| GP Partnership interviews come in different shapes | | | | managerial responsibilities. In smaller practices (or |
| and forms, ranging from a traditional discussion with a | | | | those where there are only a few partners), the onus |
| couple of senior GPs to an OSCE-type arrangement | | | | will be on your to take the lead to help the practice |
| with up to four stations including role play with real | | | | develop, or to identify and implement new services or |
| patients. The prospect of applying straight for a GP | | | | solutions. Consequently, at the interview, there are |
| partnership might be appealing from a financial | | | | three aspects that you will need to expand on: |
| perspective but the work that you need to put into | | | | - clinical skills |
| getting there is certainly no mean feat and knowing | | | | - understanding of the primary care environment and |
| how to position yourself is therefore crucial. Here are | | | | - your leadership/managerial experience (preferably |
| a number of tips that you should bear in mind during | | | | backed up by examples of real achievements). |
| your job search and interview preparation for a GP | | | | Many candidates tend to overemphasise their clinical |
| partnership post. | | | | skills (good for a salaried job) at the expense of their |
| 1. Understand the role that you are applying for | | | | leadership qualities and political awareness. This often |
| If you are applying for a GP salaried post, your role will | | | | costs them the job. Others, keen to sell their |
| primarily relate to the provision of clinical services and | | | | entrepreneurial skills, overdo it on the leadership front. |
| you will generally have no problem grasping the | | | | This can be equally devastating as it may present an |
| requirements. However, at a GP partnership level, | | | | overambitious and sometimes threatening image. The |
| your role will involve much more than this, including | | | | key is in maintaining a balanced approach. |
| staff management, quality assurance and governance | | | | 4. Stop thinking like a trainee |
| responsibilities, liaison with the PCT, etc. To ensure | | | | You are now entering the business world and you |
| that you shine at your GP partnership interview, you | | | | must show the determination to work both |
| will need to do your homework by reading the job | | | | independently and as part of a greater team. GP |
| description carefully, by seeking further clarification with | | | | practices, particularly at GP partnership level, will not be |
| the practice manager if possible and by visiting the | | | | looking for someone who can be a good trainee, |
| practice beforehand. | | | | needs attention and is potentially ‘high maintenance'; |
| 2. Apply for the right type of job | | | | they will be after people who can add value and make |
| Many candidates apply for jobs which are either out of | | | | a real contribution, even outside of their normal remit. |
| their league or for which they simply aren't prepared. | | | | Candidates with limited postgraduate experience |
| There are different styles of GP partnerships and you | | | | sometimes find this difficult to appreciate as they will |
| should find one that suits you. Some practices have | | | | have received little exposure so such a way of |
| GP partnerships which are fairly mundane i.e. they get | | | | thinking. A year at registrar level is sometimes not |
| on with their work, earn well, but are not necessarily | | | | enough to help them bridge the gap and they realise, |
| very ambitious. Others have GP partnership that are | | | | too late, that they might have benefited from |
| much more aggressive and where the expectations | | | | experience at salaried level to gain maturity and |
| placed on you will be very different. If you apply for | | | | experience before going for a GP partnership. After |
| the right type of practice, you will find that the interview | | | | several failed attempts at getting a GP partnership, |
| will seem to go well. However, applying for the | | | | they may become bitter and disillusioned, which then |
| wrong type of practice (i.e. for a practice where the | | | | translates into cynical answers when they do attend |
| work ethos does not match your) will pace you in | | | | an interview where they might have a chance. |
| danger of failing and losing confidence. Again, | | | | Before all, to succeed, you must believe in your |
| success here is down to homework. Do not get | | | | abilities. Make sure that you are fully aware of all |
| blinded by the prestige of being a GP partner. | | | | your achievements and experience. Most people are |
| Choose the right environment for you. This will | | | | surprised to see how much they have achieved when |
| encourage you to thrive and you will come across as | | | | they take the time to look at themselves, so don't |
| a genuinely motivated candidate. | | | | undersell yourself. Preparing for a competitive |
| 3. Present yourself as an all rounder | | | | interview is hard work and takes time, but with the |
| As a GP partner you will of course be expected to | | | | right attitude, good self-awareness and judicious |
| provide a good clinical service but you will also have | | | | career planning, you will achieve your goals. |