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Interview Preparation

Podcast: How to Discuss Mistakes in NHS Consultant Interviews

Reviewed and Modified by Tessa Davis

Preparing for an NHS Consultant interview means being ready to discuss challenging situations, including mistakes. How you frame and reflect on errors is just as important as clinical competence. In this podcast snippet, Tessa and Becky break down how to approach questions about mistakes thoughtfully, demonstrating accountability, learning, and professionalism.

Catch the Full Episode Here

Handling Mistakes in Interviews

Becky: What they did, they took some blood from a baby and put the wrong lids on the bottles, so the bloods couldn’t be processed by the lab. That meant repeat blood samples had to be taken. Do we think this is a good example or a bad example? What are your thoughts?

Tessa: I actually really like this example. It’s good because it’s a common mistake. We can all imagine that when we’re busy taking blood from a small child, this could easily happen. It’s not terrible, there’s no lasting harm, but it’s still a mistake, so there is some impact. And importantly, it’s relatable.

With mistakes like this, you don’t want the worst-case scenario; you need something the panel can realistically imagine happening. The key is understanding why the panel asks these questions, they want to see how you handle errors, how sensitive you are to patients and families, and how you follow governance processes.

Becky: Yeah, that makes sense.

Tessa: Right. You don’t want a “wow” story that distracts from your interview performance. Focus on something straightforward, relatable, and safe. One of the things people often worry about is whether the mistake is “big enough.” There needs to be some impact, but it doesn’t have to be catastrophic.

Becky: Exactly. It’s about showing regret, accountability, and learning.

Tessa: Yes. When you deliver a mistake example in an interview, talk about:

  • The steps you took to rectify it
  • How you made sure it wouldn’t happen again
  • Governance processes followed, such as reporting via Datix
  • How you communicated with the family

Ownership is important. You might say, “I realised I’d made a mistake and felt terrible because the baby had to have repeated bloods, and the family was already stressed.” Being open about your mistakes shows vulnerability and professionalism, it helps the panel connect with you.

Becky: And practising this kind of answer is really useful. You can make a small, relatable mistake in your example rather than looking for an extreme scenario. It allows you to show honesty, reflection, and practical learning.

Tessa: Absolutely. The best examples are ones where you’ve made a real mistake, but it’s not a disaster. Something relatable that anyone on the panel can imagine happening. That’s exactly what interviewers are looking for.

Key Takeaways for Your Interview

  • Choose a relatable mistake – small, realistic, and understandable.
  • Show accountability – acknowledge the error and your role in it.
  • Reflect on learning – explain steps taken to prevent recurrence.
  • Demonstrate professionalism – discuss governance and communication with the team/family.
  • Practice your story – keep it clear, concise, and focused.