NHS admin interview advice

[MarthaFarkus]

Hopefully this is the last update from me but I got offered another band 4 job today and accepted it so shocked as I didn’t feel confident but just wanted to thank you all for your great advice x

Brilliant, congratulations! I hope it all goes well for you x

My interview is on Tuesday, they’ve already booked me in for the university interview in October. I’m puzzled by this as they said you only get a Uni interview if you pass the first interview - which I obviously haven’t had yet. Anyway, I shall update Tuesday evening.

 

[MarthaFarkus]

Just had my interview. I thought it went ok but we’ll see. Only 6 questions but a few scenario ones like how would you advocate for a patient etc. They asked how I prepared for the interview too, which I’d never been asked before. I’ve felt shit all day so probably didn’t project my best self will hear early next week. I need maths functional skills which I haven’t got, can’t quite believe I’ve got so far in healthcare without it - I draw up vaccines in my current job so I’d need to sort that out if I’m successful.

Well, I had a phone call this morning telling me I’d passed with flying colours and they want me on board. I have to pass the university interview in October now but the lady gave me some tips on what to expect and how to answer. I was surprised as I really felt ill on the day of the interview. Definitely have to sort maths out now though

 

[LennyBriscoe]

Use the STAR technique to answer questions (situation, task, action, result)

Ask what their onboarding process is like for the first 30, 60 & 90 days. Maybe ask them what their processes and IT systems are like so that you can speak on your organisation and skills there

make sure you know the job spec and can answer most if not all of the points with specific experience and examples

enjoy the interview. It’s a conversation and it is two way: To see if you fit there and they fit for you too! x

I work in the Civil Service and they use STAR too. I haven’t had an interview in almost 7 years but they’re keen on experiences you have outwith the service that could meet the competences they’ve set - for example, I used to sit on the Children’s Panel so I would try and tie that in. Because you’re coming from a different type of working environment you’ll have loads of those anyway.

Try and relax - everyone is nervous but don’t let it overcome you. Remember, they’d be lucky to have you onboard!

Good luck - let us know how it goes

 

[sassylash]

yes! what i love about the nhs is there is so much opportunities!! but you’ll get back in band 4 soon enough lol x

 

[Cynic123]

Let us know how you get on, hope it all goes well

 

[Katydoo]

I wish I’d seen this earlier! I’ve been a 4, 5 and just got a band 6 role. If you come back wanting some last minute tips I’d say go back and get some interview feedback (regardless of if you got or not, always invaluable), but my main one would be EXAMPLES EXAMPLES EXAMPLES!!! They love it!!
Trusts values was a good one, rightly popular, and keywords will get you lots of the points.
You sound like you’ve got a fab attitude and how you’ll get on with the rest of the team will be taken into consideration. You’ve got it in the bag doll

 

[Clickbait]

Some great advice already given. Enthusiasm goes a long way in an interview. Also prepare for a question around how you support/champion equality and diversity - this is a big drive in the NHS.

 

[kittypaws]

Hi! I just wanted to say thank you so much for this post I used some of your examples for my interview the other day and I got the job! I’m so happy! xx

Ahhh that’s amazing!! Well done xx

 

[Hbirdette]

Jumping in on an old thread in the hopes for some advice.

Does anyone have experience where the interview is for a promotion within your current department? Say from band 2 to band 3, both admin roles? I’m hoping it’ll be more of an informal interview as the panel are my current management but the role was also advertised externally so not sure if I have to do the same questions as other candidates so that it’s fair under HR reg. I’m struggling to prepare as I can’t see them asking me the usual questions like ‘tell us a time when..’ ‘when have you made a difficult decision..’ etc but I don’t know if they have to. Also struggling to prepare questions to ask at the end as I already know everything I need to know about this specific role as I currently work in the department and work closely with someone else doing this new role.

It’s such an odd situation to be in where I tick all the boxes in what they’re looking for, have the experience and advantage of already being in post within the department but also feeling SO underprepared for the interview!

I agree with the poster above - questions about progression, how will your job role change with the new job etc. they literally have to do it to tick boxes I reckon. But it’s all points based so asking a question is better than not doing so!
They may change the questions for each band. I ended up going on YouTube and looking at band 4 questions for nhs.
a few weeks ago I asked to go from part time to full time and they were like you may need to interview for it, I was like ffs totally get why though. Anyway I was lucky enough and my manager did a C form for me

 

[Gimmethegossipgirl]

That’s a relief.. I think my line manager said they wanted me to start ASAP so I thought it would be fairly quick but then she did say it’s all down to hr and almost did a bit of an eye roll as if to say they take an absolute age

Yes HR and recruitment seen to take ages in my trust! They sent me for an occupational health interview before I could start too to check I had my vaccines (pre Covid so for BBV’s etc) etc - I was a bit confused but went along. Turned out they had me down as a nurse manager on a ward rather than admin and had to apologise for a wasted journey and my wasted time and send me home

 

[Hbirdette]

I got the job

I was really nervous during the interview and wasn’t happy with how I answered a lot of the questions but I think because they know me, they knew what I was trying to say. They said I did really well though and ticked all the boxes and my experience already working in the department was an added bonus. I’m glad it’s all over and I can now relax!!

Thank you again for the advice!

Congratulations!! Such a good feeling

 

[MarthaFarkus]

Just had my interview. I thought it went ok but we’ll see. Only 6 questions but a few scenario ones like how would you advocate for a patient etc. They asked how I prepared for the interview too, which I’d never been asked before. I’ve felt shit all day so probably didn’t project my best self will hear early next week. I need maths functional skills which I haven’t got, can’t quite believe I’ve got so far in healthcare without it - I draw up vaccines in my current job so I’d need to sort that out if I’m successful.

 

[Pawpaw365]

Thank you to those who have contributed so much on this thread, I’ve got a band 4 assistant practitioner interview on Monday.
I’m absolutely crapping myself
I don’t do well in interviews cause I get so anxious and struggle to get my words out. I’ve only ever had interviews for a band 2 and then a band 4, which I was successful for both (I didn’t accept the band 4 as I was referred for IVF soon after so couldn’t fully commit) so I really want to show myself that I can do it and everything will be ok.
I’ve done a lot of prep already but I feel I just need some words of wisdom now to get me through it

I’m sure you’ll be fine, good luck! Interviewers will always take nerves into account. X

 

[jm234]

Looking for some help I have a job coming up
Band 3 admin role with the NHS wanting to apply
For band 4 that's requires more hours I am doing shift work just now I am exhausted I don't have any time to myself. Any help information would be appreciated

 

[Hbirdette]

What questions did they ask

So they asked 3 scenario questions. I can’t remember them exactly but they were

“how would you deal with a distressed patient on the phone”

“how would you react if a consultant was rude to you infront of a patient”

“How would you deal with a situation if a colleague made a mistake”

they then asked me questions about my local Trusts visions values and behaviours. They are so hot on this so I’m glad I made notes on them and made examples of how I can relate to them and the job role itself and then after that it was literally just an opportunity for me to ask a question. They liked it when I asked them “what would you say is the most challenging part of the role”

Hope this helps and I hope we’re not applying for the same job

 

[MarthaFarkus]

I just wanted to say that I was lurking on this thread as I applied for a job via NHS (not an admin role) but all the advice really helped me - I had the interview today and they called straight after and offered me the job!

That’s brilliant! Congratulations

 

[Cynic123]

I just wanted to say that I was lurking on this thread as I applied for a job via NHS (not an admin role) but all the advice really helped me - I had the interview today and they called straight after and offered me the job!

Brilliant news, congratulations

 

[Gimmethegossipgirl]

Just had my interview. I thought it went ok but we’ll see. Only 6 questions but a few scenario ones like how would you advocate for a patient etc. They asked how I prepared for the interview too, which I’d never been asked before. I’ve felt shit all day so probably didn’t project my best self will hear early next week. I need maths functional skills which I haven’t got, can’t quite believe I’ve got so far in healthcare without it - I draw up vaccines in my current job so I’d need to sort that out if I’m successful.

Fingers crossed for you x

 

[xbxbx]

Jumping in on an old thread in the hopes for some advice.

Does anyone have experience where the interview is for a promotion within your current department? Say from band 2 to band 3, both admin roles? I’m hoping it’ll be more of an informal interview as the panel are my current management but the role was also advertised externally so not sure if I have to do the same questions as other candidates so that it’s fair under HR reg. I’m struggling to prepare as I can’t see them asking me the usual questions like ‘tell us a time when..’ ‘when have you made a difficult decision..’ etc but I don’t know if they have to. Also struggling to prepare questions to ask at the end as I already know everything I need to know about this specific role as I currently work in the department and work closely with someone else doing this new role.

It’s such an odd situation to be in where I tick all the boxes in what they’re looking for, have the experience and advantage of already being in post within the department but also feeling SO underprepared for the interview!

 

[Hbirdette]

Every trust I’ve worked for seem to be so slow - my last job I had my interview in August, did all checks worked my months notice but still no start date - ended up starting in November and then had to wait til January for a full induction

That’s a relief.. I think my line manager said they wanted me to start ASAP so I thought it would be fairly quick but then she did say it’s all down to hr and almost did a bit of an eye roll as if to say they take an absolute age