Coping with the selection process (pt 2)

Spring has sprung, the nights are drawing out and summer plans are being made.

Unfortunately, for us assistant psychologists, this is all probably clouded by the angst of interview season. The uncertainty beckons of how successful this year will be. Will I get an interview like last year? Will I be interviewing at my number 1 choice? Will I be moving to Liverpool or London this autumn?

Some days you feel cautiously optimistic that this may be the year. Other days you feel unbearably pessimistic that clinical psychology is just not the route for you and you'd have more chance of winning the lottery than getting on the course. Both of which may be true, but at the same time, there is nothing you can do to influence the outcome but hold tight and wait unexpectedly for an email sometime in February or March.

Acknowledging that the outcome is now out of your control, and knowing that worrying is about as useful as chewing bubble-gum to solve an algebra equation, can sometimes bring solace to the situation. Focusing on the present situation and continuing to do the things that are important to you can certainly help get through this tormenting few weeks.

I find socialising with non-psychologists and exercising key to finding a balance and gaining a perspective. Asking friends and family about their careers and challenges can often help you find out that many other seemingly glamorous careers also have their drawbacks. If you want to whinge and moan to the right person about DClin season this can also be helpful, as I'm sure they can relate somewhat.

Spending less time searching DClinPsych on twitter and muting such key words can certainly help you switch off from the psychology world.

Very rarely does a tweet or Facebook post provide any real lasting benefits to my anxiety during DClin interview season, so why bother? Instead, use this time to do something that suits you, research something you're interested in and remind yourself why you got into psychology in the first place.

I like to think of my career as a piece of music rather than a race where I'm striving to reach the next checkpoint as quickly as possible.

There may be setbacks, and in that short time after that initial rejection, the feeling of frustration and low self-esteem may seem overwhelming.  Yet, it does pass, and once it does, and you're done venting to your loved ones or supervisor and have regathered your thoughts,

I find it helpful to focus on the positives. I look to see what opportunities are now presented to me as an assistant, that may not have been if I was a trainee. Despite not reaching the next checkpoint, I focus on what I can do to make this piece of the music as good as it can be.

Additional links and resources

• 5 tips for preparing for interviews
• The Alternative Handbook 2022: A trainee's guide to postgraduate clinical psychology courses

In addition, the Pre-Qualification Group is hosting a special online event on 10 April where DCP/PQG members can ask questions and discuss strategies relating to preparing for upcoming interviews for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology training.

Find out more about our upcoming webinar on preparing for DClin interviews