Any Assistant / Qualified Psychologists out there???-Application advice!

Lipsticklady

Hello,

I have seen a job that i would really love to get. It is an assistant psychologist post within the NHS.

Can you give me any helpful tips or advice on completing the application form.
I really need to get this right!

Thanks in advance!

elona

Do they ask that you are registered with the BPS and that you are a graduate in Psychology?

I don't want to discourage you but there will probably be quite a lot of competition so any experience that you have such as voluntary work - make sure that it is included.

Missy_3-2

Hi Lipsticklady,
Elona's right, it is a very competitive field, but it's certainly worth applying for if you think this could be the career for you. Most assistant psychologists are looking to gain the practical experience needed to be accepted onto the clinical psychology training course (3 year doctorate). I take it you're a psychology graduate- that's probably the most basic requirement. In your application it would be worth thinking about all your experience and how it relates to the post (eg. did your dissertation have implications for assessing/treating psychological difficulties?/ any voluntary work?/ Any experiences of care work within family etc?/ Any bits of research at uni that could be used practically?). Some assistant posts will be filled by people with previous assistant experience, but equally some employers would prefer someone 'fresh' to the profession
Good luck with it- If you decide to go for it and want to post more details of the type of post (what the client group is etc) I'll help a bit if I can.

Ps I worked as an AP for a few years and am now qualified

Lipsticklady

Thanks,

Feel so nervous. It is something i really want to do but, feel i havent enough hospital experience. I have been volunteering at the Alcohol and drug service in my local area and i have also been a volunteer at the local hospital dealing with patients who were in to provide the family with a break.

The thing is, i have been in full time work (clerical and admin) since i left university. will this go against me that i didnt go straight in to an assistant psychologist role?

Missy_3-2

dont' think it would go against you if you made a positive case for how it's been helpful...think of the skills you gained there like time managment etc. maybe put something in about why clerical work was no longer for you- why you feel compelled to make a career change.

Lipsticklady

Thanks for the advice, i really appreciate it. I have asked a couple of people to check my application for me. I hope and pray i get the job! Do you think the lack of hospital experience will be an issue?
I have volunteer experience, at present i work with people that misuse drugs and alcohol. It is based at a hospital although not on a ward and i dont think it is NHS funded.

Missy_3-2

Doubt a lack of hospital experience will be any problem, plenty of clin psychs work outside of hospital environment, in community based posts. I reckon it's more important that you are thoughtful about the experiences you've had rather than what youve specifically done (eg. has your voluntary work shown you the role of the psychologist, or if there is no clin psych input where you volunteer, can you see where psychological input is needed)
Thats what i would be interested in seeing if i was recruiting anyway!

Lipsticklady

ahhh..........trying to fill out the application...feel so stressed out.The duties and responsibilities seems so long and trying to encompass everything into a couple of paragraphs is an nightmare!
It seems to want me to focus on the psychological asssessments which, i havent really conducted since university! I have been involved with formulating questionnaires at work on the service we offer and have also administered questionnaires at the volunteer centre.

I feel completely out of my depth. I know this is one of three posts and i desperately want the job.
It has to be in on saturday and i feel completely lost!

across

good luck with that i got a bsc(hons) psych 10years ago and it never got me anywhere!!! my worst experience was the assessment centre for prison psychologists i badly wanted to do this but never got the job and it really knocked my confidence i ended up in unrelated work jobcentres and benefit offices and always feel let down!! i am still a member of bps and it costs a fortune keep thinking i'll give it up!

jobbingmusician

Lipstick lady, if you want me to look over the application or suggest anything, I'm willing to do this - I used to run a mental health charity and even employed psychologists..... Just PM me!

Lipsticklady

Thanks eastchristina, i would be really gratefull if you would look over it.I am currently away on holiday and have limited internet access. I am still struggling to write up my application (what to include etc). I will PM as soon as i have done it. I havce to have it submitted by saturday ............aghhhhhhhh!