Medical Interview Preparation Guide
Comprehensive preparation strategies for medical interviews in New Zealand and Australia, based on real experiences and cultural insights.
Before Interview
During Interview
Hospital/DHB Positions
- Panel interviews (3-5 people typically)
- Clinical scenario discussions
- Cultural competency questions
- Team-based care scenarios
Specialist College Interviews
- Structured clinical interviews
- Research and audit discussions
- Professional development plans
- Commitment to specialty assessment
Common Interview Questions
Why do you want to work in New Zealand/Australia?
Describe a challenging clinical case
How do you handle conflict with colleagues?
Working with Māori/Aboriginal patients
Key concepts (NZ): Te Tiriti o Waitangi, whānau-centered care, cultural safety
Key concepts (AU): Cultural safety, family involvement, connection to country
Approach: Acknowledge your learning journey, willingness to engage with cultural training, and respect for traditional healing practices alongside Western medicine.
Language barriers in patient care
Best practices: Professional interpreters, family member limitations, written materials in appropriate languages
Show awareness of: Legal requirements for interpreter services, cultural nuances in health communication, and patience in cross-cultural consultations.
Socioeconomic factors affecting health
Demonstrate understanding of: Health equity, social determinants of health, rural health challenges
Examples: Medication compliance issues due to cost, transport barriers to appointments, housing quality affecting respiratory conditions.
General Practice
- • Continuity of care philosophy
- • Community health initiatives
- • Preventive medicine approach
- • Practice management understanding
- • Rural health considerations
Emergency Medicine
- • Triage decision-making
- • Crisis management scenarios
- • Multidisciplinary team leadership
- • Resource allocation under pressure
- • Trauma system understanding
Internal Medicine
- • Complex case management
- • Teaching and mentoring experience
- • Evidence-based medicine
- • Chronic disease management
- • Subspecialty interests
Surgery
- • Operative experience portfolio
- • Complication management
- • Surgical audit participation
- • Innovation and technology
- • Patient safety initiatives
Before the Interview
- • Research the organization's values and recent initiatives
- • Review job description and person specification thoroughly
- • Prepare specific examples using STAR method
- • Practice with colleagues or mentors
- • Prepare thoughtful questions about the role
- • Plan your journey and arrive early
During the Interview
- • Maintain professional eye contact and posture
- • Listen carefully to questions before responding
- • Use specific examples rather than general statements
- • Show enthusiasm for the role and organization
- • Ask clarifying questions if needed
- • Thank the panel at the conclusion
Content Mistakes
- • Speaking negatively about previous employers
- • Giving vague or generic answers
- • Focusing only on what you want from the role
- • Not demonstrating knowledge of local healthcare
- • Appearing unprepared for common questions
Presentation Mistakes
- • Inappropriate dress code for the setting
- • Poor time management in responses
- • Not engaging with all panel members
- • Appearing disinterested or overconfident
- • Not asking any questions about the role
Ready to Apply?
Preparation is key to interview success. Take time to practice and research thoroughly.