Some interviews will require you to work on a model or mannequin that will be the “patient”. This can be operated by computer and you will be given a scenario around the “patient” with information to enable you to assess the situation. Some interviews may use actors to play the role of patients and you will be asked to assess them demonstrating competence and understanding. If you are asked to carry out a patient role play:

• Treat it as a real life situation – try to be as realistic as you can.
• Think carefully about the skills you are demonstrating e.g. communication, empathy, directing. It is important to use active listening skills in these situations. Active listening involves paying strong regard to what you are being told and then acting on this information in an appropriate manner.
• Remember to be very familiar with the person specification for the job that you have applied to so you can clearly demonstrate to the panel you possess the skills and qualities that they are interviewing for.

Clinical scenario:

These will involve the presentation of a clinical case. You will be given some time to think about the case you have been presented with and then asked questions. The level of questioning that you will encounter could rise in complexity and may reach a point where you don’t have the knowledge to give a firm answer. The key aims of this type of interview station are to assess your clinical skills of:

• Diagnosis, treatment planning and patient care.
• How you take time to look at the information you have been given
• How you focus on the key facts. Some information will be of less importance than others.
• How you make definite recommendations. Don’t be vague and don’t be afraid of saying that you do not know