BOA/ORUK Consultant Preparation Course

Date: Saturday 28 February 2026
Venue: Cavendish Venues, 22 Duchess Mews, W1 9DT

Educational Aims and Objectives

The course is designed to prepare Senior trainees / Doctors who are getting ready to apply for a trauma & orthopaedics consultant job in the next year or two. This will include a series of lectures covering topics relevant to understanding the requirements of the job, the job application & interview process, and how to Prepare yourself to improve your chances of selection. Candidates will be assigned into small groups for the mock interview stations. Feedback will be provided, and candidates will have opportunities throughout the day to ask questions to the faculty. The faculty will consist of senior consultants who are involved in the consultant appointment process and recent consultant appointments.

Instructions for Interview Preparation Rotations

Mock Interview Rotations

1. Candidates should expect each rotation to simulate a mock interview environment.

2. Each rotation will include six candidates.

   • At least three candidates per rotation will actively participate in mock interviews.

   • The remaining candidates will observe and will rotate into active participation at other stations.

3. Consultants leading the rotation should prepare a minimum of three interview questions in advance.

4. Each participating candidate should be given the opportunity to answer at least one interview question.

   • Allow 6–7 minutes per candidate to respond.

5. Consultants may choose one of the following feedback approaches:

   • Ask all questions first and provide group feedback at the end, or

   • Provide individual feedback immediately after each candidate’s response.

6. Each rotation should last 30 minutes in total.

7. A dedicated feedback period should be included, focusing on:

   • Characteristics of a strong interview answer

   • Style and structure of responses

   • Techniques for formulating clear and effective answers

8. Most rotations will be led by consultants working in pairs.

   • Consultants should liaise with their colleague in advance to agree on how the session will be run.

Improving Your Interview Presentation Rotation

1. Each candidate will be asked to deliver a short presentation on the topic:
   “How would you tackle the waiting lists in your Trust?”

2. Presentations must:

   • Be 3 minutes long

   • Use a maximum of 3 slides

3. Candidates must print their slides on one A4 sheet (mini-poster format) and bring them on the day.

   • This is to avoid the use of laptops and reduce potential technical issues.

4. Following each presentation, the facilitation team will provide structured feedback to the candidate.

If you have any queries, please do contact the Events Team via [email protected]