In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview podcast, Tessa and Becky tackle a brutally common scenario: you’ve failed several consultant interviews in a row and it feels like you’ll never get the job. They break down how to stop telling yourself the “I’m just terrible at interviews” story, how to ask for specific, question‑by‑question feedback, and how to spot themes such as missing senior‑level thinking rather than chasing yet another audit or QI project.​

You’ll also hear a live critique of a “tell me about a mistake” example involving safeguarding.

They then move on to the classic question “What makes a good leader?”. Finally, they share a practical tip on when and how to negotiate flexible working.

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In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview podcast, Tessa and Becky tackle a question almost every final‑year trainee asks: “When should I actually start preparing for my consultant interview?” They unpack why last‑minute, two‑week prep creates panic, how early, light‑touch preparation in your final year protects you from surprise adverts, and how it frees up headspace for pre‑interview meetings and presentations when the job you really want finally appears.​

They then walk through a real “mistake” example from an Academy student – a malpositioned syndesmosis fixation requiring revision – and use it to show why some clinical stories worry panels more than they help you. 

Tessa and Becky also break down the increasingly common question, “How would you create a culture where people can speak up?” and show you how to answer it without slipping into vague buzzwords. 

The episode closes with a deep dive into interview presentations: typical timings, why five minutes is harder than it sounds, and how to avoid the classic mistake of overrunning and being cut off mid‑pitch. 

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Join Tessa and Becky as they dive into the reality of stakeholder panels for NHS consultant job interviews. 

This episode lays out exactly what to expect, who’s in the room, and how to pivot your answers to fit the panel’s unique interests. 

You’ll hear candid discussion about the pitfalls of using complex conflict scenarios, the dangers of leaning too heavily on MSF feedback, and how to craft honest responses to those tricky ‘three words’ questions. 

Plus, actionable tips on timing your answers for impact - so you can walk into your interview prepared, focused, and ready to impress. 

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In this episode, Tessa and Becky answer a core question from Academy trainees: 

“How do I deal with interview nerves just days before facing the panel?” 

Practical advice dominates - consolidate your knowledge, avoid last-minute cramming, and find your personal strategies to relax, whether it’s a bath, a walk, or a power pose. 

The pair break down a golden example of handling conflict with a colleague, revealing what makes an answer authentic and safe for interview. 

They go deep into tackling the dreaded “biggest weakness” question and offer a bulletproof framework for answering with honesty, without undermining yourself. 

This episode is all about equipping you with the mindset - and tactics - to walk into your NHS consultant interview calm, confident and ready to impress.

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In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview Podcast, Tessa and Becky tackle the biggest worries for trainees with overseas backgrounds facing NHS consultant interviews.

They break down:

• Why your overseas experience can set you apart - and how to showcase it with clarity and impact

• The steps to learning senior-level NHS processes, governance, and risk management without years of exposure

• How to structure answers for ‘tell me about a mistake’ - including a real-life example that highlights honesty and learning

• Approaching the tough question: “How would you improve our service without spending more money?” and making your answer relevant, patient-focused, and memorable

• Strategies for both internal and external candidates, with advice to maximise insider knowledge while still performing strongly in interview

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In this episode, Tessa and Becky discuss:

• Soft-Spokenness and Confidence: How to embrace your natural style and use prep and clarity to signal true confidence, not volume.​

• Mistake Questions: Why interview panels respond best to real personal vulnerability - and how to avoid the common trap of “buck stops with me” answers that lack authenticity.​

• Balancing Trainee Needs and Service Delivery: Concrete examples, GMC survey data, and strategies to show consultant-level thinking when asked about system-level challenges.​

• Timing Your Prep: The critical value of starting early, even when you don’t have an official interview date - so you can walk away knowing you gave it everything.​

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In this episode, Tessa and Becky tackle the misunderstood territory of contacting College reps before your NHS consultant interview. They answer a student’s pressing question and share insider advice on reaching out to panel members without crossing boundaries. 

The conversation moves to demystifying how to answer the “conflict with a colleague” question - breaking down a listener’s real-life example and highlighting the pitfalls of over-complicating answers with clinical detail. 

You’ll learn why simplicity, honesty, and a focus on senior-level conflict resolution skills will elevate your interview performance. 

They also reveal why old projects shouldn’t be discarded, showing how even distant experiences can demonstrate unique selling points and lasting impact. 

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In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview podcast, Tessa and Becky break down the essential strategies for thriving in online interviews and explain how the best candidates stand out - digitally and in person. They cover:

• How senior trainees and locum consultants can project warmth and build connection, even through a screen
• The critical tech checks, presentation skills, and background management everyone overlooks (until it’s too late)
• Actionable advice for answering conflict questions and “How do you manage your time?” - moving from generic to genuinely memorable
• Why it’s time to ditch the outdated “personal hobbies” formula and open your interview with what matters: the passion that connects you to the job

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This episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview Podcast brings clarity to some of the most awkward or misunderstood elements of NHS consultant interviews. 

Tessa and Becky open with advice for those nervously navigating references when applying for a new post - offering practical, honest ways to approach the conversation with your current employer. 

They unpack what makes for a great “duty of candour” example. 

When facing emotionally charged questions like “Tell me about your worst day,” they guide you on showing vulnerability without oversharing. 

They also break down how to choose a conflict-resolution story that demonstrates judgement and senior-level thinking, steering clear of unsafe answers that could raise red flags.

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In this episode of the Ace Your Consultant Interview podcast, Tessa and Becky get into the specifics of interview and application preparation, focusing on the nuanced realities that candidates face right now. 

They tackle whether you should have notes at hand - explaining why preparation trumps paperwork and when bullet points might be your friend in an online interview. 

Listen for their step-by-step approach to structuring the perfect "conflict with a patient" answer and their advice on using appraisal questions as a vehicle to communicate your real value. 

Finally, they break down what’s changed in the increasingly competitive NHS consultant job market, sharing hard-won strategies for making your application impossible to ignore while maintaining resilience through setbacks.

Sign up for our free 5-day email course to give you ​a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview​: https://aceyourconsultantinterview.com/