Post by Deborah Udy Okusaga Akanne (@deborah_udy_okusaga)

THE FIRST 120 SECONDS

Most internationally trained clinicians lose the NHS interview before the clinical questions even start.

Not because their experience isn't good enough. Because nobody told them that "tell us about yourself" isn't small talk — it's the first scored answer of the interview.

I've coached internationally trained doctors, nurses and physiotherapists through NHS interviews and here's the pattern I see every single time: candidates open with a career timeline. Panels are listening for something else entirely — whether you can name your clinical identity clearly, connect your background to what this specific Trust actually needs, and show you understand the framework you're stepping into.

What I coach every client to do in that opening answer:

→ Name your specialism and your level of experience in one clear sentence

→ Connect your background directly to the NHS's stated strategic priorities, not a vague "I've always wanted to work here"

→ Reference clinical governance and patient safety as genuine understanding, not decoration

That's the difference between a panel that leans in and a panel that's already moved on to the next candidate in their notes.

I'm back after a few weeks away — and I'm picking this up exactly where I left it. Full week ahead: every question, every framework, everything I actually use with clients.

📩 Interview coming up? DM me "INTERVIEW" and let's get your opening answer right before you walk in.

Found this useful? Like it, share it, tag someone with an NHS interview ahead of them.

Post 2 at 9AM.

Sources: NHS Long Term Plan (NHS England, 2019); NHS Constitution for England (Department of Health and Social Care).

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