Wednesday 31 March 2010

SPA interview in Manchester

SPA interview this morning started at 9am, so, take note of that. It does say that we're supposed to register at 8am but the officer only appeared at 8.30 and the interviewer at 9am. The same scenario happened in London.

Basically, it would be encouraged to answer all the questions in Bahasa Malaysia, but somehow, I just gave up and switched back to English. Hahaha. Started off with simple enough questions like tell me about your background, your clinical experienced etc. Most of the questions were based on your CV so make sure you're prepared to be quizzed about it. The interviewer herself is a really pleasant lady. She just makes you feel so comfortable, maybe a bit too comfortable that I sometimes forgot that I wasn't supposed to portray that side of me. Hopefully that doesn't jeopardize anything.

The only 4 technical questions which I was asked were:
1. What department issues your IC?
2. What other documents can that department issue?
3. What department issues your passport
4. What is the difference between MMA and MMC

The questions may be different each time. So, don't just prepare those 4. The answers are simple enough. JPA, birth and death certs, Immigration department, and the last one is like asking what's the difference between BMA and GMC. I'm sure you all can answer that if you're studying in the UK.

My friend who went first didn't get these questions. Maybe that's leniency given to the first candidate. Other things which they would like to find out is whether you're willing to work in the other part of Malaysia as to where you're from. For example, Semenanjung people will be asked about their view about working in Sabah and Sarawak and vice versa. I just somehow got the impression that many people don't treat Sabah and Sarawak as part of Malaysia which is something we really must change. We are a country and yet people are still having bad perceptions of one another. I am really glad that I've spent my time in both parts of Malaysia and that I will be able to adapt quite well no matter where I go in the future. Therefore, traveling should be further encouraged as it widens our mindset and cures misconceptions. That's my excuse for traveling so much. Sorry, I'm going out of the point here but you know what I mean. Hehehe.

I was also provided with a small handbook on career development for house officers in the Ministry of Health and it provides an overview of our pay, allowances that we can get and available hospital placements in Malaysia. Very handy.

One piece of information which I was asked to spread is, any private Malaysian students doing Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy who are interested in applying for a job in Malaysia are most welcomed to turn up on this coming Saturday for drop in interview at Thistle Hotel, Great Portland Street, Manchester. It's just opposite Piccadilly Circus.

I'm so relieved that this is over. While waiting for PL to get ready, SY and I went to Ho's Bakery in Chinatown  to get some breakfast.
How I miss the Chinese cakes. I had egg tart and Bubble Tea. Yummy.

Lunch:

Dim Sum at Pacific Restaurant again. Food is still as delicious. Regretted that I ate so much just before lunch. Met up with junior HL as well.

The continuation of PL's shopping spree:

This time, it is in her home ground, Arndale Shopping Centre. I found out why was the toilet voted as the best public toilet in the UK too. Very spacious, well equipped and clean.

There were some promotion going on for Manchester community college. This booth showcased Virtual Styling where we got to pick a fashion for the mannequin and dress it. That was the result of our combined effort. We were given goody bags from Vero Moda after.

 What I had in my goody bag.

The person accompanying Miss Shopaholic into the dressing room and was still given a tag so that she doesn't feel too out of place.

Back to the Pool - Dinner:

This is PL's fault for suggesting bagels for dinner. Now, I'm addicted to it. This is my version of the salmon bagel. I grilled the salmon, toasted the bagel, spread some soft cheese and added some spinach. The bagel was crispy on the outside and the fillings complimented each other really well. I feel like having another one now.

This coming weekend is going to be such a fun filled weekend. Surprises and excitements to look forward to. Adios till then.



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