Competency-Based Interview Preparation for Psychology & Allied Health Professionals

Specialist support for candidates with HSE panel interviews. Provided by an experienced Senior Clinical Psychologist.

Dr Anna Newell, B.A. Psych, MSc ABA, DClin Psych. Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience working as a Psychologist. 

As many working in the field of psychology in Ireland will be aware, there is a distinct focus on interviews in order to make meaningful progress in this career.

Early in my career, I found it difficult to access interview support from experienced psychologists. When applying first for assistant psychologist roles and later for clinical psychology training, I attended an interview preparation service. While parts of this interview preparation were helpful, the service lacked the specialist knowledge needed to prepare me effectively for these interviews.

The current online service has thus been established to provide valuable and practical support with competency based interviews. Provided by an experienced psychologist who has completed first-hand many of these competency-based interviews with very high levels of success. 

I hope to be able to support and better prepare candidates to showcase their skills and make progress with their career goals.

About Me

Services Offered

This service supports candidates applying for the following positions: assistant psychologist, psychologist in training, staff grade psychologist, senior psychologist and principal psychologist. This service also supports candidates from other allied health professions completing competency based panel interviews in the HSE or similar.

Direct Interview Preparation

Focused preparation sessions to refine answers, structure responses and manage interview anxiety.

Mock Interview & Feedback

A practice interview designed to mirror a panel interview, with personalised feedback. This will help you to answer confidently, clearly, and in line with competency based requirements, to maximise results.

Small Group Sessions

To reduce cost, candidates may wish to receive structured support in a small group. This will be less individualised, but would still be extremely beneficial to support preparation. Please submit an enquiry for more information on a bespoke package.

Type of Support Available

Candidates may wish to access one-off support or a number of consecutive support sessions in order to feel adequately prepared for interview. 

Application Support

Support with application form and advice on competency based examples for interview.

Video Masterclass for Doctorate Applicants

1 hour video masterclass designed to demystify the interview process for doctorate applicants. Purchase link is available now. See link at the top of this webpage.

Limited Availability

Please note that I have limited availability and therefore submitting an enquiry does not guarantee access to the service.

  • Clinical, Educational and Counselling doctorate applicants.

  • Candidates beginning their careers by applying for the position of an assistant psychologist.

  • Candidates applying for the positions of Staff Grade, Senior or Principal Psychologist.

  • Other Allied Healthcare professionals completing competency based panel interviews.

  • Candidates who have previously failed a competency based panel interview.

  • Candidates who experience interview anxiety.

Who I Work With

How it Works

Following an email query, a brief questionnaire will be circulated via email to get a better sense of what support may be beneficial. 

  1. Agree what bespoke preparation package will most benefit the candidate. 

  2. Agree a consultation date/time. Please note that consultations are only available evenings and weekends. 

  3. Support sessions will be completed via video call.

  4. Once booked, an online calendar invitation will be sent for Google Meet. Full payment is required to book.

  5. For 2–3 session bundles:

    • Pay 100% upfront OR

    • Pay in 2 instalments before the first session

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Success at interview cannot be guaranteed. I can guarantee to provide you with the necessary tools to build confidence and success at interview.

  • This is entirely dependant on the candidate and their level of experience completing these types of interviews. Candidates with limited experience or high levels of anxiety related to interviews may wish to access higher levels of support.

  • All queries and consultations will be dealt with on a strictly confidential basis.

  • Consultations are typically completed online using a video call platform.

    I do not have a premises, but am open to completing sessions in-person in Galway if a suitable location is available.

  • After an initial email conversation to discuss needs, a clear costing will be provided.

  • Given limited availability, sessions are payable in advance and subject to a 48-hour re-scheduling policy. No refunds are provided.

Contact Me

Interested in working together? Fill out some information and I will be in touch to discuss the options for support, as well as pricing.