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Podiatry job interview questions

Discussion in 'Podiatry Employment' started by nicola86, May 12, 2008.

  1. nicola86

    nicola86 Welcome New Poster


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    help

    i was wondering if anyone can help and give us some examples of podiatry questions they ask in interviews and the kind of things u are looking for

    thanks
     
  2. Admin2

    Admin2 Administrator Staff Member

  3. simonf

    simonf Active Member

    someone once asked me "What was your biggest mistake?"

    and then theres the old "What is your worst character trait?"

    but mostly these days interviews will be competency based, that is to say each of the sections on the person spec may be questioned.

    s
     
  4. nicola86

    nicola86 Welcome New Poster

    what did u reply to that?

    im only 21 the only mistake i would say is that you have to be crazy to do podiatry. is humour not good in interviews?

    have they given you any scernio ?s the what would u do if

    thanks
     
  5. Ella Hurrell

    Ella Hurrell Active Member

    Hi Nicola

    The interviews I have done have usually had competancy/scenario-based questions. It's usually about your treatment programme/plan, perhaps choices of dressings etc. Something like "a 55 year old diabetic man is booked in for his first appointment and you discover an ulcer. What's your plan?" It's usually good if you can find out a bit about the dept set up before you go to the interview ie. do they have a diabetic specialist clinic with a senior clinician or specific paeds clinics etc, so that you can work these into your answers perhaps? If you can't find out beforehand, I would have thought it was acceptable to ask these questions when answering the scenario? It shows you have thought about the patient's pathway through the system?

    Hope that helps you and good luck. Just out of interest - what country are you in? If UK, is this an NHS job?
     
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  6. nicola86

    nicola86 Welcome New Poster

    yea thanks for the post

    im in the uk and that i have started to apply for jobs but im just worried about the interview. i cant seem to find any examples of scernio ?s.

    thanks

    nicola
     
  7. simonf

    simonf Active Member

    Probably best not to mntion that! (although I think that was the first thing that crossed my mind) I think I tried to deflect the question somehow but I cant remember my response!!

    Ellas response seems like good advice. I dont remember much about my first job interviews, and it is possible that things have changed a bit in 20 years, It might be good to have some stock answers to hand in terms of why did you want to do podiatry in the first place, why in the area you have applied (do a bit of research - have they got an interesting specialist department that you might be interested in) They might also want to know what you aspirations might be.

    Best of luck!

    s
     
  8. drsarbes

    drsarbes Well-Known Member

    "im just worried about the interview".......

    IMO: Your responses to questions are ALMOST as important as how you handle yourself, how you appear and if you connect with the interviewer.

    Image is half the battle.

    Good luck

    Steve
     
  9. Tuckersm

    Tuckersm Well-Known Member

    Nicola,

    some scenario questions:

    Conflict Management, with patients and other staff.
    eg: you disagree with the treatment plan that has been put in place, what steps would you take to alter it?

    Specific case type questions will depend upon the environment, but given you are a new grad, I wouldn't expect anything too difficult.

    In new grads I am looking for someone who will fit into the team, is enthusiastic willing to continue to learn and develop etc.

    The refferee checks are what I use to establish clinical competance

    Good Luck.

    PS: I have a new grad position here in Melbourne, a little far from the UK I know, but just in case
     
  10. One Foot In The Grave

    One Foot In The Grave Active Member

    Ditto Stephen.

    Also, other standbys are:
    Why do you want to work here?
    Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
    Why have you chosen to apply for a job in acute care / community health / private practice?

    If you're applying to a public health organisation, you could be asked about the Social Model of Health, Health Promotion, utilising other professions as part of your treatment plans etc.

    Also, know the demographics of the area you're applying to work in.

    A lot of interviews currently use the STAR approach (google it) - have some scenarios thought out that you could apply to these questions.
     
  11. Tuckersm

    Tuckersm Well-Known Member

    We no longer ask this question, as given Gen Y, they are likely to have changed career by then, also can impact on Equal Opportunity if they answer, "married with a family".
     
  12. Stuart Blyth

    Stuart Blyth Active Member

    Morning all

    One of my pet interview questions is

    "What to you love about Podiatry"

    'What to you hate about Podiatry"

    The responses can be very interesting and give a good insight to the pods strengths and weaknesses

    cheers
    Stuart
     
  13. carolethecatlover

    carolethecatlover Active Member

    Kid, at the current state of things, they want you more than you think. They are desparate for YOU! Carole
     
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  14. NIKO

    NIKO Member

    what kind of fruit would you be?

    I was tempted to answer differently.. but the answer I have been told is a grape.. you can work on your own and in a bunch..

    Clearly that say so much!
     
  15. EmmaJ

    EmmaJ Welcome New Poster

    Hi if it's an NHS job they'll ask you 10 scenario questions.
    One about health and safety
    One about conflict ie you over hear a heated discussion, or you see a colleague acting inappropriately what would you do?
    One about equality
    Then a few about treatment plans I had what would you do if someone comes into clinic with a diabetic ulcer at 5pm on a Friday? Name two differentials for pain in the metatarsal area? If it was a mortons neuroma what would you do tests etc? If you were applying a caustic what would you have to consider?
    Oh and one about time management.
    Have no idea what the right answers are just start at the beginning and try and be logical.
     
  16. NIKO

    NIKO Member

    My comment is an actual question that gets asked Emma. I would suggest that you have a shift in your attitude regarding this job interview and perhaps use your own logic. I will not entertain any futher responses.
     
  17. EmmaJ

    EmmaJ Welcome New Poster

    Sorry I was only trying to help.
    I meant be logical when answering the questions so you don't miss anything out.
     
  18. NIKO

    NIKO Member

    Take a look at this:

    One about conflict ie you over hear a heated discussion, or you see a colleague acting inappropriately what would you do?
    Inappropriate actions: they could be reported to your line manager. Depends on the action but you want to get across that you are neither someone who sweeps stuff under the carpet, nor someone who runs to management when a matter can be settled between staff. Keep in mind however, that management are there to assist your function as a podiatrist. Don't be afraid to mention the word management. Other key words/phrases: "supporting decisions". Discuss communication also, but don't make it sound like you have swallowed a book of key management phrases. The key is to show them who you are. Keep in mind that it is one thing getting the job, another entirely different matter is working in an environment that suits your personality. While we all have to mould to our work environment to an extent, it is also necessary to have an environment that will not change the positive aspects of your personality. After all you were a complete person prior to coming to podiatry.

    One about equality
    It is not enough to tell them that you believe "all men were created equal". Perhaps have an idea of the equity and access policies of the organisation. Again make sure that you don't appear to have just learnt them for the purposes of quoting slabs of information. Make your points relevant to the healthcare environment and podiatry while giving your potential employers an impression of your ideas. Do not focus on political points.

    Then a few about treatment plans I had what would you do if someone comes into clinic with a diabetic ulcer at 5pm on a Friday?
    The key is to highlight how you would provide appropriate care to the individual within the contraints and resources of your service. It may be pointless to say you would stay there all night to ensure that care was given. Depends on your service. I presume what the interviewer wants to see is a willingness to take the steps necessary to get the assistance required. Consider referring to other services, with appropriate documentation and so on.

    Name two differentials for pain in the metatarsal area? If it was a mortons neuroma what would you do tests etc? If you were applying a caustic what would you have to consider?
    These clinical answers you can get from a text book. Keep in mind that the interviewer wants to know about your clinical reasoning. Why is it that you would undertake the tests? What would the tests give you and so on. Don't think that you must have the ultimate answer. Sometimes clnically that is not possible straight away. What is important is to indicate the level of your clinical reasoning. The aim of the question is for them to determine how you would deal with any situation clinically, not just met pain.

    Oh and one about time management.
    This is interesting in that often time management is discussed in the absence of reality. The reality being that you have a full waiting room or waiting list on one hand and an obligation to provide timely, appropriate and comprehensive care on the other. Keep in mind that your time management has to be appropriate so discuss perhaps criteria that you use to manage your time. It may be appointment based, it may be based on severity of condition. It may depend on factors such as do you need an interpreter, it may be based on your skills as a podiatrist. Use external examples as well if possible to indicate that you have time management skills that are transferrable to the health care environment. Always remember that you more than likely achieved in many areas prior to coming to podiatry that required skills in time management. Be relevant, be concise, be modest, but do not undersell yourself. False modesty is transparent.

    Above all make sure that your communication style conveys to the interviewer the necessary message. Keep in mind body language also.

    Good luck with the interview I wish you every success.
    NIKO
     
  19. I understand where Nicola is coming from with all her concerns about the interviewing. Currently I am podering about the same thing. Soon we will be finished with our training and then go out into the "big" world, that is both scary and exciting. One of my biggest fears, is not knowing what to expect.
    but hey, its like they say...grab the bull by the horns.
    Thanks for all the insight.
     
  20. footman28

    footman28 Welcome New Poster

    I ask prospective doctors if they have an area of special interest within the practice of Podiatry. I also want to know what their long term practice goals are. I'd liketo know where they see themselves in five years. In general be prepare to discuss your professional goals.
     
  21. heleneaustin

    heleneaustin Active Member

    Well I was recently asked what i understood about Clinical Governance (and i have been asked this one before too).
    I was also asked what interested me in the field of podiatry i went for ie Diabetes.
    How would you cope if you got stressed at work or you had an awkward patient.
    Hope some of these examples help.:santa:
     
  22. Bosch

    Bosch Welcome New Poster

    We are in the process of interviewing as we speak for a podiatrist to take my place. I have spent many years developing this practice even though it is part of a large multispecialty clinic and will retire this spring. We have had a fair number of applicants and all have good training and some have long experience. We ask a pretty standard set of questions... I usually ask a person how they would define success in a podiatry practice... The responses have been interesting.

    One fellow said that he considered success to be doing an average of 5 elective surgeries a week.


    One woman said she would consider herself successful if she made over $200,000 a year

    Another defined success in the number of RVU's per month


    One said he wanted to earn the respect and trust of the other specialists in the clinic. He wanted to be treated as an equal among the other physicians.


    No one, not one person defined success as making patients more comfortable or as providing a needed service to our community, or as service to fellow man in general.
    I am a bit disappointed that our profession has evolved away from this objective.

    We are still interviewing, the first person who mentions this little bit of altruism is going to get my support for the job (which, by the way, is a very lucrative position).

    Why are you a podiatrist? To get rich? To do surgery? Or to help people? If the last is your objective, then the others will likely follow. If you believe this I would suggest you get this point across in your interview.
     
  23. dodsy1

    dodsy1 Welcome New Poster

    They ask me if I would prefer to work in a dynamic team or a team that is static!
     
  24. yladwa

    yladwa Member

    Hey guys!
    Ive had 3 interviews over the last day!here is what i was asked!

    Why do you want to work for this pct?
    wht do you know about this pct?
    What papers have you been reading and which one has stuck out the most and why?

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    What do you understand by the term diversity?
    What do you understand by the phrasr equal opportunites?
    Give us an example of when you have used your initiative?
    HOw would you manage conflict in the workplace?
    i was given 2-3 scenarios which can involve anything!

    Thing is ive noticed that the more interviews you go to the more confident you will be. You kinda get similar questions at all interviews. Its a good idea to reserach the area and the pct/trust see what they are doing at the mo etc..
    Hope this helps!
     
  25. steiner85

    steiner85 Welcome New Poster

    if it is not possible to find information re the trust or podiatry dept on the website is it ok to call them and ask to send you information?
     
  26. vuye

    vuye Member

    A case scenario I have been asked is what would you do if a patient came in with MRSA?
    You need to be detailed in answering this including what the national policy and guidelines say about MRSA +ve wound infections.
     
  27. hua052011

    hua052011 Welcome New Poster

    Hi,

    Thanks very much for this comment. It help me to think about my ideals.

    Tks again and pls keep posting.
     
  28. drsarbes

    drsarbes Well-Known Member

    It is SO MUCH BETTER to be GIVING the interview.............
     
  29. Sapnaabbot@hotmail.com

    Sapnaabbot@hotmail.com Welcome New Poster

    I was asked whether Would I treat verrucae ?
     
  30. morvarid07@googlemail.com

    morvarid07@googlemail.com Welcome New Poster

    what would you do if you had a patient who was allergic to latex gloves?
     
  31. hua052011

    hua052011 Welcome New Poster

  32. i-a-n

    i-a-n Member

    I went straight into the NHS when I left college in the 70's
    They only asked me one question.

    "When can you start?"

    Times change.
    Good luck
     
  33. louisa50

    louisa50 Active Member

    Although this is an old post I thought I'd just mention that at NHS podiatry interviews recently there have been a lot of competency based questions. Type that into google to get lists of questions that are competency based.
    You may not get any podiatry specific questions.
     
  34. louisa50

    louisa50 Active Member

    Also it's really important to read up on subjects such as clinical governance and check out sites such as Department of Health and Nice, current affairs are often topics discussed in interviews and knowledge of them will give a newly qualified person the edge in my experience.
     
  35. antipodean

    antipodean Active Member

    If you are going for a private practice or public sector will probably mean quite different interview styles. Good public sector interviews often provide the questions in written form to you 5-10 minutes before hand you can jot down points you want to say and potentially go back on questions if insight comes to mind later, LOUSY NGO's and not so good public sector interviews readout a long paragraph question/scenario and you spend lots of effort trying to remember what 10 sub questions you were just asked.
    If you are someone who structures questions in such a format may you get stuck in a lift with attendees from a Halitosis convention....Although that would be an example of Industrial Karma rather than Industrial Democracy.
     
  36. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Nicola.... when I had an interview - there were 3 people sitting in on the interview....each with their own interest and speciality. I was asked a question on the diabetic foot and clinical governance....but do not remember the other questions....The last question will probably be an easy answer.

    Good luck!!!
     
  37. Ros Kidd

    Ros Kidd Active Member

    Generally agree with replies so far. It is very difficult to interview new young grads as shifting out the best candidate will hardly be relying on their experience in the field because they have none. I usually listened carefully as communicating ideas, even if wrong, is very important. The questions you ask the panel at the end of the interview also reflect personality and communication skills and should centre around how the Dept will help you develop your skills. What R&D time you will receive? What their new graduate program consists of. How will you be mentored? Generally questions from the panel will centre around the essential and desirable criteria, so read the JDF very carefully.
    Best of luck.
    Ros Kidd
     
  38. kemi2012

    kemi2012 Welcome New Poster

    This has been really useful and informative. Thanks to everyone that have posted. I'm soon to become graduate in 4 months and I am nervous as to what questions you get asked at interviews. Going through this has given me lots of ideas.
    information is transformation !
     
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