What to Consider when Visiting the Unit before the Short List Is Made
When you read the advertisement for the post, you will observe the invite to contact set members of the unit. It is a healthy idea to at least make some enquiries – even if you don’t intend to actually visit. For one thing it will ensure that your name is on somebody’s radar.
You will obviously need to make an appointment and not just turn up and say “I’m Here!” If the post is a competitive one then it could be possible for 50-100 applicants to all turn up and say “I’m Here!” which would cause chaos for the section. Some departments will routinely decide to not allow candidates to visit, unless they have been shortlisted.
So the intended outcome for the pre medical interview shortlisting visit is for you to learn if it is even worth you going for to the unit for a post. However, don’t be fooled into believing that the visit won’t be used to assess you as well. Be well groomed so that you can use the visit to sell your skills to the unit and make a decent first impression.
Some units have unwritten rules that they will not consider a consultant surgeon interview application for short-listing unless they have made a pre shortlisting visit.
