NHS Consultant Pre-Interview Visits: Why They Matter and How to Prepare

Getting shortlisted for an NHS consultant interview is a significant step, but the journey doesn’t end there. Before your formal interview, there’s an important stage you shouldn’t skip: pre-interview visits. These meetings are a golden opportunity to make a strong first impression, gather valuable insights, and set yourself up for success.

But let’s be honest: the idea of these pre-interview meetings can be nerve-wracking. You may wonder what to say, who to meet, or how to navigate these informal yet crucial discussions. Don’t worry - we’re here to break it all down for you.

What Are Pre-Interview Visits and Why Are They Important?

Pre-interview visits involve meeting key individuals in the organisation before your official interview. This could include the Clinical Director, Chief Executive, Medical Director, or other senior figures within the Trust. These meetings usually occur after you’ve been shortlisted, and they provide an opportunity to get to know the people who are likely to be on your interview panel.

Why are these visits so critical? For several reasons:

• First impressions count: This is your chance to introduce yourself and leave a positive impression before the formal interview begins.
• Get valuable intel: Learn about the department’s priorities, challenges, and what they’re looking for in an ideal candidate - information that can give you a real advantage in the interview.
• Ease your nerves: Meeting the interview panel members beforehand can make the actual interview less intimidating. When you see familiar faces on the day, it will help reduce the element of the unknown. 

Who Should You Contact for Pre-Interview Visits?

Once you’ve been shortlisted, it’s time to reach out to key individuals. But who exactly should you meet? Typically, the following people are important to connect with:

• Clinical Lead
• Medical Director
• Chief Executive
• Operations Manager of the department
• Matron/Nurse Manager

But actually you should just contact the people who you know are on the panel.

Make a list of these individuals and send each a brief, polite email introducing yourself, explaining that you’ve been shortlisted, and asking if they’re available for a short pre-interview meeting. Don’t worry about bothering them - these meetings are expected, and every other candidate will likely be doing the same.

What to Ask During Pre-Interview Meetings

Going into these meetings without a plan is a missed opportunity. Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions tailored to each individual’s role. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• What are the biggest challenges facing the Department right now?
• What are your priorities for the next 12 months?
• What do you think the ideal candidate should bring to this role?

These questions show that you’re interested and engaged, and they also give you critical insights into what the panel values. This information can be used to tailor your answers during the interview, showing that you’re prepared and aligned with their needs.

How to Prepare for Pre-Interview Visits

Preparation is key. Follow these steps to ensure you’re ready to make a positive impact:

1. Research each individual: Look them up online, read recent reports, or check out any public speeches or interviews they’ve given. Understanding their role and challenges will help you ask more targeted questions.
2. Prepare your questions: Write down a few questions specific to each person’s role. For example, the Clinical Lead may have different concerns than the Medical Director. Tailor your questions accordingly.
3. Polite follow-up: Send a reminder email the day before your scheduled meeting. Something simple like, "Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow at [time]" will suffice. This ensures they remember your meeting and demonstrates professionalism.
4. Take notes: After each meeting, jot down key points you discussed. This will help you recall details that could be useful during your interview. Also, reviewing these notes beforehand will refresh your memory and boost your confidence on the big day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these pre-interview meetings are informal, they can still go wrong if you’re unprepared. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Not sending a reminder: People are busy, and meetings can easily be forgotten. A polite reminder the day before prevents any no-shows.
• Focusing too much on yourself: While you want to make a good impression, these meetings are more about learning than selling yourself. Focus on gathering insights and showing genuine interest in the department’s challenges.
• Not preparing questions: Don’t expect to just "wing it." Walking into a meeting without prepared questions shows a lack of effort and interest.
• Missing out on the details: Pay close attention to what they tell you. Often, the issues they mention during these meetings will come up in the formal interview. Listening carefully could give you a huge advantage.

Final Thoughts: Why Pre-Interview Visits Matter

Pre-interview visits are a critical step in your interview preparation. They give you the chance to make a positive first impression, gather crucial insights, and feel more comfortable when you walk into the formal interview.

Remember, the goal of these meetings isn’t to impress them with your skills - that comes during the interview. Instead, focus on listening, asking thoughtful questions, and building rapport. By the time the interview rolls around, you’ll be better prepared, more confident, and well-positioned to secure that NHS consultant role.