If you’re reading this, the unfortunate truth is that it’s already too late for your last application. But it’s still okay, don’t dwell on it. It’s time to be honest with yourself and focus on what’s next. The good news? It’s not too late for your next application.
Yes, your last application didn’t go through — but that doesn’t mean it was a failure. It was a lesson, if you choose to learn from it.
Key Lessons to Take Forward:
1. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
You either:
- Didn’t get an interview, or
- Didn’t pass the interview
2. If You Didn’t Get an Interview: Focus on Your Portfolio
- Compare Your Portfolio to the Person Specification
Identify gaps and plan accordingly. - Go for Quick Wins
Start with achievable targets that yield some immediate progress. Winning feels good and will drive your motivation. - Audit and Research Projects
Aim for short audits (3 months per cycle) and present your results locally, regionally, or nationally. Collaborate with others to run multiple projects in parallel. - Teaching Experience
Complete a postgraduate teaching certificate. This is a financial investment. - Surgical Experience
Need more numbers? Sacrifice some personal time. Make yourself available for emergency theatre sessions on weekends or after hours. Build good relationships with registrars and consultants to get more opportunities. - If You lack experience rotating in different surgical specialties
Consider switching to a different specialty job or negotiate with your directorate to take on-calls in another specialty. - If You’re Over-Experienced
Switch specialties or pursue academic/research posts to stay competitive and avoid adding too much experience in one specialty that may penalise or disqualify you from future applications. - Need a Break?
Take time off — but make it productive. Consider doing a Master’s degree (1-2 yrs MSc or MSR) or even an MD or PhD (2-3 yrs) in the background while planning your next steps.
3. If You Didn’t Pass the Interview: Practice is the Key
The answer to this issue is much simpler than improving the portfolio. However, it is not easy to achieve.
- Understand the Interview Format
It’s structured, so responses can be improved to align with the scoring criteria. - Interview Courses
Pay and attend an interview prep course. At least once.
- Join an interview Practice Group
Meet and practice with other people applying for an interview. The paid courses are a good place to meet other people. Alternatively, search on social media groups like Facebook. - Mock Interviews
Once you feel ready, take things a step further. Do a Mock Interview practice with someone who recently succeeded (within 1–2 years) and apply their feedback. This will help you get deeper perspective and understand your areas for improvement. - Practice and more practice
Improving in interviews requires humility, critical feedback, reflection, and high-volume of high-quality practice. But it works.
It might be too late to change the past, but it’s not too late to own your future. Start preparing now — and show up stronger in the next application cycle.