Any advice on applying for jobs through NHS jobs website? (Update)

Bored

Hey, I'm applying for a job through the NHS jobs website which requires filling out the online application form, with a section called 'additional information' where you are required to write exactly how you fit the person specification.

I was wondering how best to approach this section; should I set it out in paragraphs like covering letter, or would it be best to break it down into the headed sections mentioned on the person specification so I could explain how I meet each requirement?

I was wondering if anyone who has also applied for a job through the NHS jobs website has any advice?

Thanks in advance.

FBaby

You can do either. I normally do covering letter type and just make sure everything not already covered under employment and education is mentioned there. I think this shows a bit more effort than just listing each specification which might lead to repetitions, however, it depends on the job. In any case, there is no specific format.

Bored

You're right, I think part of the reason I've had trouble writing it is because I was trying to get things to fit under the person specification headings and it wasn't flowing very well.

t0rt0ise

I do it the same way, as a long blurb in paragraphs. I have the job spec printed off and tick off each thing as I cover it. I tend to write it in Word and copy and paste it when it's done. Then I have a copy ready to adjust for the next one.

You have to be quick though as some jobs on there close in quick time, and they close automatically when so many applications have been sent so don't assume that it won't close at one o'clock in the morning just because it's not office hours.

LadyMissA

I have applied for a few jobs with the NHS (never got interviews but don't let that put you off haha) and like others have said here get the job spec and write down (before you type it on the form) a few things that you have done in previous jobs that fit with what they are looking for. Take say the top 3 or 4 points on the spec and talk about those so you do not make it too long, prob no more than 4 short paragpahs. Don't put headings just write like a letter.

good luck

ohreally

The process is very much competency based therefore reflect on this when completing.

There will normally be contact details for informal enquiries to the posts line manager - it may be work calling them for a chat about what they are looking for (often much more detail will be forthcoming than from a brief person spec)

Bored

t0rt0ise wrote: »

I do it the same way, as a long blurb in paragraphs. I have the job spec printed off and tick off each thing as I cover it. I tend to write it in Word and copy and paste it when it's done. Then I have a copy ready to adjust for the next one.

You have to be quick though as some jobs on there close in quick time, and they close automatically when so many applications have been sent so don't assume that it won't close at one o'clock in the morning just because it's not office hours.

Tell me about it, I spent a few hours preparing one job application that expired within an hour of being posted. I wasn't impressed when I logged back in to apply for it lol.

newmumincov

One thing I heard was that NHS recruiters get so many applications that they have to do the first sift fairly quickly and that one way to assist them was to structure this section with headings that match the person specifications on the job adverts, with a couple of sentences give examples of how you match each point.

t0rt0ise

LadyMissA wrote: »

I have applied for a few jobs with the NHS (never got interviews but don't let that put you off haha) and like others have said here get the job spec and write down (before you type it on the form) a few things that you have done in previous jobs that fit with what they are looking for. Take say the top 3 or 4 points on the spec and talk about those so you do not make it too long, prob no more than 4 short paragpahs. Don't put headings just write like a letter.

That's probably why you're not getting interviews. You have to cover every point on the spec and not just the top 3 or 4. As someone else just said, they get so many applications that often they just go through the written blurb ticking off each point. If you don't cover everything your application could well be binned and not even get to the person who chooses who to interview.

TeaForOne

I work in the NHS and have both applied for jobs using nhs jobs, and shortlisted/interviewed people on many occasions.

You must use this section to explain how you meet the person specification and the key points in the job description. You don't have to completely spoonfeed the shortlister -we are capable of picking out supporting facts from paragraphs but you absolutely must cover the essential criteria, the desirable criteria that you fulfil, and the key parts of the job. If I were you I'd use bullet points of one or two sentences rather than big paragraphs - easier to take in and less risk of your biggest achievements being accidentally overlooked.

4 short paragraphs is unlikely to impress me unless you are applying for a band 2 role, and if you don't make it clear that you want THIS job I probably won't shortlist you regardless of how much you write. I can't tell you how many people send in applications that are lacking in any detail and are so generic that it's obvious they are just sending in the same application to countless different jobs.

Ensure you check your spelling (you can write your statements in Word, check them and then drop them into the dialogue box in the form) and make sure you don't leave any empty spaces where you should be completing information. The people who work in my department must have excellent attention to detail and work accurately, so although I'll generally overlook dodgy spelling and grammar, I don't shortlist people who leave the form incomplete.

Good luck!

Maryland_Cookie

I too work in the NHS and regularly "recruit and select" and agree with Teaforone. TBH it's easy to see at a glance the folk who send out the same supporting information time and time again. It's a must in my book to tailor this to the post your applying for, and to be explicit in why you want the post you are applying for.

Good luck!