Introduction
The key reason I scored 100% at ST3 interview is that I used a great answer framework. The difference that separates the best candidates from everyone else is not what they know, but how they communicate. The secret to effective communication at interview is using the right answer framework.
What Is An Answer Framework?
Well, the classic ‘A to E’ assessment can be used as a framework to answer a clinical question. However, whilst appropriate for Core/SHO level, using this alone won’t impress the interviewers at ST3 level. For this level, you need a framework that can deal with the increased complexity of the scenarios you will face.
The answer framework that I used to score perfect marks at my clinical station for the ST3 interview was this:
The easy way I used to remember the framework was the mnemonic:
IPAD Not Allowed
Identify issues
Priority
Actions
Definitive Management
Next of kin
Address wider issues
Clinical Scenario – Answer Framework Explainer Table
Each of these items can be broken down and explained, as shown in the excerpt from the Framework Explainer table…
The brilliance of this framework is that: it allows you to demonstrate your knowledge right at the beginning, it’s easy for the interviewer to follow, and it leaves room for you to explore and address any kind of issue, be they clinical, procedural, structural or ethical.
The goal of your interview preparation should not be to cover as many practice scenarios as possible. Instead, it should be about perfecting your use of the right answer frameworks.
There is an optimal framework for Clinical scenarios and a different one for Clinical Management scenarios. When it comes to Portfolio stations, there are 3 answer frameworks to use depending on the type of question. One of these is the STARR framework, which is perfect for ‘Tell me about a time when’ questions:
How To Prepare For The Interview
The interview can be stressful, both in terms of the pressure of the evaluation itself and the time pressure. Because competition is so high, margins for error are small so you must do your best to manage the stress and perform to the best of your ability on the day. The main way to do this is through practice. It is usually easy to tell who has specifically practised for the interview from those who have not, even when both candidates have the same level of knowledge. It is common for less knowledgeable but more well-practiced candidates to outperform those who are more knowledgeable and experienced but haven’t prepared specifically for the interview. The reason for this is simple – it’s not enough just to give the right answer; to impress you need to deliver answers in a structured manner.
Practice for the interviews can start solo. When working through practice stations and scenarios, say your answers out loud. Once you are comfortable with this, you should find partners to practice with regularly. It can be helpful to have a small number of different practice partners so you can benefit from different perspectives. When practising with peers, don’t be afraid to borrow aspects of their answers and delivery that you think are particularly strong. You also need to be honest and direct with each other about what needs improving and take any criticism as useful feedback. As your practice continues increase the pressure that you apply on one another. This will get you more comfortable with the stress of the real interview. The mock interviewer can do this by interrupting from time to time, making sure that the person practicing can deal with something disturbing their flow. This is particularly helpful as it makes sure that your practice is a real interview and not just a script rehearsal or monologue. In the real interview, the interviewers will not let you just talk and talk without interrupting.
Another way to practice for the stress of the real interview is to have the mock interviewer challenge your answers. As the interviewee, this is a cue to re-examine your answers and the information you have so far, but it does not necessarily mean that your answer is wrong and it may just be that the interviewer wants some more conviction in your answers. Another great way to stress-practice is to practice with a senior, a registrar or a consultant who can help you match the dynamic that you will face in the real interview. For the ST3 interview, it is vital to do at least a few sessions with registrars and consultants as they will be able to give feedback that closely resembles the real interviewers.
The interview is broken down and scored in sections, with the scoring of the different sections being largely independent of each other. This is important to remember. If you feel like you have done poorly in a section do not dwell on this and let it affect your performance moving forward. There will be plenty of time to think over and dissect your answers after the interview, so whilst you are in the interview make sure you focus on what’s in front of you at that moment!
