I decided to apply for Paeds Reg posts in 2021. I prepared by taking free courses on LinkedIn on how to set up an impressive CV. I had a few CV drafts that friends, family and colleagues helped me to sharpen up. Then I physically went to hospitals to drop them off. It created a good impression and got me a couple of interviews, even years down the line.
Once short-listed to attend an interview, I read through my APLS guidelines and some EML topics again and watched webinars on how to conduct yourself in an interview and which questions you can expect. I also asked colleagues in the field already.
For my Reg post interview, I was asked the management of status epilepticus, neonatal resusc of a prem, what I would do if a colleague doesn’t pitch up to take over from me when I’m post call, and what is the most expensive expense for a government hospital (doctors apparently… Eye roll). It was just post COVID and I had the option to do a virtual interview, but I’m way more comfy in person, so I decided to drive through. I was the only candidate physically present during my slot and I think it also contributed to me getting the job.
Finally, what made me stand out from my colleagues was the fact that I had already started thinking about and collecting data for my Mmed (which I anyway had to discard because of ethical issues, but it got me the job at least). I think they look for someone who they think will fit in well with their existing team, someone who is will be proactive and take responsibility for their learning and masters. It is a difficult program that flies by. You need to pray a lot beforehand whether it’s the right life choice. And during the crazy 4 years. Once you get the job, you need to hit the floor running. By grace and good preparation, I got my post after my first interview.
Hello! This was really helpful to read; you definitely need to be committed to the process and not get disheartened along the way :)
Out of interest, where did you find those Webinars regarding interview conduct? And did the LinkedIn CV tips help with a medical CV? I’m very bad at selling myself and always think “I’m a doctor…I do doctor things…what more do I put in here?”. I think that’s why I like the international CV format from the recruiters, LOL!
If I remember correctly it was also on LinkedIn. Or YouTube. No idea, dig around:) I think go google soft skills and hard skills required for the position you are applying for and see which are applicable to you, then put those on your CV. Do a couple of courses and join associations that are in your line of work, note them down as well. Show that you are invested 