NHS Interview advise needed please

seabreeze_3

hi all i'll try and keep it short i have an interview for a technicians job in the nhs this afternoon i know it is a panel interview which i'm finding a bit scary. i've done as much research in to the role as i can and swotted up but this is my first interview in 11 years as i have been working for one company all this time so my interview skills are rusty to say the least. i just wonderd if anyone would know the types of questions they will ask any help would be appreciated.
many thanks
seabreeze

maninthestreet

As it's a public sector job, expect to be quizzed on non-technical issues related to 'Diversity and Inclusion'.

Glamazon

I had a panel interview last week for NHS and it's not that scary.
They will ask you to tell them abit about what you have done in previous roles - after I'd finished they had no questions to ask as I'd answered most of them! Questions will be specific to the job so as long as you have been through the job spec and person spec and can answer questions about them then you'll be fine.

Just remember - good eye contact with everyone, not just the person who has asked the question. I made a conscious effort to speak to all 3 of them when answering questions which I think helps.

Also, have some questions to ask them - i.e. what are your expectations of the role? I have worked in the role for 2 other PCT's and each one did things differently.
Don't just ask about salary, benefits etc as they will be pretty good anyway!

I got offered the job so must have done something right!

Good luck and don't be nervous - it will come across in interview. Go in there knowing your stuff and knock their socks off!

seabreeze_3

hi all just like to say thanks for the advise the interview went well its just a sit and wait game now seemed very interested in my job now as it is relevant with the post i applied for they did ask about contacting my employer now is that a good or bad sign with these things i dont know
once again many thanks:T

Glamazon

I would think that was positive as they would be contacting your employer about references which they would only do if they were interested.

Did you say they could speak to your employer? Does your employer know you are looking elsewhere?

I generally say that they can contact previous employers prior to interview but not current employer. They rang me Weds last week to offer job subject to references and Occy Health, I accepted job. I rang HR on Thursday to ask some questions and they said they would be contacting my employer by Royal Mail post to request references so I didn't tell my boss until yesterday.

If it's a PCT or Hospital Trust - HR have to request the references and not the people that interviewed you so you may have a couple of days before they contact your employer anyway.

Glad it went well.

seabreeze_3

i have spoken to both my shift managers and they are happy to be contacted as i have a good relationship with them they know i can progress no further with the company at the momment due the economic situation and are happy for me to try and better myself but they have both said they will be sorry to see me go
they also asked how much notice i would need to give to my current employer which is one week but i did say i would like to give a bit more as a matter of courtesy to train someone else to take over my current role as there are staff shortages at the momment due to resizing
:T

Glamazon

WOW 1 weeks notice after 11 years service is good. It's nice to leave on a good note.

If they phone you and offer you the job, tell your employer but don't formally hand your notice in until you have the Offer Letter thru - like I said they are often subject to references and Occy Health. My employer knows I'm leaving but I've not formally handed notice in yet - until I get offer letter I'm a bit wary esp with being 29 weeks pregnant! Although they'd have me back like a shot which is great.

Good luck and hope you get the job!