Eeny, meeny, miny, mo..

The little advertisement in the BMJ was for two posts as senior house officer (junior) in obstetrics and gynaecology. After talking to someone who had worked on the unit, I decided to put in an application. Having sent off my curriculum vitae and covering letter, I was impressed to receive a postcard of acknowledgment within a week. This was followed several days later by an invitation to attend for interview. On the appointed date I arrived 10 minutes early. There were five other candidates in the waiting area, an alcove off a busy corridor. To begin with we sat in silence. Everyone was neatly turned out. The main distinguishing feature was the means used to carry the certificate of medical registration, which we had all been instructed to bring. One hopeful candidate had it protruding prominently from his breast pocket as if to signal his suitability. Another had a smart leather document holder, which looked so new that it must have been purchased for the occasion. After a few minutes somebody broke the silence and …