Competencies Tested in the Manchester Multiple Mini
Interview
1. Communication Skills
Applicants should be able to communicate effectively with different groups of people. They should
be able to engage in natural conversation and express their ideas fluently, efficiently and with
minimal prompting.
2. Insight into the Role
Applicants should have a sound understanding of what the role of a healthcare professional entails.
All applicants will have done some work experience, medical or otherwise, and they should be able
to relate those experiences to their understanding of the role.
3. Capacity for Critical Thought
Applicants need to be able to demonstrate an aptitude for critical and analytical thought. They
should offer thought-out and logical arguments based on reason rather than emotion, and should be
able to recognise both sides to an argument.
4. Compassion and Empathy
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a compassionate nature and a natural ability to empathise
with individuals. They should be able to demonstrate genuine concern and sensitivity towards others
with an awareness of and a balanced attitude towards their feelings and opinions.
5. Understanding of Professionalism
Applicants should understand the concept of professionalism, particularly in the context of a clinical
career. They should have an insight into how and why their professionalism might be challenged and
demonstrate a responsible attitude towards meeting those challenges.
6. Ability to Manage Stress
Applicants should be able to recognise the challenges and sources of stress in a clinical programme
and subsequently a career. They should be able to demonstrate appropriate strategies for managing
that stress.
7. Resilience & Self-Reliance
Applicants should demonstrate resilience in being able to cope with the demands of the programme
and the subsequent career. They should be able to handle unanticipated challenges and propose
appropriate strategies to manage such situations.
8. Problem Solving Abilities
Applicants should be able to demonstrate appropriate strategies for solving problems. The steps
they take in their approach should be thought-out and logical and supported by sound reasoning.
9. Understanding of NHS Values
Applicants should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the values and responsibilities on
which the NHS functions. They should be informed as to contemporaneous issues affecting the NHS
and its provision of those values and responsibilities.
10. Team Working
Applicants should be able to recognise the value of a collaborative approach to solving problems and
be able to relate this to their own experience of working in teams. They should reflect appropriately
on their team working experience and be able to demonstrate that they are a “team player”.
11. Motivation
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a genuine and sincere motivation. They should be
enthusiastic and present genuine and informed reasons for wanting to enter the profession.
12. Probity and Integrity
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a high level of probity and integrity in situations with
which they are faced. They should be open and honest about their own experiences including those
presented in their application.
13. Organisational Skills
Applicants should be able to demonstrate an organised and methodical approach to dealing with
situations along with an understanding of why this is important. They should be able to prioritise
options logically and show an understanding of the importance of appropriate time-management.
14. Capacity for Reflective Thought
Applicants should be able to show a good level of self-awareness and reflect appropriately on their
own strengths and weaknesses, identifying areas in which they can improve.
15. Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a well-rounded profile of hobbies or extracurricular
activities. They should be able to elaborate on why they enjoy doing the things they do and
demonstrate an understanding of the importance of having outside hobbies and interests.
16. Understanding of the Manchester Programme
Applicants should be able to articulate the reasons for their choice of University and demonstrate a
clear understanding of Manchester’s educational philosophy.
