As doctors, you’re used to handling high-pressure situations, whether in the operating room or during patient consultations. Yet, even the most experienced professionals can feel anxious when it comes to interviews. And the anxiety progressively worsens as the interview date approaches. It’s like being terrified of talking on stage. Just the thought of standing up in front of people can take an emotional toll on people.
It can be especially difficult for Fellows who know they will be competing for positions against experienced consultants.
This month’s article shows you how to develop confidence using the right strategies tailored for Fellows and Consultants preparing for Staff Specialist roles.
Understanding interview anxiety
There are various reasons why people suffer anxiety when it comes to interviews. Some of the common sources of anxiety I’ve come across include:
- Fear of judgment: This often stems from comparing yourself to peers or feeling scrutinised by a panel of experts. For instance, some Fellows worry about their lack of publications compared to more experienced consultants.
- Self-doubt: Doctors often face uncertainty when transitioning into leadership roles or competitive training programs. You might think, “Am I really ready for this level of responsibility?”
- Perfectionism: Worrying about making a mistake or saying the wrong thing can lead to overthinking every potential answer, creating unnecessary stress. Recognising that no one is perfect – even the panel members – can help reframe this anxiety.
- Previously unsuccessful: When you’re not successful the first or second time applying for a highly sought-after position, your confidence takes a further hit. Rejection can leave lasting doubts, making it hard to approach the next opportunity with fresh confidence. However, each attempt is a chance to learn and refine your approach, bringing you closer to success.
- Fear of failure: The high standards you hold yourself to in medicine can sometimes feel overwhelming in a new context like interviews. However, these same standards are what make you a valuable candidate.
These feelings are often amplified by the pressure of competing against experienced colleagues.
Recognising these feelings is not a sign of weakness but a normal part of aiming for excellence in your career. Once you understand why you’re feeling anxious, you can take the necessary steps to overcome these feelings.
Practical strategies to build interview confidence
It takes time to work on confidence, as with any skill, so the sooner you start, the more time you have to prepare for your next career move.
Here are some key steps to developing interview confidence:
- Early preparation: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare (usually six months in advance for competitive specialties) so you can build on the confidence you already have in your job. It’s important to make time for preparation despite busy schedules. Just 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
- Develop a solid strategy: Ensure your CV is up to date and that you know it intimately. Have a solid pitch ready and be able to articulate your value proposition with ease.
- Understand the position requirements: Don’t assume you’re not a good fit for the role just because you don’t have as much work experience as other applicants. Check that your values align with the requirements of the position.
- Mindset shift: Remember that interviews are not interrogations. Think of the interview panel as colleagues keen to learn more about your strengths and vision for the role.
- Self-care: Work on stress-management techniques, like deep breathing or visualisation. These can be very powerful.
- Mock interview: Practice with a trusted mentor or coach to simulate the actual experience and get constructive feedback.
Conclusion
Once you understand that confidence is a skill you can learn, you’ll view every interview as a stepping stone for your career. Start preparing now, and trust that the skills and capabilities that make you an exceptional doctor can also make you a confident and compelling candidate.
Trust in your capabilities and leverage that confidence toward your dream role.
Ready to build your confidence and secure your dream role? If interview anxiety is holding you back, I’m here to help. My coaching programs are designed specifically for doctors like you, providing personalised strategies and support to help you succeed at interviews.
Contact me today to take the next step in your career with confidence.
