NHS interview

clueless1

I have a interview for a trainee payroll job with the NHS and I am absolutely terrified about doing this interview. I have been a sahm for the past 4 years and this is my first interview in the last 10 years. I am so out of touch but desperate to get back to work.

I believe it will be a panel of interviewers, which means more people will get to watch me making a fool of myself. So, I would be so grateful for any insider tips on just about anything. What should I expect? will I have to do a test of some sort? What sort of questions will I be asked? What can I do to improve my chances?

I feel sick and panic is slowly setting in.....

Wanno

Hi Clueless1

Ive done many many NHS interviews. Usually the interview panel is made up of the Line Manager for the role, perhaps the Head of the department/section and sometimes an HR person.
They should put you at ease before the interview formally begins by talking about what they are going to do etc. Sometimes in a job interview they do do a test, for example recently the candidate was asked to come up with a response in a letter format. They were informed in the invite to interview that this would happen, so perhaps this might not be in your case relevant. I dont think in a trainee position you would be required to do a test. I would have thought in a trainee position they would ask you what relevant experience you have, why you want the role is a favourite and what you would do in certain situations, such as quesions about prioritising your time.

I would say just be honest about your previous work history and use the skills you learned whilst staying home and caring for your kids. play up on this and say that this is why you thought this role in particular would be great.

Do you have any friends in the nhs that you can talk to about the changes recently within the nhs? - if you can drop a few buzz words into the interview they will be impressed that you have done your research - for example in payroll you might want to swot up on provider /comissioning if it is a pct or how foundation trust work etc - if be happy to help if you want.

loopyloo1965

Hi, first off remember they've singled you out of a host of applications so they must think you have something to offer. Be positive, friendly - shake hands when you first go in. Have a couple of questions to ask at the end of the interview, preferably to do with the job (I've been the interviewer at a number of NHS interviews and you wouldn't believe some of the crazy questions people ask). I agree with Wanno, do a bit of research beforehand and slip it in to the conversation - it doesn't need to be too hardcore, just relevant to the level you'll be working at.

If you don't understand a question, be honest, ask them to repeat it or clarify what they are asking. Dress smartly, but in something that you are comfortable in, make sure you're early to the interview (turning up 30 minutes late and blaming the traffic is an excellent way to fail to impress). Be enthusiastic and keen.

Good luck - when is the interview?

bristol_pilot

Remember - they know your work history from your application form and they are interviewing you. So they are not going to reject you for something they already know about.

Walk into the room confidently (no hestitation); eye contact; firm handshake. Let the interviewers take the lead. Say 'good morning', do not say 'hi'. When asked for examples of things you have done always give work-related examples. It doesn't matter that you have not worked in a while - they already know that.

Have a few sentences prepared in case they say 'tell me about yourself'. This question is often asked to put people at their ease but can have the opposite effect! Tell them about your work achievements, abilities etc (not about your kids, hobbies etc). Big yourself up a bit more than is normal in everyday life - be 'modestly boastful'. People who do this in ordinary life are creeps, but at an interview it will make you look confident and competent.

At the end you may be invited to ask questions. Ask about training or some aspect of the job that has come up during the interview. Do not ask questions about how much time off you can have, what is their sickness policy, can I go home at 5pm etc.