Neurosurgery is a demanding specialty, and trainees must expect to be busy and challenged throughout their career. The neurosurgery national selection is usually held over 2 days at the end of January/beginning of February. Historically it has been held in either Sheffield or Leeds United football clubs. Specialty trainee year 1 (ST1) and ST2 interviews take place over both days, whereas ST3 interviews are scheduled for the afternoon of the second day. The two keys to success are proper preparation and being as relaxed as possible on the big day. All candidates applying for ST2 or ST3 should have some clinical neurosurgery under their belt, but this may not be the case for ST1 candidates. For ST1 candidates it is extremely helpful to secure a neurosurgical placement during Foundation year 1, or, more likely, during the first half of Foundation year 2.