Breast cancer
I would not wish to suggest that the post she applied for was in any way inferior, but it did strike me that more care was being taken over the selection of an assistant social worker than is taken with theselection of senior medical staff.
Abstract
SIR,-It makes a good deal of sense, for prospective candidates and colleagues alike, to implement an interview system such as that proposed by Mr Malcolm Gough (23 February, p 635), particularly at consultant level. My business friends gape in amazement when they learn that an appointment may effectively be made on the basis of a flying visit by the candidate, a few phone calls by sponsors, and a half hour interview, and laugh nervously when reminded that such appointments are for life. They then describe the in depth series of interviews they use when appointing staff equivalent in experience and salary, which may even include a staged accident or the offering of excess alcohol at lunch to check social grace and performance under stress. Indeed, such double interviews are already standard practice in other parts of the DHSS's empire. One of our department staff has just been through a pre-interview (expenses not paid) from which a second smaller shortlist was produced for the proper interview (expenses paid). I would not wish to suggest that the post she applied for was in any way inferior, but it did strike me that more care was being taken over the selection of an assistant social worker than is taken with the selection of senior medical staff. ANDREW BAMJI Brook Hospital, Loindon SE18 4LWN;