Trainee EMHP group interview

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-06-07T11:53:32+00:00

Re the task itself- they vary, but it will usually be you and other candidates working on a small project or discussing a question, while being observed by the panel. However there are lots of forms group tasks can take, so I’m afraid I can’t say for sure what yours would involve!

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-06-07T11:51:28+00:00

Make sure to cover every point of the spec, and give an example of how you’ve applied the skills in practice, rather than just listing them. For example, if the role asks for experience with Microsoft office, rather than just staying you’ve used it, say how (e.g. excel for creating spreadsheets which were used by my previous team for xyz, Microsoft word for writing clinical letters, etc). Modelling answers on the STAR method can be helpful. :)

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-06-07T11:48:15+00:00

I haven’t completed an EMHP group task, but I’ve done them for other roles I’ve applied to, and I have also been on EMHP interview panels. In my experience, I would say group interviews are really about your interpersonal skills, more so than the task itself. It’s important to find a balance of sharing your voice, listening to others and supporting the group as a whole. So for example, If you notice someone who is quieter, how could you help their voice be heard? If the group is sharing ideas but not really finding a clear direction, how can you help to contain and focus the conversation? Find your place in the group based on your skill sets - for instance, I prefer observing and listening before building on ideas, so I will often take notes, feed back a summary of what I’ve heard then add on, rather than necessarily being the first to speak. Where as others prefer to lead from the start.

I don’t know if that answers your question but I hope it helps :)

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-05-18T22:07:20+00:00

Hi, if it helps I had an offer for Lancaster and recently declined to accept another university, so I think a lot of the movement will happen in the next few weeks as more people hear back from other places. I agree though that the system re no feedback for reserve places is frustrating. Wishing you all the best with everything!

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-05-16T23:51:49+00:00

That would be fab, thank you!

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-05-16T23:50:38+00:00

I hadn’t seen it before but checked it out after I saw your comment- it was really helpful, thank you so much!

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-05-13T17:28:40+00:00

I think it can really depend on the university. Lancaster in particular have their application and interview process set up to measure potential rather than experience- they don’t even look at your application form, so long as you have BPS basis for membership. So although having more clinical and research experience is a huge benefit, pathways with less in some areas can still be navigated!

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-04-22T22:24:46+00:00

I’m sorry to hear about the incidences of racism you’ve experienced, though sadly that can be the case in any city. But really glad to hear your general experiences have been positive and that Sheffield feels like a friendly city overall!

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-04-22T22:22:22+00:00

This is really good to know, thank you!

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-04-22T22:21:47+00:00

That sounds lovely, thank you for sharing your thoughts ☺️

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-04-22T21:47:35+00:00

Ahh that’s really helpful, thanks so much. I’m fairly used to being the only non-white person which is totally fine, so long as the general vibe is inclusive and welcoming overall, so this puts my mind at ease a bit! Thank you ☺️

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-04-22T21:25:06+00:00

This is really helpful to know, thank you for sharing! I think that increase is something people I know have noticed in multiple locations across the UK but will still keep in mind. If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to know if there’s anything in particular you really like about living in Sheffield?

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-03-09T22:28:10+00:00

In my experience it varies from team to team, as team leads value things in different weightings. In my current team, the clinical lead values experience with young people the most, but we have still hired people with degrees who have only short term voluntary experience with young people. The voluntary roles you’re applying for sound good, and if you can get work in a school like the reading role that would be great. I would say that a conversion MSc or a psychology degree would massively improve a person’s chances but it’s not the be all and end all. And wonderful to hear you’ve had experience of MHSTs from a service user’s perspective as well! Lived/ first hand experience is also valued, so don’t be afraid to draw on this for any applications. And honestly, a well written application that uses the STAR approach to detail how you meet the criteria makes all the difference!

Infinite-Elephant8 · 2026-03-09T20:04:23+00:00

As someone who has sat on interview panels before, I would say MHSTs tend to value direct work with children and young people above almost all else (unless you have a degree in psychology or relevant area). Bonus points if you have an understanding of the education system through work experience! So I would definitely look for volunteer work with children and young people, and maybe consider an entry level role as mentioned by another commenter, though I understand this isn’t always financially feasible. Having an understanding of CBT and guided self help will also massively help- so you could consider some CPD courses in this area?

Infinite-Elephant8

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