Leadership and teamwork: NHS Interview Questions for International Doctors

Conflict with a colleague and working well in a team are asked in most interviews, with leading a team and supporting a struggling colleague close behind.

Updated 26 October 2026

How to answer

One specific example in STARR form with your own actions and the outcome clear. Show that you will work with experienced NHS nurses and juniors rather than over them; that attitude is scored even when it is not asked about.

Frameworks: STARR

  • STAR Situation in a sentence, Task: what you had to do, Action: what you did in the first person, Result: the outcome with a number where there is one. Add Reflection for STARR. Full guide →
  1. Asked in most interviewsUsually asked by the HR or people directorSTARR

    Describe a time you had a conflict with a colleague. What did you do, and what was the outcome?

    STARR with your actions clear: what the conflict was about, what you did (early, in private, focused on the issue), the outcome and the relationship afterwards. Avoid conflicts where you were plainly right.

  2. Asked in most interviewsUsually asked by the consultant colleague in the specialtySTARR

    Describe a time you worked well in a team. What was your role?

    A specific team, your role in it, what the team needed and what you provided. Say what a nurse or another professional contributed. A line on what you learned about teams finishes it.

  3. Often askedUsually asked by the clinical director or clinical leadSTARR

    Describe a time you led a team successfully.

    An example at your level where you took charge: a ward round, an emergency before the senior arrived, a project. Say what you decided, how you communicated it, and the outcome.

  4. Often askedUsually asked by the HR or people directorSTARR

    Describe a time you supported a colleague who was struggling with a work related issue.

    Noticed early, asked privately, found out what was going on, offered practical help, and involved a senior if needed. Say what happened to the colleague.

  5. Often askedUsually asked by the clinical director or clinical leadSTARR

    Tell us about a time you had to motivate colleagues to do something they did not agree with.

    Listened to the objection, explained the reason for the change, adjusted where they were right, and followed through. Say what the outcome was and what you learned about persuasion.

  6. Often askedUsually asked by the head of nursing or senior nurseSTARR

    A nurse tells you that a junior colleague is not answering their bleep or completing tasks. What do you do?

    Patient safety first: check the patient's tasks are done. Then find the colleague, find out why, and help if they are overloaded or unwell. If it continues, tell your senior. Say what you would do if the colleague was struggling personally.

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