The consultant interview and its context—a chief executive's perspective

Abstract 

The role of consultants in today's NHS is more extensive than that of medical specialists. Importantly, they are managers and organizational leaders as well, with a focus on the delivery of service in their clinical units or specialties. In carrying out these roles they need to work as members of multidisciplinary teams. Chief executives are interested in ensuring that new consultants will be more effective across a wider range of skills than medical expertise.

Consultant interviews are the culmination of a longer process. Opportunities need to be made for Trusts and candidates to find out as much as possible about each other, to ensure the best possible fit between the needs and the culture of the Trust and the attributes of the selected candidate. How candidates will work with their senior colleagues in their clinical units is the central issue in selection decisions.

Keywords: consultant post, interview, job application, curriculum vitae, health service management

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