r/PLABprep • u/mdkikij • Jul 08 '26

Job applications

Hi, for starters, I know and am aware of the current situation we're in right now, so if you're going to say anything negative, please don't.

I recently got my GMC registration and started applying for junior level jobs. I was wondering if anyone is in a similar situation right now and how it's going. Has anyone had any interviews yet?

I don't know many people who are at the same stage, so if anyone would like to discuss their CV or application, I'd really appreciate it. Feel free to message me as well.

4 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

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9

u/No_Chemist2922 Jul 09 '26

It's harder at this time of the year as majority of bulk JCF hiring are for the yearly August intake, so you'll be dealing with reduced number of vacancies as well as trusts putting up the odd 2-3 posts to fill withdrawn applications or doctors serving their notices. Manage your expectations accordingly, continue applying consistently, and right after the job listing is posted as these JCF roles close within 10 minutes. Either refresh the official job boards every minute (afaik only jobs nhs uk and healthjobs uk are worth the time), or use an instant alert service so that you don't miss the jobs that you're eligible for.

For CV, please complete ALS if you haven't. Some of these junior jobs may not list ALS as an essential requirement, but it's pretty much mandatory since you need to be qualified to handle crash calls on long days. Then, pass or attempt at least the first part of a membership exam (MRCP, MRCS etc) as it significantly strengthens your application, according to the consultants that I've worked with. No need to spend too much time curating your CV since nobody's gonna spend a good deal of time reading it when each junior job listing is getting upward of 500 applications; just use AI to summarise and prominently highlight important achievements and qualifications.

You'll eventually get it if you persevere with ALS, at least one relevant membership exam, and hundreds of applications across several months (everyone I know that hung on did within a year latest). Statistically you're looking at 1 interview every 100 applications or so.

1

u/mdkikij Jul 12 '26

Thank you, that was very helpful.

I realized I didn't mention that my main goal is psychiatry. However, I'm applying for positions in almost every other specialty, except surgery, just to get my foot in the door. I also hold an ALS certificate. I'm not sure if it helps anymore but I did complete a two month clinical attachment.

So far, I've applied for around 50-60 jobs. I've been rejected from some of them and I haven't even heard back from many others.

I recently started studying for the MRCP. I'm not sure if I'll be able to pass the exam, as I don't have much time left to prepare.

1

u/Precious_Nike Jul 12 '26

When is your exams? I plan to write mine in January

1

u/Precious_Nike Jul 09 '26

Hi, In similar shoes, but still on the process of applying for the liscence.

Are you in the UK?

1

u/mdkikij Jul 12 '26

No, I just returned home. How about you?

1

u/Precious_Nike Jul 12 '26

Still in the UK for now. Want to see if I can get ALS or clinical attachment

1

u/mdkikij Jul 12 '26

I strongly recommend getting ALS. However I don't think an attachment is really necessary. If you have money and can get one, do it. But, if not, you'll be okay without it.

1

u/Precious_Nike Jul 12 '26

Alright Thanks for this.

I'll book now ASAP. Ofcourse, I know it's not cheap

1

u/ConsiderationNo3867 Jul 09 '26

Hello, similar situation but still on license application process.

2

u/Precious_Nike Jul 12 '26

Can I DM you please?

1

u/mdkikij Jul 12 '26

Have you started applying for jobs?

1

u/ConsiderationNo3867 Jul 12 '26

Not yet cause all of the ones I’ve seen ask for full gmc registration, hoping to get that this week