1.    When will interviews take place for specialties being recruited to in 2011?

Please see our Timetable for 2011 which includes application and interview dates for all specialties in Round One.  Please note that we will not be able to change dates. Only attendance at the interview in person will be considered; we are not able to conduct telephone / video conferencing interviews.

2.    How are interviews conducted? What is the interview format?

Interviews will generally consist of 3 panels of 10 minutes each. (National process rules may supersede).  You are required to bring a number of documents to the interview and these will be covered in a checklist provided with your invitation to interview. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your interview to allow time for your documents to be checked.

Interview dates are also available on the London Deanery website, along with the checklist document and expense claim form. If you wish to accept an interview you must not have accepted an offer of run through training or core training in England.

Essential documents for all specialties include proof of identity, permission to work, passport photos, passport, current GMC/GDC certificate, primary qualification, Foundation competences / ST competences if applicable. 

All available interview information will be provided in your invitation email and information pack.

3.    What questions will I be asked at the interview?

The interviewers will want to explore your employment history, qualifications, the information you have provided on your application form and your competencies. The Medical Specialty Training website provides a person specification for each specialty, with lists of essential and desirable criteria. These will give you a good idea of the kind of candidate the interviewers are looking for and, therefore, the type of questions they are likely to ask.

4.    When will I know if I have been successful in securing an interview?

We aim to give all candidates at least five working days notice of any interview, however notice may be less if late gaps arise due to other applicants dropping out.  A minimum of 72 hours notice will be provided before the interview (including weekends and bank holidays). Successful candidates will be informed via email.

5.    I would like to know the names of my panel members, can you provide me with that information?

No, we are unable to disclose any information about panel members prior to the interview.

6.    Do I need to do a presentation in my interview?

If you are required to do a presentation in your interview you will be provided with the relevant details before the interview.

7.    Where is my interview?

All interview information, including dates and location details, is available on the Timetable for 2011.

8.    Do I need to confirm my attendance at an interview?

Yes.  Please ensure you respond to the email inviting you to the specialty interview within 48 hours to either accept or decline the interview.

9.    I am going on holiday, can I change my interview date?

No. Panel members are consultants and are booked far in advance of the interview date so we are unable to change your dates.

Requests for change in time may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

10.    What documentation is required for my interview?

The full documentation checklist is available on our website.

11.    I consider myself disabled, who can I talk to about getting help on the day of my interview?

If you have any special needs in connection with a disability that you would like us to take into account in making arrangements for the interview, please make these known by sending an email to confidentialenquiries@londondeanery.ac.uk

12.    Can I claim travel and subsistence expenses?

Yes. Candidates attending interviews are eligible to claim travel and subsistence. Forms will be made available on our website. Some expenses require prior agreement from The Deanery in writing. These include the cost of overnight accommodation, the cost of an air flight and the costs incurred through travelling by car. Please refer to the guidance document for full details.

13.    I would like some feedback on my interview. How do I obtain this information?

It is London Deanery’s policy that requests for feedback will begin to be provided at least seven days after all interviews are completed. Feedback on rank, shortlisting and interview scores can be provided seven days after all offers have been made.

For further information please email RecruitmentEnquiries@londondeanery.ac.uk

14.    How can I find out more information about the 'Guaranteed Interview Scheme'?

London Deanery is committed to ensuring equal opportunities and we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability and have claimed a guaranteed interview, then you need to meet the minimum qualifying criteria for the post you have applied for at the application and selection testing stages of the recruitment process. You will then automatically be invited to interview. Further information on employment support is available on the Directgov website.