A In addition, to meeting the qualifications and experience criteria, be clear on the core competencies (essential skills) required - and have evidence-based examples to prove your competence for the role.

Look closely at how you've performed at interview. Ask yourself; Is there something missing? Is there something more I can do to sell myself better? Is my image exactly as it should be?

For instance, recently, I worked with a doctor in a similar situation.

He had all the core competencies, qualifications and experience needed, yet was unsuccessful.

He dissected his performance, and still couldn't come up with an answer. He came to see me and straightaway I knew what his problem wasfquite simply, he hadn't given enough consideration to the actual job role, in that particular hospital.

He was unclear on the specific challenges, issues, and plans for the hospital. Therefore, he couldn't show how he'd 'hit the ground running'.

Yes, he had experience of managing similar situations and change initiatives but wasn't relating it to the hospitals' strategy.

Basically, you must clearly outline at the interview how you, personally, will add value to the hospital in delivering strategy and addressing such challenges.

Aoife Coonagh of Carr Communications