I was on a call with one of my AYCI Academy members last week who was prepping for their consultant interview at a Tertiary London hospital.

"I'm not even sure why I'm bothering," she confessed. "I know they've got an internal candidate. Everyone says she's the favourite."

Her voice had that familiar blend of resignation and frustration I've heard many times.

"The locum's been there for two years. They all love her. She's been there so long she's got her own mug in the staffroom and knows where the pens are hidden."

What she didn't realise was that she was falling for the single biggest myth that keeps highly skilled doctors from securing their dream consultant posts.

The myth that "there's already a favourite" and therefore the interview is a meaningless formality.

This belief is particularly dangerous, Reader because it creates a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When you believe you can't win, you don't prepare properly. When you don't prepare properly, you don't perform well. When you don't perform well, you don't get the job.

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And the cycle continues.

Today, I want to share three key truths about consultant interviews. These will change how you tackle your next interview:

1. Why the "favourite" myth is just that - a myth
2. How the interview day creates a level playing field (regardless of who you are.
3. The preparation strategy that gives you the edge (even against internal candidates)

Let's dive in.

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Truth #1: Being the "Favourite" Isn't Enough Anymore

The days when an internal candidate could waltz into an interview unprepared and secure the job are long gone.

Why? Because the stakes are too high.

NHS Trusts are under unprecedented scrutiny for their hiring practices. Appointment panels know they need to select the best candidate, not just the one they know. They need to justify their decisions with clear, objective criteria.

A medical consultant who sits on interview panels, told me: "We can't just pick the person we know. We need someone who can articulate their vision, demonstrate their skills, and show they understand our challenges. If the internal candidate can't do that on the day, they won't get the job."

I've seen this play out countless times. The "favourite" walks in confident but underprepared. They ramble through answers, fail to highlight their achievements effectively, and leave the panel underwhelmed.

Meanwhile, the "outsider" who prepared meticulously delivers structured, compelling answers that showcase exactly why they're the right person for the job.

Guess who gets the offer?

Remember: Being known isn't the same as being chosen.

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Truth #2: The Interview Creates a Level Playing Field

Here's what many candidates don't understand: the interview is designed to be a reset button.

On interview day, everyone starts from zero. Your past relationship with the department matters far less than your performance in those crucial 30-45 minutes.

This is why preparation is so powerful. It's the great equaliser.

Let me break down what actually happens in the panel's mind:

1. They have a scoring system they must follow
2. They need to justify their decision with evidence from the interview
3. They're looking for specific competencies and clear examples

The panel can't give the internal candidate extra points just because "everyone likes them." They need to score based on the answers given that day.

"Interview panels can't just pick their mate for the job anymore. Gone are the days when 'Dave's a good bloke' was sufficient justification for a substantive consultant appointment."

I've coached numerous "outsider" candidates who outperformed internal favourites simply because they understood this fundamental truth:

the interview is a performance, and the best performer wins.

One of my Academy members, Anne secured a highly competitive post against two internal locum candidates.

How?

She prepared answers that directly addressed the department's challenges, used clear examples that highlighted her unique skills, and delivered them with confidence and structure.

The Clinical Lead later told her: "Your interview was in a different league. We had no choice but to offer you the job."

The playing field is level. Your preparation determines your position.

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Truth #3: Strategic Preparation Gives You the Edge

So how exactly do you prepare to outperform the "favourite"?

The answer lies in a strategic approach I call the P.R.E.P. Framework:

P - Pre-interview Intelligence. Gather intelligence about the department's challenges, priorities, and culture. Speak to current consultants, read Board minutes, understand their strategic direction.

R - Relevant Examples. Identify your Unique Selling Points (USPs) and prepare specific examples that demonstrate them. These should align with what the department needs.

E - Effective Structure. Structure every answer using a framework, like the three-point approach. This ensures clarity, comprehensiveness, and prevents rambling.

P - Practice Out Loud. Record yourself answering questions. Review critically. Adjust and repeat until your delivery is confident and compelling.

This framework works because it addresses the three key elements panels are looking for: relevance to their needs, evidence of your capabilities, and clarity of communication.

I've seen candidates transform their interview performance in just weeks using this approach. They go from nervous and disorganised to confident and compelling.

The most effective element? Practice out loud.

Most candidates skip this crucial step, preferring to "think through" their answers or write them down. But the gap between what you think you'll say and what actually comes out under pressure can be enormous.

Thinking you can wing a consultant interview is like thinking you can perform an appendectomy because you've watched all 19 seasons of Grey's Anatomy.

When you practice out loud repeatedly, your answers become automatic. Even when nerves kick in, you can rely on muscle memory to deliver a structured, compelling response.

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The Truth About Your Next Interview

The "favourite" myth is just that - a myth. It's a story we tell ourselves to explain rejection or avoid the hard work of preparation.

The reality is far more empowering: consultant interviews are a performance, and the best performer gets the job.

Your background, your connections, even your current relationship with the department - these factors matter far less than your ability to articulate your value clearly and confidently on the day.

So the next time you hear about a "favourite" for a post you want, remember this: they still have to show up and perform. And with the right preparation, you can outperform anyone.

Your dream consultant job isn't reserved for someone else. It's waiting for the candidate who prepares most effectively.

Will that be you?

Want to join the waitlist for the next AYCI Academy? You can do that here - if you do...use your email address Reader

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Talk soon,

Tessa

P.S. If you haven't yet, check out my free 5 day email course to give you a Crash Course To Ace Your Consultant Interview.

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