NHS Interviews

sunflower1283

Im currently working for the NHs on a temp contract and Ive applied for a few jobs & have had the interviews but I never seem to get the jobs. I get flustered with the questions, Im not very confident and my mind went blank at the last interview and I couldnt think straight. Ive got another intreview next week and I really want this job. I know I can do it but I feel like theres no point as Ill answer the questions wrong and I wont get the job. Any tips please?

ohreally

sunflower1283 wrote: »

Any tips please?

You need to draw on your own expreiences within the organisation.

If your getting interviews you should be in a posistion to build upon them and become a little more attuned to what they are looking for.

Can you approach the recruiting manager for an informal chat beforehand. If nothing else this may place you on their radar.

Poppy9

What sort of questions do they ask you? Is there a set number of questions?

debrag

Poppy9 wrote: »

What sort of questions do they ask you? Is there a set number of questions?

Usually 2 -3 people, not all ask questions one might just write. They have a4 sheets with the questions on.

What would you do if x, y, z happened
What experience do you have
How would you keep up with training/regulations
Do you mind working shifts
Can you take obs
etc

I find the answers are generally common sense. I hate interviews and they can always tell I am so nervous.

Poppy9

What would you do if x, y, z happened

Use positive language. Practice your answer. Don't use "I think" or "I may".

What experience do you have

If you have a tendency to get flustered speak about your work day, week, cycle. Speak about your responsibilties and give examples to support.

How would you keep up with training/regulations

Talk about your personal committment to CPD. If you are a member of an association then tell them you read their magazine/website/blogs. If relevant take an interest in current affairs etc. as you often hear of changes here first! If your employer offers course, say you take advantage of them etc.
If your employer has a website that you visit it to keep upto date. Give examples of how you learnt of change of regs due to your personal research.


Do you mind working shifts

Be positive that you have no problems and if you have done so in the past tell them. You can also say how you find it suits you better etc. for personal hobbies/family committments.

Can you take obs

Again, positive language and examples !

Good luck

viscachaz

I found thinking of questions they might ask, and writing the question and answer down, and just refreshing yourself before you go in, helped!

Savvy_Sue

Practice saying things out loud, preferably to a friend or relative who's asking the questions. Breathe before you speak ...

viscachaz

And don't forget, you're allowed to ask for a few minutes to think of an answer if you need it, just say "sorry, I'm just going to have to think about this for a minute" and then take a deep breath and be calm, then think back!

Croatoan

Unless it's changed I think the NHS score you on a strict points basis. Although designed to achieve fairness it leaves little room for "gut feeling" on the interviewer's part, or of benefit to someone who's very good in certain areas, even if they're important areas, but not so good in others.
It's why so many people who've been doing the job well struggle for promotion when someone who's good at interviews but often with less or even no experience at that unit/ward is promoted above them. I've met so many people who've done a good job as acting manager for a long time fail the interview for the actual manager's job when it comes up.
I feel for you. I'm useless at interviews myself.

Dumyat

Interviews are horrid. If you are unlucky this time again, ask for feedback, it might have had nothing to do with how you performed. Someone with more experience etc.

I work in the NHS, and what I've always found helpful is before I even applied for the job is to meet with the person advertising the job beforehand. Show lots of interest, ask questions..make a good impression without the stress of the interview situation. You might get a feel for what kind of questions they are likely to ask and its not a total stranger you're speaking to at the interview.

LannieDuck

At my place, the interviews are based very strictly on the job description. If you can think in advance of an example to support your application for each 'essential' and as many 'desireable' criteria as possible, you'll be well prepared.

Maybe also try a couple of practise interviews with your family/friends?