6195 Paediatric recruitment: developing interview skills in prospective applicants

Objectives To provide prospective applicants with a simulated environment in which to experience the RCPCH interview structure and practise their technique with the overall aim of improving recruitment to paediatric training, specifically to the East of England deanery Methods We created a mock interview programme replicating the structure used in the RCPCH recruitment process. Six eventstook place over four recruitment rounds between 2020 and 2023. Paediatric trainees and consultants were recruited as interviewers and candidates' interviews were conducted virtually. Interviewers were provided with instructions on how to conduct the interviews, informed by information available from the RCPCH Applicant Guide,1 as well as a rubric for giving feedback. Each event began with a seminar on the interview process. Candidates were provided with written feedback following their interviews. Results Over the 4 recruitment rounds between 2020 and 2023 a total of 96 candidates were interviewed. 100% of 86 candidates surveyed felt the mock interview increased their confidence in their application. Of 57 responses to these questions, 57 felt their interviewers were adequately prepared and 50 found their feedback useful. Of 84 responses, 18 were working in the East of England, 50 elsewhere in the UK, and 16 outside the UK. 45 stated they were more likely to apply to the East of England for paediatric training following their interview. 95/96 candidates interviewed over 4 years rated the programme as good or excellent. Conclusion We demonstrated that through provision of a simulated interview programme we can increase candidates' confidence in their applications, increasing their chances of performing well in the real interview. Conducting the interviews virtually enabled applicants from across the UK and internationally to attend with ease, helping to drive recruitment into UK paediatric training, particularly within the East of England.This programme also provided opportunities for paediatric trainees to practise their interviewing skills, helping to prepare them for future management responsibilities. References RCPCH, 2023. Applicant Guidance: ST1 Paediatric Training. NHS Health Education England. Available online: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2023-03/Final%20-%20Paeds%20Level%201%20Applicant%20Guidance%20August%202023%20V3.pdf Accessed 07/09/23