Never become disheartened.

SmallL

I graduated this summer and have been keen to get into a scientific/medical field.
The NHS seemed an excellent option due to the diversity of career paths and so I had been focusing my efforts on them. Out of 9 applications, I have so far heard back from 3 (All 3 interviews/assessments).

I was unsuccessful at the first interview, got feedback that my teamworking needs to come across better.

My second 'interview' was a half-day assessment, upon arriving I was immediately disheartened as 85% of candidates have had previous experience in the same or a very similar job.

I focused on showing that i was a quick learner, teamplayer and that my biological background was useful (Infection control and understanding for example).
In the interview section I made it clear I was willing to work hard, offering to work on a 24hr shift basis including weekends.

I got an email yesterday saying I was successful at the assessment and they are in the process of allocating me to a department! :T:T

Please, never become disheartened at an interview or assessment, focus on your strengths and what makes YOU stand out from everyone else.

shmeeko69

SmallL wrote: »

I graduated this summer and have been keen to get into a scientific/medical field.
The NHS seemed an excellent option due to the diversity of career paths and so I had been focusing my efforts on them. Out of 9 applications, I have so far heard back from 3 (All 3 interviews/assessments).

I was unsuccessful at the first interview, got feedback that my teamworking needs to come across better.

My second 'interview' was a half-day assessment, upon arriving I was immediately disheartened as 85% of candidates have had previous experience in the same or a very similar job.

I focused on showing that i was a quick learner, teamplayer and that my biological background was useful (Infection control and understanding for example).
In the interview section I made it clear I was willing to work hard, offering to work on a 24hr shift basis including weekends.

I got an email yesterday saying I was successful at the assessment and they are in the process of allocating me to a department! :T:T

Please, never become disheartened at an interview or assessment, focus on your strengths and what makes YOU stand out from everyone else.

Well done and you should always no your own self worth even if you get a few "Dear John" letters in your quest for a job.

I do fear for the future of our ecomony due the economic imbalance and the distorted flow of money. What lies ahead for our own baby in 18 years or so scares me a bit and I see more and more people working online from home. I'm just glad that, I don't rely on an employer giving me a wage any more.

top_drawer_2

Not to be too down on you OP, but from reading your post it sounds like you have effectively sold your soul in order to get a rather low level job.... I agree with Shmeeko, I too hope to move away from employers in the not to distant future.

SmallL

top_drawer wrote: »

Not to be too down on you OP, but from reading your post it sounds like you have effectively sold your soul in order to get a rather low level job.... I agree with Shmeeko, I too hope to move away from employers in the not to distant future.

In a private science laboratory you would get minimum wage compared to working in the NHS where they start similar (and often less technically demanding jobs) at a higher wage bracket.

The advantage of the NHS is the diversity in its operations, they employ cleaners to research nurses, scientists for the lab to consultants.

Whilst my role may only be a band 2, I'l have greater access to internal roles and a better understanding of where I want my career to progress. I'm considering nursing or working in a medical laboratory.

I'm willing to take a 'low level job' that will lead to my dream job with a bit of hard work.

Weird_Nev

I left uni and my first job was on £11k - effectively a storesperson in a Police Evidence store. By the end of the year we'd helped made major changes to the department and I was making just over £13k. (I had an excellent manager in that job).
Then I got a job as a Police officer, on £18k while training, £24k after 4 months, and by the time I took a career break last year my "salary" was £35k basic but I was earning about £45k equivalent with overtime.
I kept pace with my peers in Accountancy, Banking, Engineering, and academic roles - Until they stopped any pay increases for 4 years.

You have to start somewhere, and the joy of a large employer is that there are internal opportunities that you can pretty much walk into.

Well done OP!
I'm trying to keep my spirits up. Looking for work now and it's hard going!

Nightranger

SmallL wrote: »

I focused on showing that i was a quick learner, teamplayer and that my biological background was useful (Infection control and understanding for example).
In the interview section I made it clear I was willing to work hard, offering to work on a 24hr shift basis including weekends.

Well done OP and to Weird Nev for some smashing sentiments. It is easy to become downhearted at times but whilst it is a huge numbers game generally, it takes just one answer of 'yes' and life an quickly change for the better.

Helpfulone

SmallL wrote: »

I graduated this summer and have been keen to get into a scientific/medical field.
The NHS seemed an excellent option due to the diversity of career paths and so I had been focusing my efforts on them. Out of 9 applications, I have so far heard back from 3 (All 3 interviews/assessments).

I was unsuccessful at the first interview, got feedback that my teamworking needs to come across better.

My second 'interview' was a half-day assessment, upon arriving I was immediately disheartened as 85% of candidates have had previous experience in the same or a very similar job.

I focused on showing that i was a quick learner, teamplayer and that my biological background was useful (Infection control and understanding for example).
In the interview section I made it clear I was willing to work hard, offering to work on a 24hr shift basis including weekends.

I got an email yesterday saying I was successful at the assessment and they are in the process of allocating me to a department! :T:T

Please, never become disheartened at an interview or assessment, focus on your strengths and what makes YOU stand out from everyone else.

So nice to read a success story. Well done.