Interview Preparation

Podcast: Understanding the Difference Between Substantive and Locum Interviews

Reviewed and Modified by Tessa Davis

Consultant interviews can vary depending on whether you are applying for a substantive or a locum post. While preparation for both should be equally thorough, the format, structure, and types of questions you encounter can differ significantly.

In this discussion, Becky and Tessa break down the key differences between substantive and locum interviews, helping candidates understand what to expect and how to approach each type effectively. Knowing these nuances can help you feel more confident, focused, and prepared when facing the panel.

Check Out the Full Episode:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OTDtrcAe8QZxxoviOZ8YA?si=DjQoGxKNTeGB3jJ0FtwtnQ  

Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-navigate-the-substantive-vs-locum-consultant/id1833792151?i=1000725468860 

YouTube – https://youtu.be/6HNXyx_W08I?si=IgLb_T6KOBlYFe55 

 

Substantive vs Locum Interviews

Becky:
What is the difference between a substantive and a locum interview? Okay, so this gets asked quite often, doesn’t it? Most people go through a locum interview before a substantive interview, though some go straight to substantive.

Becky:
Both, I would say, are the same in terms of preparation – you should prepare as though it is a substantive interview, doing all the same pre-interview work and due diligence. But in reality, the interviews themselves can be quite different. In a substantive panel, there are strict rules: it must be advertised for a set length of time, include certain representatives like a college rep and a chief exec rep, usually have about seven people on the panel, and every candidate is asked the same questions. It’s much more regimented, so you know what to expect.

Becky:
With a locum interview, the rules aren’t the same. A locum post can be advertised and then removed quickly if enough candidates apply. There doesn’t have to be a standard number of panel members, and the questions can vary widely. Some locum interviews are structured like substantive interviews, but many are ad hoc and informal.

Tessa:
Yes, I think it’s a real mixed bag when it comes to locums. The key point is they can ask you anything, often tailored to your CV or personal experience. There’s usually a clinical question in a locum interview that we don’t tend to see in substantive interviews.

Tessa:
Some locum posts are highly competitive, and in those cases, the interview can feel as formal as a substantive interview, even if the panel isn’t the same as expected for a substantive post.

Becky:
Regarding clinical questions in substantive interviews, they do come up occasionally, but often it’s not purely clinical – it’s about a nonclinical element of the case, such as a drug error or team conflict.

Becky:
In locum interviews, they ask straightforward clinical questions because they want to check competence, whereas in substantive interviews, competence is assumed, and the focus is on senior-level thinking and systems-based approaches.

Tessa:
Exactly. If asked a clinical question in a substantive interview, think carefully about why they are asking it. They’re assessing your senior-level perspective, systems awareness, and ability to manage process and team issues – not just your clinical knowledge.

Tessa:
You also mentioned earlier the personalized questions in locum interviews. For example, they might ask, “You’ve come from a DGH; how would you adapt to a tertiary hospital?” This wouldn’t be asked in a substantive interview because it’s not applicable to all candidates.

Tessa:
Additionally, in locum interviews, follow-ups and prompts are common – they might say, “Tell me more about this” or “I’d like to hear more.” In substantive interviews, each candidate experiences the exact same structured questions without these variations.

Key Takeaways

  • Preparation is the same: Treat locum and substantive interviews with the same level of pre-interview preparation.
  • Substantive interviews are structured: Same questions for all candidates, fixed panel, regulated process.
  • Locum interviews are variable: Questions can be tailored to your CV, more informal, may include straightforward clinical questions.
  • Focus differs: Substantive interviews assume clinical competence; locum interviews may assess it directly.
  • Senior-level perspective: In substantive interviews, panels want evidence of systems thinking, leadership, and nonclinical decision-making.

Personalized approach in locums: Locum interviews may allow follow-up questions, probing, or individual-focused scenarios.