By Dr Melody Smith, Clinical Psychologist
If you’re starting out on your assistant psychologist (AP) journey, you’ve probably noticed how overwhelming it can feel — from deciphering job descriptions to facing your first interview panel. It’s a steep learning curve that asks for reflection, preparation, and courage in equal measure.
That’s why I was so struck by a recent LinkedIn post by Lana ElAssaad (Assistant Psychologist), that shared “Tips I would give myself if I was starting my assistant psychologist application journey again.” Lana’s reflections capture so much of what aspiring psychologists need to hear: that success isn’t about perfection, but about learning, curiosity, and authenticity.
Drawing on her post, I wanted to take a closer look at some of her key points — and explore how they align with the values we nurture within the ACPsych community.
Read around the speciality — curiosity counts
One of Lana’s first pieces of advice is to read around the area you’re interviewing for — even if it’s not something you’ve worked in before. This might sound simple, but it’s a game-changer.
She points out that while Band 4 roles don’t require prior experience, candidates who have taken the time to understand the service and its evidence base often perform better in interviews. Her strategy is elegant: find one or two older research papers for historical context, and a couple of newer studies to show you’re up to date.
I love this tip because it captures what clinical psychology values most — reflective curiosity. Reading around your chosen field not only strengthens your answers but also signals to interviewers that you already think like a developing psychologist.
Get to know the service and the job
Lana also reminds readers to research the service and the job role in depth. Before each interview, she checks what models the team uses, whether there are specific pathways, and rereads the job description so she can link her answers back to the tasks she’d actually be doing.
This level of preparation shows respect for the service and helps you speak with confidence about how your skills fit their needs. It also prevents that all-too-common pitfall of giving polished but generic answers.
From an ACPsych perspective, this is about developing the competency of Service Delivery: understanding the systems we work within and the values that guide them.
Let the person specification lead you
Another gem in Lana’s post is her approach to the person specification. She treats it as a roadmap, identifying every criterion marked “assessed at interview” and preparing examples for each.
It’s such a smart and simple way to reduce interview anxiety. When you already have examples ready, you’re less likely to be thrown by unexpected questions. This process also builds your reflective muscle — the same one you’ll rely on when mapping your experience to the 12 ACPsych competencies later down the line.
At ACPsych, we often help members do exactly this through structured reflective templates that turn experience into evidence. Lana’s approach captures that same ethos beautifully: calm, organised, and grounded in self-awareness.
Pause before you speak
Lana’s advice to organise your thoughts before answering questions is both practical and psychologically wise. If the panel allows a notebook and pen, she suggests taking a moment to jot down ideas before responding.
This small act can transform an interview. Writing a few key words helps structure your response, keeps it concise, and ensures you include reflection rather than rushing.
Many aspiring psychologists fear pauses, but as Lana models, reflection is not hesitation — it’s intentional thinking. In fact, interviewers often notice and appreciate candidates who take a moment to consider their responses.
Practise with others — and embrace the discomfort
Lana also shares that mock interviews felt even more intimidating than real ones, but they were invaluable. Practising aloud, especially without notes, builds fluency and confidence.
This advice echoes what many ACPsych members discover through interview coaching: reflective communication improves with rehearsal. It’s not about memorising answers, but about practising the process of thinking aloud — linking your experiences to theory and articulating your growth clearly.
Mock interviews help you notice how you come across, where you tend to rush, and which examples feel most authentic.
Bring yourself to the interview
Perhaps Lana’s most powerful message is her final one: bring yourself. She acknowledges that the AP job market is filled with brilliant, intelligent, and compassionate candidates. What makes you stand out isn’t technical expertise but your individual story — your experiences, values, and the perspective you bring to the work.
This advice gets to the heart of clinical psychology. It’s about showing humanity, not perfection. Whether your route has been linear or winding, your journey shapes the kind of psychologist you’re becoming.
Lana’s reminder to bring your full self into the room is one I wish every aspiring psychologist could hear. It’s how we move from competence to connection — from rehearsed answers to meaningful dialogue.
Final reflections
What I love about Lana’s post is how grounded it is in honesty. She doesn’t pretend that the process is easy — she acknowledges the uncertainty, the nerves, and the persistence it takes to keep going. But she also reminds us that every interview, whether successful or not, builds confidence, resilience, and clarity about what kind of psychologist you want to be.
If you’re currently in the thick of applications, take heart. Every rejection teaches you something valuable; every reflection brings you closer to your next opportunity. As Lana says, it can feel daunting — but it’s worth it when the hard work begins to pay off.
Read the post here on LinkedIn
