General Interview Feedback on the May 2012 KCL Pre-Registration Application Forms

General Feedback on theKings Health Partners summer internship applications

A total of 500 candidates applied for summer internship positions within King’s Health Partners and LewishamHospitalby March 2015. These are positions that start in the summer of 2015.

The application form followed a similar format to the national recruitment process. Each application form was assessed on the presentation and responses provided in the application form, and how well these fulfilled aspects of the person specification (below).

This report will describe the general quality of the application forms in relation to how they did (or did not) demonstrate these criteria.

Previous experience of hospital or community pharmacy

We acknowledge that it is often difficult to get hospital pharmacy “vacation placements” (which we now call internships within KHP) during the MPharm programme. Credit was therefore given to candidates who had acquired experience of working in any sector of pharmacy AND where their responsibilities were described clearly and succinctly. Most applicants were able to do this to a good standard. Further credit was given to applicants who were able to describe work experiences that demonstrated a level of responsibility and commitment beyond the typical “summer vacation placement.” For instance, part time employment where there was a management or supervisory role. These were not limited to pharmacy, and so students without hospital experience per say should not feel disadvantaged in future applications. There are many skills that are developed and learnt in non-pharmacy fields that are transferable to the pharmacy workplace. Applicants should consider what skills they have acquired in all their various work experiences, and how these can be transferred to the pharmacy setting.

Q1. Describe a difficult problem you have solved. What was the problem? How did you analyse and solve it? (300 words)

Responses were generally to a good standard although there were many applicants who described the same problem which was working in a team or project work in university. Credit was given to applicants who had related their problem solving skills back to a future career in pharmacy. We advise applicants to consider that their answers stand out from the crowd use an example from outside of university. If there isn’t one then make sure you explain the process and how you personally felt and dealt with the situation. Sell the skills needed not the project.

Q2. Describe a time when you have had to communicate with a range of different people to achieve a particular goal. Outline the task, the people you dealt with, and the outcome. (300 words)

In general, the responses here were of a relatively good standard with varied examples being used. Credit was given to applicants who were able to explain the different ways they communicated with different age groups, subject matter etc. We advise applicants that they should read the question fully and not only focus on one element of the question as this meant the question wasn’t answered properly. Make sure that you reflect on the outcome at some point in the answer to show what you have learnt.

Q3. Describe a situation where you had to use your initiative. What did you learn from this experience and what, if anything, would you have done differently? (300 words)

Good standard of answers for this question with a range of examples that reflected using own initiative. Candidates were given credit if the example was outside of university and they had described the situation concentrating not only on the positives but the negatives and what they have learnt. Applicants should be honest on this question as it can be easily seen if a person isn’t being realistic, answers should also associate with why we should choose you based on this example.

Q4. State the reasons for your interest in working at Kings Health Partners as a summer intern and at your chosen hospital(s). (300 words)

This was the question that we looked at the most and, on balance, generally gave us the poorest answers. There were many examples of copying from hospital websites for content and general statements about how keen applicants were to secure our placements; many of these used lots of buzz words without any real substance. There were some good examples however where applicants succinctly described why they wanted to be placed at particular hospitals. Many applicants confused this question and thought they were applying for pre-registration places.

Credit was given to applicants who demonstrated a reasonable understanding of KHP, an enthusiasm to be part of KHP and hospital pharmacy in general. We advise applicants to find out as much as they can about the vision for KHP, the various roles of a hospital pharmacy service and the requirements of the pre-registration year in the hospital setting.

General comments

Demonstrates good written communication skills

The standard of English, spelling and grammar were generally good. Poor spelling, typographical errors and incorrect grammar were considered. It would be advisable to refrain from copying and pasting from other documents because the formatting changes. It was noticed that some applicants copied sections of their CVs into the application.

Many applicants were unable to follow instructions and rank hospitals in order or state ‘no preference’. This was something that we noticed and considered.

Written by: Aamer Safdar and Natalie Fuller on behalf of the pharmacy departments of King’s Health Partners and LewishamHospital, March 2015