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ACF Interview Resources

Welcome to OptimiseACF

Your one-stop resource for everything you need for your ACF or research post interview.

In this section we cover all aspects of the research interview. From how to summarise an unseen study, critically appraising study design to dreaded statistics we’ve got it all covered by our team of high-scoring clinical academic trainees.

The competition ratios for research posts range from 5:1 to 30:1 and this tells only half the story. often undertaken by high-scoring clinical candidates so competition ratios only tell half the story.

We firmly believe the research interview is about how you showcase your knowledge succinctly so we go much further than standard text-based resources. Our resources are based around mock scenarios and video knowledge series so you’re armed with all the research knowledge and how to present it on the big day.

In this section you’ll find:

  • Mock research scenario videos with good and bad answers with crucial examiner feedback.
  • 5* tips to score top marks
  • Ethical principles in clinical research scenarios (often trips up candidates!)
  • Full run-down of different study designs and how to critically appraise each type
  • Complete section on statistics and how to pick the right test for the dreaded design your own study questions

Free taster

Check out one of the many videos from our library. What would you score this?

Sign up to hear alternative answers and feedback for each response.

Happy students!

Hear from last year’s interview course batch! We look forward to working with you.

I’ve been offered my first preference post.

Thank you to you, and the entire OI team for making this a reality for me.

Thank you so much . I literally owe my success to your team.

I got my first choice of West Yorkshire, as was very bound for to my son. 

OptimiseCardio 2023

I wanted to share some good news, I feel slightly overwhelmed with emotion but i just wanted to let you guys know I got full marks and ranked 7th in the country for Cardiology. Honestly the help you and all the team on the course gave was really invaluable and I’m so grateful for all the advice you guys have given me and honestly don’t think I could have done it without you. 

OptimiseCardio 2023

You guys are doing a fantastic job in polishing interview skills and giving the framework of how to answer each section, I would definitely recommend this interview course to my colleagues and it is worth every penny. Keep up the impressive work.

Optimise Cardio 22

I am so incredibly thankful for all the invaluable help. I didn’t get a London job last year and after applying the tips you guys told us, especially for the clinical station I got full marks across all stations and ranked 2nd in the country! Coming to NW Thames!

Optimise Cardio 21

Just to let you know I got full marks in my interview and ranked third nationally.

[…] is my top choice and […] so I’ll get a number there.

I wanted to thank you both again for the interview course […]. It made a huge difference and I greatly appreciate it

2021 Course Attendee

Many thanks for the comprehensive interview course and has gone a long way in helping me secure a NTN. It is much appreciated

2021 Course Attendee

I am pleased to share with you that I have been successful in securing an NTN in South East Midlands , which was my first preference region.

I must say that the interview mock course you guys organised was very helpful for preparation and better understanding of the structure of the interview.

2021 Course Attendee