tessa and Becky dive into key strategies for acing your interview, starting with a common yet tricky question: "Why this trust?" They emphasize the importance of presenting your enthusiasm for the job and the trust, even if it’s not your absolute dream role. The duo stresses the need to stay focused during the interview, conveying your passion for the position to the panel. The conversation also explores the tricky "financial crisis" question, offering insights into how consultants can contribute to cost-saving without being bogged down in numbers. They suggest framing it through the lens of improving patient flow and efficiency.The episode also offers practical advice on handling challenging situations like duty of candour, sharing a real example of a delay in patient care and the steps to take when addressing such incidents. Tessa and Becky underscore the importance of taking ownership and reflecting on your role in these situations, ensuring the panel understands the personal impact you've made. Lastly, they share an essential tip for interview success: using "I" instead of "we" to clearly communicate your individual contributions. This episode is a must-listen for any trainee or low-income consultant preparing for interviews with confidence and clarity.Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/?utm_source=YTPod&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=1
Transcribe →How to Sell Yourself Without Feeling Arrogant: Secrets to Nailing Your Consultant Interview
Mar 3000:21:08Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep33 In this episode of Ace Your Consultant Interview, Tessa and Becky tackle the challenge of selling yourself during a job interview without feeling like you're bragging. They emphasize the importance of being authentic and using specific, measurable examples to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. The key is to focus on facts and impact, not persuasion, so you can confidently talk about your achievements without feeling arrogant. Practicing your responses out loud is also a crucial part of the preparation process, as it helps reduce the "cringe factor" and makes your answers sound natural in the interview.The hosts also share their insights on handling interview questions about mistakes, stressing the importance of owning your errors and reflecting on how you handled them. They highlight the value of using these moments to demonstrate growth and senior-level thinking. Additionally, they discuss how to approach background research on a trust, advising not to overdo it. Instead, a broad understanding of the trust's issues will allow you to integrate relevant information into your answers without getting bogged down in excessive details.Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/?utm_source=YTPod&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=1
Transcribe →Beyond the Publication List: Nail Your Research USP and Dodge Interview Traps
Mar 2300:23:52Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep32 Join Tessa and Becky on Ace Your Consultant Interview Podcast Ep 32 as they unpack game-changing advice for final-year trainees and aspiring consultants prepping for high-stakes interviews. Dive into transforming a bland list of publications into a standout research USP by spotlighting your top project—think patient recruitment numbers, clinical impacts, and hard-earned skills like ethics approvals and stats analysis (skip the PhD title flex; sell what you did). They rip apart a messy "conflict with a junior colleague" example, revealing why over-detailing clinical drama and "I was right" endings kill your conflict resolution story—focus on de-escalation, team support, and that magic cup of tea instead.Tackle the curveball question "Which trust value do you embody the least?" with savvy: pick a challenging one like "collaborative," share a USP-tied hurdle you overcame, and stay far from red flags like "caring." Master 5-minute presentations by ditching slide overload (max 3, or go slide-free) and structuring like an extended interview answer: intro, 3 key points, summary. Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/?utm_source=YTPod&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=1
Transcribe →Elevate Reg-Level Stories to Consultant Superstar Status – Without Faking It
Mar 1600:21:52Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep31 In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview podcast, hosts Tessa and Becky dive into real-world strategies for final-year trainees and new consultants prepping for interviews. They unpack a student's burning question: "My examples feel too registrar-level – how do I amp them up to consultant caliber without fabricating?" Discover how to spotlight system-wide impacts, committee advocacy, and cross-departmental wins from your reg days to showcase senior thinking.They dissect a "golden example" of colleague conflict – a gynae reg refusing an ED referral for pyelonephritis in pregnancy, turning tension into a relatable resolution story (with tips to avoid sounding grumpy). Tackle the tricky "gaps in your training" question by framing minor, fixable weaknesses (like governance skills) and proactive steps you've taken. Plus, transform everyday teaching gigs into killer USPs by breaking down curriculum mapping, speaker wrangling, evaluations, and overcoming attendance hurdles – ditching vague "local/regional/national" boasts for vivid, panel-impressing details.Tune in to prep smarter, not harder.Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/?utm_source=YTPod&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=1
Transcribe →The Heart‑Stopping “One Negative Word” Interview Question – And How to Answer It
Mar 900:25:29Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep30In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview podcast, Tessa and Becky walk through three areas that reliably trip candidates up: teaching examples, conflict scenarios, and gaps in your CV.They start with a common student question: “Can I just talk about my day‑to‑day ward teaching?” and explain why that won’t cut it if you want to stand out at consultant level. You’ll hear how to turn your education work into specific, high‑impact examples, including simulation programmes, curriculum planning and measured outcomes that actually tell the panel who you are as an educator.Next, they unpack a “golden example” about refusing a neonatal transfer and show why some conflict stories are high‑risk if you don’t frame them carefully. They cover how to avoid sounding obstructive, how to show de‑escalation and support for stressed colleagues, and why recording yourself talking through tricky conflicts is worth the discomfort.Tessa and Becky then tackle a deliciously awkward wildcard question one student faced: “Three positive words your colleagues would use for you – and one negative word they’d use when you weren’t listening.”Finally, they dive into career gaps: health, family, unemployment, GMC issues and more. Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com
Transcribe →Inside the Panel’s Mind When You Talk About CQC, Safety and Speaking Up
Mar 200:19:32Tap to summarizeStarting to think about your NHS Consultant Interview Prep? Join the waitlist for my Ace Your Consultant Interview Academy. I’ll let you know as soon as the Academy doors open https://info.medicalinterviewprep.com/waitlist?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=transistor&utm_content=t-ep29 In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview podcast, Tessa and Platt dig into three of the most uncomfortable areas of NHS consultant interview prep: negative CQC reports, duty of candour examples, and talking about your own mistakes.They cover:Negative CQC feedback – when to bring it up, when to stay quiet, and how to be honest without being brutally critical of the very team you want to join.Pre‑interview meetings and risk registers – how to use them to understand a department’s real challenges and to frame your answers around quality, safety, and speaking up.Duty of candour examples – why the best examples often aren’t “your” mistake, and how to walk through the conversation, investigation, and system learning in a structured way.Owning your mistake – how to stop over‑justifying, state the error clearly in the first sentence, and then focus on reflection, actions, and what you do differently now.If you’re a final-year trainee or locum consultant worrying about how to talk about CQC, safety concerns, or past errors without torpedoing your chances, this episode shows you exactly how to do it with confidence and senior-level judgement.Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com
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